8 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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This Muong to Thai Ethnic Villages 8 Days journey invites you to explore the cultural soul and natural beauty of Northern Vietnam. Begin in Hanoi, where centuries-old temples and leafy boulevards reflect the city’s timeless charm. Then venture into the serene valleys of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, where hidden trails wind through emerald rice terraces and misty hills. Meet the Muong, Thai, and Hmong communities in their stilt-house villages, learn their age-old crafts, and unwind in the pristine countryside. From cycling along golden paddies to watching the sunset fade over the mountains, every moment captures the authentic rhythm of Vietnam’s highlands.
Day 1 Hanoi Arrival – Short city tour
Day 2 Hanoi city tour (B)
Day 3 Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
Day 4 Mai Chau – Pa co – Hang Kia – Cun Pheo – Mai Hich (B, L, D)
Day 5 Mai Hich – Eo Ken – Chieng Lau (B, L, D)
Day 6 Bamboo Raft – Surprising Cave – Giant Water Wheel (B, L, D)
Day 7 Pu Luong – Hanoi (B, L)
Day 8 Hanoi Departure (B)
Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Later, begin your first exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, set gracefully on a small island linked by the iconic red The Huc bridge.
Wander through the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter, known as “36 guild streets,” where each lane once specialized in a different trade. Pass by Ma May, Hang Ma, and Hang Gai, and stop at the bustling Dong Xuan Market and the historic Bach Ma Temple—one of Hanoi’s oldest. End the walk with a visit to the well-preserved ancient house at 87 Ma May Street, offering a glimpse into traditional Hanoi architecture.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: none
After breakfast, dive into Hanoi’s rich history and culture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace, the stilt house where Uncle Ho once lived, and the tranquil fish pond. If you wish, enter Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (open mornings only, closed on Mondays and Fridays) to pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where centuries-old courtyards and stone steles tell stories of scholarly pursuit. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays), offering deep insights into the country’s 54 ethnic groups.
As the day ends, return to Hoan Kiem Lake to watch a traditional water puppet show—a delightful performance that brings ancient folk tales to life.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: breakfast
Leave the bustling Hanoi behind this morning, you’ll journey toward the peaceful countryside of Mai Chau. En route, stop to visit a Muong village then continue your drive over Thung Khe Pass offering sweeping views of mountains and misty valleys before your eyes.
Around noon, arrive in Mai Chau town – a tranquil valley embraced by emerald rice fields and forested peaks. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch of regional specialties before exploring the surrounding villages by bicycle or on foot. Cycle along quiet village lanes to Na Phon and nearby hamlets, passing farmers at work in the fields and local artisans weaving colorful brocades on wooden looms. Stop by a Thai family home to experience their warm hospitality and learn more about their traditions.
Return to your homestay in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served with homemade dishes prepared by your host. Spend the night in a traditional stilt house – simple but comfortable – where the gentle rhythm of village life lulls you to sleep.
Optional: In the evening, you may join a local dance performance and taste the region’s fragrant rice wine.
Overnight in Mai Chau
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Depart early for Pa Co, home to the Hmong people who live in the surrounding hills. (If it’s Sunday, visit the vibrant Pa Co market for a colorful display of local culture.) From here, set off on a scenic trek through quiet mountain trails that weave past cornfields, plum orchards, and remote hamlets. The path leads you to Hang Kia, where daily life unfolds gently amid the green slopes. Stop by a local family or village school to connect with the warm-hearted Hmong people and learn about their long-standing traditions.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the fresh highland air before descending into Cun Pheo Valley. Later, meet your driver and continue to Mai Hich, a peaceful Thai village. Dinner and spend the rest of the night at a local homestay.
Overnight in Mai Hich (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, set off for Eo Ken, a Muong ethnic village about 30 km away. Walk along gentle slopes surrounded by breathtaking views of Pu Luong Nature Reserve—a landscape of layered rice terraces and limestone peaks. Visit a local Muong family to learn about their way of life and customs.
Continue your walk to Hang Village, stopping for lunch with a local family or enjoying a picnic along the way. In the afternoon, head to Chieng Lau Village and visit a traditional ancient stilt house. Join your hosts in simple yet engaging local activities—feeding buffaloes, pounding rice, weaving, making rice wine, or tasting herbal tea.
Overnight in a homestay at Don Village in Pu Luong.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, venture into Surprising Cave, an impressive 20-kilometer limestone cavern hidden within the mountains of Pu Luong.
Around midday, embark on a bamboo rafting experience—float along a calm stream, enjoy a rustic riverside lunch, and, if you wish, take a refreshing dip in the water. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Water Wheels, ingenious wooden structures used by the Thai people for irrigation.
Continue to Lan Ngoai weaving village (or Hieu Waterfall, depending on the season) to see traditional textile-making before returning to your homestay for dinner and rest.
Overnight in Pu Luong
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Wake up to birdsong and the scent of rice fields. After breakfast, set out on a gentle hike through the stunning terraces and peaceful hamlets of Leo, Mo, Chu, and Danh villages. Capture postcard-perfect views of the valley, streams, and forested hills along the way.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Hanoi. En route, make a stop at the Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream, where thousands of mysterious fish swim in crystal-clear waters—a place of both beauty and legend.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
End of services.
Meals: breakfast
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