mai chau travel

Mai Chau best things to do & travel guide

Mai Chau is located in a rural valley with towering cliffs, a unique culture and a relaxed atmosphere and only a three-hour drive from Hanoi. There are some nice things to do in Mai Chau, such as cycling through the beautiful green rice fields, visit minority villages, make a trekking in Pu Luong and enjoy the traditional Tai dances in the evening.

5 reasons to visit Mai Chau

• Explore the beautiful rice terraces and jungle of Phu Luong.
• Cycle past the rice fields through the Mai Chau valley.
• Drive a motorbike to various viewpoints on the Thung Khe Pass.
• Explore villages of local hill tribes.
• Go on an adventurous trip with a kayak or go rock climbing.

What is in this Mai Chau travel guide

Practical information, best time to visit.

• 10 best things to do
• Best hotels & hostels

Food & drinking

How to get there, how to get around, book your local mai chau experience, recommended days to stay.

There are not a lot of sights to visit, so if you are are here just to relax and bike between the rice fields, minimum two full days is good. If you are planning to visit Pu Luong nature Reserve it is recommended to stay a day or two longer.

ATM's & money exchange

There are a number of ATMs in Mai Chau, but not in most villages and sometimes hard to find. Take enough cash with you. Most hotels accept a bank card or credit card, but homestays often do not.

• Best travel time : From December to May. The first 2 months can still be cold, but after that it gets warmer. There is also little rain this period.
• From November to February  it is winter and the temperature can drop to 10 degrees.
• The rainy season is from  June to September .

10 best things to do in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a peaceful valley with extensive rice fields, villages of ethnic minorities and some small waterfalls. There is actually not much to do in Mai Chau, but this is what makes the area so attractive to visit. You come here mainly for the peace and the natural beautiful landscape.

1. Cycling through rice fields

2. Homestay experience

One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is stay in a homestay of a local ethnic minority. You learn more about their unique culture and traditions here. You can find homestays in one of the two largest villages in Mai Chau; Poom Coong and Lac. The houses here are usually built on stilts. Life is simple: you wake up to the sound of roosters crowing and farmers going to work, you sleep on a mattress lying on the creaking bamboo floor and you spend your evenings drinking the local wine and watching a cultural show.

Some homestays in Mai Chau have upgrades their accommodation, with more modern facilities and comfortable beds with private bathrooms. These small-scale accommodations are a little less authentic but still provide a unique experience compared to hotels.

3. Ethnic villages

With stilt houses and lush, green rice fields, Ban Lac, Pom Coong and other villages dotted in the valley are quaint and serene, ethnic Thai villages with very hospitable inhabitants. During the day you see the local population working on the land and moving cattle. In the evening, you are invited to relax and enjoy traditional alcoholic beverages and participate in traditional songs and dances of Thai ethnicity. The best way to explore villages in the Mai Chau valley are by bike or a trekking.

4. Go Lao waterfall

One of the most beautiful sights in Mai Chau is the Go Lao waterfall . About 20 meters high and located in a beautiful setting. After descending the unpaved stairs, you stand next to the waterfall. In the dry season there is little water, but you can take a dip in the cool water.

It is located next to Hoa Binh lake so it can be perfectly combined. If you like to see more waterfalls in Mai Chau, you can visit the Pung Waterfall and the Tat Nang waterfall .

5. Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is not only a top attraction in Mai Chau, but also one of the biggest highlights in Vietnam. In this beautiful landscape you will find very beautiful rice terraces that are immersed by water wheels made of bamboo. There are local villages of ethnic minorities where you can see how they live. The best way to explore this area of villages and paddy fields is by making a trekking. Pu long is one of the hidden jewels of Vietnam.

6. Thung Khe pass

When you take the bus from Hanoi, you already drive over the Thung Khe Pass . but if you don’t stop here is worth going back by car or motorbike. You can rent a scooter yourself and ride this pass, but be very careful here. On this mountain pass you have a viewpoint with the best view over the Mai Chau valley. Drive a bit further to have more amazing views of mountains and the countryside.

7. Hoa Binh lake

Lake Hoa Binh was created after the construction of Hoa Binh hydroelectric power station. It is the largest lake in Vietnam, with 47 large and small islands. You can rent a boat to explore the lake for around VND 50,000 – 70,000.

8. Climbing

The most adventurous activity you can do in Mai Chau is rock climbing. Climb up to have a beautiful view of the Mai Chau valley. There are several possible routes for rock climbing to choose from, something for everyone, regardless of age, athletic ability or level of experience.

The shape of the mountains of Mai Chau come from limestone bottoms of karst, the same type of geological formations that Ha Long Bay has created. Where there is karst, you will find caves and Mai Chau is no exception. The two largest caves in Mai Chau are Mo Luong Cave and Chieu Cave.

10. Go off the beaten track

Mai Chau is already not as popular as Sapa or Ninh Binh , but you can even go more off the beaten track here if you don’t mind traveling a bit. 

The two earlier mentioned waterfalls Pung and Tat Nang are located further from the tourist villages and are hardly visited by other travelers. In addition they are located in a stunning landscape. Around the latter named waterfall you can visit the entire area of Van Ho with many villages of ethnic minorities and beautiful rice fields. Continue a little further to Pac Co village where you can visit an unique ethnic minority market on Sundays. Around the Pung waterfall you will find one of the few terraced rice fields of Mai Chau in various places.

Best hotels & hostels in Mai Chau

In Mai Chau there are two villages where tourists look for their accommodation: Lac and Pom Coong. These two villages are also right next to each other, with a few hundred meters away. Most accommodations consist of homestays, but there are also a few hotels and luxury resorts. In the village there are shops and a few restaurants.

Budget hotels & hostels

• Little Mai Chau Home Stay
• Mai Chau Backpackers House
• Lim’s house
• Eco Homestay

Mid range hotel

• Mai Chau Nature Lodge
• Mai Chau Valley View Hotel

High end hotel & resort

• Mai Chau Villas
• Mai Chau HideAway Resort
• Mai Chau Ecolodge

Restaurants

There are a few restaurants in Mai Chau, but it is more likely that you eat at your homestay, hotel or resort. Eating at a homestay overnight is often included in the price and the food is great. There is no menu. Classic, country-style dishes are served from a set menu for lunch and dinner. It is simple and nutritious and a good fuel to explore the region.

The restaurants in Mai Chau can be find in the main villages, surrounded by shops. Expect mainly local dishes. For western food you want to check the restaurants that are part of a resort.

There is no real nightlife in Mai Chau; which is only a good thing for a town in this setting. But every night there are traditional dance shows being giving to welcome the new guest. You can find these shows at some of the hotels and resorts.

Mai Chau does not have a railway station or airport. If you want to use this, it is best to first travel to Hanoi and from here travel to Mai Chau.

Busses to Mai Chau

The easiest and fastest way is by minibus from Hanoi. These minibuses from Hanoi to Mai Chau are also included in most Mai Chau packages with accommodation.

Direct buses to Mai Chau leave from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi at 6 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The journey costs around 80,000-100,000 and lasts between 3.5 and 4 hours. If you want to stay in the villages of Lac or Pom Coong, ask the bus driver to drop you off there. You will be dropped off at the crossroads, were you can get a taxi to your accommodation.

Buses return to Hanoi at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Host families in your homestay or hotel can reserve this bus for you and arrange for you to be picked up from the village.

The best way to explore Mai Chau is walking or cycling. As you cycle or walk along the unpaved roads of Mai Chau, you can enjoy the landscape, wildflowers, rice fields, villages and the locals moving cattle from place to place. Guides can propose trekking or cycling paths. Most hotels and homestays have free bikes or can recommend a bicycle provider for a small fee.

In addition, if you are staying in a resort they also have electric golf buggies which they use to drive their guest around the rice fields. It is quiet, comfortable and offers a bit more cover for the sun.

Itinerary 2 days in Mai Chau

Check our 2 day example itinerary below to know what to do in Mau Chau.

The first day is a day of relaxation. Rent a bike and explore the valley. Drive through peaceful villages, past rice fields and see how the locals live.

Visit the main highlight of the area: Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Plan an organized trekking tour or day tour by motorcycle or car through this area. If you have more time it is recommended to stay here for at least one night.

More tips for traveling in Mai Chau

Where to go next.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a good next destination after Mai Chau. You can also visit both Mau Chau and Pu Luong with our tours to Mai Chau , including transfers from Hanoi.

You can also choose to go directly from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh and from here travel back to Hanoi or go farther south to Phong Nha or Hue / Hoi An .

For other destinations in north Vietnam you always have to travel to Hanoi first. From Hanoi you can go to Halong Bay , Ha Giang or Sapa ; though we recommend to either choose to go to Sapa or Mai Chau and not visit both if you have not many days to travel in Vietnam.

For people that want to go off the beaten track, they can head to Son La with Moc Chau . Here you can visit tea plantations, mountains and more minority villages.

Mai Chau with kids

This valley is one of the best places to travel in Vietnam with kids . Staying in a resort with a pool is highly recommended. Biking through the rice fields over small roads with little to no traffic at all. In addition, it is a great place to learn children about the ethnic minorities that live here.

It might not be as touristy as other destinations in north Vietnam, it has developed over the years. English at the resorts is often spoken, the homestays and restaurants often much less, but they always have an English menu.

What to bring

The valley can get very hot most of the year, only not during the winter months in and around December and January. In the summer it can rain more. For that reason it is always good to see which season you are going.

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Nearby places.

• How To Get There

The Mai Chau’s proximity to the capital makes it an ideal escape for nature lovers. Here, small ethnic minority villages sit among a patchwork of paddy fields surrounded by green mountains. Spend a night or two immersed in Vietnam’s rural culture, dining on delicious home-cooked cuisine, and learning about the traditions of the ethnic groups.

Top things to do in mai chau.

Sleep in a homestay 

The Mai Chau Valley is home to two excellent homestay tourism villages: Lac and Pom Coong. In both villages, White Thai families offer simple accommodation in stilt houses in an idyllic setting of verdant jungle, limestone outcrops, and mountain tops.

Cycle around the valley

Exploring the many quiet ribbons of paths that connect clusters of stilt houses might be the greatest pleasure you'll have in Mai Chau. It doesn’t take long to feel like you’ve found your own quiet corner, riding past humble villages and rice paddies.

Shop for local crafts

Mai Chau has no shortage of intricate fabrics woven by skilled weavers on ancient looms. A little gentle bargaining is expected and even welcomed. On Sunday, the morning market attracts ethnic minorities dressed in their finest traditional clothing.

Eat with the locals

Known for their warm hospitality, the White Thai are also fantastic cooks and serve up excellent home-cooked feasts for dinner. The meals you're served at the homestays in Mai Chau might be some of the best on your Vietnam trip.

Plan a day trek

For a full day trip, spring for a kayaking excursion on Hoa Binh Lake, a beautiful body of water surrounded by jungled hills. Or venture further to Pu Luong Nature Reserve where cool, fresh streams run among the trees, feeding waterfalls and aquamarine pools.

Mai Chau Weather

Mai Chau Valley is at its best from March to May and September to November. October is perhaps the most ideal month because harvest takes place and the rice takes on a glorious golden hue. Be careful if visiting from June to August, as monsoons can flood local roads.

Mai Chau Transport

Mai Chau is approximately 140km from Hanoi. Local buses from the capital run directly to Mai Chau town just a short walk from Lac and Pom Coong villages. If coming from Son La or Dien Bien Province, ask the driver to stop at the Mai Chau turn off. In Hanoi, it is possible to hire a motorbike or a private car for the journey. Bicycles are the best option for getting around the valley floor, as small paths criss-cross villages and farms. Electric carts are available for hire to take you from one village to another.

In this article:

Mai Chau Ecolodge

Mai chau lodge.

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Getty Images/Moment RF

Set in an idyllic valley, hemmed in by hills, the Mai Chau area is a world away from Hanoi's hustle. The small town of Mai Chau itself is unappealing, but just outside the patchwork of rice fields rolls out, speckled by tiny Thai villages where visitors doss down for the night in traditional stilt houses and wake up to a rural soundtrack defined by gurgling irrigation streams and birdsong.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Pa Co Market

This interesting weekly market, 30km northwest of Mai Chau, makes for a fine excursion. The back section has a small but high-quality section of batiks…

Mai Chau Market

Mai Chau's main central market spills out onto the surrounding streets every Sunday morning.

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Traveling and Exploring in Northern Vietnam

MAI CHAU → Travel Guide + Tips + Map

ℹ️ Information about Mai Chau 🚍 How to get to Mai Chau ☀️ Weather in Mai Chau 🏡 Accommodation in Mai Chau 🔍 Interesting sites in Mai Chau 📍 Map of interesting places 🎫 Book Tickets to Mai Chau

Mai Chau: Embark on a Cultural Escape.

The green mountain scenery, rice fields in the valley and distinctive cultures..

• Mai Chau (Mai Châu) and its surroundings is located in Hoa Binh province, about 150 kilometers west of Hanoi. It lies only 150 m above sea level. Mai Chau attracts many visitors each year. Mai Chau district has about 50,000 inhabitants, including seven ethnic minority groups – the White Thai, Hmong, Zao, Muong, Tay, Hoa a Viet.

Almost all local people offer accommodation in wooden stilt houses.

• Whites and Black Thai people are the biggest ethnic groups of this region, their origins and ancestors are from Thailand. They build big houses with their characteristic architecture, putting the houses on stilts which provides protection against rising water and dangerous animals.These houses can be your accommodation. You can also watch local farmers and how they work in the rice fields.

The best option for accommodation in Mai Chau is a village house.

• It is not a problem finding somewhere to stay in Mai Chau, a variety of places can be found in the Lac and Poom Coong villages, and there are a lot of set-up homestay facilities. Most real or genuine homestay can be found in the Van village. Almost every homestay has a big room and you will sleep with other people, say with 8-10 other guests. Some families can offer a separate double room.

Accommodation in Mai Chau ➜

Almost all the homestays in Mai Chau are adapted for travelers and tourists.

• The city also has some middle of the road hotels. In Mai Chau there is also a 4-star Mai Chau Ecolodge , on a beautiful spot in the rice fields, for the more demanding of luxury. Mai Chau is a very big valley in the lowlands, and the best time to visit is from October to April, because other months can be very hot. Agoda and Booking offer some hotels and homestay in the villages.

Pu Luong Nature reserve is a good picturesque place for treks.

• On the edge of the Mai Chau town is a ready made starting point at Pu Luong Nature reserve . This huge reserve is ideal for trekking and exploring the life of ethnic minority people. There is plenty of opportunity to use some of the homestay accommodation. The reserve is the home to several protected and endangered animal species – for example leopards and bears.

Ethnic villages, rivers, mountains and valleys are big attractions in Pu Luong.

• The reserve is ideal for bird watching. It’s a huge wooded area with small villages and residents of the Thai ethnic group. It is best recommended to go there with a guide, but you can go by yourself under your own steam. You can go easily without a guide to the area around the reservation. Some trails start at the town of Mai Chau itself. Download the detailed map of the reserve .

You won’t get bored here – biking, trekking or walking in the paddy fields.

• Mai Chau offers a lot of activities, eg. a tour to the ethnic villages where you will see the farmers at their daily work in the fields. You can rent a push-bike or motorcycle to ride around the neighborhood, visit the Chieu cave, the Thai ethnic museum, trekking in Pu Luong Nature reserve, or a scenic sightseeing tour around the Hoa Binh lake .

Bus Tickets from Hanoi to Mai Chau ➜

Take a trip to Moc Chau town – an area of tea plantations.

• You can also do a 1 day trip into the town of tea plantations and fruit trees – Moc Chau . Moc Chau town and its surroundings are located approximately 40 km from Mai Chau, and with a motorcycle it is not a problem to get there. In this area you will see large tea plantations. Moc Chau is also known as a growing area for plums, apricots and other fruits. You will see blooming trees and flowers especially in the spring time.

Many villages of different ethnic minority people are around the city.

• Many villages in Mai Chau are located within 3 km from the city and they are very easily accessible – you can rent a bike or you can walk. If you want to go further and visit a market, Pa Co sunday market is a good option. It is about 20 km from Mai Chau on the road to Moc Chau town. A lot of minority people, mainly Hmongs go there to sell or buy almost anything.

In the villages you can watch the popular dance of Thai residents – Xoe.

• Now, it has developed into 36 dances and has become the symbol of solidarity among the ethnic groups in the northwest. „>In the villages near the town of Mai Chau, you have the opportunity to watch a popular dance Xoe celebrated by the Thai minority people. Xoe dance has a long history,originating around the year 1000 AD. It began with boys and girls from different villages dancing, holding hands and forming circles. This dance is the traditional activity of northwest Vietnam and it takes place at many festivals. The dance can also be used to welcome visitors and tourists who come to this area. This dance has evolved to another 36 varients and has became a symbol of solidarity among the ethnic groups in the northwestern region.

🚍 How to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau:

• there are some tourist buses from Hanoi to Mai Chau – My Dinh, Ha Dong bus stations
• you can also use private taxi (van, vehicle) from Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport
• bus ticket from Hanoi to Mai Chau costs about $4-10/pp (depends on the type of bus, minivan)
• travel distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau is about 140 km
• travel by bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau takes about 3-4 hours
• it is also possible travel by bus from Son La town, Moc Chau, Ninh Binh and Hoa Binh
• there is no train connection from Hanoi to Mai Chau town
• If you come from Hanoi on a motorbike, you can make a short stop at the biggest dam of Southeast Asia in Hoa Binh
• You can book bus e-tickets or taxi from Hanoi to Mai Chau on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜

🚍 How to travel from Mai Chau to Halong Bay:

• you can travel by bus, minivan via Ninh Binh or by bus/train via Hanoi
• travel time by bus or minivan is about 7.5-10 hours
• travel by bus/minivan to Halong Bay from Mai Chau costs about $13-37/pp (depends on the type of bus)
• travel distance from Mai Chau to Halong Bay is about 320 km via Hanoi
• there is no train and no flight from Mai Chau to Halong Bay
• read this article: How to travel from Mai Chau to Halong Bay?

🚍 How to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa:

• you can travel by bus, minivan or bus+train via Hanoi and Lao Cai
• travel time from Mai Chau to Sapa is about 9-12 hours by bus or about 16 hours by bus+train
• travel by bus/minivan to Sapa from Mai Chau costs about $22-36/pp
• travel distance from Mai Chau to Sapa is about 500 km via Hanoi
• there is no direct train and no flight from Mai Chau to Sapa
• read this article: How to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa?

🚍 How to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh:

• From Mai Chau to Ninh Binh you can travel by bus, minivan or private car, motorbike
• travel time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is about 4-4.5 hours by bus
• travel by bus/minivan from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh costs about $16-18/pp
• travel distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is about 130 km
• there is no direct train and no flight from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
• read this article: How to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?

☀️ Weather in Mai Chau + The Best Time to Visit:

The weather in Mai Chau is heavily influenced by the tropical monsoon climate of the region.

• The dry season in Mai Chau lasts from November to April, with the most pleasant weather being experienced from December to February. During this time, temperatures are generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to around 10°C. The skies are mostly clear, and rainfall is minimal, making it the best time to visit Mai Chau for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, and sightseeing.
• The rainy season in Mai Chau starts from May and lasts until October, with July and August being the wettest months. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, and frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. The rainfall can cause flooding and landslides in some areas, and the wet and muddy trails can make it challenging to trek and explore the countryside. However, the rainy season is also a beautiful time to visit Mai Chau, as the rice paddies turn green, and the scenery is lush and vibrant.
• The best time to visit Mai Chau depends on your preference for weather and outdoor activities. If you prefer mild weather and outdoor activities such as trekking, then the dry season from December to February is the best time to visit. If you enjoy the lush green scenery, the rainy season from May to October is the best time to visit. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and plan your activities accordingly. ➜ Current weather in Mai Chau

🏡 Accommodation in Mai Chau:

Mai Chau offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. From homestays in traditional Thai stilt houses to comfortable hotels and resorts, there’s something for everyone in Mai Chau.

• Homestays are a popular option for visitors who want to experience the traditional Thai culture and way of life. Most homestays are located in the small villages around Mai Chau and offer a unique opportunity to stay with a local family, eat traditional home-cooked meals, and participate in activities such as rice harvesting and weaving. Homestays usually have basic amenities such as shared bathrooms and no air conditioning, but they provide an authentic experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
• Guesthouses are also available in Mai Chau, offering a more affordable option for backpackers and budget travelers. These accommodations usually have private or shared rooms, basic amenities, and a communal area for socializing with other travelers.
• For those who prefer more comfort and luxury, there are also hotels and resorts in Mai Chau that offer modern facilities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants. These accommodations usually have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and other amenities such as WiFi and cable TV.

🚶 What to do in Mai Chau / Hoa Binh Lake:

• Explore the traditional Thai ethnic villages: Mai Chau is home to several ethnic Thai villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life. Ban Lac and Pom Coong are two of the most popular villages to visit, with traditional stilt houses, handicraft shops, and local markets.
• Trekking and hiking: Mai Chau offers several trekking and hiking trails that take visitors through the scenic countryside, rice paddies, and forests. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a popular destination for trekking, with stunning views and diverse wildlife.
• Cycling: Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside and villages around Mai Chau. Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride through the rice fields, or take a more challenging route through the hills and valleys.
• Homestay experience: Homestay with a local family in a traditional Thai stilt house and experience the local culture and way of life. Participate in activities such as rice harvesting, weaving, and cooking traditional meals.
• Visit the local markets: The local markets in Mai Chau offer a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, with fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Watch a traditional dance performance: The traditional Thai dance performances are a must-see in Mai Chau, with colorful costumes and lively music.

🔍  Places of Interest in Mai Chau (+Activities):

• Mai Chau Valley: Surrounded by lush green rice paddies and stilt houses, Mai Chau Valley is a picturesque destination for nature lovers and hikers. You can explore the valley on foot or by bicycle.
• Pom Coong and Lac Villages: These two traditional Thai ethnic villages offer an immersive cultural experience. Stay in stilt houses, learn about local customs, and enjoy traditional dance performances.
• Hoa Binh Lake : Not far from Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Lake is a serene place for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and forests.
• Gò Lào Waterfall : Go Lao waterfall is a combination of two streams: Thung Cang and Phieng Sa. The waterfall is about 30 meters high and lies in a corner against the mountain. It is the most visited waterfall, as it is close relatively close to Lac Village
• Cycling Tours: Mai Chau is an excellent place for cycling. Rent a bicycle and ride through the countryside, passing by serene villages and enjoying the fresh air.
• Hiking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Located nearby, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a hiker’s paradise. Explore the lush forests and trek to captivating waterfalls and ethnic villages.
• Local Markets: Mai Chau’s markets are vibrant and colorful. Visit the Saturday night market to shop for handicrafts, textiles, and local produce.
• Chieu Cave: Chieu Cave deserves one of the impressive caves to be explored in Mai Chau travel. In each afternoon, tourists will be definitely surprised by the gorgeous beauty and shimmering landscapes of the unique scenic spot.
• Traditional Thai Dance Performance: Enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance, which often takes place in Mai Chau’s villages. It’s a cultural treat that provides insight into the local way of life.
• Lavie Stream: A gentle stream that meanders through the valley, Lavie Stream is perfect for a leisurely walk or a refreshing dip on a hot day.
• Stilt House Accommodation: Experience the unique way of life in Mai Chau by staying in a traditional stilt house. Enjoy homestays with the locals for an authentic cultural encounter.
• Thung Khe Pass: This mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s a popular spot for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty of Mai Chau.
• Biking to Nearby Villages: Explore the neighboring villages on a bicycle. It’s a great way to witness the daily life of the Thai people and appreciate the stunning scenery.
• Brocade Weaving Workshops: Mai Chau is known for its traditional textile weaving. Visit one of the workshops to see the intricate process of making colorful textiles.
• Homestay Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes with a local family. It’s a hands-on experience that will introduce you to the delicious cuisine of the region.
• Van Village Market: Visit this lively market, especially during the weekend, to shop for souvenirs and sample local street food.

