Mai
Chau and long trek through Ethnic Minority Hill
tribe villages
This trip to the north
west highland of Mai Chau offers a balance of
cultural and physical activities set amongst
some northern Vietnam's stunning natural landscape.
We spend 5 nights in the ethnic hill tribes
minority villages walking a average of 5 hours
a day. We trek for four days through villages
in the Mai Chau area and overnight in White
Thai and H'mong villages where we have opportunities
to observe the local lifestyle of these minority
people. From the mountainous region of Mai Chau,
we travel back to the nations capital, Hanoi.
Travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track
often prefer Mai Chau to Sapa.
ITINERARY
....................................................................................................
Day
1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hang Kia
(Lunch & Dinner included)
We depart Hanoi at
0800 heading west towards Hoa Binh province, two
hours away. We will stop here for refreshments.
Leaving Hoa Binh 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 Thai village of Sa Linh. From here we will
start our 3-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia.
Our hosts for this evening will be the H'mong
minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality,
we find out a little more of their lives and cultures
with a cultural exchange following the evening
meal. Tonight's accommodation could probably be
a little more rustic than you would be used to.
Day
2: Hang Kia - Van village (Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
This morning we will breakfast with the family,
before bidding farewell to our gracious hosts
and setting off on a 7-hour trek. On the way we
will stop for a picnic lunch of sandwiches and
fruit. Around 1600 we arrive at Van Village inhabited
by the White Thai people. Our equally hospitable
hosts for this evening, will treat us to a fine
meal, stories of life in Van village, share their
home brewed rice wine with us and traditionally
offer a toast to our good health and happiness.
Day
3 : Van village - Xo village
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
included)
After breakfast we spend the morning strolling
around the surrounding villages and meeting villagers
along the way. After a morning of cultural insights
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 ). Arriving at our new hosts residence around
mid to late afternoon, there will be a opportunity
to freshen up at the communal well before the
sunsets. This evening following dinner, we will
have the opportunity for more cultural interaction,
before retiring for our second night in a stilt
house.
Day
4: Xo village - Lac village (Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
This morning we breakfast with the family early
before bidding farewell to our new friends, it
is a five-hour trek from Xo to Lac village where
we have lunch. We have the afternoon free to wander
around one of the most picturesque Thai villages
in Hoa Binh Province and also maybe wander into
Mai Chau town itself. This evening is spent in
Lac village.
Day
5: Lac village - Nanh village(Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
From Lac we drive to the Da River, 45 minutes
from Mai Chau town, climb board our boat and cruise
the river for about a hour. We have a 2-hour trek
to a Zao village and a picnic lunch on the way
. We have dinner and spend the night at the village.
Day
6: Mai Chau- Hanoi (Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
We have breakfast at 0730 and leave the village
at 0800. We retrace our steps back to the boat
and the bus trip back to Hanoi. We get back to
Hanoi by 1300.
Prices
in USD per person
Group
Size (Pax)
|
Price
|
1 |
450 |
2
to 3 |
290 |
4
to 5 |
215 |
6
to 8 |
170 |
9
to 12 |
155 |
Pre
Trip Information :
When:
|
This
tour operates year round however please
note that during the wettest months are
between June and August and the coldest
months are from November to January. |
Grade:
|
Moderate |
Accommodation:
|
Traditional
minority stilt houses. |
Transport:
|
Air-conditioned
vehicle. |
Fitness
Requirements:
|
You
would need to be in good physical condition
to participate in the treks. |
Prices
are Includes :
+
5 Nights Accommodation at villages ( Basic conditions)
+English/French
speaking tour guide
+Meals
as mentioned within the itinerary
+Transportations
from/to Hanoi
+Admission
fees and overnight stay permits at villages
+Meals
are not mentioned in above program
+Drinks
and Personal expenses
