Includes a comparison table

Comparison: Mai Chau vs. Sapa

Mai Chau is closer to Hanoi (150km) and it is possible to experience the lifestyle of the ethnic minority of the thai, which is the ethnic group with the largest presence in the area. Unlike Sapa, where different ethnic groups wear their traditional clothing in the usual way, in Mai Chau most people do not wear these traditional outfits.

In Mai Chau is possible to witness performances of traditional dances of the thai in many units. Personally, it is not something that when I saw m seem impressive, but it’s an extra.

Mai Chau is less visited Sapa which implies that you are going to perceive the place as less intense a priori. In this sense, I say to you that I am not 100% agree with this statement. In Sapa, if you buy a tour with a local guide recommended’re going to go for roads, through villages, cultivated fields, etc., without virtually meet with other tourists. The city of Sapa as such itself that gives you that feeling of overcrowding, but, personally, when you go to Sapa, it is not necessary nor advisable to stay in the city, but rather move to the valley and discover the Sapa more authentic.

On the other hand, Mai Chau receives many local visitors during the weekend. It is a very popular destination for company events or for groups of friends, often going to enjoy one or two days of fun. Depending on where exactly your accommodation is possible that you may experience karaokes, or group activities in front of your lojamiento.

therefore, depending on how you organize it, it is possible to be quiet, or in an area noisy and full of people in both places.

In fact, the areas in which they were accommodated tourists in Mai Chau tend to be brimming with accommodations and tourist shops. In Sapa, stay in the house of a local guide means being further removed from that environment, commercial.

Closeness: Mai Chau is just 150 km from Hanoi, while Sapa requires more than 5 hours in bus.

1. Tourism: Mai Chau is less crowded than Sapa, although on the weekends receives many visitors, local group events and karaoke.

2. Cultural authenticity: In Sapa, the ethnic groups are dressed in traditional clothing on a daily basis; in Mai Chau, this occurs mainly during the shows organized.

🔔 Tip: To avoid overcrowding in Mai Chau, visit on the weekday.