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Explore the hill villages of the Mai Chau region and meet friendly hilltribes

Escape the beeping horns and bustling bikes of Hanoi by venturing out into the serene Mai Chau region. Make the acquaintance of curious locals and learn about their lifestyle and culture over a traditional lunch. Snack on weird and wonderful delicacies, and discover a slice of rural paradise while cycling through remote villages and along paths that border spectacular rice paddies. After the sun sets on an action-packed day, fall asleep in a village homestay before waking up early to see this stunning region bathed in morning sunlight. Then, with batteries fully recharged, wave goodbye to new friends and make tracks back to the enigmatic Vietnamese capital.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Basix
Theme
Short Breaks, Walking & Trekking
Code
TVAX
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience rural Thai life in the mountains of Mai Chau with a homestay – get to know friendly locals, enjoy home cooked meals, and maybe pitch in with preparing dinner

  • Saddle up for a bike trip through stunning hillside villages and discover local life in the area

  • The lush panorama of the stunning Mai Chau valley is a photographer’s dream, just begging to be explored

  • Hike through rarely visited parts of a region that’s home to the minority White Thai group, and learn about their culture and customs

Is this trip right for you?

  • You will stay in simple homestay accommodation on this trip. You’ll sleep on camp beds in a communal room, so it's mixed gender and multi-share. The actual homestay facilities can vary as we stay with several different families, but you can expect simple but very welcoming.

  • This trip includes the active activities of cycling and a 3-hour trek – these activities are possible for most travellers. Good walking shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended.

  • On this trip it is possible that you will be joined by other travellers, some who may have booked on a longer trip, or even with a different company.

Map of Mai Chau Adventure including Vietnam
vietnam mai chau touring bike bicycle river cruise boat
vietnam country market food fry local cuisine mai chau
vietnam hanoi countryside lakes rivers scenic horizon mountains mai chau
vietnam mai chau touring bike cruise ship sail lake river

Itinerary
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Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your Short Break Adventure starts around 8am from the joining point hotel, or from your alternate hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (advised prior to departure), between 7.30am-8.30 am. Leave behind the hectic pace of life in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and journey to the clean air of the mountainous Mai Chau valley (approximately 3 hours). There are great photo opportunities along the way – stop at a vantage point to take in the view of Mai Chau, home to a variety of minority groups with their own unique culture and languages. Along the way, there's also the opportunity to help local farmers plant rice seeds into the fields. Arrive in Mai Chau and head to the village of Pom Coong, where your local guide will introduce you to your hosts for lunch, and provide information on the region's people, their lifestyles, customs and culture. Lunch is a traditional affair with examples of local cuisine on offer. This is a great opportunity to experience the local area, chat with your hosts, and gain a real insight into life in this fascinating and picturesque region. After lunch, take some time to relax before saddling up for a cycle trip to nearby villages. This breath-taking ride takes you on small footpaths through the rice paddies of the spectacular Mai Chau Valley, where rising mountains form a ring around you. Riding through this majestic scenery, there are great photos to be taken and lots of chances to interact with the locals. Back at the homestay, relax with a cold drink while watching the sun set over the peaceful mountains. Alternatively, for the food lovers, why not help the landlady cook dinner!

Notes: At the homestay you’ll sleep on mattresses in a communal room. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided biking tour
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast at the homestay, strap on the walking shoes and take to the hills on a trek along the traditional paths of the area. Visit villages of the White Thai people, exchanging smiles and learning about their everyday lives and customs from your local guide. The trek is approximately 3 hours in length and not overly strenuous, however a good solid pair of shoes is recommended as you will be walking on uneven trails and up and down hills. The scenery of this area is stunning so have cameras at the ready and, as there is no rush, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break, enjoy the pristine scenery, take some photos or just relax in a place where few outsiders venture. Return to the homestay for lunch, then it’s time to say farewell to your hosts and gorgeous Mau Chau and return to the vibrant streets of Hanoi around 5pm.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Bus

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Guided biking tour

Dates & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Mai Chau Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This Short Break Adventure starts at 8.00 – 8.30am on Day 1, and finishes at approximately 5.00pm on Day 2.
2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8.00 – 8.30am in the hotel foyer.
3. If you require pick up from another hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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