Trekking in Mai Chau
Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh province, about 150 km from Hanoi. It is a green and quiet valley surrounded by beautiful karst mountains and typical ethnic villages with beautiful wooden houses on stilts. It is a good choice for travelers who have little time but still want to enjoy the mountain life.
The trek to Mai Chau is easy and accessible to all walkers regardless of their level. If you are traveling with your family and children, do not hesitate to go to Mai Chau. It will be an enriching and exotic experience.
Venturing on the trails allows you to contemplate the tranquil nature. You will cross sublime landscapes: green rice fields, karst mountains in the shape of “hump, sugar loaf” covered with luxuriant vegetation, fertile crop fields, fish farms and gardens…
The trek to Mai Chau not only allows you to enjoy the scenic landscapes but also to explore the little-visited villages and daily life of minorities. During the trekking adventure, you will be happy to interact with the locals, spend the night in traditional wooden houses on stilts and share the meal with your hosts. The people of Mai Chau are warm and hospitable. You will be pleasantly surprised by the warmth of their welcome.
It is highly recommended to trek with a tour guide as the locals do not speak French. The guide will help you interact with the locals during the tour. This type of exchange with the many locals you are sure to meet will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable moments of your trek.
Where to go trekking in Mai Chau ?
Xam Khoe village
Xam Khoe village is located 25 km from Mai Chau. The landscapes and people of Xam Khoe are basically similar to those of Mai Chau, but more authentic and much less touristy. The White Thai people of Xam Khoe live mainly from agriculture and their traditional way of life has changed little over the generations.
Hang Kia Village
At 40 km from the village of Lac, nestled in the middle of rocky mountains, the village of Hang Kia is kissed by clouds all year round. It is located at about 1200 meters above sea level. Thanks to its unique location, this village preserves its unspoiled nature and the rich cultural heritage of the Hmong ethnic minority.
Cun Pheo Village
From Hang Kia village, you can trek to Cun Pheo village. From village to village, the zigzag path takes you to the small Muong village next to the Ma River. It is a peaceful village surrounded by palm and bamboo gardens.
Depending on your time and physical ability, you can go to other villages such as Tra Day, Van Mai, Pieng Ve… The trails are spectacular and pleasant enough to eliminate the noise and stress of the city.
The best trekking routes in Mai Chau ?
Option 1 :
Day 1 : Hanoi – Mai Chau – Xam Khoe
Day 2 : Xam Khoe
Day 3 : Xam Khoe – Hanoi or another destination ( Ninh Binh, Nghia Lo…)
Option 2 :
Day 1 : Hanoi – Hang Kia
Day 2 : Hang Kia – Cun Pheo
Day 3 : Cun Pheo – Van Mai
Day 4 : Van Mai – Hanoi or another destination ( Ninh Binh, Nghia Lo…)
When to go trekking in Mai Chau ?
Mai Chau, like elsewhere in northern Vietnam, has a tropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature is 18°C, with a maximum temperature of 37°C in July and a minimum temperature of 16°C in January. The best period is from the end of September to the beginning of May with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.
The weather in Mai Chau is good for visiting all year round. However, the best seasons for trekking are from late September to early November or late February to early May. The days are sunny and not too hot. During the harvest season in May and late September, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of rice fields and the hustle and bustle of farmers in the fields.
In winter, from November to February, it is quite cold. Be sure to bring warm closures as temperatures drop sharply at night.
In summer, from June to August, it is hot (between 28°C and 37°C) with higher humidity. In addition, these months are the rainiest, making it difficult to explore the area. During this time, don’t forget sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
Mai Chau is the ideal place for an easy trek near the capital. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a unique vacation in the majestic Mai Chau Valley.
