Mai Chau is an enjoyable destination well-known for stilt houses and green valley which is only a few hours of driving from Hanoi. On this relaxing 3-day tour, you will visit around famous cultural attractions in Hanoi and feel the charming colonial ambience of the capital city before venturing to the mountainous area of Mai Chau. This trip offers easy treks through the scenic peaceful villages inhabited by Thai and H’mong ethnic minority groups or the Sunday market Pa Co where you learn more about culture and customs of local people. If you are looking for a tour with the combination of natural and cultural experiences, this charming getaway is the perfect option.
Highlights
- Experience the exciting local daily life of Hanoians and explore the ancient cultural beauty through well-known attractions
- Enjoy the stunning lush landscape of endless rice paddy fields and green valley in Mai Chau
- Have the walking tours around the peaceful villages and get a glimpse of life in countryside
- Taste delicious traditional dishes made from local ingredients
- Observe farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit local ethnic Pa Co Market
| By Day | Transfer | Destinations | Activities | Meals |
| Day 1 | | Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi; Visit Temple of Literature, West Lake and the oldest... | D |
| Day 2 | | Hanoi, Mai Chau | Drive to Mai Chau, Walk around the villages to explore more about the... | B, L, D |
| Day 3 | | Mai Chau, Hanoi | Visit local ethnic Pa Co Market; Soft trek to Xa Linh village,... | B, L |
Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam which is considered as a blend between the traditional and the modern beauties.
At Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will welcome then take you to your hotel to do check-in ( check in time 14:00 pm).
Afternoon Hanoi tour starts visiting the Temple of Literature (or you might choose one of the museums in Hanoi – Hilton Hanoi, Military museum, Museum of History, Ethnology museum..), then move to the West Lake and pay a visit to the oldest pagoda Tran Quoc. Continue drive to Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter (Old Quarter Hanoi), visit Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge and Ma May ancient house.
A Cyclo tour around the Old Quarter to experience the exciting local daily life of Hanoians. Tour ends after a cup of coffee or tea at an authentic Hanoi corner cafe where you can have talks with local people, exchange cultural way of life.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
To epxlore the Old Quarter in Hanoi, nothing can compare to a trip by the traditional cyclo. Traditional cyclo driver will transport you around the streets at a very leisurely pace whilst the busy traffic flows around you. Through the fascinating experience of rickshaws driving around the Old Quarter, you will experience the daily life of the local. It will be a very relaxing way to see the inner city and old quarter as well as travelling around the lake and french quarter. This slow - speed tour with extremely comfortable cyclo in good condition will give your great memory for you holiday to fully enjoy the classic and modern of the capital.
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Hanoi - a blend between the traditional and the modern beauties - a sedate capital with rich history and the unique architecture from East to West welcomes you. Ho Chi Minh complex with the Mausoleum, Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, etc is one of the most important sites which will help you to learn more about history, arts and architecture. Don't miss the trip to Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam and you will have chance to learn more about the education and history of Vietnam. If you are interested in the rich culture of the minorities, how about visiting Museum of Ethnology. The lively exhibition, informative messages and many interesting stories of traditions and costume will give you a fascinating glimpse into many ethnic groups. Your visit will surely be an ideal choice in the holiday in Vietnam to to calm down from the hustle and bustle Hanoi.
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Accommodation Options
Just unveiled in December 2011, the beautiful Gondola Hotel in Hanoi is exquisite emergence between Italian spirit and Hanoi culture. It features a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have windows with city or lake views. In Gondola Hotel, you are served in the most enthusiastic and best way with these services such as concierge, elevator, laundry service/ dry cleaning, restaurant, coffee shop, and smoking areas.
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Tirant Hotel is situated in the heart of Hanoi’s finest cultural landmark, the Old Quarter – the nest of all the historical legends and the well-reserved area, Tirant hotel is a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers. Hotel's operational slogan is “Come with expectation, leave with satisfaction”. They are highly proud of their service, offered by their management team and staff, highly trained and experienced, who are ready to be at your service anytime.
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Situated in the center of Hanoi, Hotel de l'Opera is close to Hanoi's Opera House, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake . This modern hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as Centre Culturel Française de Hanoi, Hanoi Opera House, American Club. The hotel has 107 rooms and suites are sanctuary of comfort, with hand-picked luxurious amenities and 21st Century technology.
