Mai Chau

Overview 

• Located amidst rolling hills and surrounded by terraced rice fields, Mai Chau offers breathtaking natural scenery.
• Mai Chau is characterized by its cultural diversity, home to six distinct ethnic minority groups. The Thai people account for 65.14% of the total population in this vibrant region.
• The villages of Mai Chau are adorned with traditional stilt houses, offering a unique glimpse into the architectural heritage of the ethnic communities.
• Mai Chau hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, where traditional dances, music, and rituals are showcased, providing a unique experience for visitors.
• This place enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. This makes it an attractive destination for visitors seeking pleasant weather and comfortable outdoor activities.

Mai Chau

Things To Do When Visiting Mai Chau

Discover Stunning Villages In Mai Chau

To uncover the traditional cultures and breathtaking landscapes in Mai Chau, you should plan a captivating journey to Mai Chau ethnic villages. Each village in Mai Chau has its own beauty, waiting for you to explore.

Lac Village: 

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Mai Chau, Lac Village attracts with its traditional stilt houses, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the White Thai ethnic community.

Van Village: 

Van Village, surrounded by terraced fields, unfolds a stunning scenery that captivates the senses. Here, the lush greenery provides a tranquil backdrop as visitors immerse themselves in the daily activities of the Thai people.

Pom Coong Village:

Pom Coong Village is located among undulating hills, with vast rice fields and beautiful stilt houses. In this village, people also preserve the traditional weaving craft, producing beautiful, colorful brocade fabrics and furniture.

Nhot Village:

This village offers a peaceful retreat, the perfect combination of lush rice fields and green hills. The beauty of this village also comes from the fresh, cool, and pleasant air all year round.

Discover Stunning Villages In Mai Chau

Explore Mai Chau By Bike

We recommend you explore Mai Chau on two wheels, cycling through scenic rice fields and charming villages. This eco-friendly adventure offers a unique way to connect with the stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Bicycle rental prices in Mai Chau are quite reasonable, usually only US $1.2/hour or US $3.7/day.

Note: You should choose a bike that is sturdy and versatile, making sure it is equipped with a comfortable seat and good brakes for a variety of terrains.

Explore Mai Chau By Bike

Watch Traditional Thai Dance

Xoe dance is a unique cultural activity, a popular dance in the Northwestern Thai community. Xoe dance represents solidarity, so all Thai people know how to dance and love the art of Xoe. This traditional Thai dance is a precious cultural heritage of the Thai people with sustainable vitality among the people.

In Mai Chau, there's no distinction between old and young, female and male, or whether you're Vietnamese or an international traveler. Everyone is enraptured by the passionate dance of the Thai people.

Watch Traditional Thai Dance

Try Local Cuisine

While exploring Mai Chau, don't miss the opportunity to have meals at the local restaurant, where you can indulge in traditional dishes for an authentic taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Com Lam:

• Suggested place to eat: Chieng Sai Village, Mai Chau
• Price range: around US $0.5.

The rice used to make Lam rice must be fragrant sticky rice, thoroughly washed, and then carefully put into a bamboo tube and tightly covered. Grilled blue rice smells of sticky rice, charcoal, and bamboo.

Grilled Hill Chicken: 

• Suggested place to eat:  29 Lac Village, Chieng Chau Commune, Mai Chau
• Price range: around US $15 to $25.

Sourced from the nearby hills, this tender and flavorful chicken is marinated with indigenous herbs and spices, and then expertly grilled for a delicious taste.

Thit Chua:

• Suggested place to eat: Lac Village, Chieng Chau Commune, Mai Chau
• Price range: around US $2 to $8

The meat has the golden color of rice flour. If you taste it, you will see the fleshy taste of the meat and the greasiness of the pork skin, a little salty taste of salt, and the sour taste of the meat when fermented.

Buffalo With Lom Leaves:

• Suggested place to eat: Mai Chau Town, Mai Chau
• Price range: around US $2 to $8

When you try it, the sour taste of rolled lom leaves and buffalo meat is extremely delicious. The attractive point of the dish is that the buffalo meat is cooked to perfection while still remaining crispy.

