This region makes for a unique volunteer program, as volunteers are accommodated in homestays (villagers’ rustic homes) and have the chance to closely interact with the local community. Short-term group placements often work on building programs, with specific projects including building classrooms and wells and creating vegetable gardens. Long-term volunteer placements can teach English and vocational skills. In return, volunteers can learn how the locals cook, weave and create handicrafts as well as enjoying spectacular scenery and trekking opportunities.

From July 2007, our brand new lodge, located in the Mai Chau valley, will provide an alternative accommodation option to homestays.

Mai Chau is a scenic minority region, 3 – 4 hours drive from Hanoi. Buffalo Tours was the first company to pioneer trekking and homestay accommodation in this region 8 years ago. We have close ties with the local villages and government and support them both financially and socially through our volunteer placements in the Thai and H'Mong villages.

Day 1: Travel to Mai Chau. Lunch in Mai Chau at Lac Village. Trek to project site
Stay overnight in home stay (L,D)

Day 2: Commence building project (B,L,D)

Day 3: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 4: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 5: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 6: Finish building project & “gala” dinner with the local community. (B,L,D)
 
Day 7: Farewell the community and return to Hanoi (B)

Trip price: Please enquire for availability and cost

 Tour includes
- Expenses for building project
- All equipment for construction (participants should bring their own work gloves)
- All meals during project and at homestay
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water during project
- Transfers to and from Hanoi to project site
- “Gala” dinner on final night
 
Tour excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Airport transfers in Hanoi
- Accommodation in Hanoi
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay

Mai Chau is a scenic minority region, 3 – 4 hours drive from Hanoi. Buffalo Tours was the first company to pioneer trekking and homestay accommodation in this region 8 years ago. We have close ties with the local villages and government and support them both financially and socially through our volunteer placements in the Thai and H'Mong villages.

Day 1: Travel to Mai Chau. Lunch in Mai Chau at Lac Village. Trek to project site
Stay overnight in home stay (L,D)

Day 2: Commence building project (B,L,D)

Day 3: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 4: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 5: Building project (B,L,D)

Day 6: Finish building project & “gala” dinner with the local community. (B,L,D)
 
Day 7: Farewell the community and return to Hanoi (B)

Trip price: Please enquire for availability and cost

 Tour includes
- Expenses for building project
- All equipment for construction (participants should bring their own work gloves)
- All meals during project and at homestay
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water during project
- Transfers to and from Hanoi to project site
- “Gala” dinner on final night
 
Tour excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Airport transfers in Hanoi
- Accommodation in Hanoi
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay

Why travel with Buffalo?
Buffalo Tours has developed a specialized
Volunteer & Educational Travel team of experienced teachers, community development specialists, travel experts and guides that allows you to

1) customize not only your volunteer educational travel arrangements but also integrate these into your group’s core learning objectives!

2) participate in community development projects and activities that have undergone a rigorous  participatory needs analysis process

In this way your travel creates the most inspirational impact for all involved