Craft, Trek & Lake: 2 Days with Dao Tien and Muong Communities

08h00:  The car driver will pick you up from your hotel. After 3,5 hours driving through the picturesque countryside, you will arrive at Sung Village, Cao Son commune home to the Dzao Tien minority people. There are around 78 households and about 400 residents in the village and they live on farming and forest plantations, you will take a leisurely walk around the village.

11h30: Arrive at Sung village. Check-in at homestay. Rest and relax

12h00: Have lunch at homestay

14h00: Beeswax painting and Indigo dyeing Workshop

The beeswax painting and indigo dyeing experience tour will last for approximately 2 hours

You will visit the traditional indigo workshop of the Sung village. Here, you will have the opportunity to converse with the local community and gain insight into the significance, patterns, and process of creating traditional Dao Tien attire. You will receive guidance on the principles of beeswax painting and batik dyeing from the local artisans. Subsequently, you will practice and create your piece of art. The memorable takeaway from this experience is not only the fun and hands-on activities but also an indigo product adorned with your beeswax patterns.

Visit the brocade group, learn how to print the texture by beeswax, and discover the indigo dyeing process. You also have a chance to create your scarf under the instruction of the craftsman.

16h00: Discover Sung village and hike to Sung Cave

During the walk, you will have a chance to learn more about the lives of people through their traditional houses. Then, pass by a community house where locals teach the traditional Dao language to young people, keeping this important cultural aspect alive. Continue to “Sung Cave”, and listen to its legend and the spiritual life of the villagers. Enjoy great nature view on the way back to the village passing through villagers’ farming area, houses and the stream. You will also have a chance to learn about some different plants and big trees on the hike.

18h00: Dao Tien traditional herbal bath

Get your clean clothes to take Dao Tien Herbal bath in another local family. This is home of a “traditional doctor” in the village. Taking hot bath in different kinds of herbal leaves will bring you deep relaxation and help with blood circulation.

19h00: Dinner at the homestay.

20h00: Dao Tien traditional performance

Enjoy the traditional cultural performances of the Dao Tien people through their unique folk songs and dances, such as bell dancing and xoe dancing—indispensable cultural features in their sacred and important festivals. Don’t miss out on tasting Hoang wine—a specialty drink preserved and passed down through generations by the local community.

21h30: Overnight at the homestay.

Day 2: Sung – Mo Hem – HN (B,L)

07h00: Breakfast at homestay in Sung.

08h00: Trekking from Sung to Mo Hem village. (9km, ~4 hours)

From Sưng, a local guide will lead you on a 9km trek through forest trails, passing diverse and picturesque landscapes—terraced rice fields, palm forests, cinnamon trees, tea plantations, and more. You’ll continue through cool, green hillsides where locals grow corn, cassava, and upland rice. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Hòa Bình Lake from above, its serene waters winding gracefully around the majestic mountains. Finally, take a short boat ride (~25 minute) to get to the homestay in Mo Hem.

12h20: Arrive Mo Hem Village – home of a Muong family.  Have lunch at homestay.

14h00: Kayaking, swimming on Hoa Binh lake, near the homestay.

15h00: Say goodbye to homestay hosts. Get car transfer back to Hanoi.

18h00: Arrive Hanoi. End the service.