HIGHLIGHTS

• See Vietnam’s natural wonders: Explore limestone karsts, clear rivers and more while trekking through Vietnam’s pristine north.
• Stay in village homestays: Get a first-hand look at hilltribe traditions and cultures while staying overnight in simple, but memorable village homestays. 
• Explore a hidden cave: Trek to a jungle-covered cave, only recently discovered, and go inside to see its incredible ecosystem.

DAY 1 - HANOI – MAI CHAU VALLEY

Set off after breakfast this morning for a four hour drive to Mai Chau. The drive goes through beautiful Hoa Binh Province, located in the mountainous area southeast of Hanoi: a region dotted with limestone karsts. Pass through several villages along the way (home to Thai, Hmong, and Dao people.)

Descend the last 14 km along a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau. Enjoy a hot lunch here, served by the trekking cook in one of the small villages. The homestay this evening is inside this quaint village and is a great way to experience the cultures and traditions of the Thai people.

After lunch and a bit of relaxation, take a short 1-2 hour walk around the village and the valley. Depending on the day of the week, visit Mai Chau Market and Van Village.  

Overnight homestay in a Thai village

DAY 2 - MAI CHAU – HANG VILLAGE

After breakfast, drive 22km further into the reserve to begin the trek. The trek lasts for approximately 3 hrs before arriving at Hang Village, home to Thai ethnic minority. Spend the night with a local Thai family  in their traditional house built on stilts. Enjoy a stroll around the village to observe daily life activities before dinner.

Overnight homestay in a Thai village

DAY 3 - HANG VILLAGE – KHO MUONG VILLAGE

For those who don’t mind the early wake up, take part in the local morning activities or take a stroll around Hang village before breakfast. Today is a harder day of hiking, 50% on village paths 50% on an old, disused, unpaved French road. There are some steep climbs throughout the day, as well as some stream crossings. While trekking becomes more remote, one is never far from a villager tending fields or walking back from the early morning market.

Kho Muong Village

While lunch is being prepared, relax from the heat of the day in a local home inside the village. After lunch, continue along the old jeep road to a village nestled between steep karst mountains.  Arrive early with spare energy to hike a two-hour return trip to a newly discovered and incredibly large cave. Hidden on high ground surrounded by thickets and hanging vegetation, the cave is now protected by the Forest rangers, due to the delicate ecosystem and bat species inside.  

Overnight homestay in a village

DAY 4 - KHO MUONG – PHO DOAN – HANOI

Wake up early to the sound of chickens and ducks and children Wake up early to the sound of chickens and ducks, and children preparing for the day at school. Take an early morning walk through the village to experience morning life in a farming community. The trek heads out along the Ma River and, after 2 hours, reach Pho Doan Town. If this day of the itinerary falls on a Sunday, pay a visit to the busy Pho Doan market. Followed by trekking to the Ma River, enjoy a nice view of rivers, paddies and a water wheel on the way. Pick up will be arranged from here for the departing transfer to Hanoi (arriving in the late afternoon.)

INCLUSIONS

• Private vehicle for transfer (not available during trekking)
• English Speaking certified Adventure Guide
• Additional assistant guide for 16+ pax
• Motorbike support where need.
• Local guide for trekking days
• Plenty of water per person per trekking day
• Snacks and local fruits
• 1 first aid kit per guide
• Sightseeing tickets and zone entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
• Accommodation as listed above. Flight reconfirmations

EXCLUSIONS

• Visa arrangement
• International and domestic flights.
• Soft drinks, or beverages beyond water – we can add this into costs at agents request
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks at mealtimes
• Meals other than mentioned above
• Tips
• Energy drinks or powders, performance bars, or performance gels (Gatorade, Powerbars, Gu, Isostar, etc)
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Personal expenditure (laundry, telephone etc.)
• Credit card/bank transfer fees
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion
• Supplement for other language speaking guides

NOTE

• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips.
• Prices are valid 30 days from date of offer. Past this date price and conditions may be readjusted.
• The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
• Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
• Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
• Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
• If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.