In this blog, we present to you a place near the capital of Vietnam, but a complete contrast from it. Mai Chau is a village near Hanoi, where a small ethnic minority village lives between beautiful rice paddies. The beautiful rice terraces surrounded by mountains make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. In Mai Chau, you will find green rice fields, small villages, and friendly people. This blog will help you discover the best things to do in Mai Chau and why it is a perfect place to visit. Why Visit Mai Chau?
Mai Chau is different from busy cities like Hanoi. It is quiet and full of natural beauty. The valley is home to the White Thai people, who live in stilt houses and keep their traditions alive. When you visit Mai Chau, you can walk or bike through rice fields, eat local food, and enjoy the fresh air. It is a great place to relax and learn about Vietnamese culture.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mai Chau Valley is from March to May and September to November. If you’d like to see the harvest taking place and the golden glow of the tice terraces, then October is perfect for you. You might want to avoid visiting from June to August, as monsoons can flood local roads.How to get to Mai Chau
Mai Chau is approximately 140km from Hanoi. Local buses from the capital run directly to Mai Chau from the Lac and Pom Coong villages. If you are coming from Son La or Dien Bien Province, you can ask the driver to stop at the Mai Chau turn-off. In Hanoi, it is possible to hire a motorbike or a private car for the journey. Bicycles are the best option for getting around the valley itself, as small paths crisscross villages and farms. Electric carts are available for hire to take you from one village to another.
Accommodation in Mai Chau
In Mai Chau, you can choose from different types of places to stay. You can stay at a rustic homestay for about 200,000 VND, a boutique farm stay for about 600,000 VND, or a four-star hotel for 1,500,000 VND. If you’ve never tried sleeping in a stilt house, you can in Mai Chau. Wooden stilt house homestays can easily be found in Lac Village and Poom Coọng Village. These houses are made of wood and are raised above the ground. They usually have clean and simple accommodation, with shared bathrooms and open-air sleeping quarters. If you prefer more comfort, there are also boutique farm stays and hotels in the area.
Best things to do in Mai Chau
There are a few things you must do in this beautiful village to have the full experience!Walk in nature
The morning is ideal for a peaceful stroll along Mai Chau. It has small valley hamlets, winding paths and tranquil gardens that are easy to explore on your own. Look out for local stalls serving Cà Phê Phin (Vietnamese coffee) while admiring the butterflies fluttering over rice fields.Learn about ethnic textiles
When coming to Mai Chau, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase beautiful fabrics woven by white Thais. There are looms in front of the local shops, and you can watch the locals weaving and actually try to weave with them yourself. It is a great way to learn about their traditions and take home a special souvenir.Cycle through the valley
One of the best ways to experience Mai Chau is on a bicycle. You can venture out on your own or hire a guide to explore the many trails through the valley. Some guides offer tours where you can learn more about the area and its people. Cycling is a fun and easy way to see the beauty of Mai Chau. Your guide can also introduce you to White Thai families. You can sit in a long stilt house, sip tea, nibble on lychees, and learn about life in the countryside.Taste farm-fresh foods
The food at Mai Chau is fresh and delicious. Start your meal with Cơm Lam (grilled bamboo rice). Peeled bamboo and chopped peanuts dipped in rice for a delicious snack. Gà đồi (grilled chicken), thịt lợn xiên nướng (grilled pork skewers) and stir-fried vegetables are some of the most popular dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Ve sầu chiên, a local delicacy with stuffed and fried cicadas.Enjoy ethnic dance and music
A traditional performance is a special part of a visit to Mai Chau. White Thai musicians are adept at using natural materials to make instruments that create captivating rhythms. After dinner, sit back, relax, and watch White Tie perform. These shows feature live folk music and dancers in full national costume. The music and dances are lively and fun. Sometimes, guests are invited to join in the dancing. It is a memorable way to end your day in Mai Chau.
Visit Go Lao Waterfall
Go Lao Waterfall is a beautiful spot near Mai Chau. It is about 20 meters high and surrounded by nature. You can take a dip in the cool water or just enjoy the view. The waterfall is close to Hoa Binh Lake, so you can visit both places in one trip.
Experience Local Life
One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is to experience the local way of life. Stay in a homestay, eat with a local family, and join in their daily activities. You can learn how to cook traditional dishes, weave textiles, or even help in the rice fields. The people of Mai Chau are friendly and welcoming, and they are happy to share their culture with visitors.
Plan Your Trip
When planning your trip to Mai Chau, consider spending at least two days to fully enjoy the area. This will give you time to relax, explore, and connect with the local community. Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes for walking or biking. Also, bring cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.