Explore Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh Tour 3 Days

Day 1, Hanoi - Mai Chau (L) 145km - 3.5h

Excursion to Muong village, Lac – Na Phon – Poong Com villages

8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

Arrive in Mai Chau, check in your accommodation and have a break for lunch. In the afternoon, take a 5km bike ride(optional) or walk to the rice fields. Discover the culture and daily life of the locals in Lac, Na Phon, Poong Com villages. See the rural work on rice fields, the weaving craftsman, and encounter with locals. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Note: Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $35/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.

Day 2, Mai Chau - Ninh Binh (B,L) 150km - 3.5h

Peaceful & authentic village of Mai Hich, leisurely walking, transfer to Ninh Binh

Enjoy breakfast in the peaceful land then travel to Mai Hich. Explore by bike(optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes such as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams which are in the perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

Come back to Mai Chau to enjoy lunch then depart to Ninh Binh, stop on the way to meet the local people and take pictures as you command. Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon and check in to your accommodation.

Day 3, Ninh Binh – Hanoi (B,L) 100km - 2h

Boat trip in Tam Coc, hiking to Bich Dong pagoda & visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital

Have breakfast at hotel then travel to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

Continue to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

Enjoy local cuisine in Tam Coc then direct to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

On arrival at Hoa Lu, 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. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

End of the day, transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Enjoy the journey passing Red River delta with a lot of chance taking pictures of rice fields, peaceful countryside.

Note: Flexible dressing, cover knees and shoulders when entering pagoda

Services Included

• Two nights of accommodation based on double or twin sharing.
• One night in a handpicked 4-star hotel, resort or eco-lodge in Mai Chau and one night in a 4-star hotel or resort in Ninh Binh for the Premium 4-Star Culture and Countryside Version.
• One night in a selected 5-star retreat in the wider Mai Chau region and one night in a 5-star hotel or resort in Ninh Binh for the Prestige 5-Star Countryside Retreat Version.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver throughout the three-day journey.
• A comfortable seven-seat private vehicle for four travellers or a private minibus for five to six travellers, subject to luggage requirements.
• Private pick-up and drop-off at a centrally located hotel in Hanoi according to the confirmed itinerary.
• Private road transfers from Hanoi to Mai Chau, Mai Chau to Ninh Binh and Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
• Private local transportation during the scheduled sightseeing program.
• English-speaking licensed tour guide throughout the journey.
• Two breakfasts and three lunches as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Entrance fees and sightseeing tickets for all scheduled attractions mentioned in the confirmed program.
• Visit to a Muong ethnic village on the journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau.
• Scenic stop at Thung Khe Pass, subject to weather and road conditions.
• Guided visit to Lac, Na Phon and Pom Coong villages in Mai Chau Valley.
• Walking or cycling experience through rice fields and White Thai villages in Mai Chau.
• Bicycle rental for the scheduled Mai Chau cycling activity, subject to bicycle availability and guest ability.
• Guided exploration of Mai Hich Village and its surrounding countryside.
• Private sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc.
• Guided visit to Bich Dong Pagoda.
• Entrance fee and guided visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, including the temples of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh.
• Bottled drinking water and tissues during private road transfers.
• Fuel, road tolls, parking fees and driver expenses for the included transportation.
• Local taxes and service charges for all included ground arrangements.
• 24/7 local assistance during the journey.

Services Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Domestic flights requested as part of a customised extension or modified itinerary.
• Accommodation in Hanoi before the tour begins or after the tour ends.
• Airport transfers in Hanoi unless specifically included in the confirmed quotation.
• Vietnam visa stamping fee or e-visa fee, if applicable.
• Personal travel insurance, including medical, cycling, cancellation, emergency evacuation and baggage coverage.
• Dinners and meals not clearly mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
• Drinks, alcoholic beverages, minibar, laundry, spa treatments, telephone calls and personal expenses.
• Single room supplement or an additional room required for an odd-numbered group unless included in the confirmed quotation.
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels or resorts unless specifically included.
• Hotel room upgrades, suites, private pool villas or premium room categories unless requested and confirmed.
• Private traditional music and dance performance in Mai Chau unless specifically included in the confirmed package.
• Cuc Phuong National Park, Buddha Cave or other attractions not included in the confirmed detailed itinerary.
• Optional spa treatments, wellness programs, cooking classes, cultural workshops or resort activities.
• Private porter services during walking activities.
• Specialised cycling equipment, personal rainwear and footwear.
• Additional four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbike transfers or special transportation not stated in the confirmed itinerary.
• Privately chartered boats or exclusive boat arrangements in Tam Coc unless specifically confirmed.
• Tips for guides, drivers, boat rowers, hotel staff and local service providers.
• High-season, weekend, Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year or Vietnamese public-holiday supplements, if applicable.
• Additional costs caused by adverse weather, road closures, cycling restrictions, boat suspension or force majeure events.
• Additional transportation, meals or accommodation required because of unexpected road, weather or safety conditions.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.