Natural Highlights of North Vietnam in 5 Days

Depart from Hanoi in the morning, heading toward Mai Chau, the homeland of Thai and Muong ethnic minorities, lush green tea plantations, and rice fields. Stop at Luy Ai village where the Mường people reside - a community of 26 families living in houses perched on stilts with terracotta tile roofs.

Continue your journey to Mai Chau, a verdant valley inhabited by Thai minorities. Pause en route at the summit of a pass, offering a vantage point to overlook vast tapestries of rice fields, villages with traditional houses, and mountains adorned with bamboo forests - iconic landscapes of the region.

Upon arrival, embark on a walking or cycling expedition through the rice fields and Thai villages to gain insights into their culture and daily life.

In addition to their expertise in rice cultivation, the Thais in Mai Chau are renowned for their embroidery skills, and their houses are more spacious compared to the Muongs', featuring bamboo floors on wooden stilts, roofs made of latan leaves or rattan, and large windows.

Conclude the day with an overnight stay at the hotel, enjoying the warm hospitality.

This marks the beginning of your north Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic stroll through lush green rice fields, adorned with the charming stilt houses of local minority communities. Interact with the Thai villagers as they work in the rice fields.

Continue your journey to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a vast expanse covering 1700 hectares and renowned as the largest karst forest area in northern Vietnam. The reserve is predominantly inhabited by Thai minorities, who share the same language as their Thai counterparts.

Upon reaching Don village, embark on an enriching walk to explore the beauty of this village, which boasts the most exquisite and awe-inspiring rice terraces in the entire region.

Conclude your day by settling into a delightful lodge, where you can unwind and savor some free time for relaxation. Spend the night in the serene ambiance of the lodge.

After breakfast, set off for a day of hiking to explore the wonders of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Begin by transferring to Bầm Trên village, situated atop the right ridge of Pu Luong. This area is renowned for its breathtaking rice fields that seem to float in the sky, providing panoramic vistas of the valley and the opposite side of the mountain range.

Descend through nature and local residences to reach the villages of Bầm Dưới, Bồng, and Quăn. Along the way, you'll encounter Thai people engaged in various tasks in the forests and gardens. A common sight is Thai men carrying long knives on their backs.

Continue your journey to Ươi, a spacious hamlet characterized by numerous stilt houses. In the villages of Lặn Trong and Lặn Ngoài, you'll discover Thai families who still preserve traditional weaving tools in their homes.

Pause for a lunch break in Phố Đoàn, a small town within the region. In the afternoon, proceed with your walk through Thai villages and their dwellings. As the day concludes, arrive at the house of Tý in Bản Lác village. This beautiful stilted house is home to three generations: Mr. Ty and his wife, their children, and grandchildren. Interact with family members and take a leisurely stroll in the village.

Participate in meal preparation and savor a warm dinner with your hospitable hosts. Spend the night in their traditional stilted house.

Following breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and embark on a scenic walk to Ban Hieu village, known as the "Deer Village," to visit the Hieu Waterfall. This village, home to around twenty Thai families, is nestled on the lush hillsides, and weather permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Continue your journey to Ninh Binh, often called the "Land Halong Bay" due to its limestone formations and scenic landscapes. Visit Hoa Lu, the former imperial capital (960-1009), to explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, set in a picturesque valley surrounded by rice fields and limestone peaks. Learn about Vietnam's history, particularly its millennium-long conflict with Chinese troops.

End your day with an overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a boat journey along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. This winding river meanders through a picturesque landscape of rice fields, limestone peaks, and passes beneath three caves nestled at the base of the rocky formations. Your boat gracefully glides on the water, guided by skilled local rowers, immersing you in the enchanting scenery.

Upon disembarking, hop on a bicycle and meander through the captivating region. Your route will take you through charming villages and past limestone peaks, allowing you to soak in the serene ambiance that defines this rural area.

In the afternoon, visit Mount Mua, a place historically known for its dance performances for the TRAN kings. Climb a white staircase consisting of 486 stone steps to reach the summit. This bell-shaped mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc region, renowned for presenting the most stunning landscapes reminiscent of Halong Bay on land, featuring lush limestone peaks, expansive rice fields, and boats gracefully gliding on the tranquil rivers of the villages. Explore the Mua Cave, nestled beneath the mountain.

Return to Hanoi. This marks the end of your north Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this remarkable journey. Safe travels!