Lac Village in Mai Chau is a lovely village of the Thai ethnic group, surrounded by scenic mountains and golden rice fields. Lac Village is best known for its stilt houses, traditional weaving, and welcoming people.
Introduction To Lac Village
Nestled in the scenic Mai Chau Valley is Lac Village, a quiet oasis beckoning visitors to experience an authentic White Thai ethnic village. Lac Village, with over 700 years of existence, boasts typical stilt houses, terraced rice fields, and a cultural atmosphere that feels like you have stepped into a time capsule.
Guests to Lac Village can cultivate their interest in the local lifestyles by overnighting in wooden stilt houses, cycling through weaving workshop locations, or viewing folk dances around a fire at dusk. The backdrop of green mountains, a slower, easy-going pace, and some of the friendliest people make this village the perfect getaway for curious travelers who want to experience Vietnam beyond the city.
History Of Lac Village
Located in Mai Chau Valley, Lac Village is one of the oldest ethnic villages in Vietnam with a history of more than 700 years. The White Thai people have been living for centuries in this village. There were only five family lineages living in the village and making a living by farming and weaving traditional brocade textiles.
Because tourism started to develop over the years, the village began to welcome tourists by providing options for homestays in the lovely stilt houses. Although modernization has undoubtedly occurred, Lac Village continues to preserve its rustic sense of rural living amidst the imposing mountain ranges, golden rice fields, and tranquil scenes that enchant every traveler.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Lac Village
Lac Village exudes an idyllic quality and culture that entice each person who visits. Below are a few of the iconic places to see during your trip to this tranquil village of the Thai ethnic group.
Vast Rice Fields
Spread out across the valley, the green and golden rice fields of Lac Village make for an incredible view of rural Vietnam. Walking or biking through these fields provides you with fresh air, soothing breezes, and the relaxed pace of life of the local residents. During harvest time, the golden fields burn bright in the sun, creating captivating photo opportunities.
Stilt Houses
The stilt houses of Lac Village demonstrate the unique way of life of the Thai ethnic people. Bamboo and wood stilt houses are cozy and functional to weather the mountain climate. Many stilt houses in Lac have been transformed into quaint homestays, where guests can spend the night and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.
Chieu Cave
Somewhat elevated (from a neighboring valley), Chieu Cave is one of the most stunning wonders of nature in Mai Chau. To get to it, you must climb approximately 1,200 stone steps, beneath the cover of various tall trees. Inside, large swaths of the cave are ornamented with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, reflecting colors from the lights you bring, providing a feeling of wonder as you discover this enchanted world below the surface.
Local Market Area
The Lac Village market, as everyone calls it, is a place of vibrancy and excitement – it displays the culture of the region. You will walk around the lively atmosphere beginning early morning to see local villagers selling handwoven fabrics and bamboo crafts, as well as fresh produce. It is a unique location to purchase souvenirs, eat local snacks, and enjoy the true mountain spirit.
The Bamboo Stream
Suoi Mun is a small, clear-flowing stream that winds through the village, amongst the jungle. People can try bamboo rafting, put their feet in the water, and listen to the sounds that nature has to offer, or just enjoy the view. This is a great location for a tranquil nature experience.
6 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Lac Village offers visitors a perfect mix of nature, culture, and local life. You may enjoy a trip to peaceful scenery or hidden caves, or maybe you are interested in experiencing ethnic culture, but this Thai village is guaranteed to create lasting memories. Below are the unforgettable experiences you can’t leave Lac Village without seeing.
Experience Rural Life and the Natural Serenity of Lac Village
Lac Village, located among miles of rice fields and enveloped in mountain fog, is a representation of simplicity and peace. You may rent a bicycle and explore the small village roads to experience the cool mountain air. The scenery includes green hills, stilt homes, and the glow of sunset gold. You can also explore waterfalls or trek through the valley. Lac Village provides picturesque views in every direction; it feels like a scene from the peaceful countryside.
Discover Chieu Cave
Your trip to Lac Village will not be complete without a visit to Chieu Cave, a miraculous and natural endowment with thousands of years of history. The cave will be reached by climbing 1,200 stone stairs that are shaded by green trees. Inside the cave, sparkling stalagmites and stalactites are created as the cave is sunlit each day.
Until you go deeper in the cave, the cave mansion becomes more beautiful and most stunning, where you will see a limestone shape in the image of a Thai woman. Recapping your experience is likely for those travelers who love nature and taking photos.
Live Like A Local
Lac Village is situated in the White Thai ethnic group, who are known for their hospitality and caring practices. On the evening of the visit, the visitors will participate in an exciting bonfire, enjoy the sound of traditional music, and also join in such dances as the bamboo dances or folk games. The villagers are always warm-hearted and friendly, eager to share their lives with you.
