This trip to the north west
highlands of Mai Chau offers a balance of cultural and physical
activities set amongst some of northern Vietnam’s most stunning
scenery. We spend 5 nights in the ethnic minority villages walking an
average of 5 hours a day. We trek for four days through villages in the
Mai Chau area and overnight in White Tai and H’mong villages where we
have the opportunity to observe the lives of the minority peoples. From
the mountainous region of Mai Chau, we travel back to the capital,
Hanoi. Travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track often prefer
Mai Chau to Sapa.
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hang Kia Village
We depart from Hanoi at 8:00am heading west to Hoa Binh Province where we stop for refreshments. From our stop we climb towards the Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away, stopping on the way to take in the spectacular scenery. Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the White Tai village of Xa Linh from which we commence a 3-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts for this evening will be the H’mong minority people. Whilst enjoying their hospitality, we will discover a little more about their lives and culture. Tonight’s accommodation could probably be a little more rustic than you would be used to. (B,L,D)
(OVERNIGHT IN HANG KIA VILLAGE).
Day 2: Hang Kia - Van Village
This morning we have a 7-hour trek to Van Village, home of the White Tai people. The trek will take you through some unforgettable scenery and provide you with an opportunity to closely observe rural life in Vietnam. A picnic lunch will be provided along the way. Arriving in Van village by mid to late afternoon there will be time to take a stroll down to the nearby
stream. Our hosts for this evening will treat us to a fine meal and stories of life in Van village. They will also share their home's brewed rice wine and toast our good health and happiness. ( B,L,D)
(OVERNIGHT IN VAN VILLAGE)
Day 3: Van village - Xo Village
After breakfast we spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages and meeting villagers along the way. After a morning's exploring we return to Van village for lunch. Then there will be time for a short siesta or stroll down to the river before embarking on a 3 hour walk to the village of Xo (pronounced Soh). This evening following dinner, we will have the opportunity for more cultural interaction, before retiring for our second night in a stilt house. (B,L,D)
(OVERNIGHT IN XO VILLAGE)
Day 4: Xo village – Poong Cong Village
Bidding farewell to our new friends after breakfast, it is a five-hour trek from Xo to Poong Cong village where we have lunch. We have the afternoon free to wander around the picturesque Tai villages or maybe wander into Mai Chau town itself. This
evening is spent in Poong Cong village. (B,L,D)
(OVERNIGHT IN POONG CONG VILLAGE)
Day 5: Poong Con Village - Nanh Village
From Poong Cong we drive to the Da River, 45 minutes from Mai Chau town, where we board our boat for a one-hour river cruise. From our drop off point we have a 2-hour trek to Nanh village, inhabited by the Zao people. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way we will arrive by mid to late afternoon for our fifth and final night in the villages. (B,L,D)
(OVERNIGHT IN NANH VILLAGE)
Day 6: Mai Chau- Ha Noi
Depart the village at around 8:00am. We retrace our steps back to the boat for a cruise back to meet with our waiting vehicle and the trip back to Hanoi. We will arrive back in Hanoi by approximately 1.00pm. (B)
(OVERNIGHT IN HANOI).