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Two slow valley days,one wild river day.
Cycle the rice fields of Mai Chau and sleep among them for two nights. Then spend a full day in Pu Luong with bamboo water wheels, a raft on Cham Stream with lunch served on board, and a waterfall or cave in the afternoon.
Slow down first, then go further.
Most Mai Chau trips are a day there and a day back. This one gives the valley two full days. You cycle between White Thai stilt houses, eat bamboo-tube rice, and watch the fields go gold from your terrace.
On the third morning we head south into Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa, which far fewer travellers reach. You'll see weavers at their looms, bamboo water wheels lifting water into the paddies, and a slow raft ride down Cham Stream. We bring you back to Hanoi or Ninh Binh that evening.
Three days, two valleys.
Three days, door to door. Pick-up and drop-off can each be in Hanoi or Ninh Binh, whichever suits you, and the times below follow your choice.
Times are flexible. This is a private tour, so the day runs at your pace. Leave later, linger longer at a village or take an extra rest stop, and your driver and guide adjust the plan around you. Drive times are approximate.
-
Day 01Lunch · DinnerOver the pass, into the valley
We drive west into the hills of Hoa Binh. At Thung Khe Pass the road tops out and the Mai Chau valley opens below you. Lunch is with a White Thai family in Lac village. In the afternoon you cycle flat lanes between the paddies.
- Pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi
- Thung Khe Pass and the valley lookout
- Lunch in a stilt house in Lac village
- Cycle through Lac, Pom Coong and Nhot villages, with stops at the brocade looms
- Check in and watch the sunset over the fields
- Dinner, then a Thai music and dance evening, with rice wine drunk through bamboo straws
Easy cyclingNight in Mai Chau -
Day 02Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerA slow day in Mai Chau
No early start and no long drive. Do one short outing in the morning, then keep the afternoon for yourself: the pool, a massage, a book on the terrace, or a walk to Van village as the light softens.
- Breakfast with a view of the valley
- Choose your morning: the 1,200-step climb to Chieu Cave, or the stream walk to Go Lao waterfall
- Lunch of bamboo-tube rice and grilled stream fish
- Free afternoon at your stay
- Optional golden-hour walk with your guide
- Dinner at your stay
Rest dayNight in Mai Chau -
Day 03Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Pu Luong discovery
An early start south into Pu Luong Nature Reserve. First the weavers of Lan village, then the old water wheels of Chieng Lau. A short trek of 1–2 km brings you down to Cham Stream, where a bamboo raft takes you past forest and fields. Lunch is served on the raft.
- Breakfast, then drive to Pu Luong (about 2 h)
- Lan village: traditional silk and brocade weaving at the looms
- Chieng Lau village: ancient water wheels and the way the fields are farmed
- Trek 1–2 km to Cham Stream, then bamboo rafting with lunch on the raft
- Your afternoon, chosen on the day to suit the weather and the water:
Afternoon · pick oneFinal choice on the day, depending on conditions- Start the drive home, with dinner at a local restaurant on the way
- Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi
WeavingWater wheelsBamboo raft1–2 km trek
Two nights, your way.
Choose the kind of stay you want in Mai Chau. Everything else stays the same: the car, the guide and the plan. Philip confirms the exact property when he sends your quote.
Homestay
A family stilt house in Lac or Pom Coong village- Private room in a traditional stilt house, or the shared loft if you prefer
- Home-cooked Thai meals with your hosts
- Right in the village, among the looms
Boutique lodge
e.g. Mai Chau Ecolodge, or similar- Wooden bungalows on a hillside over the paddies
- Pool, restaurant and an easy walk to the villages
- The best balance of comfort and setting
Luxury retreat
e.g. Avana Retreat, or similar- Spacious rooms with a balcony over the valley
- Spa, infinity pool and fine dining
- Ideal for honeymoons and special trips
Property names are examples. If a stay is full on your dates, Philip offers one of the same standard. Prices depend on the stay and your group size, and Philip quotes them with your plan.
Clear prices, per person.
The more of you there are, the lower the price per person, because you share one private car and one guide. Choose a stay above or a group size below to compare.
| Group size | Homestay | Boutique lodge | Luxury retreat |
|---|
Pay in USD, EUR or GBP, whichever suits you. Philip confirms the final price in writing before you book.
Children 1–4 travel free, ages 5–11 pay 50% of the adult price. Add their ages in the form.
