A woman trekking through stunning terraced rice fields of Pu Luong Nature Reserve with long green rice growing

Green and yellow shaded rice field in Mai Chau Valley with on the background Mai Chau EcoLodge

Stream of the Hieu Waterfall surrounded by forest

Stalls low the the ground with vegetables at Pho Doan Market

Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Reserve 3 Days Exploration

Overview

This Mai Chau Pu Luong 3 days tour offers a refreshing escape into northern Vietnam’s stunning countryside, where traditional culture meets breathtaking landscapes. You'll explore the quiet valleys of Mai Chau and the rugged beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, staying in local homestays and eco-retreats along the way. This tour is ideal if you want to combine light adventure, ethnic culture, and natural scenery — all within a well-organized, comfortable trip starting from Hanoi.

Highlights

Cycle through the peaceful rice paddies and stilt-house villages of Mai Chau
Trek to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints deep in Pu Luong Reserve
Enjoy authentic meals and local hospitality in ethnic minority homes
Visit Kho Muong village and the dramatic Bat Cave on a gentle mountain walk
Relax at eco-friendly stays with infinity pools and mountain views

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BOOKING SUMMARY

Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Reserve 3 Days Exploration

Starting Date: Apr 18, 2025

Package:

TRAVELLERS

Total: $0

Questions or Special Requests?

Not sure about something, or want to customize this tour? We’re happy to help—just reach out!

Vietnamese Travel Agency

Book directly with a local Vietnamese travel agency

Secure payment

Safe payment via well-known payment gatewaysy

Local Support

Local team in Vietnam for questions and on-site assistance

Highly rated

Boek direct bij een lokaal Vietnamees reisbureau zonder tussenpersoon

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Hanoi to Mai Chau – Valley views and local culture

Lunch, Dinner

Homestay

Start :

Pick-up in Hanoi

You’ll be picked up between 7:00 and 7:30 AM from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter by a comfortable limousine bus. Settle in and enjoy the scenic ride as you head into the peaceful mountains of northern Vietnam.

Stop 1 :

Thung Khe Pass viewpoint

Take a break at Thung Khe Pass to soak in a panoramic view over the Mai Chau Valley. It’s also a great chance to browse local stalls selling snacks and handmade goods. Don’t miss trying com lam — sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes.

Stop 2 :

Arrival in Mai Chau

Reach Mai Chau late morning and check into a traditional stilt house homestay. After a warm welcome, enjoy a delicious lunch made with local specialties from the surrounding mountains.

Lunch, Dinner

Afternoon :

Village cycling tour

Hop on a bike for a relaxed ride through the rice fields and stilt-house villages of the Thai ethnic minority. You’ll stop along the way to learn about brocade weaving and have time to browse handmade textiles and souvenirs.

Evening :

Dinner and free time

Return to your homestay for some downtime — take a dip in the pool or go for a quiet walk through the village lanes. Dinner is served at the homestay before you settle in for a peaceful night in Mai Chau Rustic Homestay.

Day 2 :

Mai Chau to Pu Luong – Jungle trek and waterfalls

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Homestay

Morning :

Transfer to Pu Luong

After an early breakfast, head by car to Pu Luong Nature Reserve and check in at the Pu Luong Eco Garden Retreat. You’ll drop your bags here before heading out for the day’s trek.

Stop 1 :

Local market visit (if Sunday or Thursday)

If your visit falls on a Thursday or Sunday, stop at Pho Doan Market to see how locals trade everything from fresh produce to woven goods in a colorful, bustling setting.

Stop 2 :

Trek to Hieu village and waterfall

Start your trek on a small path through quiet hamlets and lush jungle, gradually climbing to the upper part of Hieu village. The views here are some of the most beautiful in the reserve. From there, walk downhill toward the waterfall. Depending on the season, you can enjoy swimming or walking in the water.

Breakfast, Lunch

Midday :

Lunch with a local family

Sit down for a home-cooked lunch prepared by a local ethnic minority family — all ingredients fresh from the garden. After lunch, you have time to relax and soak in the peaceful village atmosphere.

Afternoon :

Return to retreat and free time

Drive back to Pu Luong Eco Garden and enjoy your free time. You can take it easy in your room, go for a short walk around Bang Village, or lounge by the infinity pool before dinner.

Evening :

Dinner and overnight

Have dinner at the retreat and enjoy a restful night in a comfortable room (Inh La Home or similar accommodation).

