Mai Chau Tours Visit Dong Thech Ancient Tombs (2,3 Days)

The Mystique of Dong Thech Ancient Tombs: A Journey Through Time

Mysterious ancient Dong Thech Tombs are hidden inside rolling hills and valleys of Mai Chau. This 400-year-old cemetery is where the Dinh nobility, a powerful ethnic group of the Muong Dong civilization, is buried. Dong Thech’s ancient tombs are the gems of all archaeological wonders, the stories of the ancient legends, and the significance of the spirituality that nowhere else is available in Vietnam.

A Historical Treasure from the MuongDong Era

Dong Thech’s ancient tombs are evidence of the richness as well as the strength of the Dinh noble family in the Muong Dong region centuries ago. The tombs themselves, located throughout a remote valley, display a striking and enigmatic architectural style that has captivated historians and archaeologists alike for decades. It is a cemetery, but it is also a place of authority and legacy, ancient traditions carved into stone.

Archaeological Marvels Hidden in Nature

Now, the  Dong Thech ancient tombs are famous for their immense stone buildings that stand the test of time. These tombs are marked by:

• Massive stone blocks of some 3m height weighing tons stacked in precise formation that never stops to baffle us.
• Ancient Chinese inscriptions chiseled into many of the tombstones describe the names, titles, and honors of the noble people buried here. These inscriptions offer a valuable glimpse of the MuongDong elite’s ruling class.
• Burial place with each tomb having three big stones standing upright at the head, the foot has three small stones and the side stones are not even.

Some of Dong Thech ancient tombs are not quite like those of conventional tombs, they seemed surreal, creating a landscape where stone figures stood and guarded the past, creating a unique ceremonial land in the history of Vietnam.

Legends and Mystical Tales of Dong Thech Ancient Tombs

Mysterious legends float around the Dong Thech ancient tombs. The locals talk of strange happenings, and supposed disappearances of tombstones,  all adding to the mystery of the place. Among the most famous legends is the story of King Hung’s third wife:

• King Hung’s third wife, heartbroken and wistful for home, is said to have left the kingdom with her two sons, where they settled in the Muong Dong region.
• When she died, she and her sons became three mountains known as the “three dragon mountains” that still rise over the tombs today.
• It is widely believed that these mountains are the spiritual protectors of the site, as they prevent the evil fates that the Dinh family noble line might suffer.

Adding to its enigmatic air, several tombstones have vanished without explanation over the years, while others have gone untouched, coated in thick moss, like they’ve been frozen in time. Visitors who don’t respect the tombs are said to experience weird misfortunes, which has reinforced the myth that this sacred site is protected from further harm by unseen forces.

Dong Thech Ancient Tombs (Sours: mytour)

Detailed Itinerary: Mai Chau Tours visit Dong Thech Ancient Tombs (2-3 days)

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (140km, 4-hour drive)

Morning: Journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau

• 07:30 – Leaving the fast-paced world of Hanoi behind: We will collect you from your Hanoi hotel and begin the scenic journey to Mai Chau.
• 09:30 – Arrive at Thung Khe Pass: Also referred to as the “mini Switzerland of Vietnam”, this beautiful mountain pass promises a breathtaking view of fog valleys. Here, you’ll get to have a short snack break, sample some tasty grilled corn or sticky rice, and take in panoramic views that are ideal for photo ops.

Midday: Arrival & Cultural Immersion

• 11:30 – Check-in at a traditional Thai homestay in Ban Lac village: Enjoy home-cooked meals and local hospitality while staying in a quaint stilt house set in verdant rice fields.
• 12:00 – Lunch with local specialties: For lunch, enjoy a dish of grilled pork, river fish, sticky rice, and bamboo shoot soup, all cooked with ingredients from the surrounding mountainous areas.

Afternoon: Explore the Heart of Mai Chau

• 14:00 – Cultural Immersion in Thai Villages:
  • Cycle walking in Ban Lac & Pom Coong villages, get to immerse into the daily life of an ethnic Thai community
  • Travel to handwoven textile workshops, observing talented craftsmen weave elaborate traditional embroidery designs.
• 16:30 – Explore Hang Chieu Cave: This is a grand limestone cave with a wonderful stalactite system and a panoramic view of Mai Chau Valley. If you are a nature lover, and photographer then this is heaven on Earth.

Evening: A Taste of Local Traditions

• 18:30 – Grilled mountain specialties, ranging from fresh fish to locally farmed meats.
• 20:00 – Experience Traditional Thai Dance, and taste Ruou can (rice wine): Music, Dance, and cultural performances, good people, and good hospitality.
• 22:00 – Overnight stay at your homestay/hotel in readiness for the following gripping day.

