Key areas: 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located on the cusp of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces known for its stunning scenery, including cascading waterfalls, rice terraces, and lush forests. It is also home to a variety of hill tribe groups, including the Thai and Muong people. 

Mai Chau Valley, although not as mountainous or authentic as Pu Luong, also offers local hill tribe culture and beautiful bucolic scenery. The area is loved by families due to closer proximity to Hanoi therefore less transfer time than Pu Luong). Note Mai Chau can be busy on weekends with domestic tourists. 

Activities: 

Both Pu Luong and Mai Chau offer various levels of walking, hiking routes as well as cycling and visiting Thai hill tribe villages. The local mountain hill tribe influenced cuisine is also excellent. 

Hotels & Lodges:

This region offers a good selection of small scale hotels and lodges from 3-5 star   options. Note availability is limited, so we suggest booking early, especially during the rice season.  

When to visit: 

Year round. As with Hanoi, a temperate winter will bring mist and rain although the cooler temperatures suit some. We particularly love late Spring through to Autumn for best views as well as the months when the rice field/rice terraces are vibrant, generally March to May and July to September. 

Recommended duration: 

With the driving distance from Hanoi (Mai Chau 4-hours (inc stop) Pu Luong 4.5 (inc stop) we recommend 2 nights. Also, as a family friendly destination, kids don’t like short stays, plus the destination is so rewarding, stay longer.  

Combination with Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: 

The 4-hour drive to Ninh Binh then Halong Bay consecutively, allows for a great combination of this region. We do not recommend driving from Mai Chau or Pu Luong directly to Halong Bay for overnight cruises, as the distance is too long.