Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley [L, D]
After picking you up from your Hanoi hotel at 8am, we'll take a 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau. As we pass Hoa Binh Town, an hour out from Hanoi, you'll be greeted with the scenic view of mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages. When we arrive you'll have a traditional lunch prepared by a local family (vegetarian option available). Afterward, you'll have time to roam around with your guide on a bike, wherein you'll see farmers working the fields, locals weaving scarves and more everyday life.
In the evening enjoy dinner and drink Rượu cần, traditional rice wine. You'll also be treated to a traditional Thai music and dance performance. Thai people have inhabited this area for centuries and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years.
Stay overnight in a traditional stilt house. Suited to complement their natural settings, stilt houses will give you first-hand experience into the culture. The home-stay accommodation consists of comfortable curtained-off sleeping areas in one long room; all bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 2: Mai Chau - Hanoi [B, L]
After an early morning breakfast, enjoy a light 2 to 4 hour trek through some surrounding villages. You will also take a 1,000-step hike up to a cave. After having lunch, you will begin our journey back to Hanoi. Along the way, make sure to have your camera ready for when you reach the top of the Mai Chau Valley itself. After this pit stop, continue the drive and reach Hanoi late in the afternoon.
