Ninh Binh and Mai Chau

Get enchanted by the wonders of Ninh Binh & Mai Chau

Trip Type

Private tour - minimum 2 guests.
Duration

4 Days
Starting Location

Hanoi
Ending location

Hanoi
Country

Vietnam
Price

Each trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions

Fall in love with Vietnam's fantasy-like sceneries

If you dream of a trip away from the bustling metropolis - the Mountain Trail itinerary will definitely be a hit! Visiting a nature reserve, climbing the "dragon's back" and spending the night in a house on stilts... What more could you ask for?

During your mountain adventure, you will visit three provinces: Hoa Binh with its scenic views and ethnic minority villages; Thanh Hoa - where you will enjoy a trek through the jungle paths of Pu Luong Nature Reserve; and Ninh Binh, known as "Ha Long on Land", where you will climb to the top of one of the mountains, see a spectacular sunrise, take a boat ride in Trang An, and try goat meat - a regional specialty.

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What's included

Transfer from/to the hotel within the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Transfer by air-conditioned car/bus along the tour route
Sightseeing according to the program
Accommodation in a traditional house on stilts in Mai Chau and a hotel in Ninh Binh
Entrance fees to the attractions mentioned in the program
Meals as per itinerary
English-speaking local guides

What's not included

Air tickets to and from Vietnam
Visas to Vietnam
Private travel insurance
Personal expenses
Other services that will not be indicated in the program

Experience Highlights

Enjoy a thrilling 2.5-hour boat ride through the Trang An grotto system
Spend time learning about the life of the local ethnic minorities of Hoa Binh province
Join a traditional dance around a bonfire and share some rice wine from a common jug with the local Thai tribe people
Trek through the lush jungle in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Spend the night in a house on stilts in a village in the middle of the mountains
Taste unique regional specialties of northern Vietnam mountains
Climb the "dragon's back" to a picturesque view

ITINERARY

Day 1: AMIDST THE MAJESTICAL MOUNTAINS

On the first day, you will leave Hanoi for an approximately 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau. Along the way, you'll notice the cityscapes slowly give way to views of mountains, fields, and valleys. Once you reach the Thai minority village, it's up to you to decide whether you prefer to explore the area on foot or by bike. This is your chance to enjoy the iconic view of Mai Chau: endless rice fields surrounded by lush green mountains.

In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner (grilled dishes) in the village garden and take part in a party in a truly ethnic style! Local highlanders will organize a dance show, which you are more than welcome to join! You will also be treated to some rice wine from a common clay jug. At the end of this exciting day, you will spend the night at the ecolodge - a charming retreat nestled in the picturesque Mai Chau.

Day 2: A JOURNEY THROUGH SURREAL LANDSCAPES

Start the day right with a 2-hour bike ride during which we explore the lively market and villages of Mai Chau. After the invigorating bike ride, we will head back to the retreat, pack up, and check out from here. Then we will enjoy a lunch full of local delicacies.

The spectacular Pu Luong Nature Reserve awaits us later in the afternoon itinerary. Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature: marvelous landscapes of rice fields, the majesty of rocky mountains, and thick green forests. Here you will check in into a local lodge. Embrace this true local experience as you will stay in the unique house on stilts. The day will wrap up after a 2-hour trek through the rice fields and nearby villages.

Day 3: TREKKING THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL KHO MUONG BAT CAVE

We will begin today with a charming 2-hour trek to the naturally blessed Kho Muong Bat Cave. Here, you will enter and explore what this cave has to offer in terms of unspoiled greenery, limestone mountains, and an awe-inspiring 2.5km underground system within the cave.

We also have the alternative option of trekking to Hieu Waterfall. This option includes a quick drive followed by a trek through a mystical forest to discover a captivating waterfall oasis. Amidst this spectacle, you can take a refreshing dive into nature's embrace!

After the morning trek, we will head back to the hotel to check out and have a nice lunch. Then we will get on a 3.5-hour ride heading to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, check into your tranquil retreat amid nature and spend the unwinding in its idyllic setting.

Day 4: EXPLORE THE SPECTACULAR NINH BINH

After an invigorating breakfast to start the day, we will take a short drive to the Trang An scenic complex. After reaching the destination, you will hop on a boat and the rowers will take you on a 3-hour boat trip through a system of caves with interesting names, such as: "Dark", "Bright", or "Moonshine". The landscape will change like in a kaleidoscope, and if you look closely, you will notice various representatives of the local fauna, such as goats, jumping on the rocky slopes.

After the exploration, we will invite you to our favorite restaurant for lunch. You will taste some local specialties such as mountain goat meat.

You will then take a scenic cycling route to explore the mesmerizing Mua Cave. At the top of this famous sight is a panoramic view of Ninh Binh where you can take in the phenomenal mountainous scenery.

After the day in Ninh Binh, our tour will conclude with a transfer back to Hanoi.

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