📍  Mai Chau + Hoa Binh lake – Tourist Map:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Mai Chau / Hoa Binh:

1. how to book bus tickets or private car from hanoi to mai chau.

• You can book bus tickets or car from Hanoi to Mai Chau online on Baolau or 12go.asia .
• You can search and book another routes, e.g. Mai Chau > Hanoi, Mai Chau > Ninh Binh…

2. How to search and book a tour to Mai Chau?

• You can search and book a tour or several day trip to Mai Chau online with KLOOK . There are various tours and trips in northern, central + southern Vietnam.

3. How to move in Mai Chau?

• The best way is to travel on your own, you can walk or you can rent a motorbike or bicycle. IDP (International Driving Permitt) is necessary if you want to drive a motorbike in Vietnam. You can book your motorbike or scooter in Hanoi online with Bikesbooking . In Mai Chau you can also rent a bicycle at your homestay or hotel.

4. What is the travel time from Hanoi to Mai Chau?

• Travel by tourist bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau takes about 4-4.5 hours.
• Travel by private taxi or car from Hanoi to Mai Chau takes about 4 hours.

5. How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau?

• Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Hanoi to Mai Chau costs about $8-14/pp.
• Travel by private car from Hanoi to Mai Chau costs about $127-175/car.

6. How far is Mai Chau from Hanoi?

• Travel distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau town is about 140 km by tourist bus.

7. What is the best time to visit Mai Chau?

• The best time to visit Mai Chau is from September to November or from February to May, which are the dry and cool seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant and there is less chance of rain. The rice fields are also at their most beautiful during the harvest season in September and October.

8. What kind of accommodation options are available in Mai Chau?

• Mai Chau offers a range of accommodation options , from homestays and guesthouses to hotels and resorts. Homestays are a popular option for visitors who want to experience the traditional Thai culture and way of life. For those who prefer more comfort and luxury, there are also hotels and resorts in Mai Chau that offer modern facilities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.

9. What are some of the popular outdoor activities in Mai Chau?

• Mai Chau is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities . Popular outdoor activities in Mai Chau include trekking, hiking, cycling, and motorbike tours. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, while cycling is a great way to explore the countryside and villages around Mai Chau.

10. What are some of the popular cultural activities in Mai Chau?

• Mai Chau is home to several ethnic Thai villages , where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life. Cultural activities in Mai Chau include visiting the traditional Thai ethnic villages, watching a traditional dance performance, and participating in activities such as rice harvesting, weaving, and cooking traditional meals.

11. What are some of the must-see attractions in Mai Chau?

• Some of the must-see attractions in Mai Chau include the traditional Thai ethnic villages, the Mo Luong Cave, the local markets, and the Thung Khe Pass. These attractions offer a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, as well as stunning scenery and natural wonders.

12. Is it safe to travel to Mai Chau?

• Mai Chau is a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding traveling alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and keeping your valuables safe.

13. What kind of cuisine can I expect to find in Mai Chau?

• Mai Chau is known for its delicious and unique cuisine , which features a variety of traditional Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Some of the must-try dishes in Mai Chau include grilled meat, sticky rice, and fish cooked in bamboo. There are also several local markets and restaurants that offer a wide range of fresh and affordable dishes.

14. Is there an airport in Mai Chau?

• No, Mai Chau has no airport, travel by plane to this place is not possible

15. How to travel solo in Vietnam?

• Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.

16. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?

• Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam .

17. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?

• Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam , characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜

BOOK TICKETS / CAR to Mai Chau ➜

➡️  Where to go from Mai Chau:

You can continue to Moc Chau , Son La , Ninh Binh , Hanoi .

⏪ Go back to places of interest

Accommodation ｜ Transportation ｜ Visas ｜ Vaccines ｜ Money ｜ Weather ｜ Trekking / Hike ｜ Sapa ｜ Ninh Binh ｜ Yen Bai ｜ Lang Son ｜ Moc Chau ｜ Lai Chau

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• Mai Châu Vietnam | Travel Guide

Mai Châu is one of the most popular destinations in North-East Vietnam. Situated at only 140km from Ha Noi , the Mai Chau valley is the ideal weekend getaway to skip the Vietnamese capital’s overwhelming heat. Mai Chau is 800m-900m above the sea level, guaranteeing freshness most of the year.

The summer brings heat of around 34°C (93°F) in Mai Chau, along with occasional bouts of rain.

Between November and April, visitors to Mai Chau can enjoy a temperate climate of around 22 – 25°C (72 – 77°F).

How to get there?

• By motorbike: 140km. The trip is a journey with several viewpoints, tight turns, hairpin roads.
• By Car: 150km. This path is longer than the path recommended for motorcycles, but you will be driving on highways for the most part
• By bus: there are 1 to 2 buses per day from Ha Noi. Prices vary between 70,000VND and 100,000VND. Allow a minimum of 3 hours

What to see in Mai Châu?

• Temple Thac Bo: located at the water’s edge, you can explore the surroundings by boat
• Thung Khe: a unique panorama to take your breath away.
• Go Lao Waterfall: a small waterfall, very popular because you can picnic and cool off
• Hang Kia: clouds as far as the eye can see (if the weather is nice), plenty of photo opportunities for photographers (and Instagrammers)

Where to stay in Mai Châu?

• Homestay: you will have to sacrifice your comfort and bring warm clothes (there is no heating inside), but the experience will be more authentic, and above all, you will be able to taste some typical dishes of the region
• Mai Chau Ecolodge: beautiful view on the rice fields and mountains, in the minimalist villas but with irreproachable comfort, Mai Chau Ecolodge has become the first choice for Hanoians during their weekend getaways.
• Transport: from $3 to $6 from Hanoi
• Accommodation: from $3/ person / night to $20 at the hotel (minimum)
• Scooter rental on site: 100,000VND/day (recommended)
• Restaurants: it is better to book in advance, at least 100,000VND/person

Dear Sir or Madam,

as I’m planing a trip through your country I need to rent a car (or bike) for transportation.

So far I could’t find a website for car rental for a good offer.

My question:

Is it only possible to rent bikes in Vietnam?

Can you recommend some rental companies?

Thank you so much for your assistance.

Regards Rigo Hasenstab

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Travel Guide to Mai Chau Vietnam 2024

Are you planning a visit to Mai Chau? Mai Chau is spectacular! If you are planning a visit you won’t be disappointed.  Your first glimpse of this beautiful place is as you descend the mountain into the valley by road.

Mai Chau is located 130 km away from Hanoi Vietnam or approximately a 3 hours drive.  Many may not have heard of this beautiful region of Vietnam, to be honest, we only knew about it once we arrived in Hanoi , the capital of Vietnam. If you only have a short time to visit Hanoi and the northern parts of Vietnam, Mai Chau is the destination for you. Just imagine lush green valleys, terraced Vietnamese rice fields, lakes and local villages, local cuisine, this is Mai Chau and more.

Mai Chau is becoming one of the most popular Vietnam Tours destinations which we visited after Sapa and Halong Bay.   

You Can Read Our article on Vietnam: Best Vietnamese Restaurant Guide

Vietnam has some of the most beautiful places in Asia to visit.

If you have only one day to visit Mai Chau – you can do this day tour from Hanoi.

The tour includes:

“Between 7:45 am and 8:00 am you will be picked up by minibus from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and depart to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh Province.

At 10:00 am, take a short break at the Hoa Binh hydroelectric power station to relax and take some photos.

From 11:30 am to 12:00 pm there will be time for a quick photo stop at the top of Mai Chau Valley before you continue to drive to Mai Chau Village.

Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local house (vegetarian options are available). Between 1:00-3:00 pm, you’ll get to go on a bicycle ride with a local tour guide. See Vietnamese farmers working in the fields and locals weaving scarves as you visit the surrounding villages.

At 4:00 pm you’ll leave Mai Chau Village and come back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm.”

We spent two nights 3 days visiting Mai Chau .  Our guide includes where to stay, our full-day trek of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve , and recommended other tours that you can do when visiting Mai Chau plus essential information for visiting Vietnam.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).

You can join our Facebook Group – Vietnam Travel Planning .   Feel free to ask questions in the group to assist you in your travel planning.  We will share our latest articles and information on travelling to Vietnam.

Mai Chau Map

Where is Mai Chau Vietnam

Mai Chau is located in Northern Vietnam in the province of Hoa Binh. It is the capital of the district.

Your first glimpse of Mai Chau is as you wind down through Thung Khe Pass into the rice fields below in the valley where Mai Chau lies cocooned between the mountain ranges. The views are breathtaking.

Where to Stay in Mai Chau

Mai Chau Lodge is the recommended place to stay when visiting Mai Chau. Mai Chau Lodge is located just outside town and within 1 km of the ethnic minority villages of Lac, Poom Coong and Nhot. It is an easy walk to these villages, you just follow the small road through the rice fields behind the hotel.

Ladies, if you have seen the lovely shawls in Vietnam, the first village you come to behind the hotel they are selling handmade shawls for around VND 100,000 (USD 4.30, AUD 6.36, Euros 3.88).

We chose the Mai Chau Lodge due to its location and the reviews from Tripadvisor . Mai Chau Lodge also offers trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, market, cooking classes and cycling tours of the district.  Mai Chau Lodge has the Bo Luong Restaurant which serves Western and Asian cuisine and has an extensive wine list.  At the end of your day trekking or cycling the swimming pool or jacuzzi is a welcome relief.

Our YouTube Video on Mai Chau Lodge 

During our 2 night stay, which was partly sponsored by Mai Chau Lodge and Victoria Hotels and Resorts , we experienced 2 different styles of accommodation.

Deluxe Double Room

Our spacious stylish deluxe double room was equipped with everything we needed for our stay. The room was decorated in local traditional designs and colourings.  The bathrooms were fitted with the latest accessories and we enjoyed the luxury toiletries provided.  Our bed was so comfortable, a welcome relief after an early start travelling from Hanoi.  It was a pleasure to sit on the balcony and enjoy the views in the late afternoon. The room was a good size at 25 m.

Junior Suite

On our 2nd night stay at the Mai Chau Lodge, we were upgraded to the Junior Suite which is double the size of the Deluxe Rooms.  The views are breathtaking over the mountains, the rice paddy fields and the swimming pool.  Not only was the room double the size, the bathroom too was one of the largest we have experienced on our 3 months tour of Vietnam

The room is very spacious, with a private desk and seating area. The beautiful decor is inspired by the traditional colours of the local ethnic tribes from the local area.  We loved the dark wood panelling which gave warmth, elegance and vibrancy to the room.

Bo Luong Restaurant

The Bo Luong Restaurant is located with views over the Lotus Lake.  You can dine either in the restaurant, down at the pontoon on the lake or enjoy a candlelit private dinner on your balcony in your room.

The restaurant is open all day and serves international cuisine.  The breakfast buffet is extensive with everything that you need to start your day off before you head out trekking or cycling through the countryside.

The menu consists of locally grown produce and local specialities.  The wine list is extensive. The hardest part is deciding what dishes to enjoy.

Swimming Pool, Pool Bar and Jacuzzi.

After a day out sightseeing enjoy the swimming pool in the evening and a refreshing drink or even ease your tired limbs into the Jacuzzi.

Traditional Ethnic Evening Dances

At certain times during the week, the local White Thai ethnic minorities perform their traditional dances.  Check with Reception on the timings of their performances.  The dances depict local celebrations and village life.  We recommend that you watch their beautiful performances. Don’t forget your camera.

You can check out a few of their traditional dances in our video. Click here to view .

Our 1 Day Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trek – Medium

Check out our YouTube video here on our trek through the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Pu Luong means ‘great mountain or highest peak’ in the White Thai language. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is made up of 3/4 tropical forests, limestone mountains and rice fields.  The 17,662 ha Reserve was established in 1999.

Our trek started with an hours drive from the Mai Chau Lodge.  We left the hotel around 08.30.  The villagers working in the rice fields start early in Mai Chau.  They work from 04.30 to 10.00 in the morning and then again in the late afternoon from between 16.00 to sunset at around 18.00.  This way they can escape the heat of the day. The local villagers enjoy a slow pace of life.

In this district, there are two crops each year: February to May and then from July to October.  Harvest takes places in May and October. As we headed to our starting point we passed by many lush green paddy fields. This is an area of wet rice plantation which is for personal use.

Our guide Hoi explained to us as we travelled to our starting point that Vietnam and Thailand are the top rice producers in Asia. Back in 1954, the rice paddy fields belonged to the Government. Families were allowed to have 500 sqm of rice fields, the best rice fields were the ones located near springs or creeks. A lottery system was put in place and if you were allocated a good number you could have a good plot of land near a spring.

Our first stop just outside Mai Chau was at a chopstick factory.  The chopsticks are made from bamboo and up to 10,000 pairs are made each day. The bamboo comes from the local area and large chunks are fed into a machine that cuts them into size.  The noise is deafening for the workers.  Check out our video to see the process here .

Next, we stopped at a lookout halfway up the mountain. Hoi pointed to the path that we would trek down.  Back in the car we drove for a few more minutes more to our starting point.

In the distance, we saw the first of many of the White Thai stilt houses that we would see during the day.  The houses are likened to turtles. The roof is the back of the turtle, the room is the body, the stilts are the turtle’s legs and the ladder that is pulled up each night is the turtle’s head.

The family’s animals live underneath. The houses are on stilts to overcome high humidity in the summer months.

Our trek took place in July which is one of the hottest months in Northern Vietnam. We recommend considering doing a half-day trek during the hotter months instead of the full-day trek if you are not a regular trekker or hiker.

We would recommend trekking in northern Vietnam in the cooler months between October and April.

We wound down through the mountain, down the valley, through the lush verdant rice fields.

We passed a grandmother with her grandson heading back to their stilt house.

As we neared the house we passed by the family buffalo.  1 buffalo is worth around VND 45,000,000 (USD 2,000, AUD 3,000, Euros 1,800). A buffalo is normally the most expensive item a White Thai family owns – the more buffalo the wealthier you are.

We were lucky to experience a demonstration on how to husk the rice from the Grandmother’s daughter. (Our video shows how it is done, it looks easy but it is all in the hand movement and the angle of the husks.)

Hoi showed us a guava leaf, which is chewed and is a natural remedy for upset stomachs.

The White Thai people in this area not only grow rice but they also grow corn and peanuts for personal use.  One of the villages that we passed through had corn and peanuts drying in the sun.  Between the months of November and January, they plant corn and peanuts which is the driest part of the year.

Lunch is at the Eo Ken Village in a traditional homestay of the area. Lunch is a sandwich of your choice which you can choose from a menu provided at the time of booking your trek.

Beside the homestay is a small pond which is perfect for cooling off before you tackle the next part of the trek.  The next part of the trek takes a few hours more before you are transported back to the hotel.

What do you need to take for the trek:

We would recommend:

• a good pair of walking shoes
• mosquito repellent
• water bottle
• hand sanitiser

Water is provided but you can never take enough. At lunch, you can purchase beer or soft drinks.

Things To Do in Mai Chau Vietnam

Essential Information for Visitors to Mai Chau

Mai Chau Accommodation : Mai Chau Lodge

Address :  Mai Chau Town, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau Vietnam

Telephone : +84 2183 868 959

If You Only Have Time To Visit in a Day

There is a scenic 12-hour day tour provided by Get Your Guide from Hanoi if you are on limited time.

How To Get To Mai Chau

Air Asia, the budget carrier , has flights to Hanoi as well as Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Nha Trang, from major Asian cities.

For Hanoi to Mai Chau Transport Options and Mai Chau to Hanoi Options (book through the Mai Chau website)

Shuttle Bus – pick up and drop off from 216 Tran Quang Khai Hoan Kiem Hanoi VND 787,500 per person (USD 35.00, AUD 50.00, Euros 31.00)

Shuttle Bus – pick up and drop off Hanoi City VND 1,012.500 (USD 45.00, AUD 65.00, Euros 40.00)

Private Car – VND3,825,000 (USD 165.00, AUD 245.00, Euros 149.00).

Local Shuttle Bus from Hanoi and return:

There is a regular general shuttle bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau and return. Click here for more details.

When is the Best Time To Visit Vietnam

Due to Mai Chau’s location closeness to Hanoi, it enjoys similar weather conditions with hot and wet summers and winters can be cold around 5 degrees. Spring and Autumn are the best times to travel.

Cheap Flights to Vietnam

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our ‘go-to’ when researching and booking flights throughout the world.

Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Check below if you require a visa for Vietnam.

Travel Around Vietnam and South East Asia

We use 12goAsia for all our bus, train and ferry tickets around South East Asia.

Click here for schedules and ticket prices.

Related Reading:

2 Night Cruise on Halong Bay

Where To Stay and What To Do in Sapa

Travel Insurance For Vietnam

Travel Insurance is recommended for all travel.  The best time to purchase your policy is when you pay for your flights or you pay a deposit on a cruise, accommodation or tours.

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Conclusion:

We hope you have enjoyed our Mai Chau Guide.  If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us via our private Vietnam travel planning Facebook group.

Have family or friends travelling to Vietnam? You can share our Facebook group with them too!

Enjoy Mai Chau!

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Thanks for stopping by and welcome to To Travel Too – Australia’s top Baby Boomer lifestyle and travel blog, with an international worldwide audience in mind, run by the married couple, freelance writers and full-time travellers Jane and Duncan Dempster-Smith. Come with us as we explore the world. Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'.

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13 comments

We spent a month in Vietnam but didn’t make it to Mai Chau. Great to have another reason to go back to this amazing country. Some of the outdoorsy things you mention sounds very cool.

Hi Paul Thanks for your comments. Mai Chau is definitely a place to visit when you return to Vietnam next. Cheers Jane and Duncan

I’m definitely getting Vietnam withdrawal symptoms after reading this post. Mai Chau looks so pretty, and I love its authenticity too. Your lodge looked equally wonderful and well designed too. I can’t believe the buffalos cost that much there! They really are a family’s treasure.

Hi Lisa Thanks for your comments. Mai Chau should be definitely on your list to travel to. Cheers Jane and Duncan

It sounds like there is a lot to do in Mai Chau and beautiful scenery. The chopstick factory caught my attention. That sounds like an interesting place to visit. The kayaking trip past bamboo groves and the Co Lao Waterfalls would be a lot of fun too.

Hi Elizabeth Thanks for your comments. There is so much to do in beautiful Mai Chau you will be spoilt for choice. Cheers Jane and Duncan

Vietnam has so many beautiful places and experiences to offer… And Mai Chai refuses to disappoint…

It seems there are a lot of activities to choose from just to take a tour around Mai Chai.I’d love to do Kayaking. It would be a different experience and perhaps a different perspective to see Mai Chai.

Hi Cat Thanks for your comments. We hope you can get to visit Mai Chau one day you will not be disappointed. Cheers Jane and Duncan

This is a great guide to anyone visiting for the first time! I always like to see some recommendations for places to stay before I book something in a new country, so this is helpful for many people. The pool looks definitely inviting. I hope we get to visit Vietnam soon.

Hi Paula Thanks for your comments. Vietnam has so much to offer hope you can get to visit soon. Cheers Jane and Duncan

I’ve never been to Mai Chau or Vietnam but now it’s on my list! There sounds like an amazing array of options of things to do! The farming experience sounds really unique and something I might want to sign up for! And even though the trekking and walking package sounds great too, I can’t imagine how it must feel in that climate! I’d also like to go rock climbing but I haven’t done it before. Perhaps I should get going on that before planning my trip to Mai Chau!

Hi Clare Thanks for your comments. There is so much to do in Mai Chau you will really enjoy all of the adventures on offer. Cheers Jane and Duncan

I think The main Chau is one of the best place to visit with low cost.

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What to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam

Andrea Pistolesi / Getty Images 

Three hours out from the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi , as you cross into the mountainous Hoa Binh province to the west, the landscape transforms from congested rowhouses to wide-open ricefields, karst mountains, and quaint wood-and-bamboo villages.

Welcome to Mai Chau: a rural valley whose towering cliffs, unique culture and laid-back atmosphere attract visitors keen to experience the land and lifestyle of Vietnam's northwest.

Spend a couple of days here, and you'll forget what century you're in. Spend the daylight hours exploring the local Tai Dam and Tai Kao villages and biking around the brilliant-green rice fields, then fill your evenings drinking the local beer and enjoying traditional Tai dances. Check off the activities listed below, and you can boast you've made the most of your Mai Chau getaway!  

Explore the Countryside on Foot or by Bike

Andrew Bain / Getty Images

The great outdoors are Mai Chau's most potent draw: the ricefields, locals and mountainous backdrop drive the beauty of Vietnam's northwest home to the traveler .

As you bike or trek along Mai Chau's dirt roads, the scenery changes, their little details giving you something to capture on camera: wildflowers in season; rice paddies, either green with rice plants or mirror-like, depending on the time of year; and locals driving livestock from place to place.

Guides can suggest trekking or biking trails as long or as easy as your legs and lungs can take you.

Your local hotel or homestay can either recommend a bike provider or lend you a bike themselves, for a small fee . The cost of Trekking packages depends on the number of activities the trek takes on. 

Sleep in an Authentic Tai Homestay

Peter Stuckings / Getty Images

Over fifty ethnic minorities inhabit Vietnam alongside the majority Kinh (Viet) people; Mai Chau's Tai Dam and Tai Kao (“White Thai” and “Black Thai”) inhabit Mai Chau, infusing the local travel experience with their traditions and culture.

Travelers can pick a homestay at one of the two biggest villages in Mai Chau, Poom Coong and Lac, where the Tais' unique stilt houses serve as the area's rustic yet gracious accommodations.

While both villages provide homestays, travelers gravitate to Poom Coong for the sleep, and to Lac for the food. (More on the food further down.)

Life is simple in a Tai homestay: you wake up to the sound of roosters crowing and farmers going to work in the dark, you sleep on a mattress laid out on the creaky bamboo floor, and you spend your evenings drinking the local wine and watching a Tai cultural show.

Tai houses are usually built on stilts, rising about four to five feet off the ground. Stilt houses are better ventilated and better protected from pests and intruders: thus, despite the introduction of more modern materials like corrugated iron sheets (replacing the thatch roofs in a number of Tai houses), the basic house design has changed little over the centuries.

Take in a View From Above at Thung Khe Pass

As your bus negotiates Highway 6 from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you'll stop at Thung Khe Pass, a rest stop with smoky food shacks and a gorgeous view of the white cliffs nearby and the valley below.

While admiring the view, you can sit down at one of the stalls to eat the local fare sold by the area's Muong tribespeople. Take your pick from newly boiled or grilled corn and sugarcane, or the sticky-rice dish called com lam : all cheap but filling stuff, offering none of the sophistication of the food you'll find in Hanoi but bracingly warm against to the area's frigid winds.

The highland cold brings its own unique hazards: a thick pea-soup fog that increases the danger of driving through the mountain roads. Negotiating Thung Khe Pass can be quite terrifying during the winter months, as the driver can see only a few feet ahead of them, their headlights making little headway against the fog.

Buy Silk Brocade From the Source

supawat bursuk / Getty Images

It's not a real Mai Chau Tai home without a loom. Traditional gender roles dictate that women dedicate their time to weaving, learning it at a young age and working from their youth to provide a trousseau for their future marriage.

Tais specialize in weaving traditional brocade : silk fabrics with rich colors and raised patterns. Their daily wear makes heavy use of brocades, as evidenced in the Tai women's snug waistbands, worn even when performing manual labor.

Mai Chau locals make their silk brocades from scratch: starting with harvesting silkworm cocoons, reeling the silk from the cocoons, dyeing the threads using natural colors, and ending with selling the brightly-colored end product in Mai Chau's villages and markets.

All this is hard labor, reeling, dyeing, and weaving takes expert hands with long experience, so bargain accordingly when you haggle for their bags, scarves, and skirts. The prices are that way for a reason!

Explore Mai Chau's Caves

quangpraha / Getyy Images

The shape of Mai Chau's sinuously curvy mountains comes from karst limestone bedrock, the same kind of geological formations that created the dragons' back islands of Ha Long Bay to the east. (The islands of El Nido and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol , both in the Philippines , look the same way because of the same karst foundations.)

