Pu Luong Ninh Binh Tour 4 days 3 nights: Rural charm and scenic landscapes

On the first day of your journey, we’ll take you away from the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley in Hoa Binh Province. Known for its picturesque stilt houses and home to the White Thai ethnic group, Mai Chau offers an authentic cultural experience amid stunning natural beauty. As we drive through jungled hills, you’ll start to feel the calm and tranquility that this valley is famous for.

We'll pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning. By around 11:00, we’ll stop at a local market of the Muong Ethnic Minority, where you can admire the breathtaking views from Thung Khe Pass, one of the most scenic mountain passes in Vietnam. As we approach Mai Chau at around 11:30, we’ll pause for a quick photo stop, giving you a chance to capture the beauty of the valley before heading to our local home for a traditional lunch at 12:30. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, we’ve got something special prepared for you.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely bicycle ride together at 14:30, exploring the surrounding villages where you’ll see farmers working in the fields and local artisans weaving scarves. It’s a great chance to immerse yourself in the daily life of this peaceful region. You’ll have free time from 17:00 to wander around, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax.

Dinner will be served at 19:00, prepared by your host with care and attention to local flavors. For those looking to dive deeper into the local culture, you have the option to enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance and savor the region’s signature "ruou can" wine at an additional cost. We’ll make sure your first night in Mai Chau is filled with warm hospitality and unforgettable memories.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast between 7:00 and 8:00, we’ll embark on a gentle trek at 8:30, guided by a local expert. You’ll get to explore the stunning villages around Mai Chau, following non-touristy paths that wind through vibrant rice terraces, cross hanging bridges, and lead to a local family's home. This trek covers around 7.5 kilometers, giving you a true taste of the region's untouched beauty.

By 12:30, we’ll check out and head to Pu Luong. Upon arrival at 13:00, we’ll settle into the hotel and have a delicious lunch. At 14:30, we’ll take a scenic drive to the starting point of our next adventure. As we walk through terraced rice fields and sugarcane plantations, you’ll cross charming hanging bridges and visit remote Thai ethnic villages. Along the way, you’ll discover the fascinating giant waterwheels and visit a duck farm to learn about local agriculture. Then, we’ll hop onto a traditional bamboo raft for a peaceful cruise down Cham stream—weather permitting—offering a moment of quiet relaxation surrounded by nature.

At 17:30, we’ll head back to the hotel, where you can unwind with a swim in the stunning infinity pool. Dinner will be served at 19:00, complete with a taste of local rice wine. As the evening settles in, you’ll enjoy a quiet, serene night in the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a breakfast at the hotel between 7:00 and 8:00, you’ll have time to take in the breathtaking views of Pu Luong before we set off at 8:30 for another adventure. We’ll trek through terraced rice fields, cross a stream, and visit the hidden village of Kho Muong, where you’ll learn more about the daily life of the local people in this remote area. The 6-kilometer trek will also take us to Doi Cave (Bat Cave), the largest cave in Pu Luong, though access may depend on the weather.

Afterward, we’ll head back to the hotel around noon, where you’ll have time to check out and relax. At 13:00, we’ll enjoy lunch, and you can spend some free time unwinding by the infinity pool or exploring the village on foot before boarding the bus to Ninh Binh at 14:30.

We’ll arrive in Ninh Binh around 17:30, where you can check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore or relax. At 19:00, we’ll head to a local restaurant for dinner, rounding off the day with a relaxing night at your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On your final day, enjoy breakfast at the hotel between 7:30 and 8:30 before we embark on an exciting morning adventure. At 8:30, we’ll hop on bicycles and cycle through the stunning limestone karsts to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you’ll visit the temples dedicated to the first two emperors from the 10th century and hike up Ma Yen Mountain, where you can explore the king's tomb and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As we make our way back, we’ll stop to capture photos and immerse ourselves in the local daily life and culture.

By noon, we’ll check out of the hotel and enjoy lunch at The Retreat. Afterward, around 13:30, we’ll head to Trang An for a boat ride. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An is known for its breathtaking scenery, reminiscent of Ha Long Bay, with high mountains enveloped in lush vegetation and shimmering waters. Each section of the river, each mountain, and cave reveals its own unique beauty, leaving visitors in awe of nature's marvels.

At 16:00, we’ll bid farewell to Ninh Binh as we drive back to Hanoi. You’ll be dropped off in the Old Quarter around 19:00, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day, 3-night tour through Pu Luong and Ninh Binh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch