How to Get from Hanoi to Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is a mountainous district located in Hoa Binh province, about 140km from Hanoi. The area is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges covered in clouds all year round, creating a dry, cool, and fresh climate in the Mai Chau Valley. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Mai Chau every year to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and unique way of life of the Thai minority people. It is an excellent choice for a short trip to the north. To travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, tourists could choose from one of the following transportation:

1. Hanoi to Mai Chau by local bus

This is a low-cost means of transportation used by locals to move from Hanoi to Mai Chau. However, it may not be suitable for tourists. The local buses depart from My Dinh and Yen Nghia bus stations.

• Price: 100.000 – 250.000 VND/pax
• Travel time: 3.5 – 4 hours
• Time schedule: 7.00 AM – 15.00 (Every 40 minutes)
• Advantages: Low cost.
• Disadvantages:
  - Passengers need to take a taxi from the airport to the bus station and then take another taxi from the bus station to their hotel or homestay in Mai Chau.
  - In case of a broken bus, you may miss your travel plan.
  - Could not communicate with the driver to get off the right place; if not, you may lose the way.
  - Not many tourists choose the local bus.

>>> Reference to book the bus:vexere.com
or directly bus companies at bus station such as: Chinh Minh, Lien Thanh, Manh Kien

2. Hanoi to Mai Chau by high-quality bus

High-quality buses are the preferred mode of transportation and are considered VIP buses for the Hanoi to Mai Chau route. The buses are equipped with 9 - 16 seats designed to provide the utmost comfort, similar to a sofa. These limousine buses consist of high-quality leather furniture, Wi-Fi, USB ports, water bottles, and blankets to ensure maximum comfort during the journey.

• Price: 220.000 – 250.000 VND/pax
• Travel time: 3.5 hours
• Time schedule: from 7.30 AM to 5.30 (Every 3 hours)
• Advantages: clean and nice buses, No stops on the way to take more passengers, and the routes are guaranteed.
• Disadvantage: Not proactive in time and still have to take a taxi to the pickup point.

>>> Reference to book the high quality bus:vexere.com
or directly with the bus companies:

Manh Kien Limousine
Price: 220.000 VND/pax
Tel: 0388388833
Departure time:  7.01 AM, 10.01 AM, 12.11 PM, 1.31 PM, 3:31 PM, 4.46 PM
Pick up point: Hanoi opera house
Drop off point: Mai Chau Lodge Hotel

Anh Dung Limousine
Price: 220.000 VND/pax
Tel: 0963353338
Departure time: 8.00 AM, 1.00 PM, 4.30 PM
Pick up point: Thang Long Big C Super market’ gate-222 Tran Duy Hung Str
Drop off point: Mai Chau Lodge

3. Hanoi to Mai Chau by taxi

Although it is an easy transportation, it is not a good choice for mountainous roads as the vehicle is not suitable and the driver does not have much experience on such roads. Additionally, the cost is higher than that of a private car, and even more so if you happen to get the wrong taxi. As a result, not many tourists opt for this kind of transfer to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau.

4. Hanoi to Mai Chau by motorbike

The distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau is roughly 140 kilometers. Many young people are keen on riding motorbikes to cover this distance. The journey takes around 4 hours and offers breathtaking views of mountain roads and passes leading to Mai Chau. Along the way, you can also witness the mesmerizing beauty of golden rice fields. The true charm of Mai Chau can only be experienced after this long road trip, making it a truly memorable and meaningful experience.

• Motorbike rental: 12 – 15 USD/day. Not including the gasoline
• Travel route: Hanoi center – Thang Long highway – Hoa Lac highway – National Road No 6 – Tong Dau T junction – National Road No 15 – Mai Chau.
• Travel time: 4 hours
• Advantages: Proactive in time, low cost, could stop anywhere on the way for photos and enjoy the beautiful landscapes
• Disadvantages: The road is not as far or difficult as some routes in the Northwest. However, it will be a long, hard trip for an amateur in this mountainous area, and if it rains, it will be dangerous.

>>> Motorbike for rent in Hanoi:
Flamingo Travel:
Add: 66 Dao Duy Tu str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: +84.912.214.554 
Web: https://flamingotravel.com.vn/

Motogo
Add 1: 1081 Hong Ha, Chuong Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Add 2: 81 Nguyen Kha Trac, Mai Dich, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Tel: 0966 456 969
Web: Motogo.vn

5. Hanoi to Mai Chau by private car

Experience a personalized journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau by private car services. Enjoy comfort, flexibility, and safety as you explore scenic routes, interact with local communities, and immerse yourself in Vietnam's picturesque landscapes. 

• Travel time: 3 – 3.5 hours
• Price: 1.500.000 VND/day (SUV – Sedan car)
• Advantages:  Proactive in time, safe, and your travel routes are guaranteed, private space, no wasting time for waiting.
• Disadvantages: High cost than other public transportation.

>>> Reference to book the private car from Hanoi to Mai Chau

Learn more about Mai Chau journey:

• Mai Chau Travel Guide and Best Things to Do
• Best Time to Visit Mai Chau , Vietnam
• Mai Hich in Water Pouring Season
• Mai Chau Unique Culture - Cultural Guide
• 11 Best Mai Chau Dishes You Have to Try in Vietnam