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

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

1. Climate of Mai Chau

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.

2. How to get to Mai Chau?

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.

• Motorcycle

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.

3.1. Mai Hich 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.

The beauty of Mai Hich village

3.2. Buoc - Xam Khoe Villages

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.

        Rice field terrace in Buoc village

                          A local woman is sweaving in Buoc village

3.3. Lac, Pom Coong, Na Phon villages

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.

Lac Village in Mai Chau

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.

3.4. Van Village

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.

A stilt house in Van Village

3.5. Thung Khe Pass or Da Trang Pass

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.

Thung Khe pass on the way to Mai Chau

3.6. Ba Khan Lake

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.

Ba Khan Resort

3.7. Mo Luong Cave

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.

Mo Luong cave in Mai Chau

>> See more: Mai Hich in Water Pouring Season

4. Mai Chau Travel Activities

4.1. Walking or Trekking

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.

Trekking in Mai Chau through the Villages and rice field

4.2. Cycling

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.

Cycling activities in Mai Chau

4.3. Motorcycling and motorbike taxi

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.

Motorbike taxi to visit Mai Chau

4.4. Watching a traditional entertainment show

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!

Thai ladies in their traditional dress for the dancing show

4.5. Cooking with local people

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.

Enjoy cooking with local people in Mai Chau

4.6. Joining in farming activities (seasonal activities)

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.

Rice harvesting in Mai Chau

5. Mai Chau Cuisine

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

5.1. Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Com Lam)

Com Lam in Mai Chau

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.

5.2. Muong pork

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.

Muong Pork specialty

5.3. Hill Chickens

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.

Hill Chicken specialty

5.4. Sour bamboo shoot

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.

Sour bamboo shoot

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

6. Where to Stay in Mai Chau?

Mai Chau Ecolodge in Mai Chau

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

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

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)

7. How to Organize Tours to Mai Chau

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 sm@izitour.com. We will get back to you with a free proposal.