Full-Day Cycling & Handcraft Workshop in Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau offers a most splendid vista of the valley surrounded by the lush green forests, fields and stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group. This is a quiet piece of countryside to stroll and cycle through and to be wrapped in the warm and nice hospitality of the Thai people.

7:30. Departing from the DCT Responsible Travel office (17 Cau Go), we'll leave the city behind and pass through a craggy, mountainous landscape to Mai Chau valley. The road climbs to almost 800 meters before dropping steeply down into the valley passing through picturesque rocky outcrops and with views of rice fields hidden in the deep valleys below. We arrive at Mai Chau around 10:30, where we will be welcomed by our hosts and enter a world of new customs and traditions.

11:00. Following a tour briefing we will cycle to Na Phon village through the rice fields, along narrow lanes until we reach a weaving workshop. We will learn there the White Thai traditional weaving, dyeing, embroidery techniques and experience a hands-on natural dyeing workshop hosted by a Thai lady. The products that you make are yours to take with you along with fond memories of time spent with beautiful people. Snacks will be served during the workshop.

*Hoa Ban Social Protecting Center was created in 2008 with the purpose of supporting disadvantaged and disabled women while maintaining the traditional handicraft customs of the White Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau, Vietnam. This center is a part of the "Keep It Beautiful Vietnam" project, which aims to empower the women & girls in minority weaving villages in Vietnam. This is also a platform to promote sustainable textile fabrics and products with high quality, environmental and social values.

1:30. Returning to our Homestay we will enjoy a lunch of Mai Chau specialties delicately prepared by your host family.

In the afternoon, we’ll hop on bicycles and start cycling. Depending on the weather and your wishes, our local guide will suggest suitable cycling routes. There are many beautiful cycling trails in Mai Chau valley which take you through quaint villages, rice and cropping fields. Along the way, you can stop at any time to catch beautiful moments of nature or talk to a friendly villager.

4:00. We’ll go back to our homestay and have tea before saying goodbye to your host, then head back to Hanoi and arrive at around 7:30. End of the trip.