2 Days An Authentic Homestay in Mai Hich
2 Days An Authentic
Homestay in Mai Hich
Hospitable hosts guide you through the authentic side of Northern Vietnam at their homestay
WHY THIS TOUR?
Mai Hich is a commune located in the south-west of Mai Chau district about four hours from Hanoi and it is home to mainly the Thai ethnic minority who live along the streams scattered across the forests and hills. This rural adventure takes us from the hustle and bustle of the city into the relaxing atmosphere and culture of Mai Hich village.
The homestay is a traditional stilted home that has all the available comforts for a peaceful sleep. We share the house and sleep on the upper floor with sleeping quarters separated by curtains for privacy. While luxury and true comfort may be lacking, the abundance of authenticity and mingling with the locals around Mai Chau enriches the mind, body and soul to new heights.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Hanoi – Mai Hich [L, D]
Guided by an English-speaking guide, an early morning departure from your Hanoi hotel signals the start for a scenic drive in western direction towards the Mai Chau District. The 4-hour drive to our final destination for the day, Mai Hich which is located in the beautiful north-west mountainous area, brings forwards numerous scenes of what lies ahead for the night to come.
At the end of the morning, a scenic landscape with thatched wooden houses dotted along and inside rice paddy fields appears when nearing the small village of Mai Hich. Its little-known status has earned this village the badge of authenticity where traditional farming blends in with an equally traditional way of life. Upon arrival we are welcomed by our host family from the Thai ethnic minority who will be dressed in traditional costumes. We experience the kind and uplifting hospitality of our hosts during our homestay as we witness first-hand their culture and customs.
Your check-in will be swift and easy before we move on further through the day.
A local lunch is included
After a local lunch, we take a leisurely cycle, or walk in the countryside along vegetable gardens, ponds and rice terraces to experience the local daily life of those who inhabit the area and whose livelihood relies on farming and livestock rearing. Part of the Mai Chau valley, the scenes of untouched Vietnam will remain forever with you.
Seen as one of Vietnam’s most idyllic valleys, traversing large parts of the Hoa Bin province, the Mai Chau Valley has developed itself as a great natural destination, used as the canvas for hiking and walking trips. Large parts of the valley have maintained its traditional look and feel where one can visit the various stilted houses, the rugged mountain slopes and green forests. The valley offers numerous viewing points to see the landscape unfold in all of its beauty.
Our evening and dinner can be accompanied with a traditional performance composed of ethnic music and dances performed by family members, or a local troupe from the area as an added extra. We can join in this performance and try Ruou Can, a local brewed rice win in jars that is drunk with long bamboo straws as a gesture of building friendships.
Dinner and accommodation is at the homestay.
Day 2
Mai Hich – Hanoi [B, L]
After a deliciously home cooked breakfast prepared by our hosts, the morning is spent relaxing in the tranquillity of our surroundings and exploring its beautiful natural landscape. Guests can add an early morning rise to their morning to watch the sun setting over the Mai Chau valley, walk leisurely through the town while its local residents prepare for yet another day working in their piece of paradise, or simply gaze away towards the horizon, ready to schedule a future trip further into the mesmerizing world of Northern Vietnam.
Lunch included at the homestay.
After lunch, you graciously thank your hosts for their stay before being comfortably driven back to Hanoi. Arrival back in the Vietnamese capital is scheduled for the late afternoon.
