North Family Trek Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

Hanoi - Mai Chau 4hrs

Depart Hanoi early morning to Mai Chau southwest of Hanoi.
Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies. In the afternoon explore the idyllic natural surroundings. Start the walking tour around through some villages in the Mai Chau Valley (2-4 hours).

In the evening enjoy a traditional Thai performance of music and dance with dinner. The Thai ethnic group has inhabited this area for centuries and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years.

Overnight in Mai Chau

Trekking distance - 5km round trip

Wake up among the peaceful and beautiful mountainous setting and enjoy breakfast. Transfer to Pu Luong by road via a breath-taking mountain pass with panoramic views of the valley. Spend some free time to explore the beautiful retreat. Lunch will be served at Puluong Retreat.
Then, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River and begin an easy trekking from 3 to 5km in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.
Transfer back to the retreat for dinner.

Overnight in Pu Luong

Pu Luong trek - 3.5hrs

Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast among the tranquil setting of fields and mountains.

After breakfast, go on a 3.5 hr hike up and down narrow trails. Observe many traditional stilt houses of minorities and the lush canopies of greenery. Walk pass Uoi Village and Lan Village and admire the peaceful life of the villagers. Depending on the season, get to see the various farming activities and learn how colourful textiles are weaved together. Then, transfer back to Puluong Retreat for lunch and dinner. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Depart Pu Luong in the morning headed for Ninh Binh. The rice fields here are beautiful and the mountains have earned the area the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’. Upon arrival, begin a relaxing 5-15km biking trip. (The length of the bike ride is dependent on personal choice). Pass by peaceful villages and enjoy the rustic countryside landscapes. Stop by the ancient capital city Hoa Lu. In the afternoon enjoy a 3-hour boat trip through small canals among the paddy fields (rice fields seen between March and early June). Transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Ninh Binh - Lan Ha Bay 3hrs

After breakfast transfer by road to Hai Phong. Arrive at the Got pier towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities for the overnight cruise in Lan Ha bay. After the welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on-board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi 2hrs

Enjoy a fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Lan Ha bay in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi

Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.