Combined Mai Chau – Pu Luong circuit: What to see and what to do?

If you're seeking an authentic escape during your trip to Vietnam but lack the time to venture into the remote mountainous areas of the northwest or northeast, the Mai Chau-Pu Luong region is the perfect destination. Just a short drive from Hanoi, this area features ethnic villages surrounded by stunning landscapes of rivers and rice paddies, allowing for complete immersion in culture and natural beauty. Furthermore, visitors can discover the charm of Mai Chau-Pu Luong in just 2 or 3 days with a quick excursion.

MAI CHAU – MAI HICH

Just 150 kilometers from Hanoi (about a 3-hour drive), Mai Chau is characterized by its harmonious panoramas of green mountains and rice valleys, where the traditional culture of the Thai ethnic group has been preserved well for generations.

What to see and do in Mai Chau?

- Hike through minority villages:Mai Chau and its surroundings offer hiking trails suitable for all levels, allowing you to immerse yourself in country life unchanged for centuries. Depending on the season, you can observe farmers plowing with a buffalo, transplanting, or harvesting rice.

- Bike ride: Just like hiking, a bike ride through the villages allows you to discover the peaceful rural atmosphere, as well as the rich local crafts, including the making of textiles such as silk or cotton. The village paths are easy to cycle through, ideal for exploration and will take you to remote villages.

- Spend the night with locals: For an authentic experience, stay in a traditional stilt house and savor the delights of local cuisine.

- Enjoy a traditional White Thai dance performance: Attend a traditional white Thai dance performance, followed by a tasting of fermented rice alcohol, for a total immersion in local culture.

- Visit local markets: Soak up the lively atmosphere of local markets, where you can discover the region's handicrafts and fresh produce.

Best time to visit Mai Chau – Mai Hich

You can visit Mai Chau all year round, but the months of March to May offer pleasant weather for admiring the rice fields, while January and February are cooler and drier.

Also, note that there are 2 rice harvests per year in Mai Chau, so you can also see rice terraces between July and October when it's hot and humid.

>> Read more: What to do in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh in 2 days?

For a better vision of Mai Chau, take a few minutes to watch this video made by Authentik Vietnam

PU LUONG

Located 150 km from Hanoi, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers enchanting landscapes comparable to Sapa, with its limestone reliefs, waterfalls, and tropical forests. The terraced rice fields and the authentic life of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups make it a favorite spot for lovers of nature and authenticity.

What to see and do in Pu Luong?

- Go hiking:Pu Luong will remain a memorable stopover if you wish to hike during your trip in Vietnam. Explore the hiking trails to discover the fabulous scenery of rice terraces and picturesque villages. In June, the rice terraces take on a golden hue, offering breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you can also find many waterwheels, a traditional method of water collection and irrigation for several minority ethnic groups.

- Take a bamboo raft ride on the river: A bamboo raft ride on the river offers an exceptional experience. You will explore this fabulous natural setting in greater depth, leaving you with a sense of calmer thoughts.

- Spend the night with the locals: Live like the locals by spending the night in a stilt house, where the warm welcome and shared meals will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Here is a short video made by Authentik Vietnam about Pu Luong.

Best time to visit Pu Luong

Pu Luong's climate is similar to that of Mai Chau. Choose the months of March - June and August - October to take full advantage of the rice terraces 

There are also two rice harvests a year in Pu Luong, one in late May/early June and another in October.

>> Read more: Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Travel Guide

MAI CHAU-PU LUONG COMBINED TOUR

Discovering Mai Chau - Pu Luong is the perfect complement to a visit to Hanoi and Ninh Binh. For those in search of authenticity and natural beauty, this combined tour promises total immersion in the very heart of Vietnam.

1. Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich – Pu Luong (3 days)

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Visit Muong village, admire the panoramic views of the Thung Khe pass, bike ride through the villages in Mai Hich, and discover Thai culture. Night at a local’s place.

Day 2: Mai Hich - Eo Ken - Ban Hang - Pu Luong: Hike from Eo Ken to Hang village, meet the Muong, transfer to Pu Luong, walk and bamboo raft excursion to Chieng Lau.

Day 3: Pu Luong – Chom Uoi village – Lan Ngoai – Ninh Binh: Hike through the rice fields to Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages, transfer to Ninh Binh, on the way, visit the sacred fish stream at Cam Luong.

2. Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich – Pu Luong (4 days)

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: transfer to Mai Chau, bike ride, or on foot to discover Thai villages in Mai Hich. Night at a local’s place.

Day 2: Mai Hich – Pu Luong: Trek to the village of Eo Ken and Hang, then transfer to Pu Luong, ride to Chieng Lau, and bamboo raft trip.

Day 3: Pu Luong discovery: Day of trekking to the villages of Kho Muong – Uoi – Lan Ngoai of the Thai.

Day 4: Pu Luong – Hanoi: Hike through the villages of Leo – Chu – Mo – Danh, return to Hanoi. On the way, visit the sacred fish stream at Cam Luong.

3. Ninh Binh – Pu Luong – Mai Chau – Hanoi (3 days)

Day 1: Ninh Binh – Pu Luong – discovery: Transfer to Pu Luong, on the way, visit the sacred fish stream of Cam Luong, arrive at Chieng Lau village, and bamboo raft ride.

Day 2: Pu Luong – Uoi village – Lan Ngoai – Eo Ken – Ban Hang – Mai Hich: discover the Pu Luong nature reserve, meet the Thais in Uoi villages and Lan Ngoai, Eo Ken, Ban Hang. Transfer to Mai Chau. Night at a local’s place.

Day 3: Mai Hich discovery – Hanoi: Easy hike or bike ride to discover the Thai villages in Mai Hich, and return to Hanoi.

Discover this region as soon as possible! For more information or advice on this itinerary, don't hesitate to contact us at info@authentikvietnam.com or click HERE!

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