Mai Chau and Ninh Binh Holidays

A world away from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's cities and busy coastal regions are the lush northern regions of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh. For a quintessentially Vietnamese experience which allows you to interact with the locals surrounded by breathtaking scenery, step off the beaten track and add one of these undiscovered gems to your Vietnam trip. Mai Chau, just south of Da River, borders the beautiful Hoa Binh Lake. You could dedicate several days here to explore, from trekking through local villages to cycling along the peaceful green paths that surround the rice fields, and maybe even trying to master a traditional dance with the locals. Most memorable though is a day spent trekking and boating around Hoa Binh Lake - actually a very beautiful man made reservoir - in the mountains. On your Mai Chau holidays you could also enjoy lunch at a traditional homestay and take a dip in Go Lao waterfall. For an alternative to the far better-known (and consequently much busier) Halong Bay - particularly in typhoon season - Ninh Binh is every bit as beautiful. Cultural experiences are a must on a Ninh Binh holiday and range from bamboo basket weaving to fishing and cooking classes, all taught by welcoming locals. The highlight of a stay here has to be a visit to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of dramatic limestone karst peaks covered in lush green foliage. Take a small boat with a guide and explore the area from the water, navigating through caves and valleys as you gaze up on the towering peaks around you.
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Mai Chau and Ninh Binh holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Vietnam – Laos – Hanoi – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long Bay – Luang Prabang

    The Best of Northern Vietnam and Laos - Buzzing Cities, Bay Cruises & Sacred Wonders

    Discover the magic of Northern Vietnam and Laos on this 13-day adventure

    13 days, from £3100 to £4250

  • One Country Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand – Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long Bay – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Koh Yao Noi

    The Ultimate Southeast Asian Adventure - Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

    Explore Southeast Asia’s ultimate trio on this two-week adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

    14 days, from £4150 to £5550

  • One Country Vietnam - Hanoi - Ha Giang - Pu Luong - Tam Coc

    A Tour of Northern Vietnam - From Hanoi to Ha Giang

    Soak up the contrast of Hanoi’s city streets, Ha Giang’s tiny villages and Ninh Binh’s vast landscapes on this two-week tour across Northern Vietnam

    14 days, from £4500 to £5000

  • One Country Vietnam - Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hoi An - Quy Nhon

    From North to South - A Couple's Tour of Vietnam

    Experience Vietnam’s different sides as you journey from north to south on this two-week romantic getaway, from bustling cities to remote rice paddies and sparkling coastlines

    13 days, from £4600 to £6250

  • One Country Vietnam - Cambodia

    Family Sabbatical in Southeast Asia - A Month-Long Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia

    Savour a month-long sabbatical with the family, travelling across Vietnam and Cambodia’s cities, countryside and coastlines

    27 days, from £7560 to £12000

Mai Chau and Ninh Binh Guide

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Vietnam testimonials

12 reviews
4.8 / 5
"The Concierge was very helpful and their recommendations were great. There were many memorable moments, including the motorbike tour of Hanoi, dinner on a pontoon in Hoi An and the Vespa food tour in Ho Chi Minh."
T - UK
Published on 22nd August 2025
"Thoughtful, professional and listened to our requirements and delivered. Faultless in every respect from hotels, excursions, guides, food recommendations etc. The Concierge was responsive, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. All memorable - the motorcycle trip around Hanoi was probably the highlight."
Simon - London
Published on 13th March 2025
"Frances was extremely efficient and informative - answering all our questions in great detail. The Concierge was excellent, always on hand to help with very instant responses to WhatsApp messages. The guides and drivers were outstanding - their knowledge was very impressive."
Clare - Berkshire
Published on 11th March 2025
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What you can find in Mai Chau and Ninh Binh that you won't find anywhere else?

Perhaps we should rephrase the question to read 'what can you find elsewhere, but can find in Mai Chau and Ninh Binh with far fewer visitors?' In, short, take the sugarloaf peaks of Halong Bay, lose the crowds of tourists and you have the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh. With beautiful natural scenery and rich architecture and unique history, Ninh Binh holidays offer an original discovery of Vietnam away from the beaten track. Visit the nearby nature reserves, marvel at the towering mountains that run into flowing rivers, and explore the caves of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Trans An grottoes and Mua Caves. For a dose of culture in between enjoying the incredible scenery by foot or boat, you have multiple small villages to get lost in (with a local guide who can tell you all the best places to stop in at), or experience a taste of the country’s history with a trip to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, or the Vietnam’s biggest pagoda.

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