Mai Chau Valley Break

TOUR SUMMARY
FULL ITINERARY
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Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau

We leave Hanoi at 8am for the scenic drive to Mai Chau. On arrival, a welcome briefing on the activity options and Lodge facilities is followed by lunch. At 1pm you can check into your room and take a shower. We will then visit Thai villages of Pom Coong and Lac, here we have time for handicraft shopping from the local artisans or enjoying a coffee with the friendly villagers.

At about 4pm there is an optional trip to a private cave attached to the Lodge. The cave, which used to be a military base, is looked after by a team of local hill tribe people. During the cave tour you will learn more about the limestone karst cave and its history in the local region.

A fabulous dinner is served at 7pm, accompanied by a traditional dance performance by the local Thai tribe.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Hanoi

After breakfast you are welcome to join a two hour cycling tour or walking trek through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. You will meet the local hill tribes going about their daily routines such as planting rice, herding buffalos or building traditional houses.

Lunch is served after check out. We then leave for Hanoi, returning to your hotel at approximately 5pm.

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Mai Chau Valley Break

Customer Feedback

Summary

Mai Chau is only 4 hours away from bustling Hanoi but feels like another world as your vehicle ascends into the lush mountains, home to remote hill tribes and visited by surprisingly few tourists. Want an authentic cultural insight into the fascinating lives of the Mai Chau hill tribes by day but don’t fancy homestays by night? For the first time this is now possible with the brand new Mai Chau Lodge which opened in November 2007. With only 16 ensuite rooms the Lodge has an intimate feel and excellent facilities including a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and fully stocked bar.

This package is ideal for those wanting to see the real Vietnam but with limited time. Included in the package are many opportunities to explore the dramatic scenery and learn about the local people, or if you prefer to simply relax, this is the ideal setting to do so. Enjoy trekking and cycling, learn about local handicrafts like weaving or try your hand at a cooking class. Buffalo Tours is actively involved in poverty alleviation in the Mai Chau region (see overleaf for details) and runs community projects you can visit or participate in. With so many activities offered, you are highly recommended to stay longer if time permits.

Highlights

Staying in a small, lovely lodge on the edge of Mai Chau with the village at your finger tips
Cycling through villages, on small paths and past smiling happy people
Dining on delicious food, swimming in the lodge's pool and sleeping in the best beds for miles!
Visiting a large cave, having a guided tour of the village and shopping for souvenirs
Being so close to hanoi but feeling so far away, with very few tourists!

Perfect for...

Anyone wanting to experience hill tribe villages but not wanting to loose their creature comforts
Families, the lodge has a swimming pool, children's bicycles and much more
Expats wanting to escape for the weekend

Everything went according to plan from when Seon collected us from the airport and then all the way through our stay. The village Mai Chau is beautiful. The service at the motel was excellent, the food was great.We were also treated to some traditional dancing by the local Thai people and they were great. We went for a walk around the local village of the white Thai people and our guide ( I am sorry I have forgotten his name) he was fantastic.

Peter Brown, Australia

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