Take a gorgeous 2-day trip to the Mai Chau Valley, touring villages and farms representing an older way of life in Vietnam, and spend the night in a communal stilt house or private bungalow. Partake in delicious, homemade meals and relax or go shopping during your free time.

Day 1: Get picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Mai Chau. Contemplate the beauty of the sloping mountains and terraced paddy fields, either sparkling in the sunlight or dimly eerie in the thick fog. Arrive in Mai Chau in time for a traditional lunch in the mountain village, with vegetarian options available.

In the afternoon take a bicycle ride with a guide, witnessing farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves, and other sights in the peaceful villages. Spend a few hours shopping or relaxing before dinner—an outdoor BBQ party featuring a Thai folk dance and ruou can (traditional wine). Retire to your room, either a dormitory in a communal stilt house or private bungalow.

Day 2: Eat an early breakfast with a beautiful view of the valley before visiting the Vietnamese villages of Na Meo and Na Mo. Spend a few hours learning about local cultures and customs before returning to the mountain village for lunch and check-out.

You have a few more hours, so enjoy the scenery and some shopping before getting in the car to return to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter, with convenient drop-off at your hotel, at the end of an incredible 2-day journey.