North-West Loop: Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh in 4 Days

Between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in the Old Quarter to begin the journey to Mai Chau. It’s about a 4-hour scenic drive through the countryside, giving you your first glimpse of rural northern Vietnam.

Around 11:00 AM, you’ll reach Mai Chau — a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields and home to the Thai ethnic minority. After checking in to your stilt-house accommodation, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local mountain specialties.

Relax by the pool or take a short walk through the nearby lanes and rice fields to get a feel for village life.

Hop on a bicycle to explore the Mai Chau valley. You’ll cycle past rice paddies, bamboo houses, and quiet village paths. Along the way, you’ll visit local brocade workshops where Thai women weave traditional fabrics. You’re welcome to browse or pick up a handmade souvenir.

Head back to the homestay and enjoy a quiet tea break as the day winds down.

Inh La Home

Nestled in a tranquil valley, Inh La Home offers a serene retreat with breathtaking views and a cozy atmosphere. Guests can relax in comfortable, rustic rooms or take a dip in the inviting pool, all while savoring delicious meals crafted with care. The warm hospitality of the host, Tom, and his team creates a welcoming environment, making every stay memorable and enriching.

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive deeper into the mountains toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Your first stop is Pu Luong Home to drop off your bags before starting the day's adventure.

If today is Thursday or Sunday, you’ll visit the local Pho Doan market — a gathering point for nearby ethnic communities to trade produce, textiles, and household goods.

Your trek begins on a small dirt trail leading through jungle, isolated hamlets, and terraced hillsides. You’ll pass by local houses before reaching the upper section of Hieu village, with sweeping views of the valley.

Make your way down to a small waterfall tucked into the forest. Depending on the season, you can go for a swim or explore the surrounding area on foot.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a traditional stilt house run by a local family. The meal features ingredients grown right in the garden.

After lunch and some time to relax in the village, you’ll head back to your accommodation in Pu Luong for the evening.

After breakfast, start your trek through quiet alleys beside Thai stilt houses. You’ll reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking lush rice terraces, then descend toward the remote Kho Muong Village. Here you can explore the village and, weather permitting, enter the nearby Bat Cave.

Return to your lodge, check out, and enjoy a final lunch in Pu Luong before moving on.

Say goodbye to Pu Luong’s forested hills and head to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Upon arrival at your homestay, you’ll have free time to relax by the pool or enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Start the day with a bike ride to Hoa Lu — Vietnam’s 10th-century royal capital. Explore the ancient temples and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties who once ruled here.

Next, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape complex. Enjoy a slow, scenic boat ride through limestone caves, jungle-covered cliffs, and quiet temples — a highlight of any Ninh Binh visit.

If time allows, stop by Mua Cave and climb the steps for one of the best panoramic views of the Trang An region.

After the day’s exploration, relax on the drive back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the early evening, around 6:30 PM.