Ninh Binh & Mai Chau Lake Kayaking Day Tour

Your day begins with a comfortable ride from Hanoi (7:30 – 8:00 AM), heading south through the scenic countryside of the Red River Delta. After about two hours, arrive in Ninh Binh, the former royal capital of Vietnam. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, where you’ll explore the timeworn temples of King Dinh and King Le, set amidst dramatic limestone peaks.

At noon, continue to Tam Coc, where a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch awaits. Then, embark on a 90-minute sampan boat ride, paddled by local rowers through a spectacular landscape of towering karsts and hidden caves – a place often called “Halong Bay on land.”

After a short rest, your journey continues as you head northwest to Mai Chau, winding through breathtaking mountain roads and along the emerald waters of the Da River – a scene straight from a postcard. Arrive at Mai Chau Hideaway Resort around 6:00 PM. Enjoy dinner at the resort and unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the mountains.

Overnight at Mai Chau Hideaway Resort.

07:30 AM: Enjoy your breakfast at Mai Chau Restaurant and admire the exceptional panoramic view of the Black River (Da River). The scenery is breathtaking and definitely worth experiencing when you visit Mai Chau. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos of the green mountains and blue river.

08:30 AM: Start your morning with a visit to a Van local village in Mai Chau. Walk around the village, explore the traditional stilt houses, and discover the peaceful daily life of the local people. You’ll have a chance to meet local villagers and experience the authentic atmosphere of the countryside.

11:30 AM: Return to Mai Chau Hideaway Resort.

13:30 PM: Bike to Go Lao Waterfall and visit the surrounding village and local stilt houses.

16:30 PM: Return to Mai Chau Hideaway Resort and enjoy some free time to relax.

Enjoy a kayaking experience on the peaceful waters of Da River. Paddle through the calm surroundings and take in the beautiful scenery of the mountains and lake at the end of the day.

19:00 PM: Dinner. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance performance and experience the local culture.

Overnight at Mai Chau Hideaway.

Wake up to the serene beauty of Mai Chau. After breakfast, take some free time to enjoy the natural surroundings — whether it’s relaxing by the pool, strolling the garden paths, or simply unwinding on your balcony with a coffee in hand.

At 11:00 AM, check out of your room and enjoy a final lunch at the resort’s restaurant before saying goodbye to this hidden gem.

Depart Mai Chau at 1:30 PM, with a scenic ride back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the Old Quarter around 5:00 PM, where your tour concludes — taking with you the fresh air, warm smiles, and stunning memories of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau.