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Personalized tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, crafted for unforgettable, immersive experiences.

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    15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

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    info@goldentrailtravel.com
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    +84(832) - 126 - 699

Best of Northern Vietnam: Mai Chau, Pu Luong & Ninh Binh 4-Day Private Escape

  • CODE: GDT2773
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 3 - 4 days
  • Price from: $518.00 Per Person (Group of )
  • Route: Vietnam - Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Pu Luong - Mai Chau

Overview

A Tranquil, Exclusive Journey Through Vietnam's Golden Triangle of Beauty

Welcome to the Best of Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh Private Tour 4 Days—a meticulously curated, deeply personal journey designed for travelers who seek serenity, authentic cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty away from the masses. This 4-day Vietnam private tour is your ultimate escape, connecting three of Northern Vietnam's most celebrated, yet distinct, tranquil destinations: the gentle valleys of Mai Châu, the spectacular terraced landscape of Pù Luông Nature Reserve, and the majestic, cinematic karst formations of Ninh Bình.

This journey is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. It begins in Mai Chau, a peaceful valley famed for its vibrant green rice fields and the welcoming culture of the White Thai ethnic minority. Here, you’ll feel an immediate sense of peace, engaging in gentle activities like cycling Mai Chau through quiet villages and witnessing traditional life unfold. It's an intimate introduction to the soft side of Vietnam, setting the tone for a truly peaceful Vietnam escape.

The adventure seamlessly flows into Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a destination that will take your breath away. This reserve is the hidden gem of the North, offering vast, cascading rice terraces that rival the famed Sapa, but with a fraction of the crowds. Your experience here revolves around Pu Luong nature reserve trekking, plunging into valleys where limestone mountains meet the sky and traditional stilt houses dot the hillsides. The feeling of conquering a trail and being rewarded with an endless vista of golden and green fields is one of pure exhilaration and achievement.

Finally, the tour culminates in Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on Land. This unique landscape of towering limestone karsts emerging from emerald rice paddies offers spectacular views and iconic experiences. Glide through flooded rice fields on a traditional sampan boat trip in Tam Coc or Trang An complex, feeling the quiet magic of the landscape surround you.

As a private tour, every detail is handled with your comfort and pace in mind. You will enjoy hand-picked accommodation, from traditional-yet-luxurious homestays that offer deep immersion to comfortable, modern hotels. This tour doesn't just show you Northern Vietnam; it allows you to live its quiet beauty, connect with its generous people, and return home refreshed, enriched, and revitalized. This is truly the Best of Northern Vietnam wrapped into one unforgettable, private luxury Vietnam experience.

Trip Map

Highlight

Experience, Culture, and Tranquility

  • Idyllic Mai Chau Cycling: Feel the breeze on your face as you cycle leisurely through the flat, lush valleys of Mai Chau, visiting remote villages and experiencing the gentle culture of the Thai ethnic culture Vietnam firsthand.

  • Majestic Pu Luong Trekking: Conquer the challenging yet rewarding paths of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve, rewarded with stunning panoramic views of cascading rice terraces and limestone peaks.

  • The Serenity of Water-Based Exploration: Experience the iconic Tam Coc boat tour (or Trang An), gliding along the river through caves and rice fields, immersed in the quiet grandeur of Ninh Binh's "Ha Long Bay on Land."

  • Authentic Stilt House Stays: Stay in thoughtfully selected accommodation, including luxurious private resorts or traditional stilt houses, allowing for genuine connection with the landscapes and people.

  • Immersion in Local Life: Participate in local life and witness traditional farming methods in Pu Luong, gaining deeper insight into rural Vietnamese existence.

  • Exclusive Private Experience: Travel in comfort and style with a dedicated driver and guide, ensuring a personalized, flexible, and utterly relaxing Vietnam itinerary 4 days.

  • Scenic Drives and Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning transfers that are part of the tour experience, offering endless opportunities for photography as you navigate the mountainous regions connecting Mai Chau and Pu Luong.

Route Snapshot: Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

This route is designed to start with cultural immersion (Mai Chau), escalate to natural adventure (Pu Luong), and conclude with world-class geological wonder (Ninh Binh), maximizing impact and minimizing travel fatigue.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Dream Vietnam holidays, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every getaway should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier Vietnam holidays tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke coastal experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate travel specialists—is committed to ensuring your escape is seamless, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian Vietnam holidays. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream Vietnam holidays across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

Expand All Close All
Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau – Cycling into the Heart of Thai Culture

Included:

  • Guide, Transportation, Bike, Water

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing)

Your private sanctuary begins at 8:00 AM as your guide and driver pick you up in Hanoi. The 3.5-hour scenic drive to Mai Chau is a delight in itself. We'll make a stop to visit a traditional Muong village, offering your first glimpse into the rich ethnic tapestry of Vietnam.