Ban Lac (Sours: www.booking)

Day 2: Unveiling the Dong Thech Ancient Tombs

Morning: Journey into the Past

• 07:00 – Have a morning walk and have breakfast in the countryside in the mountain fresh air.
• 08:00 – Leave for Dong Thech ancient tombs which are 30km from Mai Chau. The idyllic drive passes through verdant fields, gentle hills , and peaceful countryside villages.
• 09:00 – Visit the ancient tombs of Dong Thech:
  • Stroll on the ancient stone pathways and discover the mysterious burial grounds.
  • Admire the series of dramatic stone burial mounds, some of which are over 3 meters tall and several tons in weight.
  • Translate historical texts in ancient Chinese characters, which provide information about a noble family in the Dinh era and their position in Muong Dong history.
  • Discover local folklore, such as the story of King Hung’s third wife and the three dragon mountains that are said to protect the site.
  • Ensure you get some beautiful shots of the mist-covered tombstones to achieve an ethereal atmosphere.

Midday: Relaxation at Kim Boi Hot Springs

• 11:30 — Drive to Kim Boi Hot Springs, one of Vietnam’s best-known natural mineral baths.
• 12:30 — Local lunch, featuring steamed mountain chicken, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and herbal soup, is a great way to savor the region’s unique cuisine.

Afternoon: Leisure & Exploration

• 14:00 – Back to Mai Chau, free time for relaxing or self-discovery.
• 16:00 – Optional visits:
  • Go Lao Waterfall: A hidden paradise to swim in sparkling-clear waters, and a peaceful escape in the heart of nature.
  • Tea plantations: Stroll through endless fields of rich green tea, sample herbal teas grown locally, and learn about traditional methods of making tea.

Evening: A Cozy Night in Mai Chau

• 18:30 – Dinner at your homestay, a meal of grilled fish and salads prepared in the Thai style, using local fresh ingredients.
• 20:00 – Gather around the bonfire (for 3-day tour travelers) to enjoy listening to ancient Muong and Thai stories.
• 22:00: Overnight Mai Chau, preparing for the last day of travel.

Kim Boi Hot Springs (Sours: dulich-phuquoc)

Day 3: Mai Chau – Hanoi (For 3-Day Tour Travelers)

Morning: A Peaceful Farewell to Mai Chau

• 07:00 – Morning stroll through rice paddies, marvel at local farmers with rice and oxen
• 08:00 – Breakfast made with local, mountain-fresh ingredients, overlooking the immersive nature.
• 09:00 – Buy souvenirs: take local markets throughout and get handwoven textiles, mountain honey, herbal tea, and another artifact of the travel as a memory of your journey.

Midday: Return to Hanoi

• 10:00 – Drive back to Hanoi by the scenic countryside roads with leisure.
• 12:00 –  Visit Thung Khe Pass; try local snacks from grilled corn, and bamboo-tube rice.
• 14:30 – Travel back to Hanoi, and end this extraordinary travel.

Tour Includes:

• Private transfers from Hanoi to Mai Chau and Dong Thech ancient tombs.
• Stay in a traditional Thai stilt-house homestay/hotel (depending on preference).
• Meals as per itinerary: (includes local specialties and traditional dishes).
• Sightseeing fees at Dong Thech ancient tombs, Hang Chieu Cave, and other places.
• Dong Thech ancient tombs guided tour with an expert local guide.
• Entertainment: Thai traditional dance performance, Mai Chau cycling experience, textile weaving demonstration.
• Kim Boi Hot Springs mineral bath experience.
• Leisure for shopping at Mai Chau’s local markets.

 Tour Excludes:

• Individual expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks, extra drinks).
• Travel Insurance.
• Other activities are not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tips for your guides and drivers (discretionary).
• Applicable VAT & other government taxes.

Thung Khe Pass (Sours: somethingoffreedom)

Essential Travel Tips for Mai Chau Tours Visit Dong Thech Ancient Tombs 

Best Time to Visit Dong Thech Ancient Tombs

The best time to travel to Dong Thech ancient tombs is from September to May with cool and dry weather, suitable for outdoor exploration. The rain from September to November makes everything lush and green, and from December to February it’s all mystical and misty. From March to May has warm weather and flowers blossoming everywhere. Do not visit during the rainy season (June to August) as the heavy rains will make the terrain slippery.