Where there's karst, you'll find caves, and Mai Chau is no exception. The local trekking trails tend to stop at two of the biggest caves in Mai Chau, Mo Luong (“Soldier”) Cave and Chieu (“1,000 Steps”) Cave.

Mo Luong Cave stretches about 1,600 feet into the interior of Mount Phu Ka. Accessible by two separate entrances, the cave expands into a large cathedral interior that then branches out to four different caverns. Mo Luong was used as an armaments storage house during the Vietnam War .

Chieu Cave can only be reached by a 1,200-step staircase, thus its numeric nickname. The interior extends about 500 feet into the mountain, branching out to two chambers.

Drink and Dine as the Locals Do

Phung Huynh Vu Qui / Getty Images

The Mai Chau homestay experience generally includes food, and plenty of it, oftentimes accompanied by a Tai Kao dance performance by a local troupe.

Traditional Tai cuisine draws heavily from the land: steamed sticky rice, or xoi nep thuong , serves as the base of a Mai Chau feast that includes grilled meat, bitter bamboo shoots, and the favorite local tipple, sticky-rice wine ( ruou can ) sipped by a group through straws from a single clay jar.

Food in Mai Chau is locally grown: crops like corn, sugarcane, and rice figure heavily in the food served during dinnertime, as do herbs like coriander.

Travel Tips

Vanessa Gouveia-Law / Getty Images

Before planning your trip to Mai Chau, take note of the following considerations regarding your transportation and the best time to visit.

When to visit : Mai Chau's location in Vietnam's north creates some interesting temperature extremes: dry, cold winters from January to February with a temperature range of 60 to 62-degrees, and wet, hot summers from June to September with a temperature range of 80.6 to 84.2-degrees.

The best times to visit Mai Chau fall between these highs and lows. The spring months from the latter half of February to the end of May brings pleasantly warm weather, with the flowers all a-blossom during this time. The autumn months from October to November bring a tolerable chill but still allow for pleasant hiking throughout the valley.

Always remember to  pack accordingly for the weather !

Transportation to Mai Chau: The most direct route to Mai Chau begins at My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi, where buses to Mai Chau depart four times a day for the four-hour trek west to the valley.

A less direct route stops at Hoa Binh City (sharing the name with the province), from which you can take another bus to Mai Chau.

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• Mui Ne - Ho Tram- Vung Tau
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Phu Quoc and Con Dao island
• Dalat and Centre Highlands
• National Parks
• Wellness retreat
• Ly Son Island
• Family Travel

By Annie Nguyen - Travel expert

Mai Chau, only 140 kilometers away from Hanoi, is part of the mountainous North-West region of Vietnam. This destination is extremely ideal for escaping from the city's hustle and bustle. Let's find out how to get, the best time to visit, accommodations, sights and activities, and local specialties in Mai Chau with Handspan Travel Indochina !

Through this article, you will find these pieces of information below.

• General information about Mai Chau - a place worth paying a visit to

How to get to Mai Chau?

• Where to stay in Mai Chau?

Sights and activities in Mai Chau

• The best time to go to Mai Chau

Local food in Mai Chau

Sample tour itineraries, mai chau, a place worth paying a visit to.

Pom Coong village in Mai Chau valley

At an average height of 900 meters above sea level (highest peak, 1,536 meters at Pa Co; lowest point, 220 meters at central Mai Chau town), Mai Chau has a highland tropical climate: high heat - hours of sunshine in the range of 3 in winter and 6 in summer; high humidity - 82% on average; a lot of rain - rainfall of 1,400 millimeters a year (rainy season from May to October versus dry season from November to April). The natural base of the area: sandstone, limestone, clay, etc, affected by the typical climate, brings Mai Chau ideal conditions for its diverse flora and fauna that, in turn, attracts human beings who come to settle down: the Muong (17%), the Thai (57%), the Mong (10%), the Kinh (12%), the Dzao (2%).

They, except for the Kinh and the Muong (both native to Vietnam), are all ethnic minorities who came from afar at different times. Growing, raising, gathering, hunting, weaving brocades, etc, have been their very ways of living since.

The journey to Mai Chau from Hanoi (road 6, as far as 140 kilometers), takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the vehicle of choice: cars, vans, buses, or motorbikes (If by bicycle, some more time should be set aside). Mai Chau is a popular destination for an overnight tour from Hanoi so you can consider taking a private tour or joining a small group tour.  

If you would like to have an overnight trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau on your own, it is best to have a private means of transport; otherwise, being seated in a local vehicle could be a pick.

Local buses to Mai Chau are available from My Dinh bus station. Here are a few regular buses that you can consider.

• Journey to run: My Dinh (Hanoi) - Mai Chau/Mai Chau – My Dinh
• Time to depart: 14:30 (My Dinh); 8:45 (Mai Chau)
• Phone to contact: 0914 688533 ; 0218 386829
• Journey to run: My Dinh – Mai Chau/Mai Chau – My Dinh
• Time to depart: 7:50 (My Dinh); 13:30 (Mai Chau)
• Phone to contact: 0912490679

For more detailed information about how to get to Mai Chau, please refer to our article: How to transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau .

Where to stay in Mai Chau

Mai Chau today offers all the necessities to any expectations (local experience to stay in comfort): homestays, hotels, and lodges.

A homestay is a house where the locals and their guests stay locally together. This service is just for those who want to have a real experience. It is available in several villages. The facilities are basic but alright for one or two nights: a clean bathroom; a neat sleeping space with pillows, a mosquito net, a cushion, etc. Homestays are available in many villages including Na Phon, Ban Lac, Ban Pom Coong; however, our favorites are in Mai Hich and Ban Buoc villages as they are off-the-beaten-path villages in Mai Chau region and the locals are practicing responsible travel. 

A resort or a lodge brings travelers comfort with its modern facilities. All the ones in Mai Chau are newly built just to make sure that travelers can live the culture, but stay in comfort. 

Here are our recommended resorts and hotels in Mai Chau:

• Mai Chau Ecolodge

Mai Chau Lodge is a beautiful 4-star eco-resort set on a hilltop with traditional style architecture reflecting the house on stilts in the villages nearby. Rooms are with a good view of the rice fields and mountains from afar. The hotel features a nice swimming pool and good facilities for overnight guests. 

• Sol Bungalows

Sol Bungalow is a small lodge located in a secluded location with an amazing view of the rice fields and mountains. There are two blocks with bungalows and a building facing the swimming pool. 

• Mai Chau Lodge

Mai Chau Lodge is one of the first hotels in Mai Chau located on the main road of Mai Chau, hundred meters from the Mai Chau market, and has easy access to Poom Coong and Lac village. Rooms are neatly designed with either a mountain view or a valley view. The hotel features a good restaurant with local and international dishes as well as a small swimming pool. 

• Mai Chau Hideaway Resort

Not directly located in Mai Chau valley, this resort can be considered as an off-the-beaten-path accommodation, on the bank of the Da River reservoir. The architecture of the resort reflex the traditional style of the local houses on stilts. The infinity pool overlooking the lake is the travelers' favorite Instagram check-in place. 

• Ba Khan village resort

Ba Khan village resort is another off-the-beaten-path resort located in Ba Khan village on the bank of the Da River reservoir, 35km away from Mai Chau valley. This newly built resort has good villa rooms set in a big beautiful garden.  Staffs are locals from the area, they are always praised by our guests for offering very attentive service. The resort is a good base for trekking tours and cycling tours. 

• Mai Chau villa

Mai Chau Villa is a small boutique hotel with 11 bungalows, only 15 km away from Mai Chau center near Mai Hich village. This place is our favorite for our daily Mai Chau tour; offering elegant bungalow-style rooms in a nice garden, overlooking the surrounding rice fields. Mai Chau villa is a very good base to explore the less-visited villages in Mai Chau such as Mai Ha, Ban Buoc, or Mai Hich villages. 

For more detailed information about the best resorts in Mai Chau, please read our article here: The top 07 best resorts in Mai Chau recommended by Handspan Travel Indochina .

Mai Chau, a land formed, shaped, and painted by nature and human beings with different materials: sandstone, limestone, clay, thick layer of humus, diverse cultures, different histories, ways of leaving, etc., boasts many impressive sights that are worth joining some activities to explore, such as walking, trekking, riding, boating, etc.The names Lac, Pom Coong, Mai Hich, Pu Bin, Thung Khe, Ba khan, Hang Kia make a good list.

Lac and Pom Coong village

Lac and Pom Coong, two villages with some 170 households, are at the very heart of the area. Their friendly owners, the White Thai people, have been living here since their migration 700 years ago. Their living space, a house on stilts or a turtle house traditionally built just to fit nicely into a beautiful tranquil idyllic setting with surrounding high mountains, green forests, and paddy fields, is worth a visit. Daytime activities by the locals here are weaving brocades on a wooden loom, making ‘Can’ local rice wine, farming from dawn to dark, etc. After their dinner, the farmers become owners of their stage - nice singers and dancers as well.

To get it all, a loop on foot or by riding (bicycles or electric cars) through lush rice fields, and idyllic villages is highly recommended for any travelers, in particular those who are with kids, during the day. At night, culturally getting entertained with a warm White Thai atmosphere that features a dinner together with a family host and its member, some dances should be a “Yes”.

Thung Khe Pass

Between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, Thung Khe Pass, also called White Rock Pass, is at a height of some 700 meters in altitude, making it a good stop-over to enjoy a gorgeous typical view of karst formation settings from high above (weather permitting) and taste some local foods by the Muong. High and meandering, this pass occasionally brings those who are from lowland areas a new feel – into an ocean of mist.

Mo Luong Cave

Within walking distance from Mai Chau town, right to the left side of road 15 toward Lac and PomCoong villages, Mo Luong Cave is special, for it was used as the main source of water for the area in the past and a local clinic where wounded Vietnamese soldiers got treated during the Vietnam - France war. Historically and geologically, the cave is meaningful, so it deserves a visit

Not far from Mo Luong cave, Chieu cave is at the height of 250 meters above sea level, with its tree-covered 15-meter wide mouth. It is another choice for those who love nature-made cracks. To reach here, from Mai Chau town, head southwest to a sign that reads “To Chieu cave”. As many as 1200 steps are what travelers have to conquer. It is certainly tiring, but it is worth it because those who say “made it” get a better view of the valley from a different perspective.

Van village

This village is near Mai Chau town and impresses travelers with its less busy life and some small patches of terraced rice fields. Like their neighbors in Lac and Pom Coong, the Thai villagers here are friendly and hospitable. A nice walk around the village combined with a visit to the market nearby is recommended, particularly on Sunday mornings

The Thai Museum

It is a private collection of valuable old objects made by the White Thai: silver coins, earrings, necklaces, old looms, embroidered blankets, wooden and bamboo baskets, traps, jewelry cases, flint guns, lots of farming tools… The collector, a White Thai man, spent ten years, bringing them together. They are all now on display at the Culture House in Van village.

Go Lao cascade

Go Lao is the name that was given by the locals to a small waterfall at an unknown time. The fall is 15 kilometers away from Mai Chau town. It is not so special, though something for those travelers who love nature and be in love. To get here, head for Moc Chau for 15 kilometers, then ask the residents around the path down to the fall.

Ba Khan village

It is the name that goes with a commune on Hoa Binh lake, a big reservoir by the Vietnamese and the Russians in the late 70s to produce power. Water and high mountains are here to make this place a good sight with a different activity: boating on a river to admire wild scenery. Getting here requires travelers to repeat the first leg of the trip to the Go Lao cascade. After this 15-kilometer-long journey, another one of the same length gets travelers to the right destination of choice, Ba khan. The trip is doable from Mai Chau town by motorbike, bicycle, car, van, etc.

Much higher than Mai Chau town (1,200 meters on average in altitude), Hang Kia is home to the H'Mong people. Like The White Thai, historically, the Mong came here from China in the aftermath of some civil wars over three centuries ago. Their life then was nomadic and could not have been harder. The new land has taught the H'Mong a lot of things, so their life these days has been seeing changes.

Hang Kia is so good a place for travelers to explore a different way of living. The H'Mong grow corn, an arrow shoots for both food and spirit, plum trees around their houses and on the hills; keep black pigs, and buffalos; trap wild animals in the forests. They live in a quieter community, a village that shows seemingly closed houses built right on the ground, with low roofs and doors. It is where three generations share every mood from sadness to happiness. It is where the H'Mong makes different kinds of products to sell at the market on Sundays…

To get here and to explore this part of Mai Chau, travelers need a vehicle for a 28-kilometer-long journey and good health for a strenuous long trek over hills and mountains.

Best time to go to Mai Chau

As part of the mountainous North-West region of Vietnam, Mai Chau shows a typically tropical climate, but high limestone mountains (much parted) and a thick and wide coverage make the climate here pleasantly changeable. With all these conditions times to get to Mai Chau the good: travelers can make their trip to Mai Chau any time of year, but the ideal is when the farmers are harvesting rice (May or June), for, apart from what are to be seen all year round, yellow paddy fields that bring Mai Chau a new color is so impressive. What a plus!

Mai Chau is a valley where local people cultivate wet rice. The valley is really beautiful during the rice season. There are two crops per year. The Spring- Summer crop starts in February and ends in early June. The Summer- Autumn crop starts in late June and ends in early October. The fields are lush green from March to May and from July to September. The ripening seasons when Mai Chau turns into a golden valley are May- June and September- October. 

Mai Chau valley's rice paddies in early October with all colors like a painting.

With a different climate, rich in fauna and flora, and an owner who has some tricks to please all taste buds, Mai Chau offers travelers several dishes as its specials.

They are a small species that are raised naturally. Their foods are mostly what they find out in nature, so they are more lean than fat. Their meat is prepared with different spices and herbs for varied dishes: boiling, grilling, frying…

Steamed sticky rice

It is popular here. The kind of sticky rice that is used to make it is called “Nep Nuong”, a species usually grown in terraced fields. After being dipped in water for some hours, the rice is steamed. The product is a dish that is soft with a good flavor.

Grilled rice in a bamboo pipe

A popular dish is made of sticky rice that is grilled in a bamboo pipe over charcoal, rather than being steamed in a pot as usual. The dish is best to be accompanied by some sesame or grilled pork 

Fried bee pupae with pickled bamboo shoots

It is a popular local dish made with fat white baby bees and pickled bamboo shoots. The dish can be accompanied by some bee spirit of corn wine.

Grilled fish

By tradition, the Thai do this dish on special occasions. The species of fish, call RAM XANH, is prepared with some spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, chili, lotus seeds, and mac khen – similar to black pepper beans, and basil leaves.

Deep-fried cicadas

The Thai are famous for being experts on insect foods. One of the dishes as their favorite is deep-fried cicadas stuffed with peanuts.

This species of plant, a kind of vegetable, is common in this part of the country. The way to cook is pretty simple; boiling. The dish is taken with some fish sauce and boiled eggs.

Smoked buffalo meat

This is a special delicacy! It is buffalo meat that is smoked, hanging over a fire in the kitchen.

Mai Ha spirit

This is a famous kind of spirit. It is distilled from a mix of sticky rice and natural yeast

Whether it's a family tour, a private, or a small group tour, Mai Chau offers you a great experience with its beautiful nature and the fascinating culture of the local people. Please find our suggestion for a Mai Chau tour here.

From The Mountain to Ha Long Bay : A 5-day tour that covers Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Halong in a loop. A great trip for those who want to explore the authenticity of Vietnam, away from the crowd. This is a wonderful family experience too. 

Mai Chau Valley Vs Pu Luong Nature Reserve : This is a 3-day trip that takes you to Mai Chau and Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You will have a chance to admire a wide array of natural sceneries: jungle, terraced rice fields, forested limestone mountains, rivers, cascades, and natural pools. Besides, you can also learn about the Thai people's life and culture.

Come and discover Mai Chau with us!

• Mai Chau Travel Guide

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Mai Chau, Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know

Mai Chau is a rural area in Northwestern Vietnam only a three-hour drive from the bustling Vietnamese capital Hanoi. It is the perfect escape for nature lovers who like to visit ethnic minority villages, experience the traditional culture of ethnic groups, and marvel at gorgeous rice fields surrounded by green mountains. Here is a complete travel guide with everything you need to know about this up-and-coming destination! 

Mai Chau vietnam

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Mai Chau is a beautiful area only a three-hour drive from the capital Hanoi. It consists of a few valleys surrounded by lush green mountains dotted with ethnic minority villages. 

The White Thai and Black Thai are the main ethnic groups that live in the villages around Mai Chau. Their ancestors came from Thailand and you can recognize their distinctive culture through the traditional Stilt houses around the Lac and Pom Coong villages and the traditional weaving that can be seen in most of the homestays around the valley. 

In this guide, you can learn about the top things to do in and around the Mai Chau valley, how to get to around, how to get to Mai Chau, and the best places to eat and sleep! 

Top things to do in Mai Chau

What to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam

There are many things to do in Mai Chau and you can easily spend a week here, just relaxing in a traditional homestay or embarking on adventures in the lush countryside!

Cycle around the valley

Cycling is the best way to get around

One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is simply cycle around the valley and take in the gorgeous scenery. The valleys are dotted with stunning rice fields and small pathways leading to nearby villages.

Almost all the homestays and accommodations in the area offer free bikes or, if not, you can rent them for around VND 20 000. 

You can cycle around yourself or opt for an organized tour . 

→ Also read: Pu Luong, Vietnam: Things to Do, Where to Stay and How to Get There

Sleep in a homestay

Little Mai Chau homestay

If you want to experience the local Thai culture to the fullest, the best way to do this is to stay in a local homestay. There are many of them in the main villages of Lac and Pom Coong but the most attractive ones are located in between the valleys and the ricefields. 

A favorite among domestic travelers and foreign visitors is Little Mai Chau . The homestay consists of little bamboo huts perched against a green mountain with extraordinary views over the rice fields. They offer a communal dinner every evening where you can get to know the other guests and they also cater to vegetarians. 

Visit the local villages

Women working on the ricefields

The two main local villages that are the most easily visited are Lac Village and Pom Coong village. Do be aware that Lac village has become incredibly touristy and has basically become a string of homestays all offering handmade textiles and traditional dance performances. 

While it is certainly worth visiting them, don’t forget to also venture out a little further to place like Van village with its Thai museum and Pa Co village for its colorful sunday morning market. 

Admire the local crafts

Traditional Thai Weaving is one of the main things you will see in and around the homestays and the villages. According to Traditional Thai culture, every young woman was supposed to learn how to weave, make natural dyes, and embroider. 

Thai weaving and traditional colorful dresses

This traditional habit had been declining in the past decades but, due to a recent surge in tourism a few years ago, there has been a renewed interest. You can now find around 300 looms in the area that are all operated by hand. 

Another thing that will surely catch your eye is the colorful White Thai dresses that you can buy on the streets of Lac and Pom Coong. 

Marvel at the ricefields

The Thai people are rice farmers by heart and you will see them starting early in the morning working their land. Depending on your wishes, it is important to know when the harvesting takes place, so you can plan your accordingly. 

Vietnam Mai Chau: Rice fields

Most travelers like to visit during the green season. There are two harvestings every year and to watch the paddies at their greenest the best time to visit is during February or August. 

After that, just before harvesting, the paddies turn into an intense yellow color. The best times to see this and the harvesting is late May and September. 

That said, the paddies are beautiful every time of the year. The photos above were taken in December. 

→ Also read: 15 Great Things to Do in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)

Hoa Binh Lake

Mai Chau what to do: Hoa Binh Lake

Hoa Binh Lake is located 15 kilometers north of Mai Chau and is the largest man-made lake in Vietnam . It is an up-and-coming ecotourism destination and the water is suitable for all kinds of water activities like kayaking, supping or canoeing.

As a traveler, you can also take a boat cruise along the lake (your accommodation can help you arrange this) or drive to this location to soak in the best views. 

Goc Lao waterfall

Not far from Hoa Binh lake, you can find the marvelous Goc Lao waterfall. The location is clearly indicated on Google Maps so it is easy to find. For the best views, however, drive a little further past the entrance. You can see the whole waterfall there in all its glory and it’s the best place to take photos. 

There is a small pool at the base of the waterfall that is suitable for swimming. You can choose to climb the rocks a little further down the river to find a few nice swimming spots. 

There are no facilities on site so if you plan to stay for a while it’s best to bring snacks and water or a picnic. 

Enjoy the hot springs

Mai Chau Hot springs

A hidden gem I stumbled upon while exploring this region was this cute little hot spring. It is located 25 kilometers from Lac village and you will need to rent a scooter or a taxi to get there. Getting here with a mountain bike is also possible but will require a certain level of fitness. 

The entrance fee is VND 20 000 to enjoy the shared pools that have a nice temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius. There are snacks for sale at the entrance and upon request, they can also arrange warm meals. 

The hot springs are operated by a local cooperative so your travel money goes straight into the local community. This hot spring is an absolute must on your Mai Chau itinerary!

Nang waterfall

Close to the hot spring, you can find this stunning waterfall. There is no possibility to swim in this waterfall. The base of the waterfall is fenced because it is not safe for visitors to get close. You can bathe in the streams around the waterfall though if you fancy a splash.

Nang Waterfall

The environment is stunning and a great location to have a picnic. There is also a large building on the site that seems to serve as an event location. The entrance to this waterfall is completely free. 

Na Meo ricefields

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Mai Chau. The small pathways lend themselves perfectly for long walks in the area and you can inquire at your guesthouse for hidden trails that are impossible to find on Google Maps and even on Maps.me.

A great hike is the one to the Na Meo ricefields which are terraced instead of flat like in Mai Chau. If you are hesitant to hike the area on your own there is a guided Mai Chau Valley trek and a village and rice field trek that you can book online. 

There are a few caves around Mai Chau that are worth exploring that can easily be reached on foot. The most famous ones are Soldier cave and Chieu Cave. Soldier cave is managed by the lodge across the street and was closed at the time of our visit but we did visit Chieu Cave and this one is quite impressive.

View from and entrance to Chieu Cave

To reach Chieu cave, you will first have to climb a steep 1000-step staircase (yes, you can count them, exactly 1000 steps!). It is quite intensive and it’s possible you’ll have to stop a few times to catch your breath. The staircase is also not that well maintained and is crumbling a bit in certain areas so be careful and put on decent footwear.  

Chieu Cave interior

From the top of the stairs, you’ll have a magnificent view of the valley. The large entrance of the cave is next to a beautiful Xa Pung tree and you’ll need to take another stairs down here to enter the cave. It opens up to a large room with pretty stalactites and you can wander around in different directions.

The entrance fee was VND 10 000 per person at the time of our visit. 

There is another cave in the area called “ Hang Nhim ” that few visitors know about. It is located in the back garden of a local and will require you to walk through the onsite banana plantation. 

→ Also read: Hang Mua Viewpoint + Mua Caves: Is It Worth It?

Enjoy a homecooked feast at your homestay

Yes, restaurants are great, but in Mai Chau, the best place to eat is your homestay. At your homestay, you will be able to enjoy a homecooked feast every evening that you can enjoy on your own or together with other travelers at a large table. 

Homecooked homestay dinners

Vietnamese like to share their food and this is exactly what you can expect in Mai Chau. A large number of local specialties will be put on the table and you will receive a small bowl in which you can scoop a little bit of every dish. It’s a great way to meet other travelers and also makes you feel like you are a part of the homestay family. 

→ Pro tip:  Can You Drink Tap Water in Vietnam? Things to Know!

Take a day trip to Pu Luong

Pu Luong, Vietnam

If you think Mai Chau is beautiful, then wait until you see Pu Luong Nature Reserve . This nature reserve is located only 45 kilometers from Mai Chau and can easily be visited on a day trip. 

Expect the same scenery but the location is more remote than Mai Chau and you can find more terraced rice fields here. There is a one-day trip and an overnight trip to Pu Luong Nature Reserve that you can book online. 

THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VIETNAM

Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com : For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels

Hostelworld : To find the best hostels located in the cities

Homestay : For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside

12GO and Bookaway : The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam and Southeast Asia

GRAB : for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions

Skyscanner : For affordable flights to Vietnam

Eatwith : Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience

Withlocals : Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!

Viator and Get Your Guide : For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general

Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website

If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo ! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!

Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.

How to get to Mai Chau vietnam

Since Mai Chau is an up-and-coming tourist destination, it is relatively easy to get here. The best places from which you can reach Mai Chau are Hanoi , Ninh Ninh and Pu Luong. 

Mai Chau from Hanoi

Mai Chau is located approximately 140 kilometers from Hanoi and the easiest and most ecological way to get there is by shared minibus. Prices depend on the pick-up location and you can check them out online on 12GoAsia and Bookaway . It takes around three hours to reach Mai Chau from Ninh Binh, with one 15-minute toilet break included. 

It is also possible to visit Mai Chau from Hanoi on an organized tour:

• A day trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau
• A multiday adventure from Hanoi to Mai Chau  

If you are traveling in a group, a private car might also be an interesting option. 

Mai Chau from Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a well-known tourist hotspot in Northern Vietnam and minivans ply the route to Mai Chau twice a day in the afternoon. You can check out the prices at 12GoAsia or Bookaway . 

It takes three to four hours to reach Mai Chau from Ninh Binh.

Mai Chau from Pu Luong

Since Pu Luong is nearby a logical next step in your itinerary would be to visit Mai Chau. There is unfortunately no public transport between Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Mai Chau. You will have to take a taxi to reach Mai Chau which costs approximately VND 700 000 and will take around one and half hour. 

How to get around Mai Chau

Ricefields and beautiful mountains

There are a lot of different ways to get around Mai Chau and one option is more ecological than another. As a conscious traveler that doesn’t mind traveling slowly , walking and cycling are the best options. To reach destinations in the area that are further away, you’ll have to hire a motorbike or a private car. 

A lot of nearby attractions in Mai Chau are easily doable on foot. The caves are within walking distance, as are the terraced Na Meo rice fields and the villages of Lac, Pom Coong, and Van. 

Cycling is very popular in Mai Chau and most of the accommodations offer free bikes. In case your accommodation doesn’t offer free bikes, you can ask to rent them at another hotel or homestay. 

Do note that the bicycles offered by the accommodations are city bikes without gears. It is very convenient to get around on the bikes on flat terrain but if you want to venture out a little further to, for instance, Hoa Binh Lake or Goc Lao waterfall, you’ll be better off renting a mountain bike.

The roads around Lac and Pom Coong village and the surrounding rice fields where the homestays are located aren’t real roads but pathways that are inaccessible by cars. This is great because the only traffic is bicycles and motorbikes but it’s not so convenient if you have heavy luggage to carry. 

A lot of accommodations own a golf cart to either pick up and drop off guests on the main road in Mai Chau or to drive guests around on sightseeing tours. 

Private car

If you want to plan a day trip visiting various locations around Mai Chau, like the hot springs and Nang Waterfall you might consider renting a private car. It is the perfect choice if you’re a party of four people who can share the costs. 

Prices for a private car for one day start at around VND 400 000 depending on the locations you would like to visit. 

If you’re only two people renting a motorbike is the most convenient and cost-effective option to visit further away destinations around Mai Chau. Most accommodations rent out scooters and they should cost no more than VND 150 000/day. 

Where to stay in Mai Chau

A homestay with a Thai family is the best way to stay in Mai Chau, however, if you’re after some (eco)luxury, there’s plenty of that too! 

Little Mai Chau: Stay with a Thai family in cute bamboo wooden bungalows overlooking the rice fields. Read my Little Mai Chau Homestay Review to learn more about my experience.

Meadow Mai Chau homestay: A homestay with mountain views, a restaurant, and free bike rental. 

Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort: An off-the-beaten-track eco-friendly resort near Hoa Binh Lake and Goc Lao waterfall. 

Mai Chau Countryside Homestay: A gorgeous homestay in an outstanding location overlooking the rice fields of Mai Chau. 

Avana Retreat: A top-notch eco-friendly resort with an infinity pool and its own private waterfall.

Mai Chau Valley Retreat: A community-based ecotourism retreat with a clear focus on sustainable tourism development.

Food and restaurants in Mai Chau

Fried noodles @ Three Sisters resaurant, Mai Chau

There aren’t a lot of real restaurants in Mai Chau. Most visitors eat at their homestay and breakfast is almost always included in the price. Walking the street of Lac Village, you will notice a lot of barbeque going on at the street. If that’s not your thing, here are some options for a good plant-based meal!

• Lop Café: a small eatery run by a local family. This was, aside from the meals at our homestay, our favorite hangout for lunch. On the menu are different vegan soups, vegan vietnamese dishes and if you’re craving western food, you can ask for spaghetti bolognese without the cheese and the minced beef. Do note that they cook the pasta together with coconut oil so it tastes a bit weird at first but goes away when you mix it well with the sauce. 
• Three sisters: Three sisters offers a whole page with vegetarian dishes on their menu. All of them are vegan but be sure to ask that they don’t add eggs to the dish you order. Meals range from soups to rice and a whole bunch of noodle dishes. 

Mai Chau weather + best time to visit

Regarding the rice fields and the weather, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. The weather is nice and warm and the rice fields turn a golden-yellow color just before harvesting. 

For green rice fields, visit Mai Chau in February or August. Be careful though when you visit in August. It is the rainy season in Mai Chau from June to August and Monsoons can flood the roads. 

Winter in Mai Chau is pleasant with daytime temperatures still reaching 20 degrees Celsius. It can get cold though at night but your accommodation will provide thick blankets to keep you warm. 

Is Mai Chau worth visiting: final thoughts

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide about Mai Chau in Vietnam. As you can see, Mai Chau is a wonderful place to visit. It offer the perfect combination of nature, culture and a relaxed vibe.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page . 

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

Fancy more Vietnam travel inspiration?

• Cat Ba National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Get From Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels by Public Bus
• Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc: A Travelers’ Guide
• Why You Should Visit the Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh in Vietnam
• 12 Excellent Vegan Restaurants in Hanoi
• Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve: Everything You Need to Know
• Tam Coc Boat Tours: Which One Is The Best?

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• January 14, 2023

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Mai Chau Travel Guide and Best Things to Do

One of the main reasons tourists visit Vietnam is for its ethnic diversity and stunning topography. Mai Chau , located in the Northern mountainous region, is the perfect destination to experience both.

Reasons to travel to Mai Chau

1. climate of mai chau, 2. how to get to mai chau, 3.1. mai hich village, 3.2. buoc - xam khoe villages, 3.3. lac, pom coong, na phon villages, 3.4. van village, 3.5. thung khe pass or da trang pass, 3.6. ba khan lake, 3.7. mo luong cave, 4.1. walking or trekking, 4.2. cycling, 4.3. motorcycling and motorbike taxi, 4.4. watching a traditional entertainment show, 4.5. cooking with local people, 4.6. joining in farming activities (seasonal activities).

• 5.1. Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Com Lam)

5.2. Muong pork

5.3. hill chickens, 5.4. sour bamboo shoot, 6. where to stay in mai chau, 7. how to organize tours to mai chau.

Located just 140km away from Hanoi, which takes about 3 hours by car, Mai Chau offers a pleasant climate year-round, with summers that are not too hot, and winters that are not too cold like the high mountains. You can explore the full features of the Northwest mountainous region , including terraced fields with 2 rice seasons per year , villages of ethnic minorities such as Thai, H'Mong, Muong, and Dao that feature traditional stilt houses and a diversity of handicrafts.

There are various tourism activities suitable for all types of tourists, whether you're interested in exploring by trekking through ethnic villages or sleeping on stilts houses of local people. Alternatively, you could prefer to relax in comfortable resorts with cycling activities and gentle walking. Furthermore, Mai Chau's people are very amiable, enthusiastic, and open to visitors.

Please refer to the information below to prepare for your most memorable trip to Mai Chau .

Table of content

The climate in Mai Chau can be divided into two main seasons, which are the wet season from May to September and the dry season from October to April next year.

• During December, January, and February , the weather in Mai Chau is typically dry. There may be some very cold periods during this time with the average temperature is around 16°C. If you plan to stay at a homestay, please be aware that the limited facilities may make your stay somewhat inconvenient. Towards the end of January and the beginning of February, the rice crop begins, allowing visitors to observe the local farmers working on the terraced fields. This is also the time when many domestic tourists come to Mai Chau to admire the beautiful plum blossoms.
• During March, April, and May , the weather is beautiful with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. This period is not too cold, not too hot, and not rainy until the end of May. The terraced fields are green during this time and start turning yellow in May in preparation for the harvest season.
• During June to September , Mai Chau experiences its summertime, which is also accompanied by rainfall. However, there is a risk of flooding in August and September. This period also marks the rice harvest season, with the terraced fields turning yellow under the bright sunshine. As there are two rice seasons in a year, a new crop is planted immediately after the May harvest.
• During October and November , the weather is typically cool and dry, with clear blue skies. Although there is almost no rice in the fields during this time, the Northwest landscape retains its beauty with its bright green color that will surely captivate you.

Mai Chau is a great place to visit all year round.  However, for most travelers, the best time to visit Mai Chau is during the dry, cool months of October, November, March, and April . These months are perfect for walking, trekking, and cycling.

Besides, it's a particularly suitable destination if you're in Vietnam during winter December - January - February , and still wish to explore the ethnic groups of the northern mountainous regions. The high mountainous areas such as Sa Pa and Ha Giang might be too cold and foggy at this time of year, and the fields may be barren. If that's the case, then Mai Chau and Pu Luong are perfect destinations for you.

Mai Chau is situated at the gateway to the Northwest of Vietnam, making it easy to connect with other popular tourist destinations. The distance of Mai Chau from some of the nearby locations are as follows: - Mai Chau - Hanoi: 140 km - Mai Chau - Tam Coc (Ninh Binh): 140 km - Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve: 50 km - Mai Chau - Nghia Lo (Mu Cang Chai): 240 km - Mai Chau - Dien Bien Phu: 340 km

However, it is not convenient to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa, Halong Bay, or Cat Ba Island. If you wish to visit these destinations, you should come back to Hanoi before departure.

For a tour that combines with many other attractions, it is best to rent a private car because it is inconvenient to book a local bus for foreigners. Furthermore, not every place is near the bus station so you can catch the bus. You will have to take a motorbike taxi or taxi from your stay to the bus station and vice versa. Not to mention that the bus ride time is sometimes not suitable for your tour schedule. Local buses are usually small so if you have to sit for a long time on a bumpy mountainous road, it will not be comfortable. If you want to discover only Mai Chau from Hanoi on your own, it's quite easy. Mai Chau is not too far from Hanoi (140 km), the road is beautiful and easy to go, besides going by car, some young people choose motorbike to experience a different feeling.

• Limousine D Car from Hanoi to Mai Chau

Many Limousine bus companies are serving transportation routes the Hanoi - Mai Chau with extremely reasonable prices (about USD 10/ person): Anh Dung Limousine, Xuan Trang Limousine, Manh Kien Limousine ... The buses operate from 6:00 am to 19:00 daily. They usually depart from Big C Thang Long Hanoi and drop off passengers in Mai Chau town center.

From Hanoi, it will take 4 hours to get to Mai Chau by motorcycle.

The shortest and fastest way is Hanoi – Xuan Mai – Luong Son – Hoa Binh – Muong Khen – Mai Chau –only ride along the national road No 6 to get to Mai Chau. Do not forget to stop in Thung Khe Pass to enjoy the panorama view of Mai Chau Valley. Although the road is good, it is a long ride to prepare well and check the weather forecast before the trip.

3. Things to See in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a beautiful land that covers an area of 564.54 square kilometers and is home to about 63,000 people. The population is made up of various ethnic groups, with Thai people being the majority at nearly 60%. Other ethnic groups include Muong people (14.05%), Kinh people (14.01%), Mong people (9.6%), Dao people (2.02%), and a small percentage of other ethnic minorities.

When you visit Mai Chau, you will have the opportunity to experience the customs, habits, and daily life of the local people. If you don't mind a simple sleeping arrangement, you should try spending a night in a homestay, which is a typical stilt house of the ethnic people. This will give you a better understanding of their way of life, and you can chat with them, have dinner, sing, and drink together. Although the living conditions are very basic, with simple amenities like blankets, curtains, pillows, mattresses, towels, showers, and shared bathrooms, you will enjoy the kindness of your hosts, the peaceful village scenery, and delicious meals.

The ethnic villages currently promoting tourism in Mai Chau are Mai Hich, Buoc, Lac village, Pom Coong, and Na Phon village.

Located about 14km away from the center of Mai Chau, Mai Hich  possesses all the necessary elements for community tourism development. The area is known for its majestic mountains, which preserve the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic community. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of delicious cuisine. Unlike the crowded and noisy center of Mai Chau, Mai Hich still retains its wild and peaceful features, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

If you're wondering what to do in Mai Hich village, there are plenty of options available. You can go for a walk, trek, cycle or motorcycle to explore the beautiful surroundings. Another interesting activity to try out is bamboo rafting on the Xia Stream. Tourist services in Mai Hich are now developed to the same standard as other areas in the region. There are various types of accommodations available, ranging from homestays to 4-star resorts, so you can choose according to your preferences and budget. Rest assured, you will enjoy your trip here.

If you are interested in staying in a peaceful location, we suggest choosing Buoc – Xam Khoe villages. These villages are situated around 25 km southwest of Mai Chau's center and are located on a hill covered with green palm forest. The village has still retained its natural and cultural features, making it an ideal place for those who prefer a serene environment.

The people of Buoc village are known for their warmth and hospitality towards visitors. The villagers still practice traditional farming methods such as wet rice cultivation and slash-and-burn cultivation. Their traditional houses are built on stilts with wooden floors, thatched roofs, and special tools for daily farming. The simplicity of the rustic lifestyle in the village has attracted many tourists.

Mai Chau town has become a popular community tourism destination among tourists, particularly domestic visitors who often visit on weekends. The town offers a chance to explore the beauty of Thai villages, such as Lac, Pom Coong and Na Phon. The roads that run through these villages are well-maintained, making it easy to navigate. You can leisurely ride your bike on the small winding roads that weave through the rice fields, mountains and hills, which are dotted with typical Thai stilt-roof houses.

In addition to tourism, the local community in this area primarily focuses on rice cultivation and brocade weaving. As you walk around Lac village, you will come across friendly weavers who are open to visitors taking pictures and browsing their products.

As you continue your journey, you will come across Pom Coong and Na Phon, where the pace of life slows down and the scenery becomes more peaceful. It usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore these villages on foot, but if you prefer, homestays in the area often offer bike rentals.

Van village is situated at the foot of Pu Van mountain, only about 1km away from the center of Mai Chau town. The village is home to the Thai ethnic people who mainly depend on wet rice cultivation, animal husbandry and traditional occupations like weaving and knitting. Van village still retains its wild and rustic features, from idyllic lifestyles to scenic views of the Thai people.

As you travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you'll come across the Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Stone Pass. This spot is a popular stop for tourists on their way to admire the scenic view and take pictures. It's also a chance for drivers to take a quick break during the long journey.

Although it may not be as stunning as O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai or as steep as Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang, Thung Khe Pass is still full of attractions. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Mai Chau valley below. There are a few simple shacks set up by locals for tourists to rest, take in the scenery, and enjoy some of the region's rustic specialties such as grilled corn and bamboo-cooked rice.

Ba Khan is a small commune of Mai Chau located on the bank of Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Very close to 2 famous tourist spots, Mai Chau and Hanoi, Ba Khan was almost forgotten until recently. With a circumference of about 20 km, Ba Khan is compared to Ha Long Bay on land - the hidden paradise of the Northwestern mountains because of its poetic beauty. Tourists could visit Ba Khan on the way from Mai Chau to Hanoi. If you want to relax, Ba Khan Resort is the ideal choice.

Located approximately 2km away from Lac village, Mo Luong Cave is a popular destination for tourists who love to explore. The cave was originally named Bo Luong, which translates to 'big water spring' in Thai. It is a water spring that originates in the heart of the Pu Kha mountain range, and flows into the western field. The local people have dug into a reservoir and named it Mo Luong Lake.

Mo Luong Cave features four main caves that boast beautiful natural stalactites. Additionally, the cave holds significant historical and cultural value with many interesting legends attached to it.

>> See more:  Mai Hich in Water Pouring Season

4. Mai Chau Travel Activities

The best way to explore mountainous areas like Mai Chau is by walking. During your walk, you can enjoy the scenery, take pictures, and even talk to locals. Just follow the winding trails with the mountains on one side and the vast fields on the other to fully experience the beauty of the place.

The roads in Mai Chau aren't too steep, so they're suitable for most tourists, including children and the elderly. All you need is a pair of regular sports shoes, and you can conquer the basic roads in just 2-3 hours per day.

If you're planning on trekking, then trekking shoes are necessary. You can trek for 1-2 days in Mai Hich or Xam Khoe village, as the scenery doesn't change much. However, it's not recommended to go on trek tours for more than 2 days in Mai Chau.

Mai Chau is a great place for cycling tours due to its mostly flat terrain. With tranquil villages and few cars or motorbikes on the roads, it's a peaceful and comfortable place to cycle. Tourists usually cycle for 1-2 hours in the early morning or evening to enjoy the fresh air and green fields. The bicycle rental fee in Mai Chau is 50,000 VND per session.

If you are unable to walk long distances or ride a bike, you can still enjoy the experience of riding a motorbike. A motorbike allows you to travel further and explore more than you could on foot or by bicycle. The local driver and guide are knowledgeable about the area they live in and can show you some breathtaking scenery. However, walking on the mountain trails can be challenging. 

The cost of renting a motorbike is 150,000 VND for 1-2 hours.

One of the unique cultural features in Mai Chau is the traditional dance of the Thai ethnic people. After dinner, locals will invite tourists to join in this performance. Lovely Thai ladies in traditional costumes will perform umbrella dances, fan dances, and ethnic songs.

Tourists often participate in the collective performance, dance together, drink local wine, and bamboo dancing. You will have an unforgettable memory of your trip. Come to Mai Chau, do not miss this interesting activity, especially at the local people's house!

Sleeping in a homestay in Mai Chau, you can participate in cooking activities with the host. There is no oven, no electric stove,... but only with a simple wood stove but with the ingenuity of the chef, the dishes with extremely rustic flavors will surely surprise you.

If you like the authentic experience of the ethnic life in Mai Chau, you can join the locals in daily activities such as going into the forest for firewood, going to the fields to take corn, hoeing by land, plowing the fields, transplanting, harvest,... Of course it depends on the time of your trip and depending on the people’s farming schedule.

5. Mai Chau Cuisine

Besides charming sceneries, Mai Chau is also famous for many unique delicacies.

5.1. Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Com Lam)

One of the most popular dishes in Mai Chau is Com Lam, also known as Bamboo Tube Rice. As soon as you arrive at the Thung Khe pass, you will see locals selling a lot of it. This dish is made by placing rice in young bamboo tubes and grilling them on a wood stove. When the rice is cooked, it becomes very fragrant and delicious. You can enjoy it with sesame salt or grilled pork to enhance its flavor.

To ensure that the dish tastes great, it is crucial to choose the right type of rice that is grown in the terraced fields. This is the most important factor that contributes to the unique taste of Mai Chau's signature dish.

Muong Pig is a small breed of pig that is raised in natural conditions, grazing in the fields and not fed industrial foods. Due to this, its meat is lean, low in fat, and has a deliciously sweet taste. It is considered an essential specialty of the Northwest mountainous area and is a must-try for tourists visiting the region.

Hill chickens are stocked in gardens, on hills, in forests, or raised naturally. Anyone who has eaten the original Mai Chau Hill chicken cannot forget its special flavor.

Bamboo shoot is a specialty of Mai Chau. It is always available in the house because people go to the forest to pick up bamboo shoots daily or make it dried to eat.

In addition to the above dishes, there are also some other unique dishes in Mai Chau for visitors who like to experience new things, such as wild bees stir-fried with sour bamboo shoots, grilled fish, mountain snails,...

>> See more:  11 Best Mai Chau Dishes You Have to Try in Vietnam

Some suggestions for a place to overnight in Mai Hich:

• Mai Chau Villa 4* (with swimming pool)

Add: Cha Lang village, Mai Hich commune Price: From 89 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Tu Diep Homestay

Add: Hich 2 village, Mai Hich Price: 15 USD/pax (including dinner and breakfast) or 30 USD/double bungalow (including breakfast)

• Minh Tho Homestay

Add: Hich 2 village, Mai Hich Price: 15 USD/pax (including dinner and breakfast)

• Tuyet Nhung Homestay

Some suggestions for a place to stay overnight in Mai Chau:

• Mai Chau Ecolodge 4* - the best choice for 4-star accommodation in Mai Chau

Add: Na Thia village, Na Phon Commune, Mai Chau Price: from 70 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Mai Chau Lodge 3*

Add: Mai Chau town, Hoa Binh province Price: from 50 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Mai Chau Valley 3*

Add: Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh province Price: from 35 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Mai Chau Nature Lodge 3*

Add: Na Phon village, Mai Chau town, Hoa Binh province Price: 40 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Mai Chau Countryside Homestay

Add: 30 Pom Coong village, Mai Chau town, Hoa Binh province Price: 30 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• Little Mai Chau homestay

Add: Na Phon village, Mai Chau town, Hoa Binh province Price: 35 USD/room/night (including breakfast)

• La Maison de Buoc (with swimming pool)

Add: Buoc village, Xam Khoe, Mai Chau Price: From 7 USD/pax ( sharing stilts house, included breakfast), 35 USD/bungalow/night (including breakfast)

• Ha Van Nhieu homestay

Add: Buoc village, Xam Khoe, Mai Chau Price: 15 USD/pax (including dinner, breakfast, sharing stilts house)

If you're planning a trip to Mai Chau, you have the option to choose between a 2-day classic tour or a 3-day tour with a 1-day trek. It's also possible to combine Mai Chau with Mai Hich and Xam Khoe in the same tour.

On your way from Hanoi to Mai Chau or vice versa, you can visit the ancient village of Duong Lam with its hundred-year-old houses, or Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda, both of which have unique architecture.

If you plan to include other tourist destinations in your itinerary, just 1-2 nights in Mai Chau will suffice. Mai Chau can easily be combined with Ninh Binh or Pu Luong, or even Nghia Lo for a Northwest tour schedule.

Mai Chau is alluring by its nature and ethnic culture, which you can visit any time of year. To have the best experience in Mai Chau, book a full package tour with us. Click to see all available  Mai Chau Tours . In case you would like a customized private tour, feel free to send us an inquiry to the email address [email protected] . We will get back to you with a free proposal.

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Mai Chau Travel Guide

All things need to know before travelling to mai chau.

Located in the middle of the Northwest mountains and forests, Mai Chau meets all the necessary elements to become an ideal tourist destination. With a cool, temperate climate, majestic and poetic natural scenery and gentle people. More specifically, the friendly and unique traditional cultural identity still remains today. Unique and new experiences are what you will definitely get when choosing to travel to Mai Chau . Let’s explore this beautiful land with Origin Vietnam.

1. Where is Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is a mountainous district located at the westernmost point of Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. About 80 km from Hoa Binh city and about 150 km southwest of Hanoi capital. With geographical location:

• The East borders Tan Lac district
• The West borders Van Ho district of Son La province
• The South borders Quan Hoa district and Ba Thuoc district in Thanh Hoa province
• The North borders Da Bac district.

2. How is Mai Chau unique?

Mai Chau possesses a unique attractive beauty of green nature, fresh air and unique Thai ethnic identity . All images here are associated with mountains, forests, green fields and peace.

Although it is a highland district, Mai Chau is a valley surrounded by massive limestone ranges . This place has a peaceful natural beauty of green forests, rice fields laden with grains, and many small streams quietly flowing through.

In addition, you will also be surprised with the unique traditional culture , with the warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the people here. Along with that is a wonderful, unique cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else.