You may also visit weaving houses and have an opportunity to watch how the colorful brocade is made by hand. Don’t forget to take photos of traditional Thai customs to have a lovely souvenir.
Check out the Local Market
The morning market in Lac Village is colorful, loud, and full of energy. Locals will gather as early as 5 a.m. to purchase handmade crafts, fresh food, or anything to eat! You will find bright brocade fabric, handwoven scarves, and regional musical instruments – all at reasonable prices. It is a great way to experience Highland culture in Cao Bang while supporting local artisan crafts.
Go Bamboo Rafting On Mun Stream
In the middle of Lac Village is Mun Stream, a clean and peaceful stream that is an attraction for nature lovers. A narrow trail takes you from the village to the start of the stream through a cool, bamboo-thick, refreshing area for a hot day. You can take a bamboo raft and gently float down the clear water, surrounded by the sounds of the bamboo forest. The view from the stream of mountains in the distance, beautiful stilt houses, trees, and bamboo, and sunset reflected on the stream is mesmerizing.
Experience The Unique Cuisine Of The Mountain
No trip to the Lac Village is complete without trying the cuisine. The cuisine of this culture shows the union between people and nature, having plenty of flavor while being simple. Must-try meals include: grilled stream fish, mountain chicken, Com Lam (sticky rice in bamboo), or wild vegetables in soup. Each meal comes with warmth and pride, representing the cooking culture of the Thai people, their food, and hospitality.
Entrance Fee
When visiting Lac Village, each visitor pays an entrance fee of 15,000-30,000 VND/person, which is used to maintain the cleanliness, environment, and security of the area. There is no entrance fee for children, making Lac Village a great family-friendly destination for everyone.
Best Time To Visit Lac Village
Every season offers its own charm in Lac Village, making it a fabulous place to visit any time of year. Located in the northwest mountains of Vietnam, Lac Village has mild and pleasant weather all year long. The spring months, from February – March, are the best time to experience the hills covered with blooming ban, peach, and plum blossoms.
During summer, from about May – June in Cao Bang, is the best time to see the lush green mountains and sparkling rice terraces during the water season. Then in fall, from September to October, as the rice ripens and becomes golden, Lac Village offers even greater beauty than before, and visitors can participate in lively local festivals and enjoy the cool weather.
How To Get To Lac Village
Lac Village is located approximately 140-150 km from Hanoi, making it a convenient option for letting you escape to the tranquil mountainous region of Mai Chau. You can choose to self-drive from the capital or enjoy a relaxing bus or limousine journey.
By Private Car Or Motorbike
If you enjoy taking the road less traveled and want more flexibility than a bus can offer, driving from Hanoi to Lac Village is a good option. The trip will generally take 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the speed (and stops) you enjoy.
The most commonly taken route is Hanoi – Luong Son – Hoa Binh – Thung Khe Pass – Mai Chau, though other routes could easily be taken as well. The views along the way include breathtaking mountains and valleys, but please take special precautions where the roads are curvy and also in areas with mist, like Cun Slope and Thung Khe Pass, especially in the evening hours.
By Bus Or Limousine
If you’re looking for an easier trip, it is possible to take a bus or limousine from Hanoi to Mai Chau. Most buses leave either My Dinh or Yen Nghia Bus Station, while several limousine companies also pick up from the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
The trip takes about 3-4 hours and costs between 100,000 to 300,000 VND, depending on what type of vehicle you choose. Limousines are ideal for the comfort they provide, and are a great option, especially for small groups or families.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Lac Village
Before heading to Lac Village, it would be wise to plan ahead in order to be able to enjoy your vacation comfortably and safely. Here are some suggestions that might also let you enjoy your stay in this quaint mountain village:
- Bring along warm clothing as Lac Village is cool year-round, especially during winter and spring.
- Pack along insect repellent and basic medicines (e.g., painkillers, allergy pills, etc.) in case of an emergency.
- You may want to reserve your homestay in advance, especially during the weekends or in high season. You don’t want to run out of rooms.
- Rent a bicycle to take advantage of the beautiful fields and mountain paths surrounding the village (renting one will only set you back about 15,000 VND for the day).
- Bring a little cash – ATM and card payment options may not be available at all in the village.
- Respect for local customs will allow you to ask before taking someone’s picture or a picture of a house.
- You will also want to avoid traveling late at night since the roads in the mountains can be narrow and less visible.
Final Thoughts: Is Lac Village Worth Visiting?
For anyone looking for tranquillity, culture, and beautiful scenery in one location, Lac Village is well worth visiting. The picturesque stilt houses, welcoming people, and green rice fields combine for a peaceful setting that is somewhat removed from modern living. Here, you can engage in authentic Thai culture through dance, crafts, and traditional cuisine as you breathe in the cool mountain air. Plan your adventure in Mai Chau with Seni World to be left with memories that will last a lifetime, thanks to the stunning Lac Village.
Related articles