Day 3 :

Pu Luong to Hanoi – Cave trek and return

Breakfast, Lunch

Morning :

Trek to Kho Muong and Bat Cave

Fuel up with breakfast before setting off on a light trek to Kho Muong Village. The path takes you past scenic rice terraces and traditional Thai stilt houses. From the hilltop, you’ll have great views before descending into the hidden village. If weather allows, visit the nearby Bat Cave, a limestone cavern tucked into the mountainside.

Late morning :

Check out and lunch

Head back to the retreat to freshen up and check out. Enjoy a final lunch at the on-site restaurant before departure.

Afternoon :

Return to Hanoi

After lunch, enjoy your last bit of downtime at the pool or simply relax before the drive back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive around 7:00 PM, marking the end of your Mai Chau Pu Luong 3 days tour.

Included / Excluded

All transports mentioned in the itinerary
All mentioned meals
English-speaking local guides
Accommodation mentioned
Entrance tickets
Activities mentioned
1 bottle of water/day/pax

International flights
Drinks
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips (optional)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses

Tour information

Total distance

The total driving distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau and Pu Luong and back is roughly 400 km round trip. Trekking and cycling distances are moderate and spread out over short, scenic segments.
Difficulty level

This tour involves light trekking and easy cycling, suitable for most travelers with average fitness. If you have concerns about the difficulty, let us know—we can adjust the experience to your needs.
Best time

This tour runs year-round, but the best time is from March to May and September to November when the weather is cooler and the rice terraces are at their most vibrant.
Required experience

No prior experience is needed. This tour is suitable for beginners and casual travelers looking for soft adventure in a comfortable, guided setting.
What to wear

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes, light layers, and sturdy walking or trekking shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket, especially during the rainy season (May–September).
Wifi and internet

Most accommodations offer wifi, but the connection may be limited in remote areas like Pu Luong. For better coverage, we recommend using a Vietnamese SIM card with mobile data.
Luggage details

You can bring small to medium-sized luggage. We suggest leaving large suitcases in Hanoi and packing light for easier transport during the tour.
Dietary options

We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-specific meal requests. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Dishes included

Enjoy authentic meals featuring local specialties such as grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, and sticky rice. Meals are home-cooked and reflect the flavors of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups.
Equipment provided

All essential equipment is provided, including bicycles and helmets for the cycling tour. No need to bring your own gear unless you prefer to.
Weather considerations

The tour runs in all weather conditions. In rainy months, trails may be muddy, so waterproof shoes or sandals and a rain jacket are recommended.
What to bring

Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, trekking shoes, a light raincoat, and swimwear for the waterfall (seasonal).
Accommodation options

You’ll stay in a traditional stilt house homestay in Mai Chau and an eco-retreat in Pu Luong. If listed accommodations are full, we’ll arrange a similar stay with equal comfort and quality.
Availability

This tour is available year-round with daily departures from Hanoi. Early booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

FAQ

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

The tour includes light cycling and short treks on uneven terrain. A basic level of fitness is enough, and activities can be adjusted depending on your comfort. If you're unsure, let us know—we can help tailor the pace.

What should I pack for the tour?

Pack light but include essentials like comfortable trekking shoes, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and swimwear for the waterfall (seasonal). A light rain jacket is useful during the rainy season.

Is there luggage storage available during the tour?

Yes, you can bring your luggage on the tour. If needed, arrangements can be made to store larger luggage securely during activities.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

Yes, when visiting local villages, it's respectful to dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photographs of residents. Your guide will provide more information to ensure respectful interactions.

What if it rains during the trek or cycling activity?

The tour runs in light rain, so bring a waterproof jacket and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. In case of severe weather, we’ll adjust the itinerary or provide indoor alternatives when possible.

Are the roads and trails safe for beginners?

Yes, the cycling routes are flat and quiet, and the trekking paths are well-marked. All activities are guided and suitable for beginners. Your guide will make sure you feel comfortable and safe along the way.

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An Epic Himalayan Adventure!

By Sarah Johnson
from United States
August 3, 2023
I just returned from the Everest Base Camp trek, and WOW! It was absolutely breathtaking. The stunning Himalayan vistas, warm Sherpa hospitality, and the sense of accomplishment made it an unforgettable journey. Highly recommended!

Date of Experience: August 03, 2023

Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Reserve 3 Days Exploration

Overview