3. When is the best time to travel to Mai Chau?

Located in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests, Mai Chau is not too hot, but the weather is quite mild and pleasant. Therefore, visitors can choose to travel to Mai Chau at any time of the year.

However, according to Mai Chau travel experience, to be able to see the overall beauty of this peaceful land. You should choose to go at the following times:

• January-February: Mai Chau spring, January and February will definitely make you ecstatic with the bright wild flower petals. This is the time when Ban and peach blossoms bloom at their most brilliant.
• March – April: At this time, Mai Chau’s weather will not be too sunny, and it is also the time when lotus flowers bloom a lot. Traditional festivals here also take place very diversely.
• July-August : You also need to note: around July-August in Mai Chau there is quite high humidity, which can cause heavy rain. Landslides and floods can easily occur, making it dangerous to travel during your trip. Therefore, you should regularly monitor weather forecasts before departing. In order to choose the appropriate time for your trip to Mai Chau this season.
• September-October: You also have the opportunity to admire the bright yellow fields, because this is the ripe rice season in Mai Chau. Mai Chau will have 2 golden rice seasons a year: June and October.
• October – December: This is the time when Mai Chau changes from Autumn to Winter and has quite cool and pleasant air. Besides, this time there are also Peach and Plum Blossoms blooming, so it will give you the opportunity to admire a rare and beautiful romantic scene.

4. How to get to Mai Chau?

4.1. by personal vehicle.

Traveling by car:

Using a personal car, you can follow the Thang Long Avenue route to Hoa Lac, continue along the Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh route and along Highway 6 to Mai Chau. Because some routes can run on highways, the travel time from Hanoi to Mai Chau by car is only about 3 hours.

Traveling by motorbike:

With a motorbike, you can follow the Thang Long Avenue road and also go in the direction of Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh – Highway 6 or go in the direction of Ha Dong, straight on Highway 6 to Mai Chau. This route is relatively crowded with trucks, so if traveling by motorbike, you should travel during the day and have full protective gear to ensure safety.

4.2 By public transportation

If you do not have a personal vehicle or are afraid of long distances, you can use passenger cars to Mai Chau. You can easily catch a bus at bus stations such as: My Dinh, Giap Bat, Yen Nghia,… to go to Mai Chau. If you don’t make it on time, you can take the sleeper bus from Son La to Tong Dau intersection, get off and rent a motorbike taxi to go into town (about 5 km).

4.3. Traveling within Mai Chau

Walking & Trekking:

Lac village and Pom Coong village are located close to each other. So adventure Mai Chau tour walking around the village is the best way to explore the beautiful and peaceful Mai Chau. The limitation of walking is that you will only be able to go around the village, further locations will not have enough time to go if using this method.

This type of bicycle tourism is increasingly chosen by many tourists, especially foreign tourists, partly. Because it is a very environmentally friendly form, and partly because it is cycling around the village in a peaceful setting. The romantic tranquility of Mai Chau will be wonderful. While cycling leisurely, breathing fresh air, and comfortably admiring the scenery, bicycles are also more convenient to go into small places.

Electric car:

Currently in Mai Chau, you can choose electric car service to go around the village. The car runs quite slowly and the price per person is relatively cheap. If you want to rent a full trip to go further (visit nearby villages), you can also negotiate directly with the driver.

Coming to Mai Chau, if you only stay around Lac, Poom Coong and town areas, you probably don’t need to use a motorbike. However, for some more remote locations such as Thung Khe and Ba Khan passes, bicycles or electric vehicles cannot solve the problem. At this time, if you do not have to go to Mai Chau by motorbike, you will need to rent a car here

5. Activities and experiences in Mai Chau:

5.1. cycling around the village.

With cool and quite fresh air, in the morning you can rent a bicycle to roam around Ban Lac and cross to Poom Coong. Cycling is also a form of exercise that is quite good for the body

5.2. Enjoy coffee

If you like to have a relaxing time chatting with family and friends while sipping a cup of coffee. You can go around the villages to find the coffee shop. Currently in Mai Chau, there are a number of cafes with beautiful locations and views that you can come and experience.

5.3. Discovery 8 villages by electric car

There are quite a few electric cars in Mai Chau, each car can carry 1-10 people and is allowed to operate so it can go deep into the villages. You can rent an electric car for a full price to go around 8 small villages in Mai Chau, the travel time is about 1-1.5 hours depending on where you stop.

5.4. Boating

Those who love kayaking or SUP boards can go to the Hoa Binh hydroelectric lake bed area in Ba Khan to paddle, usually these services will be provided by local people.

6. Sightseeings in Mai Chau:

6.1. thung khe pass.

To get to Mai Chau Hoa Binh, you have to pass the impressive Thung Khe Pass located on Highway 6. This place is also known as White Stone Pass because the surrounding space is quite impressive.

For geological reasons, the landscape of Thung Khe Pass wears a white coat all year round as if a blizzard had just passed here. Thung Khe Pass today belongs to Tan Lac and Mai Chau.

With impressive landscapes and a layer of mist and clouds, Thung Khe Pass today has become an extremely hot selfie spot for young people when coming to Mai Chau.

6.2. Ban Lac village

Ban Lac is located in Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district. This place is considered an impressive tourist destination with the rustic beauty of Thai identity. Many tourists who come here favorably call Ban Lac the most beautiful village in Mai Chau .

It is no exaggeration for this name, from Ban Lac , you can admire the vast space of vast fields and rolling mountains. All converge into a charming landscape painting that makes everyone shake.

5.3. Pom Coong village

If you are familiar with Ban Lac, you can visit Pom Coong to renew the atmosphere in Mai Chau. The name of the village means a hill located on a big drum. Travelling to this area, you will fully enjoy the beauty of nature as well as admire the ripe golden rice fields. In Pom Coong village, there are 7 Thai families, so this place still retains a rich culture and national identity.

In addition, you also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ethnic culture here through village activities. There will be impressive national dances such as Sap and Xoe dance.

6.2. Mai Chau flagpole

Mai Chau flagpole is a location in Tong Dau commune, Mai Chau district. This is a proud selfie spot for travel enthusiasts. This is a tourist attraction quite close to Thung Khe Pass , you can combine admiration to create many great photos.

6.3. Ban Nhot village

Ban Nhot belongs to Na Phon commune, Mai Chau district. Here, you will admire houses with bold Thai architecture with structures roofed with bamboo and rattan leaves and floors 2 meters above the ground. In addition, you will experience making brocade items to take home or doing tasks such as pounding rice, making wine or preparing traditional dishes.

6.4. Ba Khan Valley

Ba Khan Valley is located next to Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Lake. This place is considered the heart of Mai Chau tourism with charming natural scenery and successive mountain ranges. Tourists also tell each other that this is an impressive sunset viewing spot that you cannot miss when traveling to Mai Chau.

6.5. Hai Son Mural Village

Hai Son mural village is located in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district. This place was painted by students of Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts on a wall more than 800 meters long. Most of the paintings are familiar ethnic images with bright, striking colors. Here, you can admire four-season murals next to unique terraced fields

6.6. Mo Luong Cave

Located in the Pu Kha mountain range in Mai Chau town. Mo Luong is a cave that many tourists pay attention to and explore in combination with Ban Lac. According to Thai people, Mo Luong means large water mine. Each cave at Mo Luong has impressive layers of limestone stalactites creating magical shapes.

6.7. Chieu Cave

Chieu Cave is another beautiful cave located in Mai Chau town. Here, you will be completely overwhelmed and attracted by the mysterious, magical and somewhat pristine beauty of Chieu Cave. To reach Chieu Cave, you have to climb 1,200 stone steps among the cool green soapberry trees.

6.8. Go Lao Waterfall

Go Lao Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mai Chau that many tourists must visit when coming to this land. With cool and fresh blue water, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the airy atmosphere while admiring the impressively beautiful space. Each white bubble of water splashes under the lake, creating a pleasant, gentle and relaxing feeling.

6.9. Mu Waterfall

Mu Waterfall is made up of stacked waterfalls, each level has its own path and below the waterfall is a large bathing pool, allowing everyone to soak.

In addition, you can also rent shacks from local people here so you can rest, visit, and eat comfortably. Besides, this is also the place to organize festivals such as the international skydiving festival every November or the gong festival organized by the Muong people.

7. Specialties when traveling to Mai Chau

7..1 mai chau lam rice (bamboo tube rice).

Ingredients for making Lam rice include rice, bamboo tubes, and banana leaves. There may also be grated coconut, coconut milk, and sesame mixed with rice before baking. Sometimes, in some other regions, cassava, potatoes, and corn are cut into small pieces and stuffed into tubes to bake instead of the main ingredient, rice.

Lam rice, if made of bamboo, must not be burned on fire but must be rotated evenly over charcoal because if the thin bamboo tube is burned on fire, the rice will not be cooked in time. Eating lam rice, in addition to sesame salt, is also indispensable for a traditional Thai spice called “cham cheo”.

7.2. Grilled chicken

The chicken is marinated with unique Thai spices and then grilled over charcoal using bamboo or iron tongs. Chicken dishes go very well with sticky rice or lam rice.

7.3. Grilled stream fish

In traditional Thai festivals, this dish is indispensable. To ensure grilled fish meets standards, you need to choose stream fish weighing 4-6 ounces. Spices to marinate fish include Mac Khen, wild herbs, lotus seeds, basil leaves, lemongrass, chili, soup powder,…

After cleaning the scales, the fish is cut open from the back to remove the bile and intestines, then folded horizontally, seasoned in the middle with a fresh bamboo stick and grilled over hot wood ash for about 15 minutes. The fish is grilled over charcoal and turns from white to yellow, with a delicious aroma. The stream fish dish eaten with 3-color sticky rice and dipped in cham diagonal is absolutely delicious.

7.4. Grilled pork skewers

In Mai Chau, in addition to boiled pork, there is also another attractive option from Muong pork. After boiling the pig to a golden brown, people choose the best parts of the meat, slice them and then marinate them with many different spices: salt, chili powder, star anise, lemongrass, honey leaves, ginger, turmeric, vinegar… Depends on the amount of meat. Wait about 15-20 minutes for the spices to be absorbed evenly, the meat is skewered and grilled until all the fat is gone, golden brown, and fragrant.

7.5. Mai Chau sticky rice

Sticky rice is a popular rice substitute in the Northwest highlands. In Mai Chau, they call it “khau cang nay,” which means fragrant sticky rice. When you come to Mai Chau, you can fully experience the delicious taste by savoring the sticky rice made by Thai women.

Thai people always choose upland sticky rice to make sticky rice. It is a type of sticky rice that Thai people grow on terraced fields in Mai Chau valley. The sticky rice is soaked for many hours to soften before being cooked. Thai women do not prepare sticky rice in a pot or steamer like the Kinh people, but instead put the sticky rice in a wooden tray. The sticky rice cooks by steam rather than cooking.

8. Accommodation when traveling to Mai Chau

8.1. resort/bungalow.

If you need a luxury resort, you can choose to stay in some beautifully built resorts or bungalows with full amenities and services. These areas will often be scattered throughout the communes of Mai Chau district and are often located in relatively isolated places and far from the center. Therefore, in these places you should have personal vehicles so you can proactively go to other places if you want.

• Mai Chau Xanh Bungalow . Address: Ban Lac, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Mai Chau Valley Retreat . Address: Mai Hich, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Mai Chau Ecolodge . Address: Na Chieng, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh.
• Meadow Mai Chau Homestay . Address: Na Phon, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Little Mai Chau Homestay. Address: Na Phon, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Mai Chau Countryside Homestay. Address: No. 30 Pom Coong village, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.

8.2 Homestays:

When traveling to Mai Chau, don’t miss out on experiencing the popular form of accommodation, the stilt houses built mainly in Lac and Poom Coong villages by the Thai people. To talk more about this form of accommodation, Thai people often live and build villages in places with rivers and streams, build houses against mountains and hills, in front are often vast fields.

• Eco Homestay . Address: Ban Lac, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• La Maison De Buoc . Address: Ban Duoc, Xat Khoe Commune, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Minh Tho Homestay . Address: Mai Hich, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
• Little Mai Chau Homestay . Address: Na Phon, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.

9. Some important notes when traveling to Mai Chau

• When coming here in the spring, you should bring an umbrella and raincoat because there will often be drizzle at this time.
• Referring prices and bargain before buying specialties here.
• Only bring a sufficient amount of cash to avoid going to crowded locations where the association may create conditions for theft to occur.
• If you visit spiritual tourist destinations, you need to choose appropriate clothing.
• Because you spend a lot of time walking between tourist destinations, you should bring low-soled, soft, anti-slip shoes.

If you are planning a tour to Mai Chau , immediately contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator in Vietnam . Our team of experienced, dedicated, and deeply knowledgeable consultants and local guides will provide you with the opportunity to explore Mai Chau, offering interesting experiences and creating unforgettable memories.

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Mai Chau: Meet the northwest masterpiece of Vietnam

• Updated: September 28, 2023 Mi NGUYEN in Beautiful Vietnam , Best of Vietnam , Vietnam Travel Tips 0 comment.

How far is Mai Chau from Hanoi?

• Cuc Phuong National Park and Mai Chau Tour in 3 Days
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It is a mountainous district in Hoa Binh province, northwest of Son La, and near to Moc Chau in Son La and Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa. It is located in the west of Hanoi, some 140 kilometers from the capital’s center, or nearly three hours by automobile.

Mai Chau is a mountainous district in Hoa Binh province

The journey to get there is not challenging, it is relatively flat and secure. With a pleasant atmosphere and gorgeous nature, the view on both sides of the road is lovely and poetic. As a result, travelers frequently select this destination as a weekend and holiday location to discover and enjoy.

What is the most beautiful season to travel to Mai Chau?

Not only does it inherit the Northwest’s untouched and serene mountain beauty, but it is also blessed by nature with a climate that has its own characteristics of the cool, temperate alpine tropics. People must be moved. Because it is a valley, the four seasons provide a pleasant and comfortable sensation to any visitor.

It glows with bright forest flowers in the spring, and the temperature is pleasant. Summer in here is not as hot as it is in other northern provinces, but there is a lot of humidity and rain in July. If you visit in the autumn, you will enjoy the cool weather. Calm and calm. In winter, it is relatively cold, with temperatures averaging around 16*C.

Because of these weather patterns, in order to enjoy a complete trip with family and friends, you need travel to Mai Chau at the most beautiful and acceptable time, which is as follows:

October to February

This is the dry season, so the air is calm and pleasant, with no fear of facing the rainy season of the north. When visiting here during this season, you will see the peach blossom season, with plum blooms blooming white and pure throughout the sky.

March and April

It may be claimed that now is the most beautiful season to visit, which is popular with tourists. The weather is very lovely at this time of year since the ban flowers are in full bloom. Furthermore, there are numerous ethnic minority celebrations, thus it is very busy and crowded. You can visit here to learn about the distinctive local culture.

Instructions on how to go when traveling to Mai Chau

The journey to the destination is likewise pretty straightforward. Self-sufficient travel by motorcycle or automobile is perfect for fully experiencing the natural landscapes along the way. There are two routes to Mai Chau from the center of Hanoi, which are as follows:

From Hanoi, take the Nguyen Trai (Ha Dong) exit and follow the signs to Quang Trung – Ba La – Chuc Son – Xuan Mai – Luong Son – Ky Son – Hoa Binh – Cao Phong – Tan Lac – Thung Khe pass. After passing across Thung Khe Pass, continue on road 15 for another 6 kilometers to Mai Chau.

Follow Thang Long – Hoa Lac Boulevard, turn left onto Xuan Mai, and continue straight along Highway 6 to Mai Chau. Pay close attention to traffic laws on major routes because this stretch has numerous traffic police stations, assuring a safe journey.

Furthermore, there are several buses from Hanoi to Mai Chau that provide good service at a low cost. Tickets to Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) can be purchased at the My Dinh or Giap Bat bus terminals. A tiny note: If you get off at Tong Dau intersection, you must take a motorbike taxi to the valley of this province, which is roughly 5 kilometers distant.

You have a variety of time frames to choose from when visiting Mai Chau. Bus fares typically range from 90,000 to 150,000 VND per person, depending on the firm and type of vehicle.

5 places to check-in when traveling to Mai Chau

Despite the fact that it does not have many tourist attractions, it receives a large number of visitors each year. Because the natural environment is so impressive and poetic, heaven, earth, rivers, and mountains merge into one, moving anybody who visits.

Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass)

This is the pass that every traveler should see at least once in his life. Thung Khe Pass, located on the way to Mai Chau, is a perfect spot to see the  valley from above, which looks like a lovely natural picture with large green fields and bold stilt buildings in the Northwest highlands.

Thung Khe pass

Mai Chau flagpole

When you want to leave a lasting impression here, check out the flagpole. From the flagpole, which is still placed on the Thung Khe pass route going to Mai Chau, you can see the entire valley with white clouds snaking around the gorgeous mountaintop. You will undoubtedly take great photographs of the poetic natural environment here.

Lac village

Lac Village is another must-see attraction for everyone visiting here. This is its most popular tourist destination and the most busy tourist concentration. Lac village, which bears the cultural identity of the white Thai people, is exceedingly rustic, pastoral, and natural, giving tourists a sense of intimacy and friendship.

You can visit Lac village to observe the dreamlike beauty of green rice fields intertwined with indigenous peoples’ traditional stilt dwellings. You can also see handmade brocade products and souvenirs, which can be purchased as gifts.

Pom Coong village

Pom Coong village, not far from Lac village, is a typical Thai ethnic village that is equally stunning when visiting Mai Chau. Pom Coong means “the version of the hills lying on the big drum,” signifying the field in Thai’s village.

Pom Coong village, while not as well-known as Lac village, retains many wild and rustic elements, from the terrain to the Thai people’s tranquil and simple way of life. Not only that, but the community has a distinct culture with vibrant life and events, giving guests unforgettable experiences.

Go Lao Waterfall (Go Mu Waterfall)

Go Lao waterfall, also known as Go Mu waterfall, is a lovely waterfall located around 15 kilometers from Mai Chau town. The pure and rustic natural environment of the Northwest Alps will undoubtedly fascinate you at this waterfall. Admire the lovely little Muong dwellings, the magnificent and lyrical Ba Khan lake, and even the straight bamboo forests in poetic green.

Trekking in Mai Chau

You can join a trekking excursion with the direction of a local guide if you want to conserve the most intriguing original experiences when discovering Mai Chau tourism.

Visitors who choose to trek can explore rice fields cultivated on gently sloping ground and sprinkled with lumpy black pebbles. Although not as spectacular as the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi, you can experience the beauty of solitude and relaxation.

Trekking Mai Chau

Furthermore, caves like Chieu Cave and Mo Luong Cave are worth visiting while trekking in Mai Chau. The experience of climbing 1200 steps to access Chieu Cave will pique the interest of those who enjoy exploring. From above, you will see the surreal beauty of stalactites and savor the panoramic splendor of Mai Chau.

It is important to be directed and guided by locals when trekking Mai Chau because the terrain is also fairly demanding and risky.

Where to stay in Mai Chau?

Accommodation services here are various, ranging from homestays to hotels to resorts, particularly in the two tourist villages of Lac and Pom Coong villages

Delicious food in Mai Chau

The food in this province is broad and rich, but the classic Thai meals with the harmonic combination and interference of the mountains and forests remain the most distinctive. Thai culinary culture is separated into five major components that are served in order on the dining table, each with its own distinct characteristics.

We’d like to expose you to some popular Thai meals that any tourist visiting Mai Chau should try:

• Nuong sticky rice
• Grilled hill chicken
• Grilled stream fish
• Grilled pork skewers
• Buffalo meat in the kitchen
• Sour marinated meat
• Fried cicada pupae

Notes when traveling to Mai Chau

Because Mai Chau is also in the northwest mountainous region, it is relatively wild and has not developed as many tourism services as other provinces, therefore you should be aware of the following difficulties when visiting Mai Chau, as reported by many tourists:

• Traveling by motorcycle to Mai Chau Valley should be done with caution because the road has numerous twists and turns and is congested with passenger cars and cargo trucks.
• Thai people’s lifestyles and activities are close and simple, but highly strict, thus you must get permission before visiting their home. When entering their home, pay heed to the ancestral altar to avoid turning your back or placing your feet on it.
• It is essential to have enough personal things, particularly medicines for bug repellent, stomachache, headache, and allergies,…
• Prepare nice garments that are easy to move in. Whether visiting Mai Chau in the summer or winter, bring a long-sleeved shirt because the evenings might be cold and misty.

Bottom Line

With its wild and majestic mountainous landscape favored by nature and a calm and pleasant environment, Mai Chau has become a well-known tourist destination in the North for your Vietnam tours . Hopefully, our travel experiences can help you have a nice trip with the most intriguing moments of exploring the Northwest mountains.

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Hello everyone, I'm Mi NGUYEN - passionate about traveling and experiencing culture and history by visiting attractions. So I like to share my information with everyone about the places I visited. If you have any questions, leave a comment below so I can answer them for you!

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Best Mai Chau Tours & Travel Guide

Mai Chau is a picturesque rural district located in the Hoa Binh Province of Vietnam, approximately 135 kilometers southwest of Hanoi. Known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional stilt houses, and vibrant ethnic minority cultures, Mai Chau has become a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience. We will provide you with a list of Mai Chau Tours to refer to, and you can contact us for quick support for your trip in Mai Chau.

Mai Chau Tour: Top 7 Must-Try Things To Do

• Enjoy Local Cuisine Mai Chau is blessed with several vibrant local markets that provide an abundance of fresh produce. One such market is Bao La, located 30 kilometers away from Hoa Ban Homestay, and it operates exclusively on Fridays. Another noteworthy market is the River Market, which is accessible only by boat and opens every Thursday. It is highly recommended to pay a visit to this unique market. Additionally, the Pa Co market is a popular Sunday market where locals gather to sell a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the local specialties such as sugar cane, jackfruit, and Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette).
• Trekking and Hiking Mai Chau is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and lush greenery, making it an ideal destination for trekking and hiking. Embark on a trekking adventure through the rice fields, valleys, and hills, and enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside
• Cycling Tours Rent a bicycle or join a guided cycling tour to discover the picturesque countryside of Mai Chau at a leisurely pace. Pedal through the scenic villages, visit local markets, interact with friendly locals, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
• Try Traditional Coconut Coffee Indulge in the delightful flavors of Vietnamese coconut coffee, a sweet combination of strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and coconut milk. Visit Sunset Bar in Mai Chau for this delicious treat.
• Visit the Pu Luong Nature Reserve Embark on a motorbike journey to the breathtaking Pù Luông Nature Reserve, where you can witness spectacular waterfalls, enjoy a refreshing swim in natural springs, and savor traditional Pho in the midst of the mountains.
• Sing Karaoke with the Locals Join the locals in Mai Chau for a fun-filled karaoke session and immerse yourself in the lively and entertaining atmosphere.
• Explore the Mai Chau Valley Spend your days exploring the stunning panoramic views from the hills above the Mai Chau valley, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

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Mai Chau Tour: Useful information

How to get from hanoi to mai chau.

• By private car You can hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi to take you directly to Mai Chau. This option offers flexibility and comfort, as you can choose your departure time and make stops along the way if desired. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken. Or you can contact us to assist you with transportation services.
• By Bus You can find buses at various bus stations in Hanoi, such as My Dinh or Giap Bat, to get to Mai Chau. The buses usually depart in the morning or early afternoon. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus company.
• By Metta Voyage’s tour We offer day trips or multi-day tours that include transportation, accommodation, and activities in Mai Chau. Let’s book with confidence! We ensure you will have a great trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Mai Chau tours often include activities such as trekking or cycling through the scenic countryside, visiting local villages, exploring caves, experiencing local culture and traditions, interacting with ethnic minority communities, and enjoying traditional performances.

Exploring Mai Chau can be done on foot, by bicycle, or on a motorbike, depending on your preference and fitness level. Metta Voyage offer guided treks or cycling trips to discover the beautiful landscapes, rice fields, and local villages.

