10 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam in 2025

Mai Chau, situated in northern Vietnam, is a truly captivating valley. It holds an irresistible allure for travelers, thanks to its picturesque beauty, pleasant climate, rich cultural diversity from various minority ethnic groups, and unique cuisine. If you're considering a visit to this charming valley but haven't yet decided on the activities to plan or need practical information about traveling, the best time to visit, and more, you've come to the right place. This travel guide is tailored for you, providing insights into all the must-see attractions of this exceptional destination.

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 15-10-2024

3 Comments

1. Where Is Mai Chau Located?

Mai Chau is situated in the Northern part of Vietnam, approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) to the west of Hanoi, making it a three hours’ scenic drive. The valley is fully supported in the mountainous area of the Hoa Binh province which is well-known for its temperate climatic condition and beautiful views of green rice terraces. The place is occupied by White Thais and Muongs who will greet you dressed in traditional attires and proffer smiles and offer rice wine in their stilt houses. 

Most of the area lends itself to trekking and offers one day to multi-day tours in roaming. By making a trip to this place, you will have calm moments and get to breathe clean air as well as participate in the dealing of the ethnic locals.

2. When are the best times to visit?

Mai Chau Valley has favorable weather conditions nearly every day, every month of the year, but it tends to rain during the period between May to December which is worst in July and September. Properly, This region is better explored between the months of November and April.

Some viewpoints to take into consideration:

• The season for plum and peach blossoms (November - February): It is a cold, dry winter, perfect for flower viewing.
• The Bauhinia season (March - April): A time for leisure, with pleasant weather and local celebrations.
• Season of Plenty (May or Late September): Ideal for taking photos of golden rice fields and witnessing the hard work of rice farmers.
• Summer (May - August): Warm temperatures (25-35°C), though some rainfall can occur along with dry sunny spells. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen.

If you're interested in seeing the rice terraces, it’s worth noting that the area has two rice cultivation cycles. The first crop is typically planted after Tet (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year), around late February or early March, and the fields are ready by April, with the harvest occurring by late June. After the first crop is harvested, the second crop is sown, with the final harvest taking place in October.

3. Things to do in Mai Chau

• Explore nature and authentic ethnic billages on foot or by bike 

Mai Chau is characterized by large rice fields, corn fields, and very lush nature. The typical landscapes of rustical, natural surroundings give you an opportunity to cycle or simply walk in order to get to know this region. This is the best way to plunge oneself into one of the typical landscapes of the mountainous region of the North.

You will learn, among others, the traditional life of the Thais, an ethnic group living in wood on stilts houses nestled between the trees in the heart of a fabulous natural environment with a view of magnificent mountains.

>>> Explore the best Vietnam Hiking Tours right now!

• Explore Paco's weekly sunday market 

This is an ethnic market held every Sunday morning, about thirty kilometers northwest of Mai Chau. From the crack of dawn, the place comes alive with the arrival of various ethnic groups from the surrounding mountains. These different communities sell a variety of products, including food, fruits, wine, rice, corn, and vegetables, transporting their goods in baskets firmly placed on their shoulders.

Locals load their purchases onto animals, following ancient traditions at this market. Colorful and lively, a visit here will leave you with unforgettable memories.

You will also find charming souvenirs like handbags, wallets, and clothes with vibrant ethnic designs. If you can’t make it to the market on the weekend, many stalls in Mai Chau village offer similarly attractive souvenirs.

>>> Explore more: what to buy in Vietnam

• Admire a panoramic view from Thung Khe Pass

On the way from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you will pass through the Thung Khe Pass. Located at an altitude of around 1000 meters above sea level, the Thung Khe Pass offers an ideal vantage point to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the beautiful valley surrounding Mai Chau.

The good news is, this is a place that you can take a break. Where traveling by private car, the passengers can request the driver to take a minute to enjoy the view before proceeding to the town of Mai Chau.

Along with this stunning view, tourists can enjoy local food cuisine sold on the way such as boiled corn and also sugar cane.

Beyond the awe-inspiring scenery, visitors can savor delectable traditional treats available along the roadside, including boiled corn, sugarcane, and the famed sesame "com lam" (sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes), among other mouthwatering dishes. This unforgettable culinary experience adds an authentic dimension to your visit.

>>> Let's explore the best 5-day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

• Overwhelmed by Mo Luong Cave

Located within Mai Chau’s Pu Kha Mountain range, Mo Luong Cave is an enthralling adventure that plunges travelers deep into the green bowels of nature. Four chambers extending over 500 meters constitute an integrated part of this Cave complex providing visitors with a visual feast from stalactites and other rock formations that mirror fairyland ambiance.

As you navigate through the caves, different forms of beauty will capture your eyes: first, the grandeur of “living room” characterizes the first chamber; in contrast, the second one exhibits supernatural stone shapes, whereas the third offers serene coolness. The last chamber is too big not to talk about it contains an underground river which finally pours out in Mo Luong Lake leaving every visitor gasping at its surroundings.

• Savor Ruou Can, the emblematic beverage of the White Thai ethnic group

Ruou Can is a unique beverage of the White Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau, Vietnam, perfectly encapsulating the flavors of the mountains and forests. The captivating aroma of glutinous rice, skillfully crafted by the expert hands of women, gives birth to a passionate and enchanting wine. The preparation of wine yeast is an elaborate and sophisticated process, artfully blending ginger, rhizomes, traditional medicinal plants, and a variety of forest leaves rich in essential oils. The fermented ingredients are meticulously arranged in large jars, where Mai Chau wine must rest for an extended period to gain richness and delicacy.

