Day 1: Hanoi – Chien Village | Gentle Arrival & Village Walk

08:00 – 11:30 | Depart from Hanoi and head west toward Tan Lac district. The 3.5-hour journey brings you into the peaceful countryside of Hoa Binh, where the scenery gradually shifts from busy highways to small rural roads, rice paddies, and limestone mountains.

12:00 – 13:00 | Arrive at Chien village and receive a warm welcome from your host family. Enjoy a traditional lunch made from locally sourced ingredients, served in a wooden stilt house with sweeping views of terraced fields.

13:30 – 17:00 | Take a gentle walk around the village to explore the surrounding forest and Nam Son Cave. You’ll have a chance to meet local people, observe daily life, and learn about the customs of the Muong ethnic community that calls this area home.

18:00 – 19:00 | Rest and freshen up at the homestay, where the serene atmosphere will make you feel far away from the city.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner is served family-style, with warm hospitality and stories around the table.

20:00 – 21:30 | Spend the evening chatting with your hosts or relaxing under the stars. For those curious about local culture, this is the perfect time to ask questions and exchange experiences.

22:00 | Overnight at the homestay in a private room or shared space with basic but comfortable amenities.

Day 2: Active Trekking & Authentic Farming | From Forest Trails to Muddy Hands

07:30 – 08:30 | Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local eggs, sticky rice, wild tea, and seasonal fruits.

08:30 – 11:30 | Embark on a scenic trek through the surrounding hills and forests. Depending on your preference, the walk can range from 11km to 18km. You’ll pass through bamboo groves, corn fields, and scenic rice terraces, encountering farmers at work and enjoying panoramic views of the valley.

12:00 – 13:30 | Enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors – often under a tree or beside a quiet stream – prepared by your hosts and brought along for the journey. It’s a well-earned break amid the greenery.

13:30 – 16:30 | In the afternoon, join villagers in seasonal farming activities. Depending on the time of year, you might help weed vegetable beds, dig soil for planting, transplant rice seedlings, or harvest corn, rice, or ripe mandarins. It’s hands-on, muddy, and full of laughter — a wonderful way to experience how life is closely tied to the rhythms of nature.

16:30 – 17:00 | Walk back to the village and enjoy a cold drink or hot tea on the balcony of your homestay.

18:00 – 19:00 | Rest or take a short nap after an active day.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner is another delightful home-cooked meal, often featuring vegetables you helped harvest earlier in the day.

20:00 – 21:30 | Optional evening walk or join a local card game. Or simply relax and listen to the night sounds of the countryside.

22:00 | Overnight at the homestay.

Day 3: Waterfalls & Farewell | Visit Bac Thung before onward travel

07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast at the homestay, enjoying your last morning in Chien village.

08:30 – 11:00 | Drive just 20 minutes to Bac Thung – another charming and quiet village in the area. From here, take a short hike to Thung Waterfall, hidden in the jungle. Cool off with a swim in the natural pools near Pang campsite – a peaceful spot that locals love.

11:30 – 13:00 | Return to the village for a farewell lunch prepared by a local family in Bac Thung, showcasing traditional cooking and seasonal produce.

13:00 onwards | After lunch, continue your journey. The road conveniently connects to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, or back to Hanoi.