The duration of a Mai Chau tour can vary depending on your preferences and the activities included. It can range from a day trip to multiple days, such as a 2-day or 3-day tour.

Metta Voyage recommends booking your Mai Chau tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures availability and allows us to make the necessary arrangements. 

Meals may or may not be included, depending on your needs. But breakfast in the hotel is included

Yes, it is possible to combine a Mai Chau tour with visits to other nearby destinations such as Ninh Binh, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, or Tam Coc. Metta Voyage offer multi-destination itineraries that allow you to explore the highlights of the region.

Group tours in Mai Chau typically involve joining a larger group of travelers, which can be a more economical option. Private tours, on the other hand, offer a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your preferences. The choice between group and private tours depends on your budget and preferences.

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What to Do in Mai Chau Vietnam? Things to Do + Mai Chau Eco Lodge Review

Table of Contents:

Top Things to Do in Mai Chau Valley & Travel Tips

After spending a few weeks in Hanoi, we wanted to see something more than just this vibrant city. After a quick research, we stumbled upon Mai Chau Valley located in Hoa Binh province in Northern Vietnam . This rural area seemed like a perfect place to relax and get to know the local people. We loved the photos of the rice fields, that’s why instantly decided to make a trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau Hoa Binh. The village is located only 3-4 hours of driving from the capital of Vietnam, so we agreed on staying there for one night.

There aren’t many tourists in Mai Chau and we really loved it! Most people prefer to visit Sapa, Ho Chi Minh city, Mekong Delta or Ha Long Bay when they are visiting Vietnam.

Mai Chau is not that crowded and that is one of the reasons why it’s an awesome destination. You can watch people working on the rice fields, cows or oxen walking with no chains or herdsmen’s supervision. What can be more beautiful than meeting with locals? With people who are friendly, smiling and happy that tourists are visiting their village?

We really loved this place and we hope to come back there in the future. There are some things that you need to know before going to Mai Chau tough. Below you will find the best things to do in Mai Chau Vietnam, recommended places to stay, Mai Chau facts, and much more.

What’s the best time to visit Vietnam and Mai Chau?

May Chai weather is different throughout the year. It may get really cold and rainy at Mai Chau valley, that’s why it is really important to choose the right time for traveling there.

If you like hot, sunny weather , visit Mai Chau on October, November, March, April or May.

June to September is also a good choice but because of the monsoon season, it may be raining very often.

December, January, and February are the coldest months to visit Mai Chau. But don’t worry if you plan to go there in winter! We were in Mai Chau in the middle of January and from the picture below you can see that it was pretty warm.

Remember that the valley is beautiful all year long but not every weather in Mai Chau is good for biking or hiking.

What to Do in Mai Chau Vietnam?

Buy local products.

Mai Chau village is charming and idyllic. People living there are friendly and nice. We, tourists, love places like this. That is why we should support their local economy and culture.

Mai Chau with Starbucks, McDonald’s and shopping malls won’t be the same. It will lose their charm and beauty…

Buying things like hand-made scarves from local women is a great way to support the Mai Chau community.

For us, Mai Chau is best seen by bike. Morning cycling through the rice fields was one of the best Mai Chau activities that have tried. Most hotels have free bikes, so you don’t need to worry about getting them. There are many Mai Chau biking tours available as well.

You don’t need to be fit for cycling, as the land is quite flat in the village.

Book your Mai Chau bike tour in advance—> here .

Go hiking or trekking

Mai Chau is where you can take some of the best hikes in Vietnam. Wandering around the rice fields and local villages (Cun Pheo, Ban Buoc, Hang Kia, and more) may be a highlight of your trip to South East Asia. You can also take a Mai Chau trek to the mountains.

If you have enough time, visit Chieu Cave (1,000 steps cave), Cuc Phuong National Park or Pu Luong Nature Reserve .

See recommended trekking Mai Chau tour–> here .

Try local food

Mai Chau people are descendants of immigrants from Thailand . Two main tribes White Thai and Black Thai are the biggest populations of Mai Chau.

We are totally crazy about Thailand and Thai food , that’s why we loved everything we ate in Mai Chau.

Rice, noodles, and soups are delicious there. You should also try Vietnamese oranges from the local orchards. They are so sweet and tasty! They also don’t have any preservatives that make them really healthy.

Take as many photos as possible

The valley is a great spot for photography lovers. Or even for those who don’t know how to take a good photo. You don’t need to have any skills, Mai Chau is beautiful enough that every picture you will take there will be outstanding.

Mountains, rice fields and the local villages are just calling to be explored!

If you are a social media freak (just like us), buy Vietnam SIM card to be able to share your photos any time you want. It doesn’t cost much (less than $10) and it’s really useful.

It is not difficult to find 3G in Mai Chau but LTE or 4G is something you should forget about.

Take a photo of the valley from the above.

The village of Mai Chau is situated in the valley. When going from Hanoi, you should stop on the top of the mountain before going down to the village. It’s where you can get the best Mai Chau valley view.

Ask your driver to stop when you see the beautiful view like on the picture below.

Where to stay in Mai Chau?

It is really important to choose the right place to stay in Mai Chau. Here are the recommended accommodations:

For budget travelers

Mai Chau homestays are probably the most popular places to stay in the village. If you are looking for a Mai Chau hostel and you are traveling on a budget, consider staying at Little Mai Chau Home Stay . A single bed in the dormitory costs there less than $10 for a night. Double room is slightly more expensive, about $15.

Check out the latest prices for Little Eco Homestay Mai Chau–> click here .

For a family/group of friends.

If you are traveling in a group, check out Sol Bungalows Mai Chau. For now (April 2019) they offer the biggest Mai Chau villas that can accommodate up to 6 people.

Check out the latest prices for Sol Bungalows Mai Chau–> click here .

For luxury travelers.

Our choice was Mai Chau Ecolodge Vietnam, mainly because it’s located in the middle of the rice fields. It’s was our first stay in a place like that. We didn’t even know what is eco lodge.  It turned out to be an accommodation/hotel that doesn’t impact the environment that it’s located in. In this case, Eco Lodge Mai Chau haven’t destroyed the rice fields but became a part of them.

We absolutely loved resort Mai Châu Ecolodge (although the lodge is pretty big, they don’t like to be considered as a ‘resort’)! It is both luxurious and eco which is a very rare combination.

All the bungalows are 100% natural. They are mainly built of wood and stone. The main goal of Mai Chau Ecolodge Hoà Bình is to support the local economy and take care of traditions.

If you will be traveling during the hot season, you can also use the lovely Mai Chau Ecolodge swimming pool to relax even more.

Check out the latest prices for hotel Mai Chau lodge—> click here .

For everyone

Mai Chau Nature Lodge (aka Mai Chau Nature Place or Mai Chau Sunrise Village) has all you can possibly need from a perfect accommodation. It’s quite similar to Mai Chau Eco Lodge but it’s cheaper, and a bit less luxurious. They offer single beds in the dormitories and private rooms as well. Mai Chau Valley View hotel or Mai Chau Sunset Boutique hotel are other places worth recommending.

Check out the latest prices for Mai Chau Nature Lodge–> click here .

How to get to mai chau from hanoi.

There are many ways to get to Mai Chau. Here are your options:

1. Bus Hanoi Mai Chau

If you want to save your time and avoid scams, book your ticket online . We’ve been ripped off in Vietnam way too many times to risk taking a random bus Hanoi to Mai Chau. When booking online, the ticket costs approximately $17, and the journey takes about 5 hours. If you change your plans, you can get a full refund up to 24 hours before the journey.

Save your time and book your bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau online–> here .

2. private transfer mai chau from hanoi.

This is the option we chose. It was really convenient! We’ve been picked up directly from our hotel and arrived to Mai Chau after about 3,5 hours. The next day, we traveled by a private car from Mai Chau to Hanoi as well.

The cost is approximately $100, one way. You don’t pay for the number of travelers but for the car. If there is four of you, it will be just $25 per person, $8 more than for a bus.

Avoid the hassle and book your private transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau–> here .

3. Mai Chau tour from Hanoi

You don’t need to organize everything by yourself. There are many Mai Chau tours from Hanoi available. Here are the recommended ones:

Mai Chau Day Trip from Hanoi

It’s the cheapest option although, we think Mai Chau deserves more than just a few hours. It’s good to stay there for at least one night. If your time is limited though, this trip is worthwhile.

Book your Mai Chau tour 1 day online–> here .

Mai Chau 2 Days 1 Night Trip from Hanoi

This tour is a perfect combination of Mai Chau trekking, sightseeing and relaxing. You will have a chance to meet with local people, explore the rural areas of Mai Chau, and get back to Hanoi the following day.

Book your Mai Chau Hanoi 2 days 1 night online–> here .

Mai Chau 3 Days 2 Nights Tour from Hanoi

If you want to truly relax, spend 3 days in Mai Chau. You will have a chance to stay with a local family, cook with them, and watch their everyday life. The activities during this tour are awesome, they include fishing, farming, and trekking.

Book your Tour Mai Chau Hanoi 3 days 2 nights online–> here .

What to pack for Vietnam Mai Chau?

The most popular thing to do in Mai Chau is cycling and hiking, so be sure to pack comfortable clothes.

If you are traveling during the hot season, take sun-cream and hats. Sun may be very strong in Mai Chau.

During winter, you will need a jacket or sometimes even a hat, scarf and gloves.

Sunglasses will be useful all over the year, especially if you are planning to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Mai Chau Facts

When you are traveling to a new place, it’s good to know something about it. Here are the most important Mai Chau facts:

• The population of Mai Chau is  48,570.
• Mai Chau district covers an area of  520 km² / 200 square miles.
• Mai Chau is located  135 km/ 84 miles from Hanoi.
• And 65 km / 40 miles from Hòa Bình, the capital of the province.
• Mai Chau is situated  400 m / 437 yards above sea level.
• There are  7 Ethnic Minority groups in Mai Chau, including White Thai, Zao, H’Mong, Muong, Hoa, Tay, and Viet.
• Until 1993 Mai Chau was an isolated farming community, not visited by tourists
• The lowest temperature recorded in Mai Chau is 5,7ºC ( 42.26 °F ).
• Mai Chau is situated 250 km / 155 miles from Vietnam’s highest mountain- Phan Xi Păng/ Fansipan ( 3143 m /  10 312 ft above sea level).
• Mai Chau borders were established in 1957.
• There are 4 main villages  that are the best to visit in Mai Chau: Na Tang, TòngĐậu, Cha Long and Van villages.

Mai Chau Valley Vietnam Travel Tips

Take enough medicines..

Mai Chau is a small village, so don’t expect to find a doctor or a good drug store there. The nearest hospital where they speak English is in Hanoi, 4 hours drive from Mai Chau.

Take all the medicines you may need to use. Be prepared for everything! Painkillers are must-have. Remember that the most common sickness for tourist in Asia is stomach illness. Take some antidiarrheal and anti-emetics drugs just in case.

Have enough time.

We have been told that Mai Chau is pretty close from Hanoi. We thought that it will take 3 hours to get there.

But… of course, it took longer. There was a traffic jam and we made some stops on the way. At the end of the day, it’s South East Asia! Everybody has time for everything, and that’s what is beautiful about it. Don’t rely on the scheduled time. If you need to be back in Hanoi at the exact time, come back one day earlier to avoid unnecessary stress.

Take enough cash.

If you rely on paying by card or withdraw a little amount of money every day to cover your expenses, you will be disappointed. It’s hard to find ATM in Mai Chau Vietnam area, so bring cash to avoid the hassle.

Mai Chau valley Vietnam is arguably the most beautiful place in the country. If you want to see stirring rice fields, tranquil scenes and the real everyday life of Vietnamese people , you should definitely go there. If you wonder whether to go to Mai Chau or Sapa, you should think first about your expectations. Mai Chau is a hidden gem, a non-touristy place. If you want to experience something unique, that should be your choice. Sapa is similar but it’s getting really crowded recently. It’s also a bit more expensive.

We fell in love with Mai Chau and has been dreaming to come back there ever since we left. It is so different than hectic and busy Hanoi. It’s a place where you can unwind, unplug, relax and forget about the worries of everyday life. Be sure to visit this wonderful place during your stay in Vietnam.

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Disclosure: We want to thank Mai Chau Ecolodge for a complimentary stay. All opinions presented in this post are honest and our own.

18 Responses

Wow! I’ve never heard of this area, but it looks like the part of Vietnam that I want to see. I only had time for Saigon when I went, so I need to go back

We’ve been to Saigon as well two years ago. This time we are visiting Northern Vietnam and we love it! It’s much better than the South :).

I hadn’t even heard of Mai Chau before but now I’ll definitely keep this in my mind for when I hit Vietnam finally. Thanks for the tip!

Your welcome! Mai Chau is a lovely place and still not very popular among foreign tourists! :)

Great Mai Chau post, guys!

Thank you! We did our best :)

Thanks so much! On my way to Vietnam in a week. I’ll be there in January 2017. How much daylight is there in Mai Chau in January? How might I humbly end up dining with a family or maybe doing an overnight home stay? 48 year-old female traveling alone. Did you take malaria pills for this visit?

Lucky you- we’ve been in Mai Chau in January so we can tell you everything about it. There was a lot of daylight in Vietnam, the sunset was about 6pm. We didn’t take malaria pills and we were fine. We don’t think they are necessary- we didn’t spot any mosquitos, it was probably too cold for them. You can either book a one day tour in Hanoi or stay in Mai Chau for a night. Two options are great- it’s up to you how much time do you have in Vietnam.

Thanks for the really useful blog. I’m considering visiting Mai Chau in November. Would you say it is still worth visiting just after the rice harvest, without the lush green or ripe yellow rice?

We believe Mai Chau is always worth visiting. It’s a peaceful place, completely different from others we have seen in Vietnam.

Thanks for the really useful blog. I’m considering visiting Mai Chau in November

Hey did you visit Hue, Vietnam, my hometown? If you do, please share to me. I would love to see what you experience while in Hue.

No, we haven’t but it’s definitely on our bucket list! We’ve heard many great stories about this place.

I come from that town and I run a small travel agency offering history walking tour and food tour of Hue. You can find some of my tours here: https://beebeetravel.com/ . Next time you come back, I would like you to experience my tours, Karolina! Hope to meet you, your husband and little cutie Mia!

What an informative article! One of the things I love about Mai Chau Eco Lodge is the cultural activities. Did you happen to participate in them? In the festivals, ethnic people such as Thai, Dao, H’Mong organize many cultural activities like dancing, praising, and singing. At Mai Chau Ecolodge, traditional dance is conducted every day for tourists.

Yes, we’ve seen it and it was really great!

I love Mai Chau. Some session there are have flower very beautiful

The scenery is almost like a banawe rice terraces in the Philippines I came to research I thought it was fake news Our terraces is much bigger than vietnam , it whole mountain Side by side sets of mountain with terraces use to plant riceplant

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We are Karolina, Patryk, and Mia, the lazy traveling family. After spending 5 years as digital nomads, and living in many countries in the world, we decided to make Poland our base.

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Mai Chau travel guide 2024(Updated)

This is an ultimate Mai Chau travel guide , provides you with details information on advice and tips for a trip to Mai Chau, Vietnam on things to do in Mai Chau, what to see in Mai Chau, where to stay in Mai Chau, what to eat, Mai Chau restaurant, how to get there, how to get around.

This version 2024 written by a local guide who has been working in tourism industry in Vietnam over 10 years with tons of experience about travelling Mai Chau Vietnam 

Table of Contents

Where is Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is a picturesque valley that lies amidst the majestic mountains in Vietnam’s northwest region. It is a 150-kilometer way from Northwest of the capital of Hanoi. This is an ideal destination to explore pictures natural beauty and fascinating local culture, travelling off the beaten track and less touristy than Sapa

Mai Chau reviews

Mai Chau is an awesome place to relax, unwind and connect with beautiful nature. You can also interact with locals as you go. There is an endless photo opportunity of green rice paddy field, water buffalo, locals working on the field and more

What I like about Mai Chau since it is much less touristy than Sapa and locals are really friendly with a warm smile. Moreover, the scenery is amazing with lush green rice paddy fields surrounded by limestone karst mountains.

Mai Chau is easy to get around, especially biking along the pathways from villages to villages and stop to take photos wherever you want is an amazing experience.

What to do in Mai Chau?

Many options are dependent on where you are based. You can go trekking or cycling to visit nearby villages. There are five main villages: Lac village no 1 and 2, PomCoong Village, Van Village, Nhot Village, and Na Phon Village. The terraced rice paddies in Buoc village are a photographers’ paradise.

Other what to do in Mai Chau include:

• Hiking up to the Afternoon and Mo Luong caves.
• Bamboo rafting in Lac Village number 2 along the river.
• Hire a motorbike to explore Go Lao waterfall.
• Go for a boat trip in HoaBinh lake.
• Take a motorbike trip to Pu Luong nature reserve to see the rice paddy harvests in either May or September.
• Watch traditional Thai dance and drink local wine in the evening.
• Visit the Sunday market in Mai Chau town which is the busiest day of the week in the marketplace when ethnic groups from other parts of Mai Chau come to sell and buy.
• Visit Sunday market of Paco which is around 30 kilometers from Mai Chau town
• Join an eco farming and fishing tour to learn more about local living in Mai Chau area

When is the best time to visit Mai Chau?

Rice harvest season in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is suitable to visit all year round. Nevertheless, the best times of the year for traveling in Mai Chau is from October to November or March to April. The days are sunny and warm but not too hot.  In December, January and occasionally February, the days and especially the nights can get very chilly.

Harvest season in May or late September are the best times to travel to Mai Chua if you are an avid landscape photographer – for capturing the landscapes at their best and the bustle of farmers working the fields.

In the wintertime, November to February can be chilly during the day with an average temperature of sixteen degrees, but it is the only time you will see the peach and plum trees blossoming. Ensure that you pack warm clothing as the temperature drops significantly at night.

The Bauhinia variegate, commonly known as the Orchid Tree, starts to flower in September and continues blooming for a few months. The reunification holiday on September 2nd attracts thousands of Vietnamese and overseas travelers who celebrate the day the Vietnam War ended and the beginning of unification after the war.

Summertime in Vietnam is from May through to August; with daytime temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Be sure to pack sun protection like hats, sunblock, and sunglasses, but also pack a rain jacket as it is prone to heavy rain, seemingly without warning. Bring plenty of insect spray and sturdy walking shoes if you plan on getting off the beaten path.

List of Cultural and Traditional Festivals in Mai Chau

Xen Muong Festival Mai Chau @Bao Hoa Binh

The Xen Xo Phon festival happens every fourth lunar month (April or May) in which the White Thai people of Mai Chau beg the heavens for rain with songs and dancing. During the evenings, gatherings of White Thai sing and dance amongst the houses in their villages; singing songs by torchlight and accepting offerings in exchange for the blessing of good rains that season. The villages, which are reliant on good rain for the rice and vegetable yields, pray for help each year from the heavens for more rain to come. The bigger the celebration, the more plentiful the showers when the weather turns.

Tet Trung Nguyen Festival held in early September is for people to pray for the ‘lost souls’ or ‘wandering spirits.’  According to ancient beliefs, spirits of their deceased loved ones are set free on this day and return to their homes in search of their earthbound families. The Vietnamese people honor them by preparing grand feasts for the lost souls; with all kinds of foods including meat, rice, cakes and more.

The Gong festival of Muong ethnic group is held in Spring and Lunar New Year (usually around November) and is a unique folklore ritual. Bands visit families in the villages from the first through to the seventh days of the lunar new year, singing songs and playing gongs to wish a new year of good health, prosperity, and peace to the hosts.

In September to early October, the New Rice Crop Festivals take place in the region. Immediately after harvesting the rice crop, the Tay people enter into the “New Rice” Festival. They offer the fruits of their labor to worship heaven and earth – for good weather, affluence, a good harvest, healthy family and express respect to departed ancestors.

How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi

By local bus, how to get to mai chau by public bus from my dinh bus station, hoang thao bus route: my dinh bus station – mai chau.

Departure time: From My Dinh bus station: 14.30pm, from Mai Chau town 8.45am

Rate: 80.000VND to 100.000VND per person

Mobile: 0914 688533

Ha Loan bus route: My Dinh bus station – Mai Chau

Departure time: From My Dinh bus station: 7.50am, 2pm ,from Mai Chau town 8.00am, 1.30pm

Ticket rate: 80.000VND to 10.0000VND per person

Mobile: 0982712418 and 0912490679

Note : The Mai Chau to Ha Loan bus will also pick up from Lac Village number 1 at 12.30pm, it will be an extra $1 on top of the regular fare. In order to arrange this, please call them in advance.

Cuong Coi bus route: My Dinh – Mai Chau

From My Dinh bus station: 6.30am, from Mai Chau : 11.30am

This schedule is suitable for Vietnamese I guess due to early departure for the morning.

Rate : 80.000 to 100.000 VND

Mobile :  091 279 6896

Khanh Linh bus route : My Dinh – Mai Chau

From My Dinh : 13.30pm,  from Mai Chau : 6.50am

Ticket rate : 80.000VND to 100.000VND

Mobile : 0912796896

Tuan Dung bus route: My Dinh – Mai Chau

From My Dinh : 14.00pm, From Mai Chau : 8.00am

Telephone :  0962.800.074

Among those choices, Ha Loan is kind of the best so far due to its schedule. Please note that all bus with air conditioning. But there is a small room for your leg. You’d better get the middle back seat for more room. Sometime, the bus is filled up with many people, especially weekends, lunar new year, May day…Please be prepared for that to avoid disappointment

If you depart from Hanoi around 5.00pm, take a taxi to My Dinh bus station, and take a sleeping bus to Son La, Moc Chau or Dien Bien at 200.000VND per person. Ask for a ticket at the ticket booth.

Note : For tourists, it might not be a good option when taking a local bus, since you need to take a taxi from the Old Quarter to My Dinh bus station, at the end of the day, you save a small amount of money comparing to taking a local bus 

 Tourist bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau

It is properly the best choice for tourists who have a bit more money than travelling on a budget

Huong Kien Limousine

Transportation to Mai Chau is at $10 per passenger for a one-way limousine ride from Hanoi Old Quarter to Mai Chau Town . You may ask the hotel to reserve a seat for you.

Hanoi to Mai Chau : From 7am to 5pm 

Mai Chau to Hanoi : From 4am to 3pm 

The bus doesn’t run every hour, please check with them for exact schedule

The bus back to Hanoi departs around 4.00pm above from Mai Chau to Hanoi Old Quarter. They may not drop you at your hotel on Friday, Saturday or Sunday because traffic in the main streets in Hanoi Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem lake is busy during these days. Let the bus driver know which hotel you are staying at and ask them which is the best stop nearest to your hotel to get off.

Mobile :  +84 35.479.1111

Manh Kien Limounse

This company provides transfer service by Limousine and VIP SUV from Hanoi to Mai Chau with a pick up from the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Price:250.000VND per person for Mai Chau 

Timetable Pick up from the Old Quarter of Hanoi and Mai Chau

From Mai Chau 3.40a, 6am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm

From Hanoi : 10am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5.30pm

Telephone  +84 388.388.833.

For old quarter ride, they use VIP Sedona car which is an SUV

By private car from Hanoi to Mai Chau

Renting a private car for the round trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau for two days and one night will cost around $120. one way transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau or Mai Chau to Hanoi cost around $95 per person

There is an extra cost if you would like to combine with Mai Hich, Ban Buoc, Ba Khan, Pu Luong. Please discuss with the travel agents or car rental companies about your itinerary before arranging the car and check what’s included and stopover on the way for pictures and rest

In regular, gasoline, toll fee, driver, car, the overnight fee for the driver

Private transfer service in Mai Chau : Contact David Nguyen at +84974313104 (Whatsap, Viber) for further information

By motorbike

If you travel by motorbike to Mai Chau, don’t forget to stop at the side road market in Thung Khe pass to pick up some local specialties and stop at Flagpole to get a great view of the entire Mai Chau valley.

