Mai Chau and Pu Luong: rice fields and villages off the beaten track
3 activities compared. The most booked: Pu Luong: village hike, bamboo rafting, swimming and lunch, rated 4.9/5 by 58 travellers.
Mai Chau and Pu Luong nature reserve offer rice fields and Thai villages far less visited than Sapa, a few hours’ drive west of Hanoi and Ninh Binh. People come to walk, cycle and sleep in stilt houses.
Ranked by number of traveller reviews
Ratings and reviews: GetYourGuide, collected on 1 November 2026. Price and availability are shown on the booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Pu Luong or Sapa?
Sapa has more spectacular terraces and Fansipan; Pu Luong is quieter and closer to Ninh Binh. If you want to avoid crowds, Pu Luong is a good choice.
How many days for Mai Chau and Pu Luong?
2 to 3 days, often as a tour from Hanoi or Ninh Binh, with homestay nights.
Can you cancel a booked activity?
Most activities on GetYourGuide can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Check the conditions on each activity page.
Other themes
- Ha Long Bay cruise, 2 or 3 days
- Ha Long Bay day trip
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cooking classes and street food tours in Vietnam
- Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
- Shows in Vietnam
- Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay 3-day 2-night cruise
- Ha Giang Loop from Hanoi
- Ha Giang Loop from Sapa
- Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon
- Cai Rang floating market
- Phu Quoc island hopping and snorkelling
- Hoi An by boat
- Fansipan
- Phong Nha caves
- Craft villages near Hanoi