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08.00 AM: Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi to transfer to Mai Chau - arrive at Poom Coong Village.
After lunch we will have the walking tour around the villages, observe farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit surrounding peaceful villages and get more information about daily life and culture of local people - Thai Community.
The meals will be served in the local Thai Traditional House with local cuisine and we will have chance to enjoy Traditional Wine.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
Thai ethnic minority still preserve the traditional dance that used to be performed at an only special occasion like Tet (Vietnamese New Year), spring festival, wedding ceremony, and others. Though the lifestyle has changed a bit, this type of dance still has as much meaning today as it did then. The dance reflects the love between a couple, their love with the home village, and the wishes for good rice harvest and happiness. Visit Mai Chau, you will have an amazing chance to join with them and practice together. You can also taste the regional wine named Nep rice wine and interact with local people.
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- Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options
Dan Nhu Homestay is located in Mai Chau. It provides free WiFi, a garden, a à la carte or Asian breakfast. Dan Nhu Homestay can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a bicycle rental service.
More
Ideal for fun and relaxation, Mai Chau Sunrise Village is located in the Mai Chau area of Mai Chau (Hoa Binh). From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Mai Chau Nature Lodge.
More
Sitting atop a private hill in Na Phon village, Mai Chau Ecolodge is the most secluded haven in Mai Chau with a stunning backdrop of lush rice paddies and emerald mountains embraced by clouds. Inspired by nature, we constructed the lodge to be a refuge of charm and serenity, providing guest a chance to forget about the worries of daily life and to enjoy the best Mai Chau has to offer.
More
After breakfast , we will start the trip to local ethnic Pa Co Market. After about 1- 1.5 hour exploring Pa Co market opened on Sunday which is renowned for textiles, costumes and haberdashery for Blue Hmong ethnic minority.
You will trek to Xa Linh Village .You have a chance to know more about culture and customs of people in here. From Xa Linh, take a 1 hour walk along scenic mountain trails, getting a glimpse of local life, with many people working in their gardens on various crafts, which can include paper-making and embroidery.
Back to Mai Chau for lunch and get on way return Hanoi. Drop you off at your hotel. End of services.
Pa Co is located about 20 kilometers from Mai Chau. It is a popular destination, especially among young people, who want to know about life in the Northwest. Pa Co market for this is a good starting point. For people from ethnic groups, a visit to the local market an irreplaceable activity in daily life. Every Sunday, Hmong from Moc Chau and Thay from Mai Chau to the market in Pa Co to sell their handmade products. The merchandise, which they place on the market, is also very diverse, sometimes they sell a pig, a cow or a chicken, a few newspapers, or things they have made ... and there are many stalls with colourful brocade.Such a market in northwest Vietnam you must visit once in your life. The market in Pa Co is identical. Little has changed over the years.The mountain people talk and drink wine together. Not that they have much time, because life is hard in the mountains, but by making wine they spend some time together. They are very emotional and open. And the alcohol is the bridge that connects them together.
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Inclusions
Meals
2 breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinners
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights),
Transport
Car, Walking, Trekking
- Vietnam visa approval letter (Not applied for nationalities in the special nations list of Vietnam Immigration Department. Check on request for details.)
- Accommodations with daily breakfast as mentioned
- Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Local Thai Traditional Dance Show
- Government taxes
- Local English-speaking guides
- Water on coach
- Entrance fees, performances, boat trips & excursions
Exclusions
- International in/out flights
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam Visa Stamp fee
- Early check-in and late check-out surcharges at accommodations
- Single supplement surcharges
- Peak season surcharges: From Dec. 20 to Jan. 15
- Christmas Eve surcharges: Dec. 24
- New Year Eve surcharges: Dec 31
- New Year surcharges: Jan 01
- Lunar New Year surcharges
- Public Holidays surcharges: Hung Kings Commemoration Day, International Labor Day, National Day, Reunification Day
- Weekend surcharges: Friday, Saturday (If required)
- Beverage
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Other services not mentioned above
1
Hanoi
Just unveiled in December 2011, the beautiful Gondola Hotel in Hanoi is exquisite emergence between Italian spirit and Hanoi culture. It features a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have windows with city or lake views. In Gondola Hotel, you are served in the most enthusiastic and best way with these services such as concierge, elevator, laundry service/ dry cleaning, restaurant, coffee shop, and smoking areas.