Read more : How to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau

How to get to Mai Chau from Ninh Binh?

There is a company called Thai Travel Bus  which offers transfer service from Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) to Mai Chau for tourists. I recommend this tour bus for those who are from Ninh Binh .

MORNING BUS (MAI CHAU – TAM COC)

You will be picked up from Mai Chau valley view hotel Pick up at Mai Chau Valley View Hotel at 8.30 AM, and take a drive along Ho Chi Minh trail to get to Trang An, Ninh Binh and Tam Coc .

Please click on the places where you would like to go for detailed location on GOOGLE MAP. ​AFTERNOON (TAM COC – MAI CHAU)

You will be picked up at  Duc Tuan Hotel & Restaurant (Just opposite to Tam Coc boat ride ) at 2.00 PM drive back to Mai Chau Mai Chau : Departure at 8.30 AM and arrive inTam Coc 12.00 PM Tam Coc : Departure 2.00 PM and arrive in Mai Chau 5.30 PM Rate : $14 USD per person per way

How to get around in Mai Chau?

If you enjoy walking, then a stroll around the surrounding villages for a couple of hours is the perfect way to see all the sights in the town and is an especially good choice for colder weather.

Cycling Mai Chau is a great thing to do

The best option to get around Mai Chau is cycling; you can bike for 2 hours to visit other villages, don’t forget to get a map and ask the host family for the best routes to get around. Most importantly let your host family know where you are going and what time you expect to return.

If you would like to travel to a few nearby places of Mai Chau – such as the Go Lao waterfall, Hoa Binh lake, Pu Luong nature reserve – then a motorbike is the best means of transportation. The traffic around the township of Mai Chau is light, which makes it safe to negotiate your way around.

A automatic scooter is better than a gear motorbike

Private car or taxi

Hire cars or taxis are available for you to get around Mai Chau and its surrounding area.

You’d better contact your homestay/hotels/bungalow, resorts where you are staying for further information.

Or contact David who offer private transfer service in Mai Chau area via Whatsap at +84974313104

Electric bus

Electric Bus in Mai Chau

The electric bus uses the same route as biking; it will take you to most nearby villages which are the perfect option for days when it is raining. Ask your homestay owner to arrange an electric bus ride. It costs around $15 for a maximum of 8 passengers.

Motorbike rental in Mai Chau, Mai Chau bike for rent

You can rent a bicycle for $3 per day, Motorbike rental starts at $12 per day and excludes fuel. Ume Mai Chau shop offers bike and motorbike rental service

Where to Stay in Mai Chau ? Top choices Mai Chau accommodation based on your budget

Staying in a homestay in Mai Chau is a great way to learn about local living

There is a wide variety of choices for accommodation in Mai Chau such as homestays, hotels, and resorts . The recommendations for good quality motels and homestays in Mai Chau are as follow:

Homestay in Mai Chau

• Ume Mai Chau Homestay at Lac village number 2

Mobile: +84 916.555.364 (Zalo, Whatsapp) – Mrs Xuan (Super friendly host) 

Rates: $7 for a bed including breakfast,

$17 for a private room,

$21 for a private room with balcony including breakfast.

• Mai Chau countryside homestay at PoomCoong village

Mobile: +84 34 423 5140

• Mai Chau family homestay at Van Mai village, 10 kilometers from Mai Chau

Mobile: + 84 91 592 19 15

• Quan Hang homestay at Lac 1 village

Mobile: +84 97 898 67 40

Hotels in Mai Chau town

• Mai Chau Valley View

Address: Mai Chau town, Mai Chau Dist

Email: [email protected]

Hotline: +84 972 058 696

Rate: $35/room

• Khoa Thanh Hotel

Address: Mo Luong lake, Chieng Chau commune

Mobile:  098.751.6668

Rate: $35/per room/per night

There are a few good three-star hotels and resort in Mai Chau such as Mai Chau Sunset Boutique, Mai Chau Villa, Mai Chau Sunrise Village, Sol Bungalow, and Mai Chau Lodge.

There are accommodations in Mai HIch village, Xam Khoe village is less touristy than Mai Chau town.

Mai Chau Eco Lodge is known as the best accommodation in Mai Chau. It is the most luxurious resort in Mai Chau.

Avana Retreat is a high-end accommodation in Mai Chau area, 30 kilometers (50 minutes drive from Mai Chau

Travel tips for finding accommodation in Mai Chau area

• Do not stay in Lac Village number 1. This village is very touristy. It is only suitable for domestic travelers.
• The Van Village near Mai Chau town started tourism services recently. The locals are friendly and hospitable. Van Village has a beautiful garden with hundreds of flower varieties.
• Please consider to stay in a homestay from May to July which is summertime in Vietnam when it comes to high temperature. Most of the homestays have the only fan, but no airconditioning. Check with the homestay owner the room condition if it is hot or not
• If you have a good budget, Mai Chau Eco Lodge  is the best choice so far with comfortable stay. But eating in a resort may not a great ideal due to a bit pricy food. If you are looking for more reasonable rate, there are quite a few local restaurants nearby
• If you are travelling with kids, find a hotels, resorts or bungalow with swimming pool.

Volunteer work in Mai Chau

Hand Embroidery Class with Vina Volunteer Service

VEO and Vina Volunteer Service is two organizations which offer volunteer works in Mai Chau such as teaching, farming, community development and more.

What to see in Mai Chau

Check out top Mai Chau best attractions

Thung Khe Pass

Thung Khe Pass – A stopover on the way to Mai Chau

Travel three hours out of Hanoi on National Highway 6 to the HoaBinh Province, and as you rise to an altitude of one thousand meters above sea level, you leave behind a congested city and replace it with vast, open rice fields, quaint villages, and majestic mountains.

Stalls that sell all kinds of the local food crowd the side of the highway here. The stall vendors sell everything from boiled corn to com lam, which is sticky rice bound in banana tree leaves and then cooked in bamboo pipes.

The view of the entire valley from this vantage point is considered to be one of the best panoramas in the whole province.

Lac Village

Lac village Mai Chau @Peter The Anh

Lac Village, whose history dates back well over seven hundred years is two villages. Lac Village number 1 is the commercial hub of the two communities. Food and gift shopping are abundant for tourists and locals alike. The markets sell clothing from traditional Tai dress, beautifully adorned scarves, flutes made from bamboo, water buffalo bells, and handmade gongs to name a few of the gifts you can find. The locals are very amicable and love to pose for photographs in their stalls or homes happily offering smiles for the camera.

On the other hand, Lac Village number 2 is the quieter, more tranquil area and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings of the surrounding forest with the locals who spend their days growing rice and weaving. The local Thai ethnic group who have for generations called Lac Village home have fifty homestay accommodation houses furnished with blankets, cushions, and mattresses that are available in both villages.

Poom Coong Village

Pom Coong village Mai Chau @Mayur Gaudana

Nestled on the side of the hills with rice paddies stretching as far as you can see is Poom Coong Village. Poom Coong is a favored destination with many tourists because the village is relatively uncrowded. The fresh water from the nearby river and is used in the washrooms and for cooking and drinking.

Poom Coong village is the preferred place for tourists to sleep in the province due to its peaceful atmosphere and quiet surrounding. Tourists who spend time here can travel the short distance to Lac Village number 1 for the shopping and the food and then return to Poom Coong Village for an evening of traditional Tai dancing and some local wine.

Mo Luong Cave

Mo Luong cave Mai Chau @Lotus XuKa

The distinctive shape of Mai Chau’s mountains comes from the karst limestone bedrock, the same type of geological deposits that formed the Dragons’ Back Islands of Ha Long Bay further to the east.

As the saying goes “Where there is karst there are caves,” and this area of Mai Chau does not disappoint. A short two kilometers from Lac Village is Mo Luong Cave which is a favored destination for photographers and adventurers alike. Mo Luong Cave is called Bo Luong by the locals which means “Huge Water Mine.” The cave itself consists of four large caves with a breath-taking array of unique stalagmite and stalactite formations which are a photographers’ delight. At the rear of the cave system, the cold, clean waters of an underground stream flow into a nearby lake. During the Resistance War on the French, this cave system was a Vietnamese Army base and used as a meeting place for soldiers and civilians in the area.

Mo Luong cave belongs to Mai Chau Lodge. Entrance fee is 40k VND per person. Free of charge for guests staying in Mai Chau Lodge.

Chieu Cave (Afternoon cave) -1000 steps cave

Chieu Cave – Afternoon cave Mai Chau @Nguyen Thi Thuy Lan

Mai Chau town boasts another cave, Chieu Cave, known as Afternoon Cave by the locals because the afternoon sunlight which shines into the cave entrance each day lights up the stalagmites and stalactites. The effect is one that creates a sparkling world inside the cave that has been described as “Heaven on Earth,” by many people. Chieu is a large cave divided into two different chambers, both of which have hundreds of stalagmite and stalactite formations that catch the suns’ rays each afternoon and make for stunning photographs.

The entrance fee to the Afternoon Cave is 10,000VND/per person. You can ride a bike from Lac village to the town, park your bike and walk 1000 steps to the cave to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Mai Chau valley.

Tips : Getting there in the morning to avoid a big crowd and it isn’t too hot. You can also combine with Mai Chau market too.

Go Lao Waterfall

Go Lao waterfall in Mai Chau

Located fifteen kilometers from Mai Chau Town in the commune of Phuc San is the picturesque Go Lao Waterfall . The waterfall is made up of two small waterfalls that drop fifteen meters into a pool surrounded by a large area that is an ideal spot for a picnic. In warmer weather swimming and bathing is enjoyed in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

To find the waterfall you will drive from Mai Chau Town to the T-junction of Tong Dau and turn left towards Son La. You will then come to another T-junction to Dong Bang, turn right here and follow this road for seven kilometers until you reach Phuc San Health Station. You will have to leave your car here and complete the rest of the journey on foot. Parking your car at Mr. Tuan House will require you to pay a 10,000VND fee, which is for the upkeep of the paths and tracks. Turn right and follow a small trail for sixty or seventy meters and you will reach the track-way that leads down to Go Lao Waterfall.

Be extremely careful and watch your footing. If it is raining or has rained recently as the paths to the waterfall are very slippery.

Ba Khan boat ride in Mai Chau

In the valley at the foot of Thung Khe Pass, Ba Khan sits on the banks of the HoaBinh Reservoir. Ba Khan is known as the “forgotten paradise,” because tourists and sightseers often miss this spectacular location because they gravitate towards the more tourist orientated Mai Chau and Moc Chau townships. Ba Khan sits on Halong Bay where the mountain peaks are two hundred meters below sea level. You have the choice of hiring kayaks, boats or going on a sightseeing junk boat trip.

The spectacular limestone islands that tower out of the lake covered on top with thick, lush rainforest appropriately named for their shapes, like Dog Island or Tea Pot Island. There are hundreds of caves to explore that are only accessible by boat or kayak. Swimming, scuba diving, and rock climbing are other pastimes that you can enjoy in this spectacular location.

Tip: If the weather is rainy or foggy you will not see the stunning scenery.

How to find Hoa Binh Reservoir? Return to the main road from Go Lao waterfall and turn right. Continue on this route for three kilometers, and you will arrive at the reservoir.

There is a homestay right there where you can hire a boat. When it comes to summertime, don’t forget to bring some changes of clothes and swimming suits for swimming in the lake

What in eat in Mai Chau – Top food to try in Mai Chau

When talking about the Mai Chau village in Vietnam, it is important not to forget mentioning its extremely special and popular food culture. Most of the dishes have been handed down from ancient Thai culture.

The Com Lam (a sticky rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and then cooked inside a bamboo-pipe), Nep Nuong (a dish made of sticky rice harvested in terraced rice field), grilled stream (fresh-water) fish, bitter-tasting bamboo shoot, and more, are just some of the must-try Mai Chau specialties.

Mai Chau’s Com Lam – Sticky rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and then bamboo-pipe cooked

bamboo tube sticky rice mai chau

One of the most popular dishes in Mai Chau, is the Com Lam. Its main ingredient is sticky rice and in making this special dish, one will also need banana leaves and a bamboo pipe. Additional or optional ingredients are coconut milk and coconut pulp.

The sticky rice is first prepared by washing and letting steep for two to three hours before being placed in the bamboo pipe – a straight and small bamboo is needed.

It takes skills and patience to make this dish and Thai women are known for being experts in making good and delicious Com Lam. They say the secret is ensuring careful and proper rotation during the grilling process. Failure may result in pulpous and low-quality dish.

When the rice is cooked, the bamboo’s singed skin is removed and only the thin cover is left – which will be peeled off anyway before you take a bite. Com Lam is a combination of taste and aroma that would surely make anyone fall in love with the dish. Just imagine the special aromatic blend of banana leaves, fresh bamboo and sticky rice combined with a fusion of great flavors of coconut, sesame, rice and bamboo. A serving of Com Lam is best enjoyed with the local straw or rice wine (ruou can) and grilled meat.

Ga Doi – Free Ran on the hill

free ran chicken on the hill Mai Chau

The Ga Doi is a chicken that is not raised in the normal or industrial way. It is a free-run kind of chicken, meaning they are raised in big scale and let loose on the hill to hunt for their own food. Since these chickens are not fed like regular farm-raised chicken, they are small in size and lighter in weight. Their meat though is very fragrant, tough and has a really nice flavor. The Ga Doi chicken can cost between $15 and $25.

Once the chicken has been dressed and cleaned, marinating it in mac ken is the next process. Mac ken is a type of seasoning that enhances the meat flavor. The chicken is usually steamed along lime leaf or cooked over smokeless charcoal.

Grilled Stream (Fresh-water) Fish

BBQ Stream fish in Mai Chau

This stream fish is small in size and similar to go by. When you are in Mai Chau and someone offered you this kind of fish, you must grab the chance as it is not always available in the market. Aside from grilled, you can also have the fish deep-fried.

Skewered Organic Pig

bbq pork skewer mai chau

In the villages, they raise their pigs the natural or organic way – fed only with vegetables and food with no stimulants.  That is why the skewered roasted pork is really delicious. To prepare the pig for grilling, it is first marinated with turmeric, seasonings and lemongrass. The secret to best-skewered pork is to not over grill it. It should be slow grilling until the skin of the pork turns to a nice golden brown.

Terraced-Rice Paddy Sticky Rice (Nep Nuong)

Terrace field sticky rice in mai Chau @Thu Phuong

One of the most common substitutes for ordinary rice is sticky or glutinous rice. If you are visiting Mai Chau, you will surely encounter a serving of steamed sticky rice. This kind of rice is planted, grown and harvested on traditional terraced rice paddies.

To prepare, the rice is steeped for a few hours – to soften – before steaming. Thai women use wooden steamers instead of pots when cooking this rice meal. The process can be a bit complicated though and it really takes some effort. Once the fragrant smell is out, the rice is taken out of the steamer and placed in a basket made of bamboo. This is done before the rice gets cooked. The rice is then turned up before being placed back into the steamer to finish cooking. This sticky rice is best served with barbecued meals like fish, pork or chicken.

Bitter Bamboo Shoots

Bitter Bamboo Shoot Mai Chau @Trang Vu

Bitter bamboo shoots are also popular in Mai Chau. It is a specialty in the village and is available in most kitchens. The shoots are gathered from the forest and then steeped in rice vinegar or dried for eating. Most visitors love bamboo shoots and they even call it a dish-of-love. It could be a bit bitter in the first bite, but you will get to experience the sweet taste once you swallow it.

Where to eat in Mai Chau – Mai Chau restaurant

Lunch in Mai Chau

High-end restaurant : Bo Luong restaurant belongs to Mai Chau Lodge near Mai Chau town and Mai Chau Eco Lodge’s restaurant in Na Thia village Rate : $15 per person for a set menu restaurant Cheap and good homecook local food :

Ume Mai Chau restaurant Address : No 2, Lac 2 village, Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau Dist, Hoa Binh Mobile : +84 974313104

Three sister restaurants 

Good food at reasonable rate

They services breakfast, lunch, dinner with Vietnamese, Western food, pizza. Especially, there is an option for vegetarian as well.

Address: Chieng Sai village, Mai Chau (Go to Mai Chau town, when you see the sign Mai Chau Eco Lodge, keep going 300 meters, it is on your right hand side Hotline : 097 736 27 99

Entertainment in Mai Chau

If you are looking for a café in Lac village, a few homestays offer coffee and drink at Lac Village number 1. For a western-style coffee, go to Mai Chau Sunset Bar where they sell a variety of western style coffees.

Mai Chau town which is 1.5 kilometers from Lac village has a broader range of coffee houses and is well worth the trip if good coffee is your thing.

Karaoke – Go to Mai Chau town, and there’s karaoke services available in a few hotels such as Ngoc Bach and Khoa Thanh.

Massage – There are two local massage shops in Lac Village number 1. One is on the main road from Lac 2 to Lac 1 village and another is in Lac 1 village proper. Tip: If you go to the massage shop located within Lac Village number 1, ask for the older lady who does a better job than the younger one. Don’t expect professional services like Hanoi.There are also massage shops in Mai Chau and at a few of the hotels such as Khoa Thanh and Ngoc Bach.

Swimming – For those who like swimming, Mai Chau lodge and Sol Bungalow offer $5 ticket for non-guests at the motel, included in room price if you are a guest. However, Sol Bungalow is better in term of scale.

Bars -There is only one bar located adjacent to Mai Chau Hostel , and it is found in Lac Village number one, this hostel’s primary guests are usually backpackers.

ATM in Mai Chau

There’s only two ATMs available in Mai Chau , and that is at the Agribank branch and near the hospital. You can withdraw maximum per transaction by 2,000,000VND (around $90) . So, remember to bring cash to Mai Chau to cover your expenses.

Convenience Stores in Mai Chau

There are small convenience stores in Lac Village number 1. However, these stores are very tourist orientated and do not have a large variety of goods. If you are looking for good convenience store, then go to Mai Chau town which offers a lot more choices.

Pharmacies in Mai Chau

There are a few pharmacies located in Mai Chau town only.

Hospitals and Clinics in Mai Chau

There’s only one hospital located in Mai Chau district and it can be reached at mobile number + 84 218 3867 397, with address at Zone 4, Mai Chau Dist, Hoa Binh province. There is also the Mai Chau Methadone Clinic and the Mai Chau District Preventive Health Center (Zone 4, Mai Chau Town, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province with mobile number +84 (0)218 3868858).

Local guide service in Mai Chau area

If you are looking for a local guide in Mai Chau, please get in touch with David who are able to help you find a local guide in Mai Chau.

Please note that most of them speak limited English but they can understand what you have said, but speaking is a bit problem and they are not professional as a guide in Hanoi.

Contact David via Whatsap at +849743413104 for further information.

Top day tours from Mai Chau

Check out top day trips from Mai Chau with local insider tips, please check it out

Paco Sunday market

The market day of Paco is on Sunday of Hmong ethnic living in Mai Chau region, which is 30 kilometres from Mai Chau town, on the way to Moc Chau.. You could see a tons of different products from fresh vegetables and fruits to the colorful dress of Hmong woman. Meet many Hmong  who has been to the market for the market day, you can also try some local cuisines and warm up yourself with a cup of rice liquor

Read more : Paco day tour from Mai Chau

Pu Luong nature reserve

A day trip from Mai Chau to Pu Luong nature reserve is a great choice for those who like traveling off the beaten path, love nature and have a limited time. You will explore the fabulous beauty of the mountainous region, real local lives, enjoy good local good and learn more about the Thai ethnic group.

A day trip can be arranged either on a motorbike ride or car. I do recommend to go with a local guide or someone who know the way to save your time.

Some of famous spots in Pu Luong are a : Kho Muong area with stunning view of terraced rice paddy fields, Don village where most of tourists staying overnight, Hieu village with a waterfall

Read more : Pu Luong day trip from Mai Chau

Mai Hich village

12 kilometres from Mai Chau town, Mai Hich is a great place and less touristy than Mai Chau. A walk through the village along the local stream and rice paddy field for 2 hours start from suspension bridge to the main road. There are homestays for having lunch and staying overnight available in the area. If you like off the beaten track, it is a great place to be. A taxi ride costs around $7USD each way. If you are travelling in a group from 2 people above, it is better and more convenient to travel by private car or taxi from Mai Chau to Mai Hich

Mai Chau travel tips

• Bring along with a Simcard for internet access if you would like to get around on your own. Most of homestays, hotels and resort offer free wifi access.
• If you don’t have any Simcard, please ask the hotel or resorts where you are staying if a map is available so you can easily get around.
• Having dinner with your local host family is a great experience. Eat, interact with a local family to learn more about their way of living, culture and transition. You can also try to taste their homemade rice liquor.
• In my opinion, avoid staying in the villages where most of Vietnamese staying such as Lac 1 village, Lac 2 village. If you are staying in remote villages such as Te, Mai Hich
• If you choose to stay in the town, there is a lot of local restaurant round. Having breakfast in a local place is a cool thing to do.

Suggested Mai Chau itinerary for 2 days 1 night trip

See our suggestions for a good Mai Chau itinerary from Hanoi, recommended by a local expert

Day 1 : Hanoi – Mai Chau – Biking

7.-00am to 7.30am : Taking a morning tourist bus from Hanoi Old Quarter with 4 hours drive to Mai Chau.

Arrive in Mai Chau, taking a rest and have lunch.

 After lunch, take 2 to 2.5 hours bike ride around the village.

Back to the homestay. Dinner and stay overnight

Day 2 : 1000 steps cave – Mai Chau market – Hanoi

Conquering 1000 steps cave (it is actually 1300 steps) and Mai Chau local market. Taking some shopping in Lac 1 village for souvenirs

Budget for travelling Mai Chau in 2 days

As an independent traveller.

Rate for tours in and around Hanoi (All rate in American Dollar)

Taking a guided tour

Seat in coach : $85 USD per person

Private tour : $185 USD per person

All rate includes 02 lunches, 01 dinner, 02 breakfast, accommodation, bicycle, English speaking guide

Mai Chau map for tourists

Private day tours from Mai Chau

Private Pu LUong trekking day trip from Mai Chau

Less touristy Pu Luong day tour from Mai Chau

Common keywords in term of Mai Chau travel guide

Where to stay in Mai Chau?

Good homestay in Mai Chau valley?

How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi?

Private transfer service from Mai Chau to Pu Luong

The best resorts or bungalow to stay in Mai Chau?

What to do in Mai Chau for 3 days?

Where to eat in Mai Chau area

When is the rice harvest season in Mai Chau?

Where to go for 1 day in Mai Chau?

Mai Chau travel guide 2023

Hanoi Eco Tour hope this Mai Chau travel guide provides you with useful information to plan a wonderful trip to Mai Chau . If you are looking for a Mai Chau tours  , please contact Hanoi Eco Tours via email at [email protected]

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Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is in a valley about 139km from Hanoi. The town is situated between tall cliffs and is surrounded by bright-green paddies, making it a sight to behold; the beauty of the place is enough reason for many tourists to stay longer than expected.

Come to Mai Chau is to come to a laid-back northern village of Thai people, to be a part of a culture, a way of life so different from where you’re from. Mai Chau is indeed the place for those who seek peace of mind, a scenario without the bustling urban noises and come back to what are basics to human’s happiness – beautiful nature and friendliness of the people.

Best time to visit

You can come to Mai Chau any time of the year. Each season in Mai Chau has a distinct beauty. But according to Mai Chau tourism experience of the professional players, the period from March to April or October to December is the best time to explore this place.

• March - April : This is the season of blossoming of the white ‘’Ban’’ flower. At this time, you can not only enjoy the fresh air, cool and pleasant weather but also admire the beautiful landscape and have memorable photos.
• September - October : "Golden season" in Mai Chau. The vast golden rice fields will surprise you with its beauty.
• November to February : This time, Mai Chau is in winter, the air of this mountainous area is very cold. You will see cherry flowers and plum blossoms. Mai Chau will be covered with a white color, looks so poetic.

Check the below table for the general idea of Mai Chau weather throughout the year.

