DAY 1: HANOI – LONG COC
Start your journey from Hanoi with a scenic drive through the rural countryside of the northern part of Tan Son district of Phu Tho province, where you’ll check in at the charming ecolodge. Nestled amidst rolling green hills, this eco-retreat offers a serene escape from the bustle of city life.
Spend your afternoon exploring the mesmerizing Long Coc tea plantations, renowned for their lush greenery and tranquil ambiance.
For thrill-seekers, there’s an optional paragliding activity at Bong Station, where you can soar above the verdant landscape for breathtaking aerial views.
As evening falls, join your hosts for a dinner featuring dishes infused with the flavors of green tea, a culinary specialty of the region. Savor this unique blend of tradition and taste as you dine in the welcoming atmosphere of a local homestay.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Long Coc
DAY 2: XUAN SON NATIONAL PARK EXPLORATION – TAI CHI SESSION IN JUNGLE
Wake early for a gentle 3 km walk to a vantage point, where the sunrise casts its golden hues over the hilly landscape, creating an unforgettable moment of peace and beauty.
Return to your homestay/ecolodge for breakfast and then take a short drive to Xuan Son National Park. After 30 minutes, begin with a visit to Ban Du, a village of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups. Immerse yourself in their daily life, learning about traditional customs and hearing stories passed down through generations. Continue to Tho Than Cave (Earth Deity Cave), steeped in the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh regarding “elephant with nine ivory tusks, rooster with nine sharp spurs, horse with a coat of nine shades of red”, and walk along a picturesque trail to experience the remote wilderness.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by a serene stream, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Post-lunch, drive to Ban Coi of Muong ethnic to explore Coi Cave, where a bamboo raft takes you to a hidden waterfall inside. Discover the enchanting tale of the green hemizygous fish that resides here, adding a mystical touch to the adventure.
Optional activitiy at surchrage USD 250 per group: For a truly serene experience, opt for a Tai Chi session on atop a hill surrounded by verdant tea fields, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight at homestay
DAY 3: LONG COC EARLY YOGA ON TOP OF TEA PLANTATION – OPTIONAL DAY
Breakfast is at homestay and then take this day as a recovery day for your leisure.
Optional activity at surcharge of USD 250 per group
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Long Coc with an early morning yoga session atop its lush green tea plantations. This optional experience invites you to connect with nature while rejuvenating your body and mind in a truly magical setting.
As the first light of dawn begins to illuminate the rolling hills, make your way to the designated yoga spot, nestled amidst the vibrant rows of tea bushes. The soft golden hues of sunrise cast a warm glow over the landscape, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The crisp morning air, infused with the subtle aroma of tea leaves, adds a refreshing touch to the session.
Led by an experienced yoga instructor, this session focuses on gentle stretches, energizing flows, and mindful breathing techniques. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, the practice is tailored to suit all levels. Each pose is designed to harmonize your body and spirit, helping you feel centered and energized for the day ahead.
As you move through the poses, take moments to pause and absorb the breathtaking 360-degree views of Long Coc’s iconic tea hills. The rhythmic sound of birdsong and the rustling of leaves create a soothing natural soundtrack, making this yoga session not just a physical practice but also a deeply meditative experience.
At the end of the session, relax in a seated position as the instructor guides you through a short meditation, allowing you to fully embrace the peace and serenity of the moment. Before leaving, take time to enjoy the view, perhaps snapping a few photos to capture the memory of this unforgettable experience.
This yoga session offers a perfect balance of wellness and nature, setting the tone for a day of exploration and connection with Long Coc’s extraordinary beauty. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or inspiration, this optional activity is a must for anyone visiting this enchanting region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight at homestay
DAY 4: LONG COC TREKKING – DA BAC – MAI CHAU
Prepare for an active day of exploration as you trek 10 km from Long Coc, passing through verdant tea plantations and scenic rice terraces. The journey offers ample opportunities to connect with locals tending their crops and appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Reach the banks of the Black River, where a local boat will ferry you across to Da Bac in Hoa Binh Province. This serene ride offers stunning views of the river and its surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival in Da Bac, a vehicle will pick you up for the journey to Mai Chau.
