From: ^$649 ^$~~690~~

From Hanoi: 4-Day Pu Luong, Mai Chau & Incense Village Tour

4 Day Hanoi

Book tour

Customer reviews

3

0 reviews

Excellent

Tour code
Vmtdbpl43
Start
Hanoi
End
Hanoi
Type tour
Group tour
Age range
5 - 80
Language
English
Payments
Pay later
Cancel tour
Yes/Free

About

Highlights

Visit the colorful Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a famous century-old craft village known for traditional incense-making and vibrant photo spots.
Discover authentic ethnic culture in Da Bac, meeting local families and learning traditional beeswax printing and indigo dyeing from the Dao Tien community.
Experience village life in the scenic valley of Mai Chau, cycling through rice paddies and staying in a traditional Thai stilt house.
Trek through breathtaking rice terraces and bamboo forests in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of Northern Vietnam’s most beautiful hidden gems.
Enjoy authentic homestay experiences, savor traditional ethnic cuisine, and connect with friendly local communities.
Explore untouched landscapes of Northern Vietnam, from lush valleys and limestone mountains to peaceful rural villages.

Description

Discover the hidden beauty of Northern Vietnam on this immersive 4-day journey from Hanoi to the peaceful countryside of Da Bac, the scenic valley of Mai Chau, and the breathtaking landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Along the way, visit the colorful Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, trek through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests, and experience authentic village life with local ethnic communities. Stay in traditional homestays, savor regional cuisine, and discover the unique culture and traditions of Northern Vietnam.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, cultural immersion, and stunning natural scenery beyond the typical tourist routes.

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons:

• Spring (Feb – Apr): Mild weather ~20°C, light drizzle, blooming landscapes
• Summer (May – Aug): Hot & tropical, great for Halong Bay cruises
• Autumn (Sep – Nov): Cool, dry, perfect for Sapa trekking
• Winter (Dec – Feb): Cold and misty, ideal for mountain scenery

The best months for this 6 days 5 nights Northern Vietnam tour are March–May and September–November for comfortable weather and clear views.

Why Choose This Tour?

Explore Northern Vietnam’s hidden gems beyond the usual tourist routes, from the colorful Quang Phu Cau Incense Village to the peaceful mountain villages of Da Bac.
Authentic cultural immersion with ethnic communities including the Dao Tien, Muong, and Thai people, offering meaningful local experiences and warm homestay hospitality.
Unique hands-on activities such as traditional beeswax printing, indigo dyeing, village cycling, and trekking through scenic rice terraces.
Stay in traditional homestays in remote villages, enjoy home-cooked meals, and experience genuine local life in places like Mai Chau and Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Perfect balance of culture, nature, and adventure with scenic drives, light trekking, and village exploration through Northern Vietnam’s most beautiful rural landscapes.
Small-group experience with expert local guides, ensuring personalized service and deeper insights into local traditions and culture.

Photos

Itinerary

Embark on a 4-day journey through the hidden gems of northern Vietnam, traveling from Hanoi to Da Bac, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong. This adventure takes you deep into rural landscapes, where you'll encounter the secluded Sung Village, home to the Dao Tien community, the riverside village of Da Bia, where the Muong people live, and the picturesque Mai Chau valley, where the Thai ethnic group resides. Immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty, from terraced fields to lush valleys, while discovering the unique traditions and cultures of these ethnic communities.

07:30 – Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for the famous Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a traditional craft village known for its vibrant red incense sticks. Walk through colorful alleys and watch local artisans dyeing, drying, and shaping incense by hand – a craft passed down for generations.

Continue the scenic journey to Da Bac, a peaceful mountainous area surrounded by forests and rural landscapes.

In the afternoon, arrive at Sung Village, home of the Dao Tien ethnic community. Visit a local family and learn about traditional beeswax printing and indigo dyeing, an ancient textile craft of the Dao people.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Dao-style dinner and relax at a cozy local homestay.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local homestay in Da Bac

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of village life before enjoying breakfast at the homestay.

After breakfast, drive to the beautiful valley of Mai Chau, famous for its emerald rice fields and traditional Thai ethnic villages.

Upon arrival, check in to a traditional Thai stilt house homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by your host family.

In the afternoon, explore Mai Chau by bicycle or walking, passing through rice paddies, stilt houses, and quiet village paths. Meet friendly locals and learn about the daily life and culture of the Thai ethnic community.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious Thai-style dinner and relax in the peaceful countryside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Thai stilt house homestay in Mai Chau

After breakfast, travel to the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem of Northern Vietnam known for its lush forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages.

Arrive at Eo Ken Village and begin a scenic 2-hour trekking adventure through rolling rice terraces, limestone mountains, bamboo forests, and tropical landscapes. Visit a local family and gain insight into traditional rural life.

After lunch, check in to your homestay in Don Village. Later, enjoy a gentle valley walk through rice paddies, fish ponds, and peaceful Thai villages while interacting with friendly locals.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Pu Luong.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Pu Luong

In the morning, visit Chieng Lau village, famous for its impressive bamboo water wheels, a traditional irrigation system still used by local farmers.

Take a relaxing walk through the countryside before departing for Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream, home to thousands of unique sacred fish and fascinating local legends.

After lunch, begin the journey back to Hanoi.

17:30 – Arrive in Hanoi and drop off at your hotel. End of the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Policy

Price included

Hotel accommodation based on twin.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Private transportation.
English- speaking guide (other languages are available upon request).
Sightseeing as specified including entrance fees.
Travel insurance..
Water (2 bottle/day)..
Description of service in details.

Tips for tour guide, driver
Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc
International airfare to/ from Vietnam & International airport tax in Vietnam
Others which are not mentioned in the inclusion

For children

Children’s Discounts: Kids 0-5 stay free with two adults; discounts for ages 6-12 apply based on the package.
Child Activity Participation: Children can join most activities, but some may have age restrictions. Check details before booking.
Child Safety and Supervision: Parents must supervise their children and follow provided safety guidelines. Some activities may need parental consent or accompaniment.

Other terms

This sample itinerary is designed for private arrangement. In order to get the most updated pricing information, please send us an INQUIRY and let us know some information about your travel plan such as travel date, number of people traveling together, accommodation standard and so on. There are a number of factors which will influence the prices; these include the standard of accommodations, the season.Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekkingIt is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...