Living Local North West Vietnam 7 Days

Embark on a morning journey to Mai Chau, leaving the urban hustle behind as we traverse the rugged and mountainous terrain. Upon reaching Pom Coong village, you'll be welcomed into the stilt-house dwelling of a Thai ethnic minority family. In the afternoon, explore the charming villages of the Mai Chau valley by bicycle, with your guide highlighting and elucidating the marvels you encounter. Later, we return to Mai Chau for a delightful dinner and a homestay experience in the stilt house, hosted by amiable Thai locals.

Indulge in a picturesque breakfast, soaking in the captivating views, before meandering around the houses to catch a glimpse of the locals' daily life. These skilled artisans specialize in weaving brocade products and take pleasure in showcasing their craftsmanship to visitors. The village operates as a community cooperative, organized by the residents themselves—an aspect that fills Handspan with pride for bringing visitors to this unique locale.

Following lunch, our journey continues to Moc Chau, with stops along the way to discover hidden waterfalls. Upon reaching Ban Doi, a quaint black Thai village involved in a community-based tourism initiative, you'll check in, freshen up, and join the guide for a leisurely stroll through the village. There's also an option for a nighttime visit to a tea factory.

Note: The stop at the waterfalls can be replaced by a 1-hour walk from Ban On to Nam Tom before reaching the homestay.

We embark on an exploration into the art of crafting exceptional local Oolong tea. Subsequently, we embark on a serene cycling journey, navigating quiet roads that weave through plum orchards, exchanging warm greetings with the locals en route. After covering a few kilometers, we pause to descend into a picturesque valley inhabited by the H'mong people. Your exceptional guide will arrange a delightful picnic lunch in this idyllic setting before we resume our cycling adventure. Riding a few more kilometers, we then turn left onto one of the most enchanting roads in the area. Our cycling journey concludes at the homestay, where you can freshen up with a shower, relax, and prepare for a delectable dinner followed by a restful night's sleep.

8:00 AM - We bid farewell to Moc Chau and head towards Ky Son. This ancient Vietnamese village is inhabited by incredibly welcoming local farmers who will warmly engage with you throughout this two-day excursion. With over a hundred families residing in the village, the majority are dedicated farmers. Upon reaching Ky Son around noon, you'll be treated to a local specialty "welcome drink" before a brief introduction to the house, kitchen, and garden. Subsequently, you'll join the host for a home-cooked lunch.

After lunch, engage in a brief discussion with the host about the village, local life, and learn some fundamental Vietnamese words and traditions. The exploration continues with a walk or bicycle ride through the village, where you'll visit local families along the way, engaging in friendly tea sessions and conversations. The host will kindly request you to bring along a bamboo basket, which you'll use to gather herbal medicine from the village field for a traditional-style bath in the afternoon. While in the field, interact with local farmers, collect sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and vegetables (season-dependent) to bring back to the homestay. Conclude the day with a soothing herbal bath before dinner.

The night holds a special charm, as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the candlelit courtyard while the host performs a Buddhist chanting ceremony for peace and good health.

Awake to the serene morning ambiance and the crisp freshness in the air. Engage in a morning exercise or join the host for a 30-minute Tai Chi session. Following this, savor a delightful breakfast before participating in the preparation of offerings for ancestor worship, a Vietnamese tradition that expresses deep gratitude and reverence for ancestors. Embark on an easy cycling excursion along quiet village roads to the neighboring village of Duong Lam (approximately 5km away). Explore its renowned pagodas and temples, immersing yourself in the daily lives of local residents within their ancient houses.

Mong Phu Village in Duong Lam Commune boasts nearly 400 family homes, with 100 of them displaying impressive age, including the oldest 30 houses estimated to date back 200-400 years. These hamlets, including Mong Phu, hold archaeological significance due to the villagers preserving their traditional communal farming lifestyle.

Cycle back to Ky Son, another charming village, for lunch, bidding farewell to the host family afterward. We then embark on the journey back to Hanoi. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Hanoi.

Similar to the arrival day, today's itinerary is contingent on your flight departure time. Your guide is available to provide recommendations for any final explorations of Hanoi's attractions or shopping excursions before our car arrives at your hotel to facilitate your transfer to the airport.

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