I have visited Mai Chau, more than 10 times, but I never get tired Every time I go I discover something new and enjoy!

Mai Chau is worth the landscapes, the culture of the local ethnic groups and its cuisine, without forgetting that there are quite a few active tourism activities such as biking, trekking and kayaking in the area.

It is possible to visit Mai Chau por your own or with a tour organized by an agency from Hanoi.

In today’s article I am going to talk about the activities that I have done in Mai Chau, and some that I still have to be done, let’s start!

Mai Chau, ethnic groups, and fields of rice just 150 km from Hanoi

Located in the province of Hoa Binh, Mai Chau is an area of rice fields and ethnic minority with a lot of charm. More accessible to Sapa or Ha Giang (only 3.5 hours bus ride from Hanoi), Mai Chau combines landscapes of rice fields with a cultural experience authentic.

What to do in Mai Chau?

Explore the local life: long Walks, bikes, and caves 🚶♂️🚴♀️

Cycle through the rice fields by bike or on foot

Stroll or bike ride through narrow paths between rice fields at dusk is one of my favorite things to do in Mai Chau. During these walks, you will observe the day-to-day of the local people, that changes with the seasons. In the spring, you will see the planting of the rice fields; at the end of August, the rice fields look green and gold; and in the autumn you will be able to witness the harvest.

As you walk, you can stop in at a snack bar to get something to drink, eat, or even give you a massage. In addition, you’ll be able to visit villages as Nhot Village, where you will see the traditional houses on stilts, or buy souvenirs from local crafts.

If you are looking for a special place to have something to drink, I recommend the homestay Truong Huy (link to Google Maps). The couple that runs it, of the ethnic group of Thai white, is very nice, and the view of the rice fields from the terrace is encatadora. If devides stay there (link to Booking.com), do not miss the opportunity to ask a traditional dinner; I assure you that will leave you without words of how rich that is going to be.

Trekking through rainforest

In some of the accommodations you can book a trekking area of nature, whether it be a full day or half day. Although finding a guide that speaks English can be tricky, you have the option of choosing to do the route with a local person who is going to show you the way. You’ll be able to easily communicate with the translator of Google. I opted for this alternative, and it was a fun experience and enriching (see video of my experience in Mai Chau).

During this activity, I was impressed by the lush vegetation, to meet towering water buffalo, some curious animals such as a butterfly-leaf, and see homes of farmers isolated in the middle of nowhere. Also also, I enjoyed the kindness of the people I meet along the way, including some encounters curious local working or resting. It was a unique experience and full of learning.

Caves in Mai Chau: Mo Luong, Chieu and Hang Nhím

1. Cave of Mo Luong: it Is the most visited due to its central location in front of the Mai Chau Lodge (input: 100.000 VND / 3,8 €). It has 4 cameras, a lot of stairs and an underground river that can be accessible depending on the flow rate.
2. Cave Chieu: With more than 1000 steps, the climb is demanding. The panoramic views of the valley from the top are stunning, although it is not an essential visit.
3. Cave of Hang Nhím: 3.5 km from the centre, Is a cave quite long, and it has narrow areas that require some agility to pass (entry: 50.000 VND / 2€) . Have some rocks in the shape of an elephant, and others that sound like drums to beat them. The visit is with a local guide who does not speak English. If you are not present when you arrive, you can call the phone number that appears on the poster.

Best hikes near Mai Chau (require transport) 🛵

Cascade Go Lao

The waterfall Go Lao is located 12 km from Mai Chau. With 20 meters of height, is a rather precious to stick a dip and cool off, especially in the summer. yes, the amount of water can vary depending on the time of year.

The entrance is free, but park the bike is 10,000 VND (approximately 0.4€). I’ve never seen posts of food or drink near, so I would recommend you bring a snack or beverage to enjoy the environment without concerns.

Kayaking on the lake of Hoa Binh (1 km from the waterfall Go Lao)

Just 1 km from the falls Go, Lao, you will find a floating house on the lake and Hoa Binh, where you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle surfing. , The price for a kayak for 2 people is 300,000 VND, without limit of time (approximately 11.5€).

