Today, we venture towards the charming Mai Chau Valley, a hidden gem offering serene landscapes that rival its more famous neighbor, Moc Chau. Amidst the emerald green fields of villages like Lac and Pom Coong, and the enigmatic caves of Chieu and Mo Luong, Mai Chau promises a delightful experience for all. Our tour offers two distinct routes, catering to different preferences.

For those seeking a leisurely journey, we commence from the BM Travel Adventure office, proceeding towards Highway 6 with a chance to visit the tranquil Ba Khan Lake en route. Nestled amidst towering mountains, this pristine lake offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist trails.

Alternatively, for the adventurous souls, our backroads route offers a glimpse into the rustic life of ethnic minority villages, immersing you in the authentic rural charm before arriving in Mai Chau town. Here, we'll spend the night in traditional Tay homestays, elevated on stilts to provide airy, spacious accommodations amidst nature's embrace.

On day 2, we embark on a journey from Mai Chau to Moc Chau in Son La province, exploring diverse routes that cater to different preferences. Once again, we offer two travel options: a direct route utilizing highways and main roads, and a more adventurous path traversing backroads through jungles and skirting Laos' border.

Following breakfast and a refreshing cup of coffee, our journey commences as we traverse through Cun Pheo commune towards Hang Kia – Pa Co communes and eventually reach Moc Chau Farm Town. Nestled amidst the picturesque Moc Chau Plateau, this region boasts a plethora of tourist attractions waiting to be discovered. From the enchanting Son Moc Huong Cave (also known as Doi Cave) to the majestic Dai Yem Waterfall, and the serene pine forests of Ang village, there's no shortage of natural wonders to behold. Not to mention the vast flower fields and sprawling tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a truly immersive experience in nature's embrace.

After exploring the marvels of Moc Chau, we prepare to return to Mai Chau. For the journey back, we opt for the scenic route, taking the old Highway 6 before transitioning onto the new Highway 6 as we approach Mai Chau.

On the 3rd day, our journey takes us through remarkable landscapes as we make our way to Pu Luong. After enjoying breakfast and bidding farewell to our gracious host family, we set off towards Highway 6. Along the route, we encounter Thung Khe Pass, also known as Da Trang Pass or White Stone Pass. True to its name, the pass is surrounded by stunning white and grey stone mountains, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of European landscapes. Situated at an elevation of 1,000 meters, Thung Khe Pass is a beloved destination among backpackers for its captivating beauty.

Continuing our journey beyond Thung Khe Pass, we venture towards Lung Van highland. Despite being a notable hotspot in Hoa Binh province, tourism in Lung Van remains relatively undeveloped, preserving its raw and untouched allure. Referred to as the "rooftop of the Muong region," Lung Van highland sits at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, enveloped by towering mountains and layers of ethereal white clouds. Its breathtaking scenery evokes a sense of traversing through heavenly realms, while also serving as a cultural hub for the Muong people, who maintain their traditional way of life amidst this idyllic setting.

After a day of traversing diverse landscapes, we finally reach Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and take some time to rest, preparing ourselves for the exciting exploration of Pu Luong scheduled for the following day.

To fully immerse ourselves in the splendor of Pu Luong, we've opted for trekking as our primary mode of exploration. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, staying back at Pu Luong Retreat is always an option. However, if we embark on the trekking adventure, having a local guide accompany us would be beneficial as we traverse through Don and Hieu villages. These villages, inhabited by the Thai ethnic group, exude a serene and rustic charm.

In Hieu village, the namesake waterfall is a popular attraction among tourists, renowned for its calcium-rich waters that have sculpted unique limestone formations along the stream. Additionally, for those interested in local goods and cultural immersion, a visit to Pho Doan market is highly recommended. Here, one can peruse an array of goods while witnessing the vibrant cultural tapestry woven by diverse ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Muong, and Thai people.

While the plan for day 4 entails trekking on foot, an alternative option is to explore Pu Luong via back roads on our trusty motorbikes. The choice is entirely yours, offering flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences and interests.

As we bid farewell to Pu Luong, our next destination awaits: Cuc Phuong National Park. In the morning, we'll have the opportunity to visit Cam Luong and Cam Lien streams, nestled in Cam Thuy district. Legend has it that these streams are blessed by fish gods, as they teem with thousands of shimmering fish that remain untouched due to the reverence of the locals.

Following our visit to the streams, we'll journey down to the Ho Chi Minh Highway en route to Cuc Phuong National Park. As Vietnam's inaugural national park and its largest nature reserve, Cuc Phuong plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the efforts of park rangers and conservationists in caring for endangered species. The park is renowned for its colossal ancient trees, some of which boast circumferences so vast that even twenty people standing in a circle cannot encompass them entirely. Moreover, within Cuc Phuong lie numerous enigmatic caves, serene lakes, and quaint villages, offering ample opportunities for adventurous exploration.

After a fulfilling day at Cuc Phuong, we'll make our way to Trang An in Ninh Binh province, where we'll spend the night and rest up for the adventures that lie ahead.

We kick off our final day in Trang An bright and early, eager to explore all that this UNESCO-recognized Scenic Landscape Complex has to offer. From the captivating karst caves and pagodas of Tam Coc - Bich Dong to the historic sites of Hoa Lu, one of Vietnam's ancient capitals, and the grandeur of Bai Dinh Temple, there's no shortage of wonders to discover.

Opting for off-road paths less traveled, we'll embark on a tour of Trang An that promises unique adventures. Following our exploration of Tam Coc's limestone mountains and caves, we'll make our way to the harbor for a leisurely 2-and-a-half-hour boat excursion to Thung Nang. Recently opened to visitors, Thung Nang boasts a serene ambiance, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature's embrace. After indulging in the tranquility of Thung Nang, we'll enjoy a quick lunch in Tam Coc before making our way back to Hanoi ahead of schedule, steering clear of the notorious rush hour traffic.