Embark on a 7 day trekking tour in Da Bac, an authentic Vietnam trekking adventure that blends nature, culture, and local hospitality.  This immersive Da Bac CBT trekking tour takes you through an unforgettable Northern Vietnam trekking tour, exploring the hidden beauty of remote highlands and engaging in community-based tourism in Vietnam.

Starting from Sung village in Da Bac, you'll hike the scenic Da Bia village trek, traverse the lush Na Bai trekking route, and continue through the misty hills on the Hang Kia Pa Co trek. This Da Bac to Mai Chau trek includes stops in culturally rich villages such as Kun Pheo, Van Mai, and Lac village in Mai Chau, offering deep insights into ethnic minority trekking in Vietnam, including authentic Hmong village trekking experiences.  This multi-day trekking Vietnam journey is more than just a hiking tour from Hanoi—it's a transformative cultural immersion trek in Vietnam that supports eco-friendly trekking tours and responsible travel in Vietnam.  Whether you're seeking an eco trek Vietnam 7 days package or a village-to-village trek in Vietnam, this itinerary delivers with its blend of landscapes, heritage, and sustainable travel. Enjoy a well-paced 7 day Vietnam trekking itinerary, guided by locals familiar with the best trekking routes near Mai Chau and the natural wonders surrounding Hang Kia cultural trekking routes. Discover what to expect on a Da Bac trekking tour, explore Da Bac CBT on foot, and experience the best of an off-the-beaten-path Vietnam trek on this enriching nature and culture tour in Vietnam.

Day 1: Hanoi to Hoa Binh – Ban Sung Trek – Da Bia (Authentic CBT Trekking Da Bac Adventure)

Kickstart your 7-day trekking Da Bac Vietnam journey with a scenic transfer from Hanoi to Hoa Binh, where emerald rice fields and misty mountains await. Departing the bustling capital, a 3-hour drive through Thung Khe Pass trekking views reveals the raw beauty of Northern Vietnam—lush tea plantations, stilt villages of the Muong and Hmong people, and winding roads flanked by terraced hillsides. Arrive at Sung Village, a gateway to your Mai Chau ethnic village trekking tour, and enjoy a hearty lunch at a local eco-homestay (part of sustainable tourism trekking Mai Chau). Post-meal, meet your guide and begin your Da Bac to Hang Kia Pa Co hiking itinerary with a moderate trek through mixed terrain—dirt trails, forested paths, and hillside concrete roads. As you hike, soak in panoramic vistas of the Hoa Binh Reservoir and remote hill tribe villages, a highlight of off-the-beaten-path trekking near Mai Chau. The day ends at a Tay ethnic homestay in Da Bia, where you’ll unwind amid the sounds of nature and immerse in authentic CBT trekking Da Bac culture.

Day 2: Trek Da Bia – Bamboo Forest to Mai Da – Scenic Boat Trip on Hoa Binh Lake

Fuel up with a hearty Vietnamese breakfast at your Da Bac eco-homestay before setting out on today’s authentic CBT trekking Da Bac adventure. Your journey begins with a moderate trek through dense bamboo forests and terraced hillsides, offering glimpses of hill tribe villages and their Shan Tuyet tea plantations—a hidden gem of Mai Chau trekking tours.

The trail winds along the Hoa Binh Reservoir, blending gentle lakeside paths with challenging uphill sections through tropical forests. Reach the peak for panoramic views of the emerald lake and surrounding mountains—a highlight of off-the-beaten-path trekking near Mai Chau. Descend to Mai Da Lodge for a local lunch, savoring flavors unique to Northern Vietnam trekking routes.  In the afternoon, swap hiking boots for a boat trip on Hoa Binh Lake, gliding past stilt villages and limestone karsts. This scenic cruise showcases the rustic beauty of Da Bac and is perfect for photography. Return to Da Bia eco-village with time to swim, kayak, or simply unwind by the water—ideal for travelers seeking sustainable tourism trekking Mai Chau experiences.

Day 3: Da Bia – Scenic Boat Trip to Bai Sang – Trek to Na Bai (20km Cultural Hike)

Begin your day with a serene 1-hour boat ride across the Hoa Binh Reservoir, gliding past local fishermen casting nets from wooden canoes—a snapshot of authentic rural Vietnam. Disembark at Bai Sang, a remote lakeside hamlet accessible only by boat, where your Mai Chau hill tribe trekking experience continues.  Today’s 20km trek blends gentle trails with a challenging 450m ascent to Na Bai. Start with an easy hike along rustic tarmac roads, passing butterfly-filled wildflower meadows and riverside Muong villages. Pause for a picnic lunch near a traditional flour mill, immersing in the rhythms of ethnic minority daily life. The afternoon rewards your efforts with panoramic rice terrace views as you climb to Na Bai, a stilted Muong village perched on a windswept ridge. Experience community-based tourism (CBT) firsthand, staying overnight in a shared stilt house—a highlight of sustainable trekking tours in Mai Chau.