The place is clearly marked on Google Maps, so you will not have problem to find it. When you arrive, you need to leave the bike at the top, and down the stairs between two houses that lead to the houseboat. Once there, not only you’ll be able to rent the kayak, but also enjoy a tea, a smoothie, or a beer, while you relax with views of the lake. On my last visit, I took the opportunity to take something at the back of the kayak, just while watching the sunset. It was an incredible experience.

Approximately A 20-minute kayak to the exit point, you can make a stop at a village of the ethnic minority Muong, considered one of the groups most ancient descendents of the vietnamese early.

Bathing in thermal waters Bò Ấm (12 km) of the floating house)

Located 12 km from the houseboat rental of kayaks and 25 km from the center of Mai Chau, these hot springs are a must-pending on my list. The entry cost 30,000 VND (1,15€) per person, and 10,000 VND (0,4€) to park the bike. In place you can rent swim suits, towels, and also offer simple food, such as noodles instant.

The road to the hot springs is nice, and several travelers in my groups have recommended. The water is warm even in winter, which makes them ideal for relaxing.

The port of mountain of Thung Khe

This port, located on the road that connects Mai Chau to Hanoi, offering spectacular views. Along the way, you will find small restaurants and stalls where you can drink something or eat. On my last visit, we stopped to have lunch and ask hard boiled eggs cooked on the fire and chicken on the barbecue, and both the food and the scenery were just amazing.

If you’re on a bike, I recommend that you drive with caution. Although the road is in good condition, the curves can be dangerous if you’re going too fast.

Explore the market of Pa Co

If you’re in Mai Chau a Sunday, don’t miss this local market is 28 km from the center of Mai Chau. Here, the communities of the Hmong and other ethnic groups sell natural products, ethnic clothes, crafts, and animals. To live it at its best, came early in the morning.

Plan your visit to Mai Chau 📅

Best time to go to Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a destination that you can enjoy all year round, as each season offers a unique experience:

• 🌱 Spring (march-may) : temperate Climate. The fields are flooded with water, with water buffaloes and farmers working. Moving forward, the rice fields acquire a vibrant green.
• ☀️ Summer (June-August) : intense Heat and possible storms are short. The rice fields are green to the home and golds towards the end.
• 🍁 Autumn (September-November) : cool and pleasant Climate. It is the harvest season, with a special charm even during the burning of the remains of rice.
• ❄️ Winter (December-February) : cold Weather, with some days occasionally warm. The fields are empty after the harvest. It is not the most recommended, but it is still ideal for those seeking tranquility.

How many days to spend in Mai Chau?

The recommended minimum amount for sip Mai Chau is at least 2 days and a night. This will allow you to explore the area, dine on traditional food, admire the rice fields, and even visit some of the nearby places, such as falls Go Lau.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, 3 or 4 days would be ideal. This time will allow you to immerse yourself in rural life, to enjoy the surroundings and, if you’re driving a motorbike or hire a car with driver, visit the most interesting places in the surrounding area of Mai Chau.

How to get to Mai Chau?

It is easy to get to Mai Chau by bus from Hanoi or Ninh Binh. My recommendation is to look for the bus on sites like Baolau. Is it possible to get the bus at your accommodation in Hanoi, but in my opinion this is the least recommended because 1) you can’t choose the bus or particular seat, and 2) if you have problems it is more complicated to leave a review or get compensation.

How to move in Mai Chau?

To get around the area it is advisable to go on foot or by bike. To visit the surrounding area of Mai Chau (for example, to visit Go Lao, the lake of Hoa Binh, etc) and it‘s possible to rent a scooter for about 120k to 150k (4,5 – 6€) per day (excluding petrol). In this area does not work Grab or other applications like Uber, so if you want to rent a car with driver you should talk with your accommodation to help you to book it.

