2 Days Escape to Mai Hich
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. We experience the kind and uplifting hospitality of our hosts during our homestay as we witness first-hand their culture and customs. 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. Please note that there is no ensuite bathroom but two clean bathrooms on the ground floor equipped with western style toilets, wash basins and warm water.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
In the morning, we depart from Hanoi and drive about four hours to Mai Hich which is located in the beautiful north-west mountainous area.
Upon arrival we are welcomed by our host family from the Thai ethnic minority. 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.
Dinner and accommodation are at the homestay. 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.
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.
Lunch is enjoyed at the homestay before we bid farewell to our host family and return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Route
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD1.50 per person per day;
- Water on tour – We stop using single use plastic bottles on our tours and instead use reusable 5 & 19 litter bottles to refill the client’s bottles. We hope we can encourage clients to bring their bottles;
- Check-in and check-out times may vary depending on the hotel. Typically, official hotel check-in is between 14.00 and 15.00; and check-out time is before 12.00 noon. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request is subject to an additional charge;
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Asian Trails Co., Ltd. reserves the right to change contracted ground service rates in case fuel prices and/or surcharges of any other kind increase beyond the control of Asian Trails Co., Ltd. and affect the contracted selling prices. Asian Trails Co., Ltd. reserves the right to change such prices without prior notice and to reassess the amount and duration at any time.
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services/ assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- Accommodation in sharing twin/ double;
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the programme;
- All applicable taxes and service charges;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only);
- Vietnamese visa approval letter and Visa stamping fee;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Meals served are made by local communities using delicious locally-sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight at a traditional homestay for a truly local experience;
- Experience meaningfully – Local community members receive valuable additional income for the unique evening traditional performance.
