Mai Chau

Location

Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh Province, adjacent to Moc Chau in Son La Province and Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa Province. It is approximately a 3-4 hour journey from Hanoi, making it one of the premier destinations in the northwestern region of Vietnam. A visit to Mai Chau provides a serene escape and an opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultural experiences.

Best time to visit

Mai Chau is picturesque in every season. The mountainous landscape ensures a pleasant climate that suits various travel preferences throughout the year.

Autumn, particularly between September and October, is the most favored travel time, as the landscape transforms into shades of golden rice fields. However, other seasons also hold their charm.

In late December, winter envelops Mai Chau with stunning white plum and mountain ebony flowers in bloom.

As spring arrives, it brings a delightful ambiance filled with festive celebrations such as the Gong Festival of the Muong people, the Long Tong Festival of the Tay ethnic group, and the Thai Rain Festival.

Summer paints the mountains and rice paddies in lush green, creating an ideal backdrop for village cycling tours as the breezes become gentle.

Beautiful rice field and local houses in Mai Chau

For more detailed climate insights, refer to our Mai Chau weather guide.

How to get there

You can reach Mai Chau by private vehicle or by public bus within a 3 to 4-hour journey from Hanoi.

Traveling by car or motorbike is an excellent choice due to the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Follow this route: Hanoi - Xuan Mai - Luong Son - Hoa Binh, and National Highway 6 will lead you to Mai Chau.

On the road to Mai Chau - Photo: luhanhvietnam

For convenience, shuttle buses operate from My Dinh and Giap Bat bus stations to the Tong Dau intersection, with multiple departures daily around 150,000 VND per person. Reputable companies include Ha Loan, Cuong Coi, and Hoang Thao. Once at Tong Dau, you can take a motorbike taxi to Mai Chau center, located about 5km away, for approximately 100,000 VND.

Places to stay

Little Mai Chau Homestay

Accommodation in Mai Chau has flourished, offering a variety of options ranging from fully equipped hotels in natural surroundings to traditional ethnic-stilt house-inspired homestays for an authentic experience.

• Mai Chau Ecolodge - Na Thia village: a circular community adjacent to green fields that features a swimming pool and spa, along with cycling tours.
• Mai Chau Xanh Bungalow - 2 Lac village: offers comprehensive services, free parking, and complimentary traditional breakfast.
• Mai Chau Green Rice Field Hotel - 1 Lac village: aptly named as stunning rice fields lie right at your doorstep.
• Little Mai Chau Homestay - Na Phon Hamlet, Na Phon Commune: a wooden and stone house featuring magnificent mountain views from the balcony.
• Lim’s House - Group 1, Mo Hamlet: a spacious partly stilt house complete with a large front yard, ideal for cultural exchange and learning from the welcoming hosts.
• Co’s House - 27 Lac village: a traditional stay in the heart of bustling Lac village, rich with local culture and warmth.

Things to do in Mai Chau

Wander around the valley's humble villages

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you start your day with a leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride around Lac village. A visit to the neighboring Poom Coong village is also highly recommended. There is a lovely coffee shop atop a Poom Coong accommodation that offers panoramic views of the village. Arrive early to catch the mist lifting, revealing traditional homes nestled among the green hills and children in vibrant brocade costumes.

A hostel in Poom Coong village

If you need a break, Mai Chau now features an electric bus service to transport visitors to more remote villages. Apart from the popular Lac and Poom Coong villages, consider visiting the serene Buoc and Van villages, renowned for their picturesque and tranquil settings.

Exploring these villages allows you to engage with local culture. Stay in local homes, participate in daily activities, or shop at handicraft stalls at community markets. In the evenings, join campfires and cultural performances held in Lac village for a truly enriching experience.

Discover natural wonders

Mai Chau boasts numerous natural caves and waterfalls, each offering stunning vistas and impressive scale.

Mo Luong and Chieu caves are captivating for their mysterious limestone formations and lush surroundings. The pathways to these caves may be challenging, but the reward is magnificent scenery after a vigorous hike.

Chieu Cave in Mai Chau

Visiting the Go Lao waterfall provides a wonderful afternoon of relaxation. You can enjoy swimming in cool waters or camping nearby, surrounded by tranquil sounds of nature, such as flowing water and birdsong.

Cruise the scenic Thung Khe Pass

Situated between Tan Lac and Mai Chau along National Highway 6, Thung Khe Pass (also known as White Stone Pass) is a hotspot for adventurous travelers. The road is covered in white, resembling snow, though it is snow-free year-round. The pass experiences rapidly changing weather, often shifting from sunshine to fog within the same day.

Thung Khe Pass on National Highway 6

Many travelers relish the experience of conquering the pass on motorbikes. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level, the summit offers breathtaking views of the entire Mai Chau valley. After your ride, stop at roadside stalls to warm up with grilled corn, bamboo sticky rice, and a hot cup of green tea.

Savor Northwest cuisine

Mai Chau's cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavors, distinct from other Highland dishes, blending the essence of the Northwest with subtle influences from the lowlands.

BBQ pork skewers are common in every village, featuring Muong bacon grilled over charcoal until it sizzles and turns golden.

Com Lam - Photo: dulichthegioi

• Free-range chicken, boiled to perfection and served with Mac Khen salt, a regional specialty.
• Grilled river fish, marinated with lemongrass, paired with a unique Mac Khen spice blend.
• Com Lam, bamboo sticky rice, combines sticky rice with coconut, grilled in bamboo tubes for a delightful treat, best enjoyed with sesame salt.
• Sour bamboo shoots, a staple in local dishes, enhance flavors in meals like stir-fried chicken hearts and fish soup.

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