
Mai Chau Valley is home to a number of small villages inhabited by a few of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Surrounded by vast rice paddies, towering mountain peaks, and extensive lake views, Mai Chau is an ideal escape from the busy streets of Hanoi and the pressures of daily life. Located 135km from Hanoi, it is an easily accessed location in the north and offers a bit of peace and tranquility for those wanting to escape the city. It is a four-hour journey that is completely worth taking.
The district of Mai Chau covers an impressive 520 km² and is home to 7 different ethnic minority groups. The ‘White Thai’ people being the highest population in the district. The majority of locals in the region manage their own farmland set at the base of soaring mountains and hills. A simple life a million miles away from the one that so many of us know.
Locals live in traditional stilt houses made from bamboo and timber and are a sight to behold in themselves. Their raised houses intend to keep them safe from the effects of flooding and other creatures, such as snakes and insects. The space below their houses is often used as a space to keep their livestock.
Mai Chau also sits on the western edge of the extensive and impressive Hoa Binh Lake which has a capacity of almost 9.5 billion cubic meters of water. Due to its sheer size, the lake is truly is a rare sight and is one of the most impressive in Vietnam. In addition, rolling hills surround the lake, making it even more beautiful.
There are various different options for travel in Vietnam and all are generally affordable. Arriving in Mai Chau from Hanoi is simple and isn’t costly.
Local buses to Mai Chau run regularly from Hanoi bus station and are as little as 100,000VND ($5). Buses can take anywhere between 4-6 hours and are available daily. However, it is worth considering your comfort and flexibility. Booking a local bus in advance is not easy and accessing a timetable can be challenging. Tour companies also run buses daily and are easier to book in advance. Buses can cost anywhere between $15-25 and will take around 4 hours.
It is also possible to book a taxi to take you from Hanoi to Mai Chau. Taxis in Vietnam are often your most expensive option and will cost anywhere between $90-150. They can be arranged with any tour company or with most accommodation.
Arguably your best option in terms of making the most of any trip in Vietnam. Renting a motorbike for your journey will allow you to travel at your own pace and take in the beauty of Northern Vietnam. The drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau is certainly not lacking in places to stop and sights to see. The roads are of relatively high quality and are great for even the least experienced riders. We also put together a stellar route guide that shows you how to get to Mai Chau by motorbike using as many detours off the main road as you can.
When arriving in Mai Chau by motorbike you have the option to take the lakeside road with incredible views of Hoa Binh Lake. This winding mountainside road will have you clinging to your bike seat whilst admiring the beauty of the lake. To read more about what motorbike you should take and what to expect from the journey, read our post about arriving in Pu Luong by motorbike. (link to pu Luong Post)
Most accommodation in Mai Chau will offer free bicycle rental, enabling you to explore the glorious countryside at your own pace. Cruising through rice paddies by bicycle anywhere in Vietnam is something that should be embraced. Weaving down small valley roads past local farmers manning their livestock, farmworkers picking rice and through clusters of stilt houses could be the highlight of your trip!
As mentioned earlier in the post, Hoa Binh Lake is a sight not to be missed when visiting northern Vietnam. This incredibly large lake nestled between sprawling hills is truly a sight to behold.
The lake can be enjoyed by foot, boat or kayak. Tour operators will offer opportunities to spend a day cruising the lake by boat or exploring by kayak. Hiking around one of the many paths around the lake will also give you an opportunity to view the lake from a different perspective.
Trekking around Mai Chau is a great way to observe the parks more untouched areas and get a true feel for local life. Most accommodation will be able to arrange for a local guide to lead you off-road and down more challenging paths. Therefore providing an opportunity to learn more about life in Mai Chau and other parts of Northern Vietnam.
For adventure seekers wanting a more challenging experience trekking, you can consider visiting the neighboring Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Visit Mai Chau’s main town to wander the market streets and shop for local handwoven gifts. The bustling market town offers a place to explore, eat and get stuck in with the locals. Visiting on a Sunday will give you an opportunity to see locals in their traditional clothing, demonstrating their different ethnic minorities.
The White Thai people are always keen to demonstrate their cooking and hospitality skills. Most homestays ran by the ethnic minority group will ask you to join them for dinner. And you should always say yes!
As particularly good cooks, the Vietnamese will always go out of their way to put on an extensive spread for each meal of the day. Not to mention the flowing rice wine that always accompanies dinner time. A true Viet experience that should be enjoyed by anyone visiting the north of Vietnam.
Pu Luong Nature reserve is located only 1-2 hours from Mai Chau and is an ideal trip out when staying in the district. It has even more dramatic scenery, extensive hiking opportunities, and hidden villages. Pu Luong has enough to keep you busy for more than one day.
With lush green mountains spreading for miles, Pu Luong offers yet another experience not to be missed when visiting the North of Vietnam. For more information on what to do and where to stay, read our blog post on Pu Luong.
Due to its popularity and increasing tourism, Mai Chau has a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Ranging from a family homestay to a 4* resort. Making a decision on where to stay can be tough. However, your decision should be made based on what you are hoping to gain from your time in rural Vietnam.
Mai Chau Hideaway
Resorts in Mai Chau are very popular with local Viet tourists looking to escape their busy city lives and experience a slice of tranquility for the weekend. Most of the resorts have pools and a place to relax during your stay. If a chilled, relaxing experience is something you’re seeking from your time in Mai Chau, then a resort could be for you!
Remember resorts in Mai Chau can be costly. If you’re planning on spending time exploring the countryside, we would suggest staying in a homestay.
Mai Chau Countryside Homestay
Many of the ethnic minorities in Vietnam are extremely hospitable and are keen to share their simple way of life with tourists. Therefore offering a slice of what living in rural Vietnam is truly like and homestays in Mai Chau are no exception.
Local ethnic minorities, such as the White Thai people, have opened their doors to offer tourists a place to rest their weary heads after a long day of exploring. Food is always prepared for each meal of the day upon request, rice wine is usually on tap and a clean bed is waiting.
Mai Chau Sunset Boutique Hotel
The residents of Mai Chau have been involved in tourism for many years and now they have responded to the demand for more luxury or comfortable places. Therefore, at places like Mai Chau Sunset, you can find both traditional homestay and comfortable hotel rooms.
You may have been trekking in the misty cold winter and feel in need of double-glazed windows and en-suite bathroom rather than hopping across a cold bathroom floor to the toilet. Here you will have the choice of both and still get to dine on their sumptuous food.
Mai Chau is easy to get to, it has food and bedroom options that suit everyone and there are plenty of things to see and do while you are there. What’s not to like?
86B Đ. Trần Phú, Phường 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam (appointment only)
Tax Code: 0105306316
International Tour Operator License: 01-2010/2022/TCDL-GP LHQT
15a Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
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Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)