What to Pack for Mai Chau Tours

Mai Chau Tours will whip you up for its bouquet of astonishing sights from refreshing greens to historical sites, so make sure you are prepared with the following items: comfortable hiking shoes for bumpy roads, a raincoat just in case it rains unexpectedly, and a camera to snap the magnificent scenery of Dong Thech’s ancient tombs. Pack warm clothes for the December to February months and sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you’re there during the sun-filled months. We also recommend a portable charger and a basic first-aid kit.

Respect Local Culture & Traditions

One of the sacred and historical relics, Dong Thech ancient tombs must be visited respectfully. Do not touch or climb on tombstones, which are more than 400 years old. Maintain low noise levels, wear modest clothing, and always seek permission before photographing locals. The Thai and Muong people in Mai Chau are friendly and will appreciate your respect for their customs.

Cash & Connectivity in Mai Chau

Dong Thech ancient tombs are in a remote area, and there are few ATMs, and most of the local vendors do not accept credit cards. This means coverage is poor in many places, so download maps and important info ahead of time. Homestays and lodges in Mai Chau have electricity, but power cuts are not uncommon,  a portable power bank comes in handy.

Mai Chau (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor.)

Must-Try Mai Chau Specialties & Souvenirs

Culinary Delights of Mai Chau

1. Com lam (Bamboo-Tube Rice) – 15,000-25,000 VND per tube

A signature dish of the Thai ethnic people, Com lam is filled with glutinous rice before adding a dash of coconut water or salt, then slowly roasting it on an open flame. The result? A fragrant, smoky rice dish with a slightly crisped outer layer, served as a side to grilled meats or sesame salt.

You can find it at: Mai Chau Market, Ban Lac Village

2. Thit nuong la mac mat (Grilled Pork with Mac Mat Leaves) – 80,000-150,000 VND per serving

This double delight is a Mai Chau specialty, where marinated pork wears mac mat leaves that bestow them with a sweet and sour taste before being grilled to perfection The outcome is juicy, flavorful meat with just the right amount of smokiness.

 A must-try at: Nha hang Hop Thuy – Ban Lac 2, Mai Chau

3. Mang Dang (Bitter Bamboo Shoots) – 100,000-200,000 VND per kg

For a real taste of the mountains, ask for Mang Dang, a seasonal delicacy collected from nearby forests. The shoots may be bitter at first, but they take on a savory, slightly sweet aftertaste when stir-fried or boiled with local herbs.

You can buy fresh or dried bamboo shoots at: Mai Chau Central Market or roadside stalls along Thung Khe Pass.

Top Souvenirs to Bring Home from Mai Chau

1. Handwoven Thai Textiles – 150,000-500,000 VND per piece

In Mai Chau, the Thai ethnic minority is best known for hand-woven fabrics with beautiful colors and sophisticated patterns being inherited through generations. These textiles are ideal as scarves, table runners, or even traditional skirts.

Authentic woven fabrics can be purchased from the following best places: Thai Textile Weaving Cooperative, and Ban Lac Village.

2. Mountain Honey & Herbal Tea – 200,000-400,000 VND per jar/bag

The mountain honey is pure and high in nutrients, it is from the untouched forests of Mai Chau, and it has its smell of flowers. Pair it with locally foraged herbal teas, like dried chrysanthemum, wild tea leaves, or lemongrass blends, for a soothing and healthful treat.

 Available at: Mai Chau Local Farmers’ Market – Ban Van Village

3. Ruou can Mai Chau (Traditional Rice Wine) – 250,000-500,000 VND per jar

Wrapped around a Mai Chau, Ruou can is a fermented rice wine enjoyed communally, traditionally through long bamboo straws. When brewed with the local glutinous rice, and a fermentation process with a certain forest herb, it has a slightly sweet and herbal taste. This is ideal for eating in front of friends!

Best bought from: Nha san ruou can Hop Thuy – Mai Ha Village

Conclusion

The experience of visiting Dong Thech ancient tombs with Mai Chau Tours is not just a tour, it’s a step through the doors of time, to the secrets of Vietnam for more than 300 years. Stroll through ancient stone tombs, hear the tales of the Dinh noble family, and take in the stunning scenery of Mai Chau tours. From the buzzing of the harvest season in September to the peaceful silence of winter in December, every season offers its unique charm, which Impress Travel navigates you transportively through on this unforgettable voyage of culture, heritage, and history.

Book your tour today!

Hanoi Head Office

• 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
• Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
• Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

Saigon Office

• 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
• Tel: (+84)961675566
• Email: saigon@impresstravel.com