Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau valley (L,D).

8:30: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi (Please advised your hotel name upon your confirmation).

Depart for Mai Chau arriving at Poom Coong village around lunch time. Take a warm up ride around villages and enjoy home cooked lunch at local home. After lunch cycle to the Thai village of Cun Pheo on a mix of good single track paths and undulating rough jeep trails. The views are stunning as the ride passes through many villages and across rice paddies. Pass hot springs, cycle across suspension bridges and follow the contours round beautiful terraced rice fields. On arriving in Cun Pheo village the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to wander by foot or explore the village trails further by bike.

Dinner and overnight in local village homestay at Van Village.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Tam Coc, Ninh Binh (B,L,D).

A contrasting and more challenging ride today, though there is plenty of opportunity to stop, rest and admire the views.

After breakfast enjoy relatively easy biking on undulating terrain for the first seven km then the trail begins to climb uphill – steep in parts, undulating in others. Rise above the valley and look down on small hamlets, feel and hear the forest surroundings as the trail snakes up and along the mountainside. Stop for a siesta in a Thai village house, a welcome relief from the heat – before tackling the last few km to the top of the pass. Cruise a final eleven km downhill all the way back to Mai Chau around lunch time, enjoy lunch at local house in Lac Village, then our shuttle will bring us out of Mai Chau to the HW6 Junction, branch off left at Muong Khen and continue to ride on undulating roads twist through mountain and forest.

We end our cycling day at Lac Son and transfer our weary legs to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we spend our night.

Day 3: Tam Coc – Hoalu – Hanoi (B,L)

The area around Tam Toc is famed for its spectacular karst scenery. The soaring limestone mountains jut straight out of the paddy fields are wonderful. We begin our day with a peaceful cruise by local sampan to explore the picturesque Tam Coc (dry Halong Bay), the canal running through three caves.

Return to hotel for check out and start cycling on quiet country lanes which twist through mountains leading to Hoa Lu. We stop to visit to the ancient city of Hoa Lu since 9th century, where the remarkable remnants are King Dinh and Le Temple.

After lunch we drive back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay. Cruise & kayaking (L,D).

8:15: Join our sharing shuttle bus and enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong bay (transfer from your hotel to our departure point will be arranged by yourself; without guide).

12:00: Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave.

In the afternoon, enjoy one-hour paddling through small islets in different shapes.

Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B).

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City.

11:00: Disembark at the dock at Halong City. End of Lotussia Travel service.

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Day 1: Ha Noi – Mai Chau. Hiking Mai Chau.

8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel in Ha Noi. Drive about 2 hours to Hoa Binh. Short stop for break and coffee in Hoa Binh hotel. Drive up to Mai Chau with few stops on the way for taking pictures. 12h00 arrive in Mai Chau where you have lunch in Thai’s house. In the afternoon take a 3-hour trek around Mai Chau valley to admire beautiful landscape of the valley. Dinner at a stilt house of Thai minority village. Night in the village.

Day 2: Continue hiking Mai Chau.

Whole day trek. 8:00 AM: Trek to Van Mai. On the way you can have chance to see ordinary activities of Local people in Thai’s area. Lunch in Van Mai. Afternoon trek to Ban Buoc. You can enjoy beautiful, peaceful scenery along the path. Dinner and overnight in Ban Buoc. This evening you will meet warm hospitable Thai schoolchildren with interesting traditional songs.

Day 3: Hiking. Drive back to Hanoi.

Drive back to Hanoi.

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Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau.

You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team and transferred to Hoa Binh ( 75 km from Ha Noi).  Upon your arrival in Hoa binh, start 3-hour trek to Ban Voi. You will admire picturesque view of Hoa Binh reservoir on the height of 300m above sea level. After 3 hours trekking transfer to a boat. Lunch on board. Cruise on Hoa Binh reservoir to Bai Sang. Transfer to Mai Chau ( 15 km), on the way to Mai chau stop to see Go Lao waterfall. Dinner and overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Xa Linh – Hang Kia

Breakfast. Start 3.5-hour trek to Xa Linh. This morning you will trek through rice fields, jungles before going to Xa Linh. Afternoon continue 4-hour trek to Hang Kia, stop en route for seeing the H’Mong hill-tribe people. Overnight at Hang Kia village.

