Mai Chau, Pu Luong & Ninh Binh Trekking Loop

A light trekking route from Hanoi that loops through White Thai valleys, Pu Luong terraces, and Ninh Binh's karst peaks.

You don't have to head north to Sa Pa to see rice terraces. This route offers three distinct landscapes with good road conditions and minimal backtracking. Spend the first two nights in traditional stilt houses, trek a few kilometers daily, and relax with a boat ride in Trang An on the fourth day. Pu Luong has many stone steps and dirt paths, making it less suitable for those with limited mobility. It is ideal for travelers with limited time in Hanoi who want to experience rural life.

May to June and September to October are the best times for rice terrace views; winter is often overcast and chilly.

Day by day

Day 1 · Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau & Pu Luong（Thung Khe Pass、Ban Lac Village、Mai Chau Valley Rice Fields）

Drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, about 160 km, taking 3 to 4 hours. Cycle or walk around in the afternoon.

Stay: Lac Village

Day 2 · Transfer to Pu Luong Terraces

Mai Chau & Pu Luong（Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Ban Don Terraces、Cham Stream Bamboo Rafting & Water Wheels）

Drive from Mai Chau to Ban Don in Pu Luong, about 1.5 hours. Trek locally or ride an electric scooter.

Stay: Pu Luong Ban Don

Day 3 · Trek in Kho Muong Village and Transfer to Ninh Binh

Mai Chau & Pu Luong（Kho Muong Village & Bat Cave、Cam Luong Fish Stream）

Trek for about 6 km in the morning, then drive via Cam Luong to Ninh Binh in the afternoon, about 3.5 hours.

Stay: Tam Coc

Day 4 · Ninh Binh Waterways and Return to Hanoi

Ninh Binh（Hang Mua (Mua Cave Viewpoint)、Ninh Binh (Trang An / Tam Coc)、Hoa Lu Ancient Capital） → Hanoi

Take a boat ride in Trang An for about 2 hours in the morning, then drive via Hoa Lu back to Hanoi in the afternoon, about 2 hours.