At Home with the Hill Tribes
Bite-sized trip
Staying with a tribal family is by far the best way to get an understanding of local life in the hills. Tucked between the misty mountains of rural Vietnam, you’ll be house guests for one unforgettable night. The accommodation might be basic, but it’s huge on heart. You’ll experience genuine hill tribe hospitality and get a feel for authentic mountain ways. Nestled in bright green countryside, Mai Hich is home to the White Tai people, known for their dancing, singing and punchy Can wine. You’ll meet the locals, eat with your hosts and sleep in a traditional stilted house. The following day, hop on a traditional raft for a trip down the river, soaking up the scenery as you float amongst tumbling rice terraces.
Day 1 – Hanoi to Mai Hich
Mai Hich is sandwiched between mist-swirled hills around 3 hours from Hanoi. Leaving the city behind, you’ll drive into a rural patchwork of working fields, rice terraces and mountains. On arrival at your accommodation for the night, you’ll be welcomed with a tasty traditional lunch. Afterwards, there’s time to settle into your stilted house. You’ll find a mattress and blanket but very little else, so be prepared for a basic stay.
Day 2 – Mai Hich to Hanoi
The following morning, you’ll be treated to a hearty typical breakfast before floating downstream on a traditional raft, keep your camera close at hand and get lost in a rural daydream. At the end of the day it’s time to wave goodbye to your hosts as you journey back to Hanoi.
Accommodation