Day 3: Hang kia – Tau Na – Cun pheo

An early morning start to trek mountainsides to Tau Na. The trekking is quite adventurous at times with some steep uphill and downhill walking, but the views are incredible. However, some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate today’s trek. Overnight at Cun Pheo – A Muong village.

Day 4: Cun pheo – Xam khoe – Pom Coong

The spectacular countryside and simple lifestyle of the Thai ethnic minority people are a highlight of Mai Chau valley although conditions are very basic. Lunch in Van Mai. In the afternoon trek to Pom coong. En route to Van Mai you have the chance to meet local people, all friendly and Welcoming. Overnight at Pom Coong village.

Day 5: Pom Coong – Noong Luong

In this morning we spend 3 hours walking up to reach Noong Luong where you can see Muong villages on the highland of 1.200 m above sea level. A good meal is already awaiting you in local house. Afternoon trek to Tra Day to discover the rural life of Muong ethnic. Dinner and overnight in Noong Luong.

Day 6: Noong Luong – Ban My village

This day will be long with picnic lunch en route. You will trek through many villages and rice field, hills, forests. On the way you will meet interesting local people who are working on farm or on rice field. Tourists arrive in Ban My village at 5h00 PM . Warm hosts and hot meal is ready to serve you. Overnight in Ban My village.

Day 7: Ban My – Cuc Phuong National park

Breakfast. Trek 2 hours get out Ban My ( Tan Lac District) before we take a 60 km drive to Cuc Phuong National Park. After lunch trek 2 hours around. Overnight in Muong village in Cuc Phuong.

Day 8: Cuc Phuong trek

We continue venturing into the national park of Cuc Phuong. A 6-hour trek with picnic lunch en route gives us a great opportunity to explore one of Vietnam’s most beautiful primeval forests and also see the Muong hill-tribe people. Overnight in Cuc Phuong.

Day 9: Cuc Phuong – Ninh Binh

Upon leaving Cuc Phuong National Park we are transferred by car to Tam Coc. A boat trip on a river through “ Ha Long inland” – The quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to visit three grottoes of Tam Coc. Afternoon visit Non Nuoc pagoda in Ninh binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 10: Ninh Binh – Ha Noi

Breakfast. Transfer to Ha Noi. Trip ends.

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Day1: Ha Noi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau.

7:00 a.m you will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi. Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau at 7h 30 via Hoa Binh Hydro-electricity. Arrive in Mai Chau about 12.00. Have lunch. After lunch start to trek discovering Mai Chau with Lac village, Pom Coong village – the typical ethnic people of Mai Chau. Dinner at 19h00. Overnight in Lac village.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Ma River.

Breakfast at 7.30 AM. Trekking to Van Mai. Lunch in Van Mai. Afternoon transfer to Co Luong ( 20 km) and go for a row on the river by motor – boat with stop-over at En village (Thai people). Return to Co Luong at 18:00 PM. Bus back to Mai Chau. Dinner at 19.00 and enjoy traditional music show. Overnight in Ban Lac village.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Xa Linh – Ha Noi

AM: Have breakfast at 7.00 AM then go to Xa Linh (35 km from Mai Chau) where H’Mong people stay. Trek 3 hours to Pa Co to visit black H’Mong. Back to Mai Chau at 12.00PM. Lunch. Return to Ha Noi at 14.00. Arrive in Ha Noi at 18.00.

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Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hang Kia village.

We leave Hanoi heading west to Hoa Binh Province. We climb towards the Mai Chau valley another two hours away stopping to take in the spectacular scenery.

Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the White Thai village of Xa Linh where we start a 2-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts this evening will be the H’mong people. Whilst enjoying their hospitality we learn a little about their way of life.

Tonight’s accommodation will be basic although mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets are provided.

Day 2: Hang Kia – Van village.

