During your stay in Vietnam, if you want to discover the traditional culture and get away from the stress, noise and bustle of the busy capital, come to Mai Chau.
About 150 km southwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau is a peaceful green valley surrounded by beautiful karst mountains and typical ethnic villages with their beautiful wooden houses on stilts. You will get lost in the tranquility and picturesque nature and immerse yourself in the local life of the ethnic minorities..
Discover below our suggestions of activities to make the most of your getaway in Mai Chau.
1. Admire the view from above at Thung Khe Pass
As you drive to Mai Chau, you will make a short stop at Thung Khe Pass which is at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, it has a breathtaking view of the white cliffs and the valley of Mai Chau.
You can rest and eat the local dishes sold by the Muong tribe in the area such as: boiled eggs, roasted corn, sugar cane, sticky rice called “com lam”…
2. Walking around in ethnic minority villages
The wide open spaces are the most attractive thing in Mai Chau, what better way to explore this peaceful place than to walk around and breathe the fresh air. Walking in the villages, meeting people, discovering the daily life and the beautiful landscapes: green rice fields, karst mountains in the shape of “hump, sugar loaf” covered with lush vegetation, fertile crop fields, fish farming and garden…
3. Faire du vélo
Just like walking, cycling allows you to experience the peaceful rural atmosphere in the beautiful, more remote valleys. With a bike, you can go a little further, ride along roads, through villages and stop when you feel like it.
4. Take a hike
Mai Chau lends itself to hiking. You can hike to Buoc village which is located in a place outside the traditional circuits. You will discover green rice fields in the ethnic white Thais villages of Xam Khoe, Ngoa, Den…located along the way in the mountains. The hike gives you the opportunity to discover also the daily life of the local people. Depending on the season you can observe the farmers working in the rice fields.
5. Discover the life of the local villages
In Mai Chau, you will meet ethnic minorities such as White Thai and H’mong. The Thai are well known not only for their traditional brocade weaving, but also for their festivals and folk dances. The inhabitants live in stilt houses built of wood and bamboo.
If you like to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local inhabitants, discover the culture of the minority ethnic groups, go with a French-speaking guide, who will help you to exchange with the people.
6. Lodging and eating with locals
Taste the extraordinary Thai hospitality by staying in their beautiful traditional wooden house on stilts. This is the best way to discover the way of life of the locals and to taste the traditional dishes prepared by your hosts. You will have a private stilt house with curtained off areas. Toilets and bathroom are outside. The conditions of the homestay are basic but it will be a great experience for you..
7. Attend a traditional dance show of the white Thai ethnic group
A great way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to attend a traditional Thai dance performance by the villagers. You can dance with them and drink fermented rice alcohol to conclude a beautiful day of conviviality and exchange.
8. Discover the local crafts
During your visit to Mai Chau, you will have the chance to discover the local handicraft. Thai women work with precision and dexterity on their old looms to make fabrics, clothes, bags or rugs. They learn to weave from a young age and spend most of their time at their loom. You can easily buy the brocade products, beautiful popular souvenirs of Mai Chau.
9. Visit the ethnic market of Pa Co
Pa Co ethnic market which is located 30 kilometers north of Mai Chau, takes place every Sunday when the ethnic minorities of the area come there not only to trade but also to socialize. You can find many local agricultural products and traditional brocades.
Mai Chau is an easily accessible destination and ideal for a two-day nature getaway from Hanoi.
With the above practical information, we hope you will have an unforgettable trip in the heart of the picturesque landscapes.