More
Tirant Hotel is situated in the heart of Hanoi’s finest cultural landmark, the Old Quarter – the nest of all the historical legends and the well-reserved area, Tirant hotel is a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers. Hotel's operational slogan is “Come with expectation, leave with satisfaction”. They are highly proud of their service, offered by their management team and staff, highly trained and experienced, who are ready to be at your service anytime.
More
Situated in the center of Hanoi, Hotel de l'Opera is close to Hanoi's Opera House, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake . This modern hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as Centre Culturel Française de Hanoi, Hanoi Opera House, American Club. The hotel has 107 rooms and suites are sanctuary of comfort, with hand-picked luxurious amenities and 21st Century technology.
More
Dan Nhu Homestay is located in Mai Chau. It provides free WiFi, a garden, a à la carte or Asian breakfast. Dan Nhu Homestay can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a bicycle rental service.
More
Ideal for fun and relaxation, Mai Chau Sunrise Village is located in the Mai Chau area of Mai Chau (Hoa Binh). From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Mai Chau Nature Lodge.
More
Sitting atop a private hill in Na Phon village, Mai Chau Ecolodge is the most secluded haven in Mai Chau with a stunning backdrop of lush rice paddies and emerald mountains embraced by clouds. Inspired by nature, we constructed the lodge to be a refuge of charm and serenity, providing guest a chance to forget about the worries of daily life and to enjoy the best Mai Chau has to offer.
More
Day 1:Hanoi
To epxlore the Old Quarter in Hanoi, nothing can compare to a trip by the traditional cyclo. Traditional cyclo driver will transport you around the streets at a very leisurely pace whilst the busy traffic flows around you. Through the fascinating experience of rickshaws driving around the Old Quarter, you will experience the daily life of the local. It will be a very relaxing way to see the inner city and old quarter as well as travelling around the lake and french quarter. This slow - speed tour with extremely comfortable cyclo in good condition will give your great memory for you holiday to fully enjoy the classic and modern of the capital.
Hanoi - a blend between the traditional and the modern beauties - a sedate capital with rich history and the unique architecture from East to West welcomes you. Ho Chi Minh complex with the Mausoleum, Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, etc is one of the most important sites which will help you to learn more about history, arts and architecture. Don't miss the trip to Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam and you will have chance to learn more about the education and history of Vietnam. If you are interested in the rich culture of the minorities, how about visiting Museum of Ethnology. The lively exhibition, informative messages and many interesting stories of traditions and costume will give you a fascinating glimpse into many ethnic groups. Your visit will surely be an ideal choice in the holiday in Vietnam to to calm down from the hustle and bustle Hanoi.
Day 2:Hanoi, Mai Chau
Thai ethnic minority still preserve the traditional dance that used to be performed at an only special occasion like Tet (Vietnamese New Year), spring festival, wedding ceremony, and others. Though the lifestyle has changed a bit, this type of dance still has as much meaning today as it did then. The dance reflects the love between a couple, their love with the home village, and the wishes for good rice harvest and happiness. Visit Mai Chau, you will have an amazing chance to join with them and practice together. You can also taste the regional wine named Nep rice wine and interact with local people.
Day 3:Mai Chau, Hanoi
Pa Co is located about 20 kilometers from Mai Chau. It is a popular destination, especially among young people, who want to know about life in the Northwest. Pa Co market for this is a good starting point. For people from ethnic groups, a visit to the local market an irreplaceable activity in daily life. Every Sunday, Hmong from Moc Chau and Thay from Mai Chau to the market in Pa Co to sell their handmade products. The merchandise, which they place on the market, is also very diverse, sometimes they sell a pig, a cow or a chicken, a few newspapers, or things they have made ... and there are many stalls with colourful brocade.Such a market in northwest Vietnam you must visit once in your life. The market in Pa Co is identical. Little has changed over the years.
The mountain people talk and drink wine together. Not that they have much time, because life is hard in the mountains, but by making wine they spend some time together. They are very emotional and open. And the alcohol is the bridge that connects them together.