Where to stay in Mai Chau? 🏡

Accommodation type Homestay

These accommodations offer a more authentic experience, with local food and direct contact with people from the ethnic Thai. Many are in traditional houses, but equipped with modern amenities.

Truong Huy Homestay (see photos). Of all the places in which I’ve stayed in Mai Chau, none has been as memorable as this. The owners of the homestay are a couple of the ethnic Thai super friendly and welcoming, and speak English fantastic. Offer both private rooms (with air conditioning, desk, stool and a private bathroom) as communal rooms more economic (with mattress in the ground, separated with curtains on both sides to have more privacy, and a mosquito net for each mattress). You can also ask a family dinner: I did it and food was authentic, delicious and at a good price.

Mai Châu Home Holiday This accommodation, similar to Truong Huy Homestay offers both private rooms and communal. The family that manages it is a very friendly and welcoming. You can also enjoy traditional dinners along with other travelers, which include ingredients from your own garden place.

Cheap TOP recommended in Mai Chau (60€/night approx.)

There are 2 resorts amazing for about 60€ / night (depending on time).

Mai Chau Mountain View resort is the bed in which I spent my last birthday. It was a delight to site, with private rooms and bungalows in the heart of nature, and a swimming pool which is quite large and the views very pleasant. This place is situated in Mai Chau, but in an area slightly away more quiet. They have bikes available free of charge for hotel guests.

Mai Chau Ecolodge is one of the best hotels top of the area. The rooms are absolutely beautiful on the inside, but the outside is fully consistent with the aesthetics of the traditional houses. The pool, the breakfast, the cleanliness, and the fantastic view over the rice fields from the rooms make it a unique and incredible.

👀 Tip to avoid overcrowding in Mai Chau 👀

To experience a more quiet of Mai Chau, visit on a weekday and avoid the weekends, when there is more possibility that groups come to the noisy Hanoi for events and activities.

The culture in Mai Chau: the local ethnic groups 👩🌾

In Mai Chau predominantly ethnic Thai, one of the ethnic minorities largest of Vietnam, with a population of 1.8 million people who live mainly in the northwest of the country. Although the Thai share ancestral roots and certain linguistic similarities with the thai people, today there are cultures different and unique.

Thai Mai Chau belong to the subgroup of Thai white, identified by its characteristic white shirt with decorative embroidery. Are known for their hospitality, and for their traditional dances.

In everyday life, the Thai Mai Chau do not usually wear their traditional dress, which is reserved for dances and special events, in a similar way to how the vietnamese used the Ao Dai on occasions like the New Year. However, local communities retain many of their traditions: they communicate in their native language, they live in wooden houses on stilts and maintain cultural practices such as the manufacturing of clothing, music and traditional dances.

Comparative: Mai Chau vs. Sapa

Many people are considering to go to Mai Chau as an alternative closer and less crowded than Sapa. However, both places have points for and against that it is important to know before making a final decision.

1. Closeness: Mai Chau is only 140 km from Hanoi (3 hours), while Sapa is more than 300km (5 hours). On average, the road to Mai Chau are more narrow and with more curves, while the access to Sapa from Hanoi includes a long stretch on the highway with multiple lanes, which makes the journey more bearable.
2. Overcrowding: Mai Chau receives fewer tourists, but the weekends can be filled with visitors, local group events and karaoke. In Sapa, the urban area is crowded, but outside the town, in the valley, the experience is much more quiet and authentic.
3. Cultural authenticity: In Sapa, local ethnic wear traditional clothing daily, and the experiences with local guides tend to be immersive, with family dinners, trekking and accommodation (and you feel at home from a few friends). In Mai Chau, the traditional costumes are more common in shows or special days, and stay in a homestay can feel more like renting a room in a hostel or hotel to live with the family.
4. Landscapes: Both destinations have rice fields and mountains, but in Sapa and the landscapes are more vertical and spectacular, with terraces impressive that exceed those of Mai Chau in beauty.

📌Article is it worth to visit Sapa?

¡Final tip!

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