This morning we have a 4-5 hour trek to Van village is home of the White Thai people. The trek takes us through unforgettable scenery and provides us with an opportunity to witness the authentic rural life.

Arriving in Van village by mid to late afternoon there will be time to take a short walk around the village.

Our hosts for this evening will treat us to a fine meal and stories of life in Van village.

Day 3: Van village – Xo village.

We spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages. We then return to Van for lunch. After lunch, stroll down to the river (if weather permit) before embarking on a 3hour walk to the village of Xo.

Dinner and overnight in Xo village.

Day 4: Xo village – Poong Coong village – Hanoi.

Bidding farewell to our hosts we have a five-hour trek from Xo to Poong Cong village. Lunch will be provided in a local stilt house.

After lunch, we will drive back to Hanoi.

—> Contact us for more details.

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Mai Chau Lac village is located in Hoa Binh province, about 135km (83 miles) from Hanoi and 60km (37 miles) from Hoa Binh. Mai Chau Lac village is well known for its natural beauty. The valley is home to many ethnic minorities, including the white Thai. From the top of Cun Mountain, the panorama of the lush green valley with its stilt houses is laid out before you.

Coming to Mai Chau Lac Village, you will see stilt houses border both sides of the roads. The houses are quite large with palm leaf roofs and polished bamboo-slat floors. The kitchen is located in the center of the house; the cooking as well as the making of the colorful tho cam, the material used by Thai minority to make their clothes, takes place in the kitchen. The windows are large and decorated with patterns. Each house also has a pond to breed fish.

The Sunday market brings a lot of people into town. People from different minorities living in the mountains come to Mai Chau market to sell their specific products: honey, bananas, corn, and tho cam made by skilled Thai women. The Sunday market is also an occasion to enjoy traditional Thai dishes and to participate in traditional dances.

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Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hang Kia Village

08h00: You will be met up with Lotussia travel team at your hotel in Hanoi. Then head west to Hoa Binh Province where we may make stop for refreshments. We continue driving for two more hours towards the Mai Chau valley.

We arrive Mai Chau around noon. We will have lunch in a stilt house in Mai Chau before taking half-hour drive to Sa Linh from where 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.

Day 2: Trekking Hang Kia – Van Village

Today we will have a 7-hour trek to Van Village, home of the White Thai people. The trek will offer you the opportunity to closely observe rural life in Vietnam.

A picnic lunch will be provided along the way.

Arriving in Van village by late afternoon there will be time to take a stroll down to the nearby stream.

Check into a local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Trekking Van village – Xo Village

After breakfast we spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages and meeting local villagers. After a morning’s exploring we return to Van village for lunch.

After lunch, it will be possible for you to take a short siesta or to stroll down to the river before embarking on a 3 hour walk to the village of Xo.

We arrive the homestay about late afternoon. Check into a local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Trekking Xo village – Poong Cong Village

After breakfast, we will continue our journey taking a five-hour trek from Xo to Poong Cong village. We arrive Poom Coong village around noon. Lunch will be provided in a stilt house in Poom Coong village.

We have the afternoon free to wander around the picturesque Thai villages or maybe wander into Mai Chau town itself.

Dinner and overnight in Poong Coong village.

Day 5: Poong Coong Village – Nanh Village

We drive to the Da River 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 Nanh village around late afternoon. Check into a local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Mai Chau- Hanoi

Leaving the village at around 08:00, we retrace our steps back to the boat for a cruise back to meet with our vehicle. Drive back to Hanoi. We will arrive back in Hanoi early afternoon. Trip ends.

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Day 1: Drive Ha Noi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau valley.

8:00: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Ha Noi. Depart for Hoa Binh. After about two-hour drive, we will arrive Hoa Binh town where we will make a short stop for break and coffee. Then we continue driving on to Binh Thanh village where we will have a short walk through the Dzao and Muong villages.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.

