Nestled in the serene mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Mai Chau is a tranquil valley and an ideal retreat from the vibrant chaos of Hanoi. This charming destination offers a wealth of unforgettable activities, promising truly exciting experiences.
Cycle Through Rice Paddies And Villages
One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is to ride a bike through the green rice fields and charming villages. This activity gives you a wonderful experience, letting you enjoy the calm and beauty of the Northwest valley. As you pedal along the winding paths, you’ll pass by lush green rice fields (or bright golden ones in autumn) and see the traditional wooden stilt houses of the White Thai people. The fresh air, the sound of birds singing, and the warm, friendly smiles of the locals make the bike ride even more special and unforgettable.
To experience it, rent a bicycle from the homestay (approximately 90,000 VND/day) and get ready to explore Mai Chau in the most intimate and free way!
Trekking In Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Hiking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a fantastic opportunity to continue to experience the natural beauty of Mai Chau Valley after cycling through rice paddies and small hamlets. You will meander through beautiful green terraced fields and lush, untouched forests, and visit Thai villages in the valleys. The lunches can last around 4 to 6 hours in total, depending on your route and pace. The great thing about a local guide is that you can take in stunning views while learning about the local life – the traditions of stall house life, and you warm-hearted villagers and welcoming smiles.
Visit White Thai Villages (Lac And Pom Coong)
If you enjoy traditional cultures, be sure to plan a trek to the White Thai villages as one of your top things to do in Mai Chau. Lac and Pom Coong villages are famous for their distinct wooden, stilt houses that the White Thai people have lived in for hundreds of years. You can stroll through the small alleyways, appreciate the elegant designs of the stilt houses, and purchase handmade brocade products such as scarves, bags or traditional shirts.
This activity is free. Although this journey takes just 1-2 hours, it offers an intimate and profound connection to the vibrant Northwest culture.
Rock Climbing At Hang Chieu Cave
Do you want to explore the wild, majestic nature with a strong Northwest imprint in the beautiful land of Mai Chau? Hang Chieu is the perfect suggestion for you. To discover the beauty of Hang Chieu, visitors must embark on a challenging journey with more than 1,200 stone steps. This path has created an attractive part of the cave. Going through each step is not only a way to exercise but also an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the cool green space of the mountains and forests, breathe fresh air, and admire the majestic natural scenery.
Standing at the highest peak and looking down, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Mai Chau valley with golden rice fields, small villages nestled at the foot of the mountain, and the surrounding mountain ranges. This majestic natural scenery will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on the hearts of every visitor.
Kayak On Hoa Binh Lake
With 47 small islands surrounded by green mountains and forests, Hoa Binh Lake is one of the largest lakes in Vietnam. If choosing a homestay around this lake, you can go kayaking, glide through the small islands, feel the cool water, and watch the brilliant sunrise or sunset. The cost for this activity is about 200,000 VND/hour and is suitable for beginners. It is one of the greatest things to do in Mai Chau with friends and family. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen to fully enjoy exploring this beautiful lake!
Explore Mo Luong Cave
Mo Luong is a cave located in a limestone mountain range and has been eroded by water for thousands of years. The effect of water erosion created stalactites and stone pillars with many interesting shapes. When exploring Mo Luong cave, visitors will be overwhelmed by the vastness of this cave. The cave system comprises four main chambers, extending up to 500 meters, offering visitors a series of breathtaking surprises.
After exploring these chambers, you can step outside to admire an overview of lush green trees and charming stilt houses nestled in serene valleys.
Taste Local Cuisine At Homestays
Having the opportunity to visit the Northwest region, you will be surprised by the richness and uniqueness of the cuisine here. In particular, discovering the dishes in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, is an experience not to be missed. Some typical dishes include pickled pork, bamboo rice, Mai Chau hill chicken, and grilled wild boar. These dishes not only demonstrate the sophistication in the cooking methods of Thai ethnic people, but also bring authentic and unforgettable culinary experiences to visitors.