The journey culminates at the legendary Thung Khe Pass, a natural balcony offering magnificent panoramic views of the valley below. You’ll arrive in Mai Hich, a peaceful commune in Mai Chau, renowned for its harmonious landscape where stilt houses, vibrant rice fields, mountains, and gentle streams coexist in perfect balance.

After checking into your accommodation and enjoying a delicious, home-cooked local lunch prepared by your host, the afternoon is dedicated to exploration. You can choose a relaxed walk (approx. 6 km) or an invigorating bike ride (approx. 12 km) along the quiet trails. You’ll be utterly seduced by the scenery. Do not miss the opportunity to connect with the friendly White Thai villagers who are always ready to welcome you with a warm cup of tea and a smile.

Optional Enhancement: Conclude your evening with an exclusive, private traditional music and dancing show performed by local villagers (available for an extra cost—ask your guide to reserve this authentic cultural spectacle!).

Day 2: Mai Chau to Pu Luong – Muong Culture and the Valley of the Water Wheels

Included:

  • Guide, Transportation, Bamboo Rafting, Water

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Pu Luong Home (Shared Bathroom)

Today, you journey deeper into nature’s embrace as we transfer to the spectacular Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Our day starts with a short transfer to Eo Ken, a village inhabited by the Muong ethnic group.

Your 4-5 km trekking adventure begins here. Walk down the slope, where the spectacular view of Pu Luong—a sweeping canvas of terraced rice fields and majestic mountains—unfolds before your eyes. You’ll visit a Muong family in Eo Ken village to discover their authentic daily life before continuing your walk. We'll cross a gentle stream to reach Hang Village, capturing unforgettable moments of this pristine landscape.

After a short transfer to your Pu Luong accommodation, the afternoon is dedicated to the breathtaking beauty of Chieng Lau. This area is renowned for its lush rice fields and remarkable bamboo water wheels. Here, you will embark on a scenic walk (3-4 km) to witness these ingenious irrigation systems in action, engaging with local residents to understand this essential part of their farming culture. This evening, relax at your comfortable home base, enjoying dinner and the tranquil sounds of the valley.

Day 3: Pu Luong to Ninh Binh – A Golden Hike and Ha Long Bay on Land

Included:

  • Guide, Transportation, Water

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Nep House (Double Room)

Start your morning with a final, invigorating authentic easy hiking route (approx. 5 km) down into the heart of the valley. Your path winds through spectacular rice fields, connecting the peaceful hamlets of Chom Uoi and Chom Lan to Pho Doan village. Every turn offers a new, breathtaking vista—your camera will be working overtime! You’ll witness the rich tapestry of life where rice terraces blend seamlessly with villages, fields, streams, and mountains. This final walk through the Pu Luong terraces is the perfect farewell to this serene landscape.

After your hike, we transfer directly to Ninh Binh (approx. 3 hours). The drive itself is a picturesque journey, transitioning from winding mountain roads to the vast, peaceful rural landscapes of the Red River Delta. This is your chance to glimpse the daily life of the Vietnamese countryside.

Upon arrival, check into your charming accommodation, the Nep House, offering you a tranquil base before exploring the karst wonders of Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on Land." Enjoy a restful evening and a delightful dinner, preparing for tomorrow's grand finale.

Day 4: Ninh Binh to Hanoi – Karst Boat Trip and Cultural Immersion

Included:

  • Guide, Boat Trip, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike, Leisure, Water

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Accommodation: N/A

Your final day is packed with cultural and natural highlights. Start your morning with a memorable excursion: choose between a 10 km one-way or 20 km round-trip bike ride along the serene river dyke. This ride offers stunning views of rice fields and the dramatic limestone mountains. If cycling isn't your preference, you can choose to ride as a passenger on a scooter or take a car.

We’ll visit Thung La Temple, an ancient site dating back to the 11th century. While here, don’t miss the opportunity to witness a captivating traditional musical instrument performance, connecting you to the deep spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

The climax of your Ninh Binh adventure is a peaceful sampan boat trip through the magnificent Van Long Nature Reserve. Gliding silently along the stream and under the towering karsts, you'll feel completely immersed in the beauty. If luck is on our side, we may spot the rare white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs!

After the boat trip, we visit a local embroidery village. Take part in a hands-on embroidery workshop led by a local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam, who will proudly explain the techniques of this traditional art. This is your chance to practice on fabric like a real craftsman!

After returning your bike and bidding farewell to your kind hosts, we begin the comfortable 2-hour drive back to Hanoi. We will drop you off at your accommodation in the Old Quarter in the late afternoon, leaving you refreshed and enriched by this unforgettable private escape.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Price from:
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The note if you are a solo traveler

Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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