Travelling solo, or a group of 10 or more? Message Philip for a tailored price.
The valley, month by month.
The rice sets the calendar here. Tap a month to see what the fields, the weather and the stream are usually like.
Golden harvest
Everything taken care of.
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi or Ninh Binh (they can be different), in a private air-conditioned car with a driver for all 3 days
- Private English-speaking local guide
- 2 nights in Mai Chau in the stay style you choose
- All meals listed: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches (one on the raft) and 3 dinners
- Bicycles, bamboo raft, entrance fees and the Thai dance evening
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- Flights and Vietnam visa
- Drinks with meals, and massages or spa treatments
- Tips for your guide, driver and raft crew (always optional)
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Extras you add, such as a night in Pu Luong or an airport transfer
Pack light:
- Shoes with grip
- Sandals for the stream
- Swimwear
- Light rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Hat & sun cream
- A warm layer (Nov–Feb)
- Some cash for village crafts
Make it yours.
Tell us where to pick you up, how you'd like to stay and when you want to go. Philip replies with your plan and a firm price. Nothing is booked or paid until you're happy with it.
Book once you're sure.
Nothing to pay until your plan and price are agreed. Then four simple steps.
- 1
Agree your plan
Philip sends your itinerary and a firm price on WhatsApp (+84 84 635 9779). Ask anything and change anything. There's nothing to pay yet.
- 2
Pay the deposit 15%
When the dates and price are confirmed, scan the Moreta Pay QR and pay 15% with your own card. This books your stays, car and guide.
- 3
You're booked
Philip confirms on WhatsApp (+84 84 635 9779) with your booking details, pick-up time and your guide's name.
- 4
Pay the balance
Pay the rest on the tour, or in cash once you are in Hanoi or Ninh Binh, in USD, EUR or GBP, whichever suits you.
Cancellation
- Over 72 hours before
- Full refund
- 48–72 hours before
- 30% fee
- Under 48 hours before
- 100% fee
Children
- Age 1–4
- Free
- Age 5–11
- 50% of the adult price
- Age 12 and over
- Adult price
Only pay after Philip confirms. The deposit goes to the account on this card, and only after Philip has confirmed your dates and price on WhatsApp (+84 84 635 9779).
Valleys, wheels and water.
The landscapes, villages and crafts of the three days, from the river to the terraces.
Photos: Duong Nguyen, Duc Anh Nguyen, Vietnam Hidden Light, Quang Nguyen Vinh, Ama Journey and Tiến Đạt Lê on Pexels; Harry Le, Audrey Dolceyvoyage and Fuu J on Unsplash.
Questions, answered.
Anything else? Ask Philip on WhatsApp, +84 84 635 9779, or by email at philopentours@gmail.com.
Average fitness is enough. The cycling in Mai Chau is on flat lanes. The walk to Cham Stream is 1–2 km on village paths. Chieu Cave's 1,200 steps and the Kho Muong trek are the hardest parts, and both are optional. Tell us about any limits and we'll plan around them.
Yes, and many guests do. You move to a lodge in Pu Luong on the afternoon of day 2, so day 3 starts right in the reserve and you get home earlier. Pick "Night 2 in Pu Luong instead" in the form, or add an extra night there if you'd like more time.
Rafting runs when the water is safe. After heavy rain, usually in July and August, or when the stream runs shallow, your guide swaps in a walk along the stream and an extra village visit. The same goes for the afternoon: the waterfall or the cave trek is chosen on the day to suit the conditions.
Yes, always. Your car, driver and guide are for your party only, and no other travellers join. You can change the pace, the stops and the order of the days as you go.
Yes. Pick-up is included from any hotel in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. We can also start at Noi Bai airport, or finish in Ninh Binh after starting in Hanoi, or the other way round. Add a note and Philip will adjust the price if needed.
Send the form or message Philip. You'll get a written plan and price. Once your dates and price are agreed, Philip confirms on WhatsApp (+84 84 635 9779) and you pay a 15% deposit by Moreta Pay QR to book the services. The balance is paid on the tour, or in cash once you are in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. Cancel more than 72 hours ahead for a full refund. Please never pay anyone before Philip's confirmation.
Three days in the hills start with one message.
Tell Philip your dates and where you're staying. He'll reply with the plan, a firm price and honest advice on the season.