Mai Chau offers a most splendid vista of the valley surrounded by the lush green forests, fields and stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group. This is a quiet piece of countryside to stroll and cycle through and to be wrapped in the warm and nice hospitality of the Thai people. The Sunday market brings hundreds of locals where many traditional Thai dishes are made and you can revel in the sounds of traditional music and dance.

DESTINATIONS

• The valley of Mai Chau, surrounded by jagged limestone mountains

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relaxing rural landscape
• Friendship, warmth and hospitality of a homestay with local ethnic Thai people
• Tasty local food shared with your hosts
• Easy and fun cycling with high quality gear through the gorgeous valley

[Day 1] Hanoi – Mai Chau
Meals: lunch and dinner | Accommodation: homestay

On the morning drive to Mai Chau, we'll leave the city behind and pass through the craggy, mountainous landscape. On arrival in Pom Coong village, you'll check in to the stilt-house home of a Thai ethnic minority family. In the afternoon, you can cycle through the lovely villages in the Mai Chau valley letting your guide point out and explain the wonders along the way. Afterwards, we return to Mai Chau for dinner and homestay in the stilt house with your friendly Thai hosts.

[Day 2] Mai Chau - Hanoi
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: N/A

After breakfast with a view, you can wander around the houses to glimpse the daily life of local people. They specialize in weaving brocade products and they're happy to show visitors their skills. The village is operated as a community cooperative organized by the people themselves – one of many reasons why Handspan is proud to bring visitors here. In the afternoon, you'll return to Hanoi with a new perspective on life in rural Vietnam and some fantastic memories stored in the camera and in your heart.

Note: Overnight stay at the deluxe Mai Chau lodge is available with a surcharge!

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013)

(Classic version: Instead of cycling, you will walk/trek or travel by car between places).

Maximum: 8 people/group

Group discount is available, please contact our sales staff at Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

Included

• Homestay accommodation in Mai Chau
• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• Mountain bikes and safety gear (currently using Trek 4500 bikes)
• The services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

• Hotel in Hanoi
• Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance
• Surcharge for peak season (Christmas and New Year)