Day 4: Na Bai to Hang Kia – 16km Hmong Village Trek Through Remote Northern Vietnam

Rise early for your most culturally immersive day on this 5-day Da Bac trekking tour, as you journey from Na Bai to the remote Hmong village of Hang Kia (16km, 7-8 hours). Begin with a steep stony ascent out of the Muong village, descending briefly to a dirt road before veering off-trail into lush forests and terraced fields.  Your first stop is Xa Ling, a traditional Hmong village where locals maintain centuries-old customs—hand-weaving vibrant textiles and farming the rugged hillsides. (Note: These communities are camera-shy; always ask permission before photographing.) Browse their intricate embroidered crafts (perfect for ethical souvenirs) during a village lunch stop.  The afternoon trek intensifies as you push into dense jungle terrain, crossing valleys and tackling a final rocky climb to Hang Kia. Perched on a misty plateau, this isolated settlement—framed by peach and plum orchards—offers a rare glimpse into Hmong mountain life. Spend the night in a wooden stilt house, serenaded by the whispers of the highland winds.

Day 5: Hang Kia to Cun Pheo – 18km Scenic Descent Through Ethnic Valleys

Embrace a mostly downhill trek (18km, 7-8 hours) from the misty heights of Hang Kia to the welcoming Muong village of Cun Pheo. Begin on a wide sandy trail—used by local motorbikes—along a dramatic ridge overlooking yesterday’s valley. As you descend into a sun-dappled bamboo forest, the landscape shifts to terraced maize and yucca fields, offering panoramic views of Northern Vietnam’s fertile valleys. By midday, reach Him Pen, a Thai ethnic village, where you’ll lunch beside a crystal-clear stream—a perfect spot to cool off. The afternoon trek winds gently downhill through rural backroads, where occasional motorbikes hint at returning civilization. Arrive in Cun Pheo by dusk, greeted by the warm smiles of Muong villagers and their iconic stilt houses. This community-based homestay caps your day with authentic cultural immersion.

Day 6: Cun Pheo to Van Mai – 23km Trek Through Rice Valleys & Limestone Peaks

Conclude your 6-day Mai Chau trekking adventure with a diverse 23km hike (7-8 hours) from Cun Pheo to Van Mai, blending cultural encounters and iconic valley landscapes.  Morning Trek: Depart the Muong village on a flat concrete road, passing hybrid Western-influenced houses—a sign of modernization.  Detour into dense forests on undulating trails, emerging at Bao Là, a bustling Thai ethnic village. Challenge yourself with a steep climb through bamboo groves and maize terraces, then descend to Sam Khoe village for a riverside lunch. Traverse the most scenic stretch of your trek: a serene valley flanked by limestone karsts and emerald rice paddies.  Witness water buffalo plowing fields and interact with locals in remote hamlets—perfect for authentic Vietnam photography.  Arrive at your final homestay in Van Mai, where the sounds of rural life lull you to sleep.

Day 7: Van Mai to Ban Lac – Gentle 10km Final Trek & Return to Hanoi

Wrap up your 7-day Mai Chau trekking tour with a leisurely 10km hike (3-4 hours) through golden rice fields and ethnic villages, followed by a scenic transfer back to Hanoi.  Follow a wide, flat trail from Van Mai, ideal for reflecting on your week-long adventure. Transition to narrow paths weaving through rice paddies, offering final photo opportunities of the Mai Chau valley’s iconic landscapes.  Arrive at Ban Lac village by midday, where a farewell lunch with local dishes celebrates your journey’s end. Board your private transfer to Hanoi (3-hour drive), passing Thung Khe Pass for last glimpses of mountain vistas. Arrive in Hanoi by late afternoon, with memories of Hmong and Muong hospitality, jungle trails, and hidden valley homestays.

Important Notes

Accommodation:
Please note that hotel and homestay accommodations are subject to change based on availability. In the event of any changes, we will ensure that you are placed in equivalent or higher-quality lodging to maintain your comfort throughout the tour.

Meals & Dietary Requirements:

If you have any specific dietary requirements—such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies—please inform us in advance. This allows us to notify our local partners, restaurants, and guides so they can provide appropriate meals that meet your needs.

For food lovers and culinary explorers, Snail Adventure Tours can also be your local food guide! We offer opportunities to savor delicious traditional dishes, sample authentic hill tribe cuisine, and experience Vietnam’s most tempting local foods, from fresh market bites to world-famous specialties.

What’s Included in Your 7 Day Da Bac – Pa Co – Hang Kia – Mai Chau Trekking

What’s Not Included