Try Delicious Local Cuisine

How To Get There

By Bus

For those choosing to travel by bus, consider the local bus services depart from My Dinh Station to Mai Chau. The rate for a ticket is around US $3.3. Below are some suggestions for convenient and reliable travel options.

Brand & Contact	Departure Time
Hoang Thao Bus (0914688533)	14:30
Ha Loan Bus (0982712418)	07:50
Tuan Dung Bus (0962800074)	14:00
Cuong Coi Bus (0912796896)	06:30

Advantages: 

• Buses are generally a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers, providing an economical way to reach Mai Chau from Hanoi.
• Ideal for group travel, buses offer the opportunity to share the experience with fellow travelers.

Tips:

• Purchase your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and to potentially secure better prices.
• Keep a close eye on your belongings during the journey. 

Interact With Friendly Locals On Bus

By Coach

If you're considering traveling by coach, you may want to consider options with reputable companies below:

Brand & Contact	Price
Nhat An (1900272708)	Around US $9.5
Moc Chau Express (0981973750)	Around US $8.2
Khanh An (19002826)	Around US $4.2
Binh An (1900888684)	Around US $4.2

Advantages: 

• Many coach services offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and sometimes even Wi-Fi.
• Coaches often have multiple daily departures, offering flexibility in choosing a schedule that suits your itinerary.

Tips: If possible, choose your seat in advance to ensure a comfortable position and, if sensitive to motion, opt for a seat closer to the front.

Private Car Rental

Consider renting a private car for a flexible journey to Mai Chau. Below are the vehicle types and detailed prices for your reference:

Car Types	Price
4 seat car	Around US $45.4
7 seat car	Around US $62
16 seat car	Around US $91

Advantages: 

• You can enjoy the flexibility of setting your own travel pace and schedule
• Have ample luggage space, allowing you to bring personal belongings and souvenirs without constraints.

Tips:

• Clearly communicate your preferences to the car rental service, including any specific stops or attractions you'd like to visit en route.
• Ask about vehicle amenities such as air conditioning and wifi to enhance your comfort during the journey.

Enjoy The Comfortable Journey On Private Car

Motorbike Rental

Explore Mai Chau at your own pace by renting a motorbike. Below are companies with reputable motorbike rental services in Hoa Binh with rental prices for you to choose from:

Brand & Contact	Price (Per Day)
Hai Chau (0913686182)	US $3.3 - $6.6
Chung Lan (0389480085)	US $3.3 - $5.8
H. Thai’s Travel (0356659089)	US $4.2 - $5.8
Toan Thang (0983937046)	US $4.1 - $6.2

Advantages: 

• You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Mai Chau by taking less-traveled routes and discovering hidden gems that may be missed by other transportation.
• Motorbike rental is often more budget-friendly compared to other transportation.
• Riding a motorbike offers a closer connection with the local community, providing opportunities for authentic interactions and cultural experiences.

Tips:

• Before renting, thoroughly inspect the motorbike for any existing damage. Ensure that all essential components, such as brakes and lights, are in proper working condition.
• Use maps and direction apps to plan your journey and avoid getting lost.
• To drive a motorbike, you must have a driver's license and carefully learn about traffic laws and traffic signs in Vietnam.

Embark On An Unique Motorbike Trip

Local Tips When Exploring Mai Chau

• Suitable Attire: Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. This shows respect for local culture and traditions.
• Weather Precautions: Pack accordingly, considering the weather changes in Mai Chau. It can be cool, especially in the evenings, so bring layers.
• Language Translation Applications: Download and use language translation applications to communicate with people, especially in emergency situations.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring. Mai Chau's terrain can have uneven surfaces so comfortable footwear is essential.
• Verify Price Before Buying: Check prices before purchasing, especially at markets. Double-checking will prevent overcharging or fraud.