Mai Chau and Pu Luong 3-Day Private Tour: Bike, Trek & Homestay in Northern Vietnam
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Good general fitness for day hikes (6–10 km) and light cycling; able to walk on uneven terrain and climb terrace steps.
Overview
Three days of biking, trekking and homestays through Mai Chau and Pu Luong take you from Thung Khe’s overlook into stepped rice valleys, crossing hanging bridges and visiting ethnic Thai villages. This private tour balances easy riding with a day of village trekking and a stay in a local homestay and resort.
Mai Chau and Pu Luong 3-Day Private Tour: Bike, Trek & Homestay in Northern Vietnam
Select participants and date
You step out of the van at Thung Khe pass and the valley inhales beneath you — rice paddies sliding away in stepped ribbons, a slow green current that seems to breathe. The road down to Mai Chau curls like a ribbon, and when you drop into the hamlet the pace changes: waterwheels turn with a patient creak, wooden stilt houses stand quiet, and the White Thai people go about routines shaped by the terraces.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring grippy footwear
Terrace climbs and village trails get slippery after rain—trail shoes with good tread will keep you safe on stair-like rice banks.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Water stations exist at homestays and the resort but bring a 1–1.5L bottle to stay hydrated between stops.
Modest clothing for villages
Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees when visiting homes to show respect for local customs.
Plan for variable weather
Mornings are cool and misty, afternoons can be hot or rainy—pack a lightweight rain jacket and a sun hat.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Water buffalo grazing the terraces
- Vietnamese blue magpie and other forest birds
History
The White Thai and Black Thai communities have farmed these uplands for centuries, building stilt houses and maintaining wet-rice terraces adapted to steep slopes.
Conservation
Pu Luong and Mai Chau rely on community-led tourism and sustainable agriculture—stick to trails, avoid single-use plastics, and support local homestays to keep economic benefits local.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hanoi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight trekking shoes
Grip and ankle support for terrace steps and muddy trails.
Compact rain shell
Monsoon showers are common—stay dry during sudden downpours.
summer specific
Daypack (20–25L)
Carry water, layers, camera and snacks for village rides and treks.
Helmet and bike gloves
Provided or recommended for comfort during the cycling segments on uneven lanes.