Mai Chau – Pu Luong nature and culture 3 days

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau

After breakfast, we head towards Mai Chau, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and known for its rural landscapes and the rich culture of the region's ethnic minorities.

During the journey, we make a stop at the Thun Khe Pass, from there we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the valley of Mai Chau.

Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and have time to rest and relax.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant bike ride along the country lanes of Mai Chau, exploring rice paddies, small traditional villages and the characteristic stilt houses of the Thai ethnic group.

After breakfast, we enjoy a walk through the rural landscapes of Mai Chau, we'll explore trails winding through rice paddies and small traditional villages. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the local community and admire the natural surroundings of the valley.

We visit the villages of Lac, Na Chieng and Pom Coong, home to the ethnic community Thai, where we learn more about their customs, traditions and way of life.

After lunch, we continue towards the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful areas in the north of Vietnam, known for its rice terraces, traditional villages and mountain landscapes.

We arrive at Pu Luong and we go to the accommodation to check in.

In the afternoon, we visit the village of Gift and we continue our journey to the village of Lan, passing through quiet country lanes surrounded by rice terraces and mountains.

During the visit, we discover the artisan tradition of the local community, known for preserving traditional weaving techniques passed down from generation to generation.

We return to the accommodation and have free time.

After breakfast, we begin the day's visits.

Additional activity if we travel on Thursday or Sunday: we visit the Pho Doan Market, in Pu Luong, a traditional market where local ethnic communities exchange agricultural and artisanal products.

Next, we head to Hieu Village for a hike through rural landscapes, rice terraces, and traditional villages. During the tour, we observe the daily life of the local community and the natural environment of Pu Luong.

We continue until the Hieu Waterfall, one of the best known of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where we have time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Later, we visit the Chiang Lau Village and we contemplate the traditional Waterwheels of Chiang Lau, used for generations to irrigate the rice fields in the area.

Then we cross the Bamboo Bridge over the Cham Stream and we enjoy the views over the rural landscapes surrounding the region.

We end the visit with a relaxing Bamboo Raft Ride on the Cham Stream, an experience that allows us to contemplate the natural beauty of Pu Luong from a different perspective.

Note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit. The activity of Bamboo Raft Ride It may be suspended for safety reasons in case of rain or when the water level is too high.

After lunch, we return to Hanoi.

Pu Luong – VXA Travel

Featured city

Map

SERVICES INCLUDED

Comfortable and punctual domestic flights with the most prestigious airlines in the region (in Vietnam and Cambodia whenever possible with Vietnam Airlines or Cambodia Angkor Air)

International flights between Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand or Bali, depending on the chosen itinerary.

Welcome package: Welcome gift and a local SIM card (1 SIM per person: physical SIM or eSIM, depending on your phone)

ACCOMMODATION In 4-star or 5-star hotels (rated by local authorities), carefully selected to offer charm and comfort. Double, single, or triple rooms, with breakfast included.

Traditional cruise through Halong Bay, sleeping on board in a private cabin as the bay is covered in fog at dawn.

English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Private vehicle with air conditioning and bottled water for your comfort. (In Halong and Sapa, transport will be shared).

Tickets included to all monuments, shows and experiences indicated in the itinerary.

Authentic meals according to the program, carefully selected to discover local flavors.

Exclusive WhatsApp group with travelers and the VXA Travel team (up to 4 advisors), offering personalized 24/7 assistance in English throughout the trip.

Commission-free local currency exchange upon arrival (available in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City), so you can start your trip worry-free.

EXCLUDED SERVICES

International flights to/from Spain or other countries of origin.

Travel medical insurance.

Meals, drinks and personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.

Bank fees or international transfers.

Visas for the different destinations (according to the itinerary).

Tips and other expenses not specified in the program.

Frequently asked questions about traveling to Vietnam

1. Visa Requirements (Vietnam and Cambodia)

 1. Visa Requirements (Vietnam and Cambodia)

1.1. Vietnam

Spanish and European Union (EU) citizens

Visa exempt for stays of up to 45 days (including the day of entry and exit).

For stays of 45 to 90 days (single or multiple entry), it is necessary to apply for an e-Visa before arrival.

Official Government page for e-Visa:

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/trang-chu-ttdt

Requirement: Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Citizens of Latin America

Most Latin American countries require a visa to enter Vietnam (with some exceptions).

It is recommended to confirm the requirements with your travel advisor.

If you need a visa, the e-Visa is the easiest and most recommended option.

Official Government page for e-Visa:

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/trang-chu-ttdt

Duration: Up to 90 days.

1.2. Cambodia

Cambodia maintains a simple and uniform visa process for international travelers.

Spanish citizens, EU and Latin America

All international travelers (outside of ASEAN) need a visa to enter Cambodia.

There are two main options:

1) e-Visa (Electronic Visa)

It allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Official Government Website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

2) Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports and at major land border crossings.

It allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Requirement: Passport valid for at least 6 months.

***Fast Track (Cambodia)

Fast immigration processing service, no queues.

Upon your arrival at the airport, a member of the immigration police who collaborates with our VIP Visa Express service will be waiting for you at the entrance to the international hall, holding a sign with the name of our agency.

You only need to hand over your passport; no photographs, forms, or additional payments are required.

The agent will escort you directly to the baggage claim area without you having to queue.

While you collect your luggage, the agent will prepare the visa and entry stamp in your passport.

At the end, he will hand you the processed passport and accompany you to the exit, where our transport will be waiting for you.

2. Connectivity and Language

2.1 Phone/Data SIM

For our clients:

Each traveler receives 1 SIM per person with 2GB of internet per day (physical SIM or eSIM).

Please let us know before arrival which type of SIM you prefer.

Other independent travelers:

They can easily buy local SIMs at airports, tourist shops or local operator stores (Viettel, Mobifone).

Wi-Fi

Wide availability of free Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes and restaurants.

2.2 Language

Vietnam: Vietnamese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Cambodia: Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

 It depends on the region:

  • North: October to April, cool and dry weather; May to September (summer), golden rice paddies. Short rains refresh the air, ideal for sunsets in Ha Long Bay or in the terraced fields of Tam Cốc, Mai Châu, and Sapa.
  • Central region: February to August, less rain; September to December, occasional rain and possible flooding. Even so, it's a perfect time to enjoy the scenery and local atmosphere.
  • South: simple climate, with a dry season (Dec–Apr), ideal with sun and little rain; rainy season (May–Nov), with brief showers that rarely affect plans.

     

  1. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?
    Yes, Vietnam is very safe for tourists. Only normal precautions are recommended with belongings and while traveling.

     

  2. Which internal transport is recommended?
    Domestic flights and private transfers are ideal for a comfortable trip. There are also trains and buses for those seeking adventure.

  3. What kind of cuisine can I expect?
    Phở, Bánh mì, Bún chả, Nem rán, Gỏi cuốn, and egg coffee are just a few of the delicacies. Eating at busy establishments guarantees freshness and authenticity.

  4. What cultural experiences shouldn't I miss?
    North: Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Ha Long, Mai Châu – Pù Luông (Sapa).
    Center: Huế, Hội An, beaches.
    South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta.
  5. Which currency should I prepare?
    The currency is VND. It is recommended to bring both cash and a card.
SHARE THIS JOURNEY WITH YOUR FRIENDS:
Share Buttons

Tour code:

3D-MCPL

Ready for your adventure?

Complete the form and our team will send you the tour details within 48 hours.

Related Tours

Essential Vietnam and Cambodia: North, Danang beaches and Siem Reap in 12 days

Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

Sapa nature and culture 3 days with Fansipan

4-day break in the paradise of Phu Quoc