Sleep In A Stilt House
If you have never slept in a stilt house, plan a trip to Mai Chau to experience this fascinating activity. In this way, visitors can experience the culture and lifestyle of the local people. At night, do not forget to participate in entertainment activities such as traditional festivals, bamboo dancing, and ethnic performances. The stilt houses in Lac village also often have full catering services. Therefore, you can contact us to order dishes in advance to enjoy authentic Thai meals.
Travel To Thung Khe Pass By Car/Motorbike
Instead of biking around the villages, you can rent a motorbike or car to explore the mountain roads in Mai Chau. This is a fun activity to try. On the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mai Chau Valley from above, with clouds, big mountains, and green forests. Stopping at Mai Chau Flag Tower is great for taking photos and breathing fresh air. The trip takes about 2 hours, and you need to drive carefully to stay safe.
Check In At Mai Chau Flagpole
The Mai Chau Flagpole is located about 60 km northwest of the Hoa Binh city center. Although not a professional tourist area, Mai Chau Flagpole is still an attractive destination for photography enthusiasts. This is also an opportunity for you to stop, relax, and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. In particular, if you go through Thung Khe Pass, Mai Chau Flagpole will appear before your eyes, giving you a beautiful panoramic view from above. At this time, do not forget to stop capturing impressive moments here.
Enjoy Folk Music And Dance
Traditional shows are a special part of every Mai Chau trip. White Thai musicians use natural materials to make instruments that play beautiful music. After dinner, you can relax and watch a Thai performance with folk instruments and dancers in colorful traditional clothes, giving an exciting show.
Swim In The Go Lao Waterfall
On the list of things to do in Mai Chau, swimming at Go Lao Waterfall offers a refreshing feeling amidst the pristine natural scenery. Go Lao Waterfall is more than 20 meters tall, made from two streams, Thung Cang and Phieng Xa. At the bottom, the water flows like a curtain, forming a clear blue lake perfect for fun swimming. The gentle water running over small stone steps makes a soft sound, blending beautifully with nature.
Take Some Photos In The Golden Rice Fields
The best time to visit Mai Chau to see the ripe rice season is in September and October every year. At this time, all the Northwestern provinces, such as Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Sapa, Yen Bai, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau, are covered with a golden coat of ripe rice. The beautiful scenery is like a giant painting, drawn by the talented hands of nature and the diligence of humans, making anyone surprised and captivated.
For the best photos, visit at dawn or dusk when the light is soft and makes beautiful shadows on the fields. Taking pictures from high up or from mountain passes lets you capture the stunning view of the golden rice fields.
Stargaze From A Stilt House Balcony
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than stargazing from the balcony of a stilt house to appreciate the tranquility of Mai Chau’s mountains and forests. The air is fresh, and the night sky is unobstructed by urban light. To make sure the stars can be seen well, select homestays a little further from the center. This is the best option for relaxation while forgetting about worries in nature.
FAQs About Things To Do In Mai Chau
Besides the must-try activities, Seni World also summarized some FAQs to help visitors have the best preparation.
What should I bring for trekking in Mai Chau?
You should bring some comfortable clothes, trekking shoes, sunscreen, a raincoat (in case it’s the rainy season), and cash (because some small shops don’t accept cards).
Where to stay in Mai Chau?
Stay in the valley center or villages for easy sightseeing and a local homestay experience. Or, pick a mountain resort for a quieter, more relaxing stay.
What is the best time to visit Mai Chau?
The best time to visit Mai Chau is from September to November (ripe rice season) or from March to May (flower season). You shouldn’t come to Mai Chau from June to August to avoid the heavy rain.
How many days are needed to visit Mai Chau?
A trip of 2 to 3 days is ideal: Day 1 for exploring the village. Day 2 of adventure caves. Day 3 is for relaxing and buying souvenirs.
How long does it take from Mai Chau to Sa Pa?
Mai Chau to Sa Pa takes nearly 6-7 hours, depending on the specific route and vehicle.
Final Thoughts: Is Mai Chau Worth Traveling To?
Mai Chau is an ideal destination for those who want to live slowly, relax, and connect with nature and indigenous culture in the Northwest mountains. Hopefully, Seni World’s list of things to do in Mai Chau can help you have the most satisfying trip. Pack your bags and go!
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