The fact that this wine is served on bamboo stems around a meter long rather than a cup or bowl distinguishes it from others. After heating, straightening, and piercing the bamboo tubes, they bend and place them in wine jars.

When gathered, people share this libation, thus creating a warm atmosphere. Take a sip of Ruou Can, and you will be transported by the natural flavors of the mountains, an essential experience during your visit to Mai Chau.

• Live an Authentic Experience by Participating in a Folk Dance Show

Admire the graceful folk dances performed by the young girls of the village, accompanied by the captivating rhythms of the music characteristic of the mountainous region. This spectacle echoes the cultural richness of the northern mountains of Vietnam.

During the cold seasons, locals gather around a warm fire to dance, creating a charming and authentic atmosphere. Participating in these dances, steeped in history and tradition, will transport you to the heart of Vietnamese culture and evoke intense emotions.

>>> Related things about traditional dances, music and songs in Vietnam

4. Which Villages To Absolutely Visit In Mai Chau?

• Lac village

Ban Lac (Lac Village), nestled in the heart of Mai Chau, is home to the Thai ethnic group, known for their primary activities such as rice cultivation, livestock farming, and brocade weaving. Once a secluded hamlet for the locals, Lac Village has gradually opened its doors to the outside world while preserving its authenticity.

During your stay, it's essential to explore the traditional Thai houses to fully immerse yourself in their daily life. You can also embark on a bike ride for an authentic and enriching experience. Take your time to admire and appreciate the vibrant crafts that flourish in the local markets: from elegant ethnic ornaments to captivating scarves, from brocade-adorned purses to melodious bamboo flutes, a wide array of captivating treasures awaits you. Don't miss this unique opportunity to bring home enchanting memories for yourself and your loved ones.

• Pom Coong village

Pom Coong, much like Lac Village, is a picturesque Thai ethnic village with over 300 residents and nearly 70 households. The community takes great pride in preserving their rich cultural traditions. The villagers engage in traditional weaving and rice cultivation and often host captivating performances to showcase their ancestral songs and dances. Visitors can immerse themselves in this vibrant culture by joining traditional dances or enjoying local delicacies from Mai Chau, Vietnam. Many travelers, especially foreigners, visit Pom Coong to experience the warm hospitality and cultural richness of this charming village.

5. Which Culinary Delights Of Mai Chau Are Worth Savoring?

Cơm lam, a traditional dish from the mountainous regions of Vietnam, consists of sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, imparting delicate aromas and a soft texture. The rice is wrapped in banana leaves to enhance its flavor and then slowly cooked in the bamboo tubes, resulting in an explosion of authentic flavors.

>>> Get more interesting things about Vietnamese Cuisine 

For those who love meat, grilled wild boar is a perfect choice. Marinated in carefully selected local spices, it is cooked until tender and lightly caramelized, offering a symphony of flavors that will delight the taste buds.

Fish enthusiasts will savor the delightful "Cá suối nướng." Fresh stream fish are grilled, preserving the natural flavor of the fish and enveloping it in subtle and captivating aromas. These dishes invite you on a culinary journey to the heart of the Vietnamese mountainous regions.

If you're looking to try something different from your traditional barbecue, consider the unique northwest Vietnamese cuisine: pork rolls wrapped in grapefruit leaves. Similar to the grilled beef with lolot leaves, this dish from Mai Chau offers an exquisite blend of flavors. Marinate the pork with spices, wrap it in fragrant grapefruit leaves, and grill it over charcoal. When you taste it, you'll experience a delightful mix of sweet, bitter, and spicy notes. Besides being delicious, these rolls are also nutritious and offer medicinal benefits, aiding digestion and helping to stabilize blood pressure.

>>> Don't miss the chance to explore the untouched beauty of Son Tra Flowers in Vietnam

6. How To Get There?

About a 3-hour drive from Hanoi (135 km), you can reach this charming valley by either bus or private car.

• By Bus: In Hanoi, you can catch a bus from My Dinh and Yen Nghia bus stations. Alternatively, you can request your hotel to arrange the ticket for you and, if possible, arrange for a return to your hotel or visit the old quarters.
• By Private Car: Generally, renting a private car (with a driver) from local travel agencies that offer English-speaking services is a straightforward and convenient option, especially for groups, including those with small children or elderly individuals. While it is somewhat more expensive than taking the bus, you have the advantage of selecting the car type, departure time, and pick-up location. Additionally, you have the freedom to stop and rest as needed during the journey.

7. How many days to spend in Mai Chau and Which Destinations to Combine?

For a visit to Mai Chau, two days are sufficient. Mai Chau is located near Pu Luong, one of the most beautiful places in Northern Vietnam. While Mai Chau offers a charming experience, Pu Luong stands out with its stunning rice terraces and landscapes, making it perfect for trekking. There are also numerous activities and locations to explore, offering a richer experience than its neighboring counterpart.

Both destinations are conveniently situated along the same highway, making travel between them easy. It takes just one hour to get from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. Therefore, an ideal itinerary would be to spend one day in Mai Chau and two days in Pu Luong.

Indeed this plan perfectly suits those seeking to experience what northern Vietnam is really like while at the same not missing out on time meant for these two lovely sites. 

>>> For more information, we invite you to read the article about Pu Luong

In conclusion

So, why wait any longer to plan your trip to Mai Chau? Armed with this practical information, we hope you can have a perfect and unforgettable journey. Have a wonderful trip!

✈️Explore other attractions in Vietnam:

• Pu Luong Nature Reserve: 6 questions to consider before you go
• Halong Bay on Land: 7 Essential Questions Before You Go!
• The Ultimate Ha Giang Guide: Must-See Stops & Insider Tips
• Mu Cang Chai: Everything you need to know