Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hang Kia Village
We depart Hanoi at 08:00 heading west to Hoa Binh Province where we stop for refreshments. From our stop we climb towards the Mai Chau valley, two hours away, pausing on the way to take in the spectacular scenery. Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the H’mong village of Sa Linh from where we commence a 3-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia, situated in a picturesque valley of peach orchards. 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, however, mattresses, mosquito nets and blankets are provided. (L,D)
Day 2: Hang Kia - Van Village
Today we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek through tropical rain forest, using the local tracks and passing through cornfields as we descend in to Mai Chau Valley. Along the way we encounter the local villagers as they go about their daily business: whether it be tilling the fields, logging or herding buffalo. The trek usually takes around 5 hours and is quite steep in places. Lunch will be provided en route, and weather permitting, we will have a picnic near a babbling brook at the foot of the valley. From here we pass through several White Thai villages, and are sure to attract attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. 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 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! (B,L,D)
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 will return to Van village for lunch. With lunch finished there will 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). Here there will be an opportunity to freshen up at the communal well before sunset. 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)
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 Thai villages or maybe wander into Mai Chau town itself. This evening is spent in Poong Cong village. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Poong Con Village - Nanh Village
From Poong Cong we drive to the Da River, 30 minutes from Mai Chau town, where we board our boat for a half an 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)
Day 6: Mai Chau- Hanoi
Departing the village at around 08:00, 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 13.00. (B)
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