Mai Chau

Mai Chau Valley stands out above towering mountains in Hoa Binh Province. The greenery, rice paddies, and small streams have made it one of Northern Vietnam’s most beautiful tourist destinations. Visitors will be amazed by the scenery's peaceful beauty. The cool climate makes it a perfect getaway from the crowded capital.

Paddy fields and stilt houses of the locals in Mai Chau. Photo: Vietnam Discovery Travel

Tai (Thai), Muong, and H’Mong ethnic groups have created harmonious cultures in the valley. The Thai culture is particularly prominent due to the majority of the population. This cultural diversity is a major draw for tourists. Join Asia King Travel as we explore Mai Chau in this article.

Location

Mai Chau is the westernmost district of Hoa Binh Province, 130 kilometers away from Hanoi. The journey takes a 3-hour drive from the capital. The district shares a border with Moc Chau in Son La Province, another popular tourist destination sharing the same beauty.

Beyond the rice fields, Moc Chau is known for boundless tea hills. Photo: VOV

How to get there

From Hanoi, you can take either Ring Road 2 (Lang - Hoa Lac Expressway) or Ring Road 3 (National Highway 6). After passing Hoa Binh City, continue on National Highway 6 for another 65 kilometers and Mai Chau’s stunning beauty will greet you. Traveling by personal motorbike or car is a good option if you prefer a more experienced trip.

Visitors from Hanoi are likely to travel to Mai Chau by personal vehicles. Photo: Bamboo Airways

Best time to visit Mai Chau

Mai Chau is beautiful year-round because of the cool climate, and each season offers a unique charm. From February to April, spring brings blooming flowers and lively festivals. This is the best time to visit.

H'mong people open the Gau Tao festival in the new year spring. Photo: Lao Dong Newspapers

May and June are the months of golden rice fields. From August to October, you can enjoy the gentle autumn breeze and warm sunshine. And from November to the following January, the plum blossoms paint the landscape white.

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Things to do and see in Mai Chau

Thung Khe Pass

Before arriving in Mai Chau, visitors usually have to cross Thung Khe Pass. Thung Khe Pass or White Stone Pass is on a limestone mountain, short but quite steep. It's often shrouded in mist, creating a hazy atmosphere perfect for photography. There are also many rest stops on the pass selling Hoa Binh specialties.

Have a rest and take pictures on the white cliff in Thung Khe Pass. Photo: Traveloka

Mai Chau Flagpole

After crossing Thung Khe Pass, take a moment to stop at the Mai Chau flagpole. From here, you can see the entire valley and the villages awaiting your visit. Enjoy the fresh air and the breathtaking view of the valley. Don't forget to take some pictures! They will be the most beautiful images of Mai Chau.

Mai Chau Valley seen from above. Photo: Wikipedia

Ban Lac

If you want to learn about the local culture, you shouldn't miss Ban Lac, where the locals have lived for nearly 700 years. They have built traditional stilt houses for tourists to stay in as homestays. The endless rice fields create a stunning backdrop.

A homestay stilt house has convenient amenities. Photo: Hop Thuy Restaurant

Besides the natural beauty, don't forget to experience the local culture. You can start your day by watching the farmers work in the fields. In the afternoon, learn how to weave brocade from the Thai or H'mong people. Later, explore the local market and pick up some souvenirs. When night falls, invite your host then roast corn and drink wine next to the cozy fire.

Exploring the villages by bike is also a great choice. Photo: Homestay 88 Ban Lac

Mo Luong Cave

It is the largest cave system in the region. Inside, many strangely shaped limestone stalactites stimulate the imagination. The cave is associated with the legend of a snake turning into a dragon, protecting the crops for the local people. Additionally, during the Vietnam War, Mo Luong Cave was a base for Vietnamese soldiers, so people still call it the "Soldier Cave" until now.

Inside Mo Luong Cave. Photo: Hop Thuy Restaurant

Local Specialties

Bamboo Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a staple of the northern mountainous regions, including Mai Chau. The rice is stuffed into bamboo tubes and roasted evenly over a fire. When cooked, the rice has the fragrant aroma of sticky rice and bamboo, and you can taste the sweetness. It’s best when enjoyed with grilled meat.

A meal is elevated to perfection with a sip of Thai spirits. Photo: MIA

Mai Chau Pork

Mai Chau pigs are raised differently from commercial pigs. They roam freely and only eat fresh vegetables, so their meat is leaner and firmer. The meat is marinated with lemongrass, salt, and local herbs before being grilled to a golden-brown color over charcoal. The aroma of cooked meat is incredibly appetizing.

A perfect BBQ party with the best meat. Photo: Mai Chau Hideway Lake Resort

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are a seasonal delicacy in Mai Chau, particularly during the rainy season from July to September. Locals often sell them on the roadside or at the period market. There are many ways to cook bamboo shoots, such as stir-frying, boiling, or pickling in salt. At first, you might find them a bit bitter, but the sweetness following at the end is addictive.

Bamboo shoots are initially bitter, but the aftertaste is truly irresistible. Photo: Dan Viet

Conclusion

Mai Chau has the peaceful beauty of a green valley, combined with the delicious specialties of the mountainous people. Besides the places and dishes mentioned above, it hides many more interesting things waiting to be discovered.

If you haven't found a destination for your trip to Vietnam yet, this should be a place to consider. Contact Asia King Travel to let us help you plan your adventure today!

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