After lunch, we drive on to Mai Chau with few stops on the way for taking pictures. Upon our arrival in Mai Chau village, we may have some easy walk around the village before checking into a local stilt house for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Mai Chau Trekking

Transfer by bus to Sam Khoe village, another Thai village is located about 20 km from Mai Chau. Upon our arrival in Sam Khoe village, we begin our trek. We walk through villages and rice fields, enjoying peaceful scenery along the path. Picnic lunch will be provided en route. The trek takes about 6 hours to get back to Mai Chau with a lot of stops on the way. Dinner and overnight in the village.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Hoa Binh – Ha Noi

After breakfast, we continue 2-hour trek through rice fields, village to get to Tong Dau where we will be picked up by our vehicle and transferred back to Hanoi.

—> Contact us for more details.

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Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Hang Kia village (L,D)

8:00: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi. Depart for Hoa Binh province and the town of Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes around three hours. Along the way we will pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. After lunch in a traditional stilt house of the Thai people, we drive for one hour to Sa Linh village where we start our trek. Today we walk along gravel tracks and small paths, used by the locals. Our destination for this evening is Hang Kia village, home of the H’mong Minority people. Here we stay overnight as the guests of an H’mong family in a traditional long house, situated in a picturesque valley of peach orchards.

Day 2: Hang Kia village – Van village (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we trek through tropical rain forest, using the local tracks and passing through cornfields as we descend in to Mai Chau valley. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places. Lunch will be provided en route. We arrive at Van village by late afternoon and will have time to walk around this charming little village, enabling us to understand a little more about how the people live. The village is home to the White Thai people, and tonight we will be their guests in one of their traditional stilt houses. There, we will be toasted as honored guests and will be able to sample some of their homemade rice wine!

Day 3: Van village – Khoe village – Hanoi (B,L)

This morning we trek for a couple of hours passing through several Thai hamlets. We walk on the valley floor and are surrounded by rice paddies and beautiful scenery. At the small village of Khoe we meet up with our vehicle and drive back to Mai Chau. Lunch is again provided in Mai Chau and there is also the chance to do a little souvenir shopping before we return to Hanoi. End tour.

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The Thai have a population of more than 1,000,000 living in the provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh and Nghe An. The Thai have other names such as Tay, Tay Dam, Tay Khao, Tay Muoi, Tay Thanh, Hang Tong and Pu Thay. The Thai language belongs to the Tay-Thai Group.

The Thai are experienced in consolidating edges, digging canals and building frames to carry gutters to convey water to the fields. Wet rice is their staple food, especially sticky rice. The Thai also cultivate rice, secondary crops and other trees on burnt-over land. Each family breeds cattle and poultry, makes wattle bamboo articles, weaves cloths and some families have developed ceramics.

In recent decades, Thai men have adopted the Kinh’s style of dress, while Thai women retain their traditional clothes including short vests, long black skirts, scarves and ornaments. The Thai live in houses on stilts. A Thai village, called a ban, comprises on average 40-50 houses built side by side. Among the Black Thai, the roof is shaped like a tortoise’s shell with decoration called khau cut at each end of the ridge.

After the wedding, the husband comes to live with his wife’s family for several years. When the couple have a child, they come to live in the husband’s house.

The Thai’s concept of death is that they will continue their life in the other world. Thus they organise funerals like a farewell party to see off the dead persons to the upper world.

The Thai group comprises many family lineages. Each lineage retains its own tabooes, for example the Lo never eats the Tang Lo bird and the Quang abstains from killing tigers. The Thai people worship their ancestors, heaven, earth, ban, and muong (several ban form a muong). Every year they also hold rituals to pray for good crops, starting with a ritual to greet the first thunder of the year.

The Thai possess a valuable legacy of myths, legends, ancient tales, stories in verse and folksongs. Well-known epics include the Xong chu xon xao (Farewell to his lover) and the Khu Lu Nang Ua (Lu and Ua). The Thai developed writing early, so have kept on tissue paper and leaves many vetiges of ancient literature, customs and practices and folkloric genres. The Thai like to sing, particularly reciting khap with the accompaniment of stringed instruments and dance. Their folk dances such as Xoe and Sap (bamboo dance) are performed on stages both at home and abroad. Han Khuong and Con throwing are also of the Thai’s unique cultural character.

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