DAY 1: HA NOI/NINH BINH - MAI CHAU VALLEY – PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE (L, D)

7:00 Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or Ninh Binh (08:00 – 08:30). Expect a 3,5hours drive to Mai Chau.

Arrive in Mai Chau which is considered the capital of the Thai people. Have lunch in the traditional house with specialties of the Northwest mountains. Take a small rest to relax or a quick walk in the narrow alleys to admire the local life.

Start the Cycling tour to discover the beautiful Mai Chau valley. You will pass through fields and villages and get the opportunity to discover more about the unique cultural activities of the White Thai ethnic group. Take a break to visit brocade production facilities made by locals. You are welcome to visit the shops and to buy souvenirs from this unique place.

Your next destination is Nhim Cave. From the foot of the mountain, you will climb to reach the mountain’s peak from where you can enjoy the fantastic view of Mai Chau Valley.

Back to homestay & have some tea break

17:00 Take the bus to Pu Luong.

18:30 Arrival at Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Check-in hotel, enjoy dinner and relax in the Hotel.

DAY 2: SILK-WEAVING – WATERWHEELS – RAFTING - FLOATING LUNCH – HIEU WATERFALL – KHO MUONG BAT CAVE (B, L, D)

08:00 -08:30 We'll pick you up at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and take you to Lan Village through rice fields and mountains. Visit a Thai household, see silk weaving from cocoon to textile, and try weaving your own silk.

Next, Chieng Lau Village, where you'll witness traditional farming practices and the ancient waterwheels in action.

10:00 Set out on a scenic 4kms trek from Chieng Lau to Cham Stream. Along the way, stop at a traditional local house to experience genuine hospitality and immerse yourself in the region's culture.

10:45 Arrive at Cham Stream for a Bamboo rafting adventure. Relax as you float through lush forests, rice fields, and charming villages. (Bring a swimsuit and towel if the weather is warm.)

11:30 Enjoy a delicious lunch on the bamboo raft.

In the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, seasonal factors, natural scenery at the time of travel, and other objective circumstances, one of the following experiences will be arranged:

Option 1: Hieu Waterfall – Relax at this serene waterfall, a perfect retreat after hiking. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall offers a peaceful atmosphere to unwind and enjoy nature.

Option 2: Kho Muong Trekking & Bat Cave Visit – Enjoy a scenic trek through Kho Muong village and the surrounding countryside, combined with a visit to Bat Cave, one of the most impressive natural caves in the area, known for its limestone formations and natural scenery.

Returning to your lodge in Pu Luong Nature Reserve by 4:00 PM.

DAY 3: CYCLING, COOKING CLASS, BUFFALO CART RIDE (B, L)

08:00 – 08:30 We'll pick you up at your hotel and head to the Bamboo Bridge over the Ma River. Enjoy scenic views and see local artisans at work.

Cross the bridge and cycle through Chieng Ai Village. Visit local families, learn about rice wine production, and taste homemade rice wine. Explore a traditional home, hear historical stories, and join a cooking class to enjoy a family-prepared Meal.

After lunch, relax before the natural BMW experience, the buffalo cart ride. The buffalo, a cherished member of the host family, will take you to where the car awaits, sharing the region's culture and hospitality.

13h00 – 13h30 Say goodbye to the fabulous Pu Luong Nature Reserve and take the bus back to Ha Noi or Ninh Binh.

18h30 – 19h00 Arrival at your Hotel in Ha Noi or 17h00 – 17h30: Arrival at your Hotel in Ninh Bình.

INCLUDED:

Private room with Wi-Fi and access to a shared swimming pool based on double occupancy.

Shared car transportation with an experienced driver

2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Bamboo rafting experience with an onboard lunch included.

Visits to local houses, waterwheels, Hieu Waterfall and farms

Guided tours with English-speaking local guides

Trekking in the village

Bottled water on tour

Cooking class