Check-in at your accommodation in Mai Chau, a valley known for its vibrant culture and picturesque surroundings. Spend the evening enjoying local delicacies and getting acquainted with the warm hospitality of the Thai ethnic community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Mai Chau
DAY 5: CYCLING IN RURAL COUNTRYSIDE – PU LUONG
Embark on a journey that takes you deep into the heart of Mai Chau’s serene beauty and rich culture. This cycling adventure offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Thai ethnic minority, set against a backdrop of lush rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and limestone peaks.
Begin your day with a gentle cycling tour through winding paths that lead to local villages like Lac and Pom Coong. The quiet roads are lined with bamboo groves and streams, and as you pedal along, you’ll encounter farmers tending to their rice fields and children waving from their stilt homes. Pause to admire the artistry of the local weavers, where you can observe or even participate in creating colorful textiles that reflect the traditions of the Thai people.
The trail takes you further into the valley, where emerald rice paddies stretch endlessly against the horizon. Your guide will share stories of Mai Chau’s agricultural practices, offering insights into the cycles of planting and harvest that shape life here. Along the way, you’ll stop at a community temple or gathering house (Nha Van Hoa) to learn about the region’s spiritual heritage and customs.
Take a well-deserved break at a quaint family home or local café, enjoying refreshing sugarcane juice or seasonal fruits. The hospitality of the Thai people is warm and inviting, leaving you with a deep appreciation for their way of life.
As the cycling tour concludes, return to Mai Chau town to meet your driver. From here, enjoy a scenic transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, check in to your charming homestay, where the tranquil surroundings of verdant forests and terraced fields await. Unwind and savor the peaceful evening, immersing yourself in the serene ambiance of Pu Luong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Pu Luong
DAY 6: PU LUONG TREKKING – RAFTING
Start your journey with a nourishing breakfast at your homestay, fueling up for an immersive day in the natural beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Set out on a trek that leads you through cascading terraced rice fields, verdant valleys, and peaceful trails lined with bamboo groves and whispering streams. Along the way, discover the charm of small villages of Ban Don & Ban Hieu, where locals warmly welcome visitors into their world of traditions and simple living.
Pause to take in the serene surroundings, with opportunities to capture photos of the breathtaking landscapes and engage with the local people, learning about their connection to the land and their cultural heritage. Continue through tranquil forest paths and open clearings that reveal the hidden gems of Pu Luong’s untouched nature.
After the trek, arrive at a gentle river, where a bamboo raft awaits to carry you downstream. Drift along the calm waters, marveling at the dramatic limestone formations and lush greenery that frame your journey. The rhythmic paddle strokes and the sound of flowing water create a meditative experience, offering a deeper connection with the reserve’s pristine environment.
Conclude your adventure back at the homestay, where you can refresh and relax, savoring the day’s memories. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, perhaps indulging in a traditional meal or simply resting in the embrace of Pu Luong’s natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight at homestay
DAY 7: PU LUONG – HANOI – DEPARTURE
Begin your day with a tranquil breakfast at your homestay in Pu Luong, taking in the serene surroundings of lush greenery and terraced landscapes. Take some time to reflect on your stay in the nature reserve, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps a final stroll around the village to bid farewell to the locals and their way of life.
Depart from Pu Luong and embark on a scenic drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, marvel at the changing scenery as the tranquil countryside gradually transitions into the bustling charm of Vietnam’s capital. The journey offers glimpses of rice paddies, small villages, and the daily lives of the local people.
Arrive in Hanoi, where you can enjoy a leisurely stop in the city if time allows. Perhaps explore a café in the Old Quarter or visit a local market to pick up last-minute souvenirs and soak in the vibrant energy of the city.
Conclude your journey with a transfer to Noi Bai International Airport, ensuring you arrive with ample time to check in for your next destination. As you bid farewell to Vietnam, carry with you the memories of Long Coc, Xuan Son National Park, Mai Chau, Pu Luong’s natural beauty, Hanoi’s cultural richness, and the warm hospitality experienced throughout your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Nhà Hàng Good Morning Vietnam