Mai Chau’s current weather and 7-day forecast

Here are top things to do in Mai Chau:

1. Cycling or trekking tours to countryside

Mai Chau Valley has some serious draws for a trekking tour or cycling tour: green rice fields, mountains in the backdrop, gently flowing streams. So why not get out, get a bike or your shoes on for a great trip to the countryside. The dirt roads of Mai Chau won’t be a challenge and you can always stop to rest and admire the scenery. Get into the ethnic village to enjoy their hospitality, their authentic way of life and of course, the food.

Local hotels or homestays can guide you through to rent a bike. Trekking packages can cost more than $40 a day. 

2. Homestay at Lac Village 

You can find at Lac Village a fairly large range of cheaper options for homestay. This is one activity you can save up money and at the same time, interact with local Thai family. The houses of Thai people are traditional stilt houses with 2-storey structure, the first floor for keeping livestock and the second floor is the family’s living space.

Sleeping condition will be the exact same as that of the host family. Futon, blanket, mosquito net and fan will be prepared. Toilet and shower are up to western standards.

Homestaying at a local stilt house, you’ll have chance to watch traditional dances and singing performed by the villagers. It’s an absolute must-do activity in Mai Chau.

3. Soak in the tranquil Atmosphere of Pom Coong Village

Lying next to Lac Village, Pom Coong Village is a Thai village that is less touristic than its neighbor with just equally beauties and attractions.  Come to Pom Coong to enjoy the idyll nature, wooden stilt houses, traditional performances and Can wine – a communal and festive drink.

4. Take in the views of Thung Khe Pass

In the list of the best things to do in Mai Chau, it would be a mistake to not include Thung Khe Pass, a famous Mai Chau site to enjoy the views. The pass is on an altitude of about 1000 meter above sea level, cutting through mountain cliffs with a perfect curve. To be more comfortable to enjoy Thung Khe’s views, it’s best to come to Mai Chau by motorbike. Buses to Mai Chau also stop here for a while. It’s such a shame to miss the local foods while admiring the view below. Note down few of them: boiled eggs, grilled corn, sugarcane, sticky rice ‘com lam’.

5. Buy Brocade products made of ethnic groups

Thai women are famous for their weaving skills like every women of the any hill tribe on the mountains of Vietnam. Buying brocade products is not only worth your money but also helps the local community prosper without abandoning their traditional practice.

In each family in Mai Chau there is a loom where a women works on her fabrics for all her life. Thai brocade fabrics has been known for the rich colors, raised patterns and recent years, very stylish and fashionable. Silk brocade and hemp brocade are made and dyed meticulously and entirely from natural elements. You can rest assure that the fabrics are not toxic to your skin at all.

6. Explore Mai Chau's Caves 

If you’re a fan of caves and underground world, Mai Chau Valley has names such as Mo Luong Cave, Chieu Cave, Pieng Kem Cave. The most famous is Mo Luong Cave which boasts marvelous blocks of stalactites, located not very far from Mai Chau. Its two entrances overlook to the stretching rice paddy fields and the villages. It’s a great place for a half-day hiking tour.

Other cave that deserves honorable mention is Chieu Cave to which you can only reach through a staircase of 1200 steps.  If you are looking for a challenge, try conquer Chieu Cave. Walking inside the two interior chambers of a cave has never felt so rewarding.

In Mai Chau there are two villages where tourists look for their accommodation: Lac and Pom Coong. These two villages are also right next to each other, with a few hundred meters away. Most accommodations consist of homestays, but there are also a few hotels and luxury resorts. In the village there are shops and a few restaurants. When you stay in a homestay you often eat there.

Budget hotels & hostels

• Little Mai Chau Home Stay
• Mai Chau Backpackers House
• Lim’s house
• Eco Homestay

Mid range hotels

• Mai Chau Nature Lodge
• Mai Chau Valley View Hotel

High end hotels & resorts

• Mai Chau Villas
• Mai Chau HideAway Resort
• Mai Chau Ecolodge

Visiting Mai Chau without tasting Mai Chau's delicacies will make your trip an incomplete experience. In Mai Chau valley, you can find all the distinctive dishes of Northwest Vietnam.

Homestay families in Mai Chau offer traditional meals at reasonable prices. You can have a Thai dancing performance accompanied with the meal you if want. The dishes are very local: sticky rice, grilled meat, bamboo shoots and ‘Can’ wine. Enjoying the meal with the locals, like the locals will make your trip to Mai Chau even more special and meaningful.

The highland pigs are naturally raised by the locals in Mai Chau. The pork meat is known for lesser amount of fat and tastiness.  

Com Lam is the most famous Thai dish which you can find easily in Mai Chau. Boiled rice in small long roll of bamboo make the food taste well. It is soft, sticky, and aromatic. 

3. Grapefruit leaves pork roll

You can find this dish in Lac Village around March. This dish is a specialty of Muong people. Bacon is cut into pieces that are equal to knuckles. Every piece is wrapped by half of a grapefruit leave, which then grilled on coal. During the cooking, the flavor of the pork is added by the leaves' aroma.

Thanks to good road condition, getting from Hanoi to Mai Chau is quite easy and you can do a day trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau.  Follow National Road 6 and you’ll get to the valley after 3 hours by car and about 4 hours by motorbike.

The path to Mai Chau is relatively steep but not too difficult and harsh for driving so if you want to come over the top of the pass by yourself, let’s give it a try!

But the best convenient way for you is taking daily buses (in My Dinh and Yen Nghia station) or taxis or just booking a fully Mai Chau authentic package tour in order to enthusiastically relax your own trip.

Contact us  to get more information

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Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries , to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

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Top 10+ things to do in Mai Chau: A Complete Travel Guide & Extra Tips

Located in the Hoa Binh Province of Vietnam and not too crowded as Sapa, Mai Chau is a picturesque valley that offers various top things to do for off-the-beaten-track experiences. If you’re planning a visit to this land, here are the top 10+ things to do in Mai Chau that you shouldn’t miss.

10+ things to do in Mai Chau

Surrounded by mountains, rice paddies, and ethnic minority villages, Mai Chau offers a unique and authentic cultural experience. From relaxing with nature to fascinating outdoor activities, Mai Chau has all for travelers when coming.

1. Trekking through Valleys

One of the best things to do when arriving is Mai Chau trekking. You will slowly discover natural wonders lurking somewhere behind mountains, and forests in this region to explore the breathtaking landscapes, encounter local farmers, and witness the traditional farming methods that have been passed down through generations. Nothing is more relaxing and exciting than climbing and taking into your eyes the beauty of the whole region, right?

2. Cycling through vast rice terraces

Hop on a bicycle and pedal your way through the scenic rice fields of Mai Chau. Enjoy the fresh air, admire the vibrant greenery, and immerse yourself in the rural charm of the countryside. Cycling is a popular activity in Mai Chau and provides an excellent opportunity to explore the area at your own pace.

So far, despite the high-rise buildings and urban areas in many cities of Vietnam, Mai Chau still retains the greenness of the mountains, the rustic simplicity of terraced fields, and stilt houses, and the simplicity of mountainous people. There is nothing more wonderful than riding a bicycle and slowly crossing rice paddies, stilted houses, and winding paths to admire the life of the people here.

3. Visit ethnic villages

If you want to explore the beautiful landscape and learn the customs of the Mai Chau indigenous people, a visit to ethnic villages is the best option. Each village has its own distinct character, architecture, and cultural practices. Interact with the friendly locals, witnessing their daily routines, and gaining insight into their rich cultural heritage will be one of the best memories in your Vietnam journey.

Here are some Mai Chau ethnic villages for your reference before coming:

• Lac Village: Suitable for those who love the tranquility, peaceful life, and the atmosphere of the mountains
• Pom Coong Village: Full of Thai characteristics, and a romantic natural landscape

4. Ride a motorbike to Thung Khe pass

Coming to  Thung Khe Pass , visitors can not help but be impressed with the extremely majestic and beautiful natural scenery with the soft, winding mountain road covered by the fresh green of trees. One of the typical beauties of Thung Khe Pass is the thick fog, surrounding the pass, making people feel like they are lost in the wonderland.

After being renovated, this pass has become the favorite place for travelers for sightseeing, take photos, and admire the beautiful scenery. Besides the winding road, stopping and watching the green of the field and the looming peaceful houses will make you surprised and excited.

5. Visit Mai Chau Caves

Mai Chau is also home to several fascinating caves waiting to be explored. For your experiences the thrill of venturing into the depths of the earth, here are some caves waiting for you to explore:

• Chieu Cave: Crossing cross 1200 stone steps to admire the fanciful scenery in the cave, the natural scenery of the whole Mai Chau valley from the top of the cave.
• Mo Luong Cave: Belonging to the Pu Kha mountain range, Mo Luong Cave will surprise you with its pristine features of modern times in 4 main caves with a depth of about 500 m.

6. Stay in a local ethnic minority’s homestay

To truly experience the authentic culture of Mai Chau, consider staying in a local ethnic minority’s homestay. The Thai ethnic group is predominant in this region, and they warmly welcome visitors into their homes. Enjoy traditional meals, learn about their customs, and engage in cultural exchanges that will leave a lasting impression.

You can book a local homestay in Mai Chau through tour companies in Vietnam. The local homestay and tour companies often work together to bring the best experience for travelers (Although they collaborate with each other, the experience is still authentic). You will be treated like locals and listen to them talk about their daily life, history and their culture though.

7. Relax at Go Lao waterfall

Go Lao waterfall is attractive thanks to its pristine and rustic beauty. The road to Go Lao waterfall is quite arduous as you have to go through a small winding road with some quite bad sections. Go Lao Waterfall is about 20m high. During the high water season, the falls cascade white streams, splashing dust all over the mountain. You will relax by hearing the roaring sound of water and the natural sound of the jungle.

Not stopping there, Go Lao waterfall also has undulating rocks, creating a unique landscape at the foot of the waterfall. You will be immersed in stream water and soak up the coolness of Northwestern nature, enjoy the scenery peaceful here.

In return, you can admire the extremely vivid, eye-catching, and beautiful scenery on the two sides of the road. The beautiful small houses of the Muong people at the foot of the mountain, the majestic, poetic Ba Khan lake, and even the green bamboo forest will show up in your way.

There are other Mai Chau’s Waterfalls for off-the-beaten-path experiences waiting for you:

• Pung Waterfall: a real hidden spot, deep into the valley and in between the jungle
• Tat Nang Waterfall: one of the biggest waterfalls in Mai Chau

8. Conquer Rock Mountains in Mai Chau

For adventure enthusiasts, Mai Chau offers the opportunity to conquer its impressive rock mountains. Test your climbing skills and embrace the adrenaline rush as you ascend these natural wonders. Enjoy the stunning views from the mountaintops and feel a sense of accomplishment as you conquer the peaks.

9. Discover off-the-beaten-path sides

Mai Chau is not just about the popular attractions; it also hides numerous off-the-beaten-path gems. Venture off the tourist trail and discover hidden waterfalls, remote villages, and untouched landscapes. Engage in an adventure of exploration and unravel the lesser-known aspects of Mai Chau.

Besides two of the hidden waterfalls that are mentioned above, there are 2 areas in Mai Chau for your reference:

• Van Ho Area encompasses numerous villages inhabited by ethnic minorities and boasts stunning rice fields.
• Pac Co village is a destination worth visiting, especially on Sundays, as it hosts a distinctive ethnic minority market.

10. Enjoy a weaving handcraft workshop by locals

Mai Chau is famous for its traditional handwoven textiles. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn about the intricate techniques and traditional methods used in weaving. The artisans will guide you through the process, demonstrating how to handle the looms, select the right materials, and create intricate patterns.

11. Healing your soul with Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Located nearby, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness, hike through lush forests, and enjoy the tranquility of the landscapes. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a hidden gem that promises a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

By participating in a weaving handcraft workshop, you not only support the artisans and their craft but also take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir that carries the essence of Mai Chau’s cultural identity. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to contribute to the preservation of traditional arts while creating lasting memories.

Best time to visit

• The best time to visit Mai Chau is during the dry season, which typically lasts from October to April with pleasant weather to enjoy all of the outdoor activities.
• The months of April and May are the best time for ripe rice season, which offers a bonus with the stunning rice terraces in full bloom (but it is still quite hot)
• November to February is quite cold when the temperature can down under 10 degrees.
• June to September is the rainy season in Mai Chau.

How to get there?

Mai Chau does not have a railway or airport. The most convenient way to reach Mai Chau is by road. From Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, Mai Chau is approximately 135 kilometers away. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

There are two main ways to get to Mai Chau:

• By bus: Buses operate regularly from Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station to Mai Chau. You can purchase bus tickets at the station or through various travel agencies in Hanoi.
• Private car: For a more comfortable and flexible journey.

Best way to get around

Once you arrive in Mai Chau, the best ways to get around and explore the area are by walking and biking . The valley is relatively small and can be easily navigated on foot. Bicycles are also readily available for rent, allowing you to explore the surrounding landscapes and villages at your own pace.

Another option for getting around is by motorbike . Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to venture further and discover hidden gems beyond the main tourist areas. However, it’s important to exercise caution and ensure that you have the necessary driving skills and a valid license.

Extra Travel Trips

• Pack comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities and village exploration.
• Carry a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun (especially in summer months such as May, June, and July) and insects during outdoor excursions.
• Respect the local customs and traditions by dressing modestly and being mindful of cultural sensitivities.
• Try the delicious local cuisine, including specialties like grilled bamboo sticky rice and “com lam” (bamboo-cooked rice).
• Mai Chau doesn’t have nightlife, it is a place for you to blend in with the fresh air and nature.
• ATMs are still available in Mai Chau (but only in town). It is highly recommended when carrying some cash.
• Plan your visit during the cooler months (October to April) to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the peak of the hot season.

Suggested Itineraries

For your reference, here are our best-seller Mai Chau Tours , made by our local travel experts:

• Spectacular Northwest Journey 7 days
• Cycling the Northern Delta 7 days
• Pu Luong To Ninh Binh Escape 4 Days
• Halong Bay & Mai Chau Getaway 6 days

Feel the Tranquil Mai Chau 2 days

Planning your trip to Pu Luong and Mai Chau? Read our blog:  A Travelers’ Guide to Mai Chau and Pu Luong trips [Updated]

Hope after our travel blog, you will have your own complete guide for preparing your Mai Chau journey in Vietnam. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and a variety of activities to enjoy, Mai Chau offers a memorable experience for travelers. Whether you visit during the blooming seasons or any other time of the year, there is always something special to discover in this enchanting destination.

Let’s plan your Vietnam tours now and make a new page in your life book. Happy traveling!

From Vietnam Travels Online Team – A Brand of Indochina Voyages

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Halong Bay & Mai Chau Getaway 6 days

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Mai Chau Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 2 - 3 Days

Best Time: February to April Read More

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"Rich Cultural experience in picturesque surroundings"

Mai chau tourism.

The perfect location to cut yourself off from the world, Mai Chau is a quaint sleepy town that is not very well known and subsequently does not have as many tourists. If you want to drop off from the earth and land in a richly cultural land, in the midst of nature, then Mai Chau is the place for you.

Nestled in a valley, away from the world is a town - Mai Chau. The first view of the town can be observed from the Thung Khe Pass. One of the best viewpoints, the Thung Khe pass also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, which make for some great photographs. For the adventurer in you, the Mo Luong cave offers you the opportunity to explore the limestone stalactites. A visit to Pu Luong nature Reserve sets you right into the midst of nature and for tourists who are passionate about wildlife and nature, a visit here will help you gain more knowledge and learn about the indigenous wildlife. The local white Thai villages offer you a lot of knowledge about the culture of the region and not only give you an opportunity to stay in an actual stilt Thai homestay but also the locals encourage you to participate in their local celebrations like music and dance. Mai Chau is the perfect location for tourists who want some peace and quiet.

Things to do in Mai Chau

1. thung khe pass.

2. Mo Luong Cave

3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve

4. Lac and Pom Coong Village

Top Hotels In Mai Chau

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Mai chau travel guide – everything you need to know.

Mai Chau possesses a one-of-a-kind beauty that draws visitors with its lush greenery, pristine air, and diverse ethnic communities coexisting in harmony. Let’s discover  Mai Chau Travel Guide  below and embark on an exciting journey to this lively highland destination together with  Asia Legend Travel right away!

Mai Chau Travel Guide: Overview of the area

Mai Chau is a highland district located in the western part of Hanoi, at the end of Hoa Binh province, and borders Moc Chau, Son La, and Thanh Hoa. The area is approximately 130 kilometers from the city center of Hanoi, requiring 4 hours of travel by motorbike or 3 hours by car.

Mai Chau’s terrain is quite complex, divided by gorges, streams, and high mountains. Its territory can be divided into a flat valley and many high and rugged limestone mountain ranges. The peaceful natural scenery of lush green forests, rice fields brimming with grains, and tranquil streams are just a few of the wonders that await you.

The culture of Mai Chau is a fusion of the Thai, Muong, and H’Mong ethnic groups. Among these groups, Thai culture stands out as the Thai people make up a significant part of the population in the region.

Thai traditional culture is showcased through a variety of unique features, from the architecture of stilt houses to a unique dialect, and from captivating art forms like the Xoe dance and bamboo dance to vibrant traditional ethnic costumes. All of these elements contribute to making Mai Chau an enchanting and unforgettable destination that captures the hearts of many visitors.

Mai Chau Travel Guide: Top Tourist Attractions

If you’re planning a visit to Mai Chau, here are some of the top tourist attractions to explore. However, this list curated by Mai Chau Travel Guide only scratches the surface, as there are many more fascinating tourist spots in Mai Chau just waiting for you to explore!

Thung Khe Pass

Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Rock Pass, is part of the road that connects Hanoi to Mai Chau and serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of northwest Vietnam. This beautiful mountain pass provides stunning panoramic views of the picturesque Mai Chau valley and the majestic surrounding mountains. It is also a highly sought-after location for photography enthusiasts.

Located near Mai Chau town, Chieu Cave is a remarkable limestone cave system that showcases numerous breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. To reach Chieu Cave, visitors must trek through a lush green forest, conquering 1200 stone steps to reach the mountain peak at 30 meters. Trust me, the journey is truly rewarding and absolutely worth every ounce of effort!

Lac Village

Lac Village is a charming traditional village located amidst picturesque landscapes and surrounded by lush green rice fields. In addition to its natural beauty, this village offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture of the traditional Thai ethnic community.

Go Lao Waterfall

Tucked away right in the heart of the forest, this beautiful waterfall is known for its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here, you can enjoy the cascading water as it flows down the rocks, creating a mesmerizing display. The clear pools at the base of the waterfall are perfect for swimming and cooling off. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy exploring the trails that lead to the waterfall, where you can experience the rich biodiversity and spot various species of flora and fauna.

Pa Co Market

This is a significant cultural and economic hub for the local ethnic communities in the district of Mai Chau. You’ll discover a wide array of traditional handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs to take home as mementos of your incredible journey.

These are just a few amazing aspects of the numerous attractions in Mai Chau. Whether you’re in search of thrilling adventures, enriching cultural experiences, or simply a tranquil retreat, Mai Chau is certain to charm you with its breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Mai Chau Travel Guide: Top Must-try Local Food

Not only will you experience breathtaking scenery, but you will also have the pleasure of indulging in unique and exquisite cuisine that can only be found here. Savoring the delectable specialties of both the Thai and H’mong people is a must, including bamboo tube-cooked rice, wild boar meat, bitter bamboo shoots, and freshly grilled stream fish, to name just a few.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for your loved ones, Mai Ha Rice Wine is a great choice. It offers a pleasant aroma of local rice, a crystal-clear texture, and a balanced rich flavor. Alternatively, when you return to Hanoi, you can directly purchase Cao Phong oranges from local orchards, which also make for a thoughtful present for your dear ones.

These are just a few of the delicious local foods that you should definitely try in Mai Chau. During your visit to this charming destination, you’ll be delighted to discover an even wider variety of culinary delights in the area.

Mai Chau Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is an amazing destination that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for travelers. No matter who you are, Mai Chau has something for you. Check out some of them with Mai Chau Travel Guide right away! One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is to explore its stunning natural landscapes. This highland region is home to numerous awe-inspiring landscapes that will truly leave you in awe. Imagine immersing yourself in the gentle breeze through the fields or taking in the breathtaking beauty of winding passes, towering waterfalls, and stunning caves. These experiences create a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.

Another highlight of visiting Mai Chau is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the ethnic people. Take the time to visit the ethnic villages, interact with the warm and welcoming locals, and learn about their traditional customs, music, and art forms. This cultural immersion will provide you with a deeper understanding of the local way of life and leave a lasting impression on you.

Of course, no visit to Mai Chau would be complete without indulging in the delicious and authentic local food. Trust me, the rustic yet incredibly tasty local dishes will truly satisfy your taste buds. The unique flavors and ingredients used in Mai Chau cuisine reflect the region’s abundance of agriculture and the culinary traditions of the ethnic groups.

Mai Chau Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit Mai Chau

Mai Chau is stunning year-round, each season bringing its own unique beauty. From February to April, the landscape is adorned with snow-white mountain ebony flowers, and the weather is mild and enjoyable. May and June mark the beginning of the harvest season when the valley turns yellow with ripe rice. In July, the locals prepare the terraced fields for rice planting by adding water to them during the rainy season .

August through October is the optimal time for a visit to Mai Chau, with cool autumn weather perfect for basking in the sun on the rice fields. By the end of October, the valley takes on a golden hue as the second harvest approaches. The period from November to January of the following year sees the arrival of peach and apricot blossoms, which paint the valley white and add to its charm.

Mai Chau Travel Guide: How Long to Spend in Mai Chau

Three days is the ideal amount of time to fully experience the breathtaking beauty of Mai Chau. With a total of two nights and three days, you can truly take your time to unwind, explore, and savor all that this place has to offer.

Hopefully, the information in the Mai Chau Travel Guide above is helpful for you. From tranquil moments of relaxation to exciting discoveries, from indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine to immersing yourself in the vibrant ethnic culture, Mai Chau provides you with a variety of experiences to make the most of your trip and create lasting memories. Start planning your visit to this beautiful highland now, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in this captivating highland destination!

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29/06/2024   06:00 (GMT+07:00)

Sour ant salad: A Thai delicacy in Mai Chau that stuns and delights

The unique sour ant salad, a delicacy of the thai people in mai chau, garners praise for its distinct flavor..

Mai Chau (Hoa Binh province), is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of mouthwatering dishes. Among these culinary delights, the sour ant salad stands out, captivating both locals and tourists with its unique taste and intriguing preparation process.

Mr. Trinh Phuc Man, owner of a resort in Xam Khoe commune, explains that the sour ant salad is a traditional dish of the Thai people, particularly popular from March to August.

“At first, many tourists are taken aback by the sight of ants on their plate,” Mr. Man shared. “But once they taste it, they often praise its unique flavor.”

The ants used in this salad are sourced from nests found on tall trees in the forest. Locals with experience in foraging must carefully locate these nests and climb trees to collect them. Once harvested, the ants are cleaned of leaves and bark, then heated over a small fire to remove them from the nests. The ants are subsequently blanched in boiling water and roasted until golden brown.

The key ingredients of the salad include sour ants and banana flowers. The banana flowers are meticulously prepared by washing, soaking in lemon water to prevent discoloration, and chopping into small pieces. The ants are then mixed with the banana flowers and seasoned with MSG, salt, garlic, chili, and fresh lemon juice. To enhance the flavor, crushed roasted peanuts and fresh herbs are added, creating a dish that balances slight astringency, sourness, and spiciness.

“This dish is only available for a few months, so tourists cannot always enjoy it,” Mr. Man noted.

While the dish is celebrated for its flavor, experts caution that ant eggs, bee eggs, and silkworm pupae, which are highly nutritious, can sometimes secrete toxins to protect their young. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the ants are properly cleaned and prepared to avoid allergic reactions or poisoning.

• Foreigners savour tranquil scenery of villages in Mai Chau
• Mai Chau - Pearl of the Northwest
• Immerse in culture of Thai ethnic minority at Mai Chau Ecolodge

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