Trip Duration: 6 days
Starting: Hanoi capital city, Vietnam
Activities: Trekking, Culture expedition
Trekking grade: Adventure trekking & moderate hiking
Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation: 3 nights at Mai Chau Lodge & 2 nights home stay
Destinations: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hang Kia – Van – Mai Chau - Hanoi
Flexibility: This sample itinerary can be amended accordingly to meet your expectation.
Mai Chau is Vietnam's secret alternative to Sapa. This trip to the highlands of Vietnam's Mai Chau region offers a mix of culture and adventure set amongst some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery - limestone mountains cover lush vegetation, green rice paddies and corn fields, plumes of bamboo groves, tea plantations and waterfalls.
Base yourself at the boutique Mai Chau Lodge for three nights in addition to spending a further two nights staying in ethnic minority villages. Hike through villages of the H’mong, Thai and Dzao people for an average of five hours a day, and take a deep experience of Mai Chau & Vietnam's ethnic minority hill tribes. Here you will notice different styles of housing amongst the various tribes and watch families (wearing their traditional, intricately embroidered clothing) plough their fields using water buffalos. It is like going back in time when visiting Mai Chau. Vietnam has many hidden jewels and Mai Chau is highly recommended by Asia Top Travel for adventure, cultural immersion and relaxation.
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Upon arrival in Mai Chau valley you will check into the lodge and have a brief orientation to the facilities and activity options (such as nature walks, cycling, and visiting hill tribe villages). Dinner will be served accompanied by a traditional dance performance by the local Thai people.
Included meal: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge
Day 2: Mai Chau - Hang Kia Village
Following breakfast in Mai Chau town, you will be driven to the H’mong village of Sa Linh from here commence a three hour hike to the village of Hang Kia. Overnight stay in a village homestay at Hang Kia.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay
Day 3: Hang Kia - Van Village
Today get truly off the beaten track as you trek (approx. 6-7 hours) through tropical rainforest, using the local tracks and passing through cornfields as you descend into Mai Chau Valley. Arrive at Van village by late afternoon (home to the Thai people) and spend the night here in a traditional house.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay
Day 4: Van Village - Mai Chau Lodge
After breakfast, continue to walk (approx. 2 hours) to Xam Khoe village where a vehicle will transport you to Mai Chau Lodge where you will be able to rest and relax in comfort.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge
Day 5: Mai Chau Lodge - Nanh Village
From the lodge drives to the Da River and take a short boat ride to visit this beautiful village of Dzao ethnic minority. Enjoy a picnic lunch and return to the lodge in the early afternoon. There is the option to relax in the lodge grounds. Overnight in Mai Chau lodge.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge
Day 6: Mai Chau - Hanoi
Breakfast is provided in Mai Chau, followed by your departure to Hanoi in the mid-morning.
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch,
This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel.
Please enquire for availabilities & the most up dated price
Tour included:
Full transportation by private car as tour program indicated.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
All domestic flight tickets
English- speaking guide
Entrance fees
Twin-share comfort accommodation with daily breakfast and home stay
Tour excluded:
Airport taxes
Personal travel insurance (compulsory)
Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc.