Located just 140 km to the South west of Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley has spectacular mountainous landscape dotted with house-on-stilts villages of the Thai ethnic group. Further off roads, here and there you will find isolated Hmong communities on mountain sides. This six-day trip offers a real insight into the life of Thai, Hmong, Dzao people in Vietnam. We spend 5 nights in the ethnic minority villages walking an average of 5 hours a day. We trek for four days through villages in the Mai Chau area and overnight in White Thai, H'mong, and Dzao villages where we have the opportunity to observe the lives of the minority peoples.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hang Kia Village. Depart Hanoi at 08 00 am for a 3 ½ hours heading south-west to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh province. Following lunch at Lac village, we drive for another hour to the H’mong village of Sa Linh, the starting point of our 2-hour uphill trek to Hang Kia. Upon arrival, we can visit the local exchange stalls to see how the people of this isolated village do business or join the local kids at some games of football. Tonight, we are guests of a H’mong family. The H’mong are not usually outgoing, but they can become pretty talkative and friendly after some cups of rice wine. Tonight's accommodation will be basic although mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets are provided. (L/D)
Trekking distance: 8 km/ 2 hours
Day 2: Hang Kia - Van Village. Bidding farewell to the family after breakfast, we take one-hour uphill trek before descending to Maichau valley to the Van Village of the Thai. Arriving in early afternoon, we can take some rest before wandering around this scenic valley for some excellent photos opportunities. After dinner, a chat with our hosts, who are exceptionally hospitable, would be interesting as we can know more about the life and culture of the local people. (B, picnic lunch, D) (Overnight on house-on-stilts)
Trekking distance: 14 km/4 - 6 hours
Day 3: Xo Village - Pom Coong Village. Today, we have a six-hour trek from Van to Poong Cong village, which is close to Maichau town. We have a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, you are free to explore the two most visited villages in Maichau, Lac Village and Pom Coong Village. Following dinner we have the chance for more cultural interaction with the local dancers before retiring for our second night in a stilt house. (B/L/D)
Trekking distance: 15 km/5 hours
Day 4: Pom Coong Village - Nanh Village. We spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages. After lunch, from Poong Cong we drive to the Da River, 30 minutes from Mai Chau town where we board our boat for a half an hour river cruise. From our drop-off point we have a 2-hour trek uphill to Nanh Village, inhabited by the Dzao people. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way we arrive by mid to late afternoon for our last night in the villages. B/L/D)
Trekking distance: 3 km/1 hour
Day 5: Mai Chau - Hanoi. Departing the village at around 08:00 we retrace our steps back to the boat for a cruise back to meet with our waiting vehicle and the trip back to Hanoi. Then, we drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, we make a short stop in Hoa Binh town to see the biggest hydropower dam in Vietnam, the Hoa Binh hydropower plant. We arrive in Hanoi around 16.30 pm. (B/L)
Depart from: Hanoi
Return to: Hanoi
Activities: Moderate trekking, cultural sightseeing
Grade: Moderate to challenging
Recommend Bringing:
- Comfortable walking boots
- Rainwear
- Light-torch
- Camera and film
- Medicine for personal use
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- All transportation and transfers by A.C bus
- Home stay
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- All admission fees and permits
- Drinking water during the trek
Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
1 person US$437
2 persons US$261
3 persons US$214
4 persons US$182
5 persons US$162
6 persons US$149
7 persons US$140
8 persons US$133
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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