Northern Vietnam: Mai Chau to Ninh Binh – 8 Days

Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam.

Step into the vibrant heart of Vietnam. Our friendly guide will greet you at the Golden Silk Boutique Hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter. Once you meet your fellow travellers, join everyone for a delicious welcome dinner at a remarkable restaurant dedicated to empowering disadvantaged street children through culinary training. Enjoy their heartfelt hospitality and locally inspired dishes.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique hotel

A scenic drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau after breakfast (approx 4.5 hrs) takes you to a world framed by stunning limestone mountains and lush rice paddies. We stop at Thung Khe Pass for panoramic views before enjoying lunch at a local eatery. In the afternoon, set out on foot to explore the captivating landscapes and traditional stilt houses of the valley, immersing yourself in the daily lives and warm hospitality of the local communities.

Walking: Easy 8 km
Ascent: 50 m
Descent: 50 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge or Mai Chau Mountain View Resort

Today, dive deeper into the enchanting Mai Chau region with a full-day hike. Departing from your lodge with a transfer to Noong Luong. From here, we’ll hike down through jungle paths towards Van Village. The trail gradually descends over 8km.  On the way, experience the vibrant culture of the local communities while savouring a traditional lunch at a homestay. After lunch, you can continue walking back to your accommodation through local paths alongside rice fields or catch transport back to your accommodation to relax by the pool.

Walking: 9km Moderate ( optional extra  easy 4km in the afternoon)
Ascent: N/A
Descent: 800m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge or Mai Chau Mountain View Resort

After breakfast, we transfer to Pu Luong (approx. 45mins) for a day filled with stunning scenery and cultural encounters. Today’s walk is glorious with beautiful views of valleys and forests, and begins by crossing various small streams as we head along the valley towards Hang village with terraced fields and charming villages of the Muong people. There is a steep climb up from the valley where we meet our transport and stop for a picnic lunch. The route then descends into Kho Muong Valley before concluding with a short but steep uphill section (with an extra elevation gain of 300 m) to return to the road for a short transfer to the accommodation.

Walking: 8 km Moderate- Challenging (optional extra 5km in the afternoon)
Ascent: 600m
Descent: 300m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pu Luong Retreat

We begin the day with a morning hike near our accommodation towards the nearby village of Kho Muong via trails through the fields and rice paddies before returning to the resort for lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer to the bustling and incredibly scenic Ninh Binh, where a delicious dinner awaits.

Walking: 6 km Moderate- Challenging
Ascent: 300m
Descent: 300m
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil

Our day begins with a short transfer to Mua Cave, from here there are 500 stone steps leading up the mountain to the incredible views over Ninh Binh. After this more challenging start (which is optional), we will then take a more leisurely walk from the centre of Ninh Binh to the Tahi Vi Temple and return to town for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a serene rowing boat ride to the picturesque Galaxy Grotto cave. The cave features winding passages beneath thousands of sparkling stalactites in various shapes. After the boat ride, we’ll transfer back to your hotel for dinner.

Walking: 6 km (optional challenging 1km and Easy 5km)
Ascent: 300m
Descent: 300m
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil

After breakfast we return to Hanoi for a delightful half day walking tour. Discover the charming Old Quarter’s rich history with a stroll through the maze of streets known for their artisanal boutiques and engaging street life. Hanoi’s urban layout of leafy boulevards and beautiful common spaces was heavily influenced by the French occupation making many of its older neighbourhoods a very walkable experience. We visit Hanoi’s most iconic site, the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”) named after a magical sword once used by a legendary Vietnamese emperor to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty. On an island in the middle of the lake sits the Ngoc Son Temple (“Temple of the Jade Mountain”),  dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13 th century). The temple is accessible by the bright red Huc Bridge (“Rising Sun”).
Conclude the tour with a visit to the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13 th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life.

We end our day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Walking: Easy 4-5 km
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Your trip will finish after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast