3 days Perfume Pagoda to Mai Chau


Hanoi, Perfume Pagoda, Yen Mo, Van Long, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau, Hanoi

This is a remarkable trip through three different regions of North Vietnam and offers a wonderful balance of adventure and cultural insights. 

We journey from the sheer beauty of Perfume Pagoda, into Van Long and Bich Dong, through the serene village of Yen Mo and finally on to the delights of Mai Chau.

There is hiking, boating, homestay and even learning how to cook authentic Vietnamese food. A brilliant experience!


Day 1 Hanoi / Perfume Pagoda / Yen Mo
Perfume Pagoda holds a religious significance for the local people, being considered one of the most sacred of all sites in Vietnam.


Departing from Hanoi we travel through diverse countryside. We descend to the pier of Duc for a local riverboat upstream along the stream of Yen, which winds its way through dramatic limestone karsts and lush farmlands. 

Followed by a cable car journey up to Perfume Pagoda, hidden in a cave and surrounded by stunning forests and towering mountains, Perfume Pagoda lies on top of the mountain range of Huong Son, and is famed for its spectacular views over the whole area.


We continue soaking up more breathtaking scenery as we hike to our waiting boat. Then we move on to the small village of Yen Mo, a traditional village in the Red River delta and our base for demonstrations of gastronomic delights. 

Here, we settle in with a friendly local family to experience their way of life and have a great opportunity to learn about the local cuisine, dishes such as fresh rice noodles and spring rolls. The night is spent in a comfortable local lodge. (Lunch and dinner are included).


Day 2 Yen Mo / Cuc Phuong / Mai Hich 
This morning we take a stroll through farm land and around the village of Yen Mo, before we head into Cuc Phuong National Park, where we visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Turtle Conservation Centre to see the conservation efforts being made to save the endangered Langur and freshwater turtles.

Our final destination is beautiful Mai Hich, a scenic valley in Mai Chau and home to a White Thai community. There is free time for some exploration of its nearby villages.


Tonight we are the guests in a local White Thai family, enjoying the warm hospitality over dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional wooden stilt-house. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).


Day 3 Mai Hich / Hanoi
Mai Hich's laidback life and beautiful surroundings of rolling hills and towering mountains, sculpted rice terraces and friendly villages complete the morning of our trip, we leave our hosts and navigate through lush farmlands and past White Thai communities. 

We meet the local people going about their daily routine. Finally we board our vehicle for a return journey through the mountains to Hanoi, arriving there at around 5pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).


The facts…

Physical activities: 

Hiking and boating with: 

- a 2-hour boat trip on Day 1.

- a 2-3 km hike on Day 1. 

- a 3-6 km hike on Day 2.

- a 8-12 km hike on Day 3.


From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.


Transport: 

- boat.

- vehicle.


Tour Guides: all of our experienced and friendly tour guides speak fluent English. They are knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation:

- lodge (1 night).

- local family (1 night).


Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided. 

Meals: 

- 2 breakfasts.

- 3 lunches.

- 2 dinners.


We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, markets or homes. We cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

Trip cost: 

- $235USD per person for a group of 1 to 7 people.

- $189USD per person for a group of 8 to 10 people.


The cost of the trip includes: 

- accommodation.

- tour guides.

- meals.

- all entrance fees.

- permits where applicable.


The cost of the trip does not include: 

- travel insurance.

- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol and bottled water).

- other personal expenses.


What to take: 

Pack essentials for 3 days away from Hanoi, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable hiking shoes. 

Take a small day pack for cycling, walking and hiking. 

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip.


We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...


Have a great journey!!!