Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Mai Chau – Pu Luong Excursion
A journey that allows you to see Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, Hoa Lu, Trang An Complex, Hang Mua, Tam Coc, Thung Khe Pass, Bat Cave, Cham River, and Hieu Waterfall in 4 days.
Considered a magical destination in Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is famous for its enchanting landscapes, cascading rice paddies, winding rivers, and majestic limestone hills. Here you will explore the timeless beauty of Tam Coc, its river channels, and breathtaking views. You will visit the Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its spectacular caves and picturesque lakes. In Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, you will discover the history and culture of the country.
In addition to Ninh Binh, you will have the chance to visit the Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, an architectural wonder nestled among the mountains, see the spectacular panoramic views of the Thung Khe Pass, and discover a fascinating and mysterious underground world at Bat Cave. Finally, we will refresh ourselves in the Cham River and admire the Hieu Waterfall, immersing ourselves in the pristine beauty of nature.
Detailed Itinerary
Hanoi - Ninh Binh (-/-/-)
−Guide
Hotel
Local boat
Meeting with the guide at 08:30 AM at the hotel reception.
Transfer to Ninh Binh; the site is a jewel enriched by historical, cultural, religious, and natural wonders. During the journey, you will pass the Red River Delta, where you can stop if you wish to capture the beauty of the location. Midway, you will visit the Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, which boasts splendid scenery, with a garden decorated with white stones, colorful flowering trees, and goldfish swimming in the clear lotus pond.
Upon arrival in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 9th to the 10th century, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le dynasty (980-1009), who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years.
Free lunch break (not included) in a local restaurant.
Next, you will visit the Trang An Complex, the first and only site in the world to be recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as both a cultural and natural heritage site. Upon arrival at the pier, you will board a traditional boat rowed by local people and sail on the river through a series of caves, some of which are 300-400 meters long. Each section will offer you a new hidden world made of isolated and peaceful valleys. You will disembark from the boat for a walk through pagodas and temples dedicated to the mandarins of the famous Tran dynasty. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Ninh Binh - Mai Chau (B/-/-)
−Bicycle
Hotel
Trekking
Walking
Meeting with the guide at 08:30 AM at the hotel reception.
In the morning, if you wake up early, you can visit Hang Mua, also known as the Vietnamese “Great Wall,” one of the best trekking routes in Ninh Binh.
You will climb nearly 500 stone steps to reach the summit of Ngoa Long, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the golden rice fields of Tam Coc, the limestone formations, and the idyllic villages. Enjoy the sunset view and the fresh air as you walk down past the Lady Buddha statue. Afterwards, we will depart for Hoa Binh along a road dominated by landscapes of terraced rice fields. We will continue to the Thung Khe Pass, where you can admire magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in the town of Mai Chau.
Free lunch break (not included) in a small local restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Mai Hich, a picturesque village less frequented by tourists in the Mai Chau valley. A walk or a bicycle ride around the village will allow you to best enjoy this beautiful countryside landscape where the green terraced rice fields dominate undisputed. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Option: Dinner and overnight stay in traditional communal stilt houses in the Mai Hich commune. (Basic comfort – mattresses are arranged here, covered by mosquito nets. In the courtyard, there are shared facilities with toilets, sinks, and showers). A private show of traditional music and local dances is available for an additional cost of 35 dollars per group. Ask the guide to book if you are interested.
Mai Chau - Pu Luong (B/-/-)
−Eco-lodge
Local boat
Walking
Meeting with the guide at 08:30 AM at the hotel reception.
Departure for Pu Luong, 60km away, where the Thai ethnic group lives. Along the road to Pu Luong, we will visit the Kho Muong village and the Bat Cave – the largest cavern in Pu Luong. Set in Pu Luong. The day continues with a short walk to visit the water wheels that the Thai people use to bring water to the fields. This is a feature that has been preserved for many centuries and passed down from generation to generation. We will continue our journey with a cruise on a bamboo raft along the Cham River to best enjoy the Pu Luong countryside and observe life flowing on both sides. (Activity available depending on weather conditions).
Dinner at leisure and accommodation in a lodge.
Pu Luong - Hanoi (B/-/-)
−Walking
Meeting with the guide at 08:30 AM at the hotel reception.
In the morning, we will visit the Lan Ngoai artisanal weaving village, where the Thai people still use wooden looms to make clothes. Proceed to visit the Hieu Waterfall (trekking approximately 1-2 hours); along the way, you will be able to see and understand the local life very well.
Free lunch break (not included) near the Hieu Waterfall.
Return to Hanoi around 02:00 PM. The tour ends around 06:00 PM / 06:30 PM. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in Hanoi.
*** END OF SERVICES ***
Price and Policy
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- Hotel of the category as in the itinerary based on 2 people/room
- English/Italian speaking guide
- Private car for the indicated transfers
- Entrance tickets to the places indicated in the program
- Bicycle tour as described in the program
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Drinks, telephone… all expenses of a personal nature and not expressly indicated in the “prices include” section
- Tips for drivers and guides. Our suggestion: 1-3 $US/person/day for the driver and 3 $US-5 $US/person/day depending on the group size
- Anything not indicated under the heading “the price includes”
- File management fee (includes medical, baggage, and cancellation insurance)
- Service charge
- Invitation letter if necessary
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Mai Chau – Pu Luong Excursion
- 04 Days
- Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Mai Chau → Pu Luong → Hanoi
- Hanoi / Hanoi
