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What To Do In Mai Chau? Top 06 Activities Not To Be Missed In Mai Chau, Viet Nam

Sunday, November 19, 2023 Places to visit & things to do Nguyen Phuong

Mai Chau is a mountainous district located in the far west of Hoa Binh province. It's about 110 km from downtown Hanoi, roughly a 3-hour drive. If you're looking to switch up the atmosphere, away from the bustling, lively cities and venture into peaceful, tranquil villages, Mai Chau is an excellent choice, especially for a two-day stay. But what to do in Mai Chau? In this article, Autour Asia shows you the top 06 activities not to miss in Mai Chau.

1. Visit authentic Thai ethnic villages
2. Go trekking - top best things to do in Mai Chau
3. Ride a bike through the valley to visit the villages
4. Enjoy ethnic dance and music
5. Stay in a homestay of a local ethnic minority
6. Visit the local handcraft

1. Visit authentic Thai ethnic villages

Mai Chau is the home of the Thai ethnic groups. This place boasts numerous stunning mountain landscapes. Additionally, it's adorned with many delightful small villages that are pleasant to visit.

Each village in Mai Chau has its own beauty. You can opt to explore several villages in a single day or over two days when traveling in Mai Chau but don't miss the following villages such as: Lac Village, Pom Coong Village, Van Village, etc. During your journey, you'll uncover the traditional and rustic way of life of the Thai ethnic group, who reside in houses built on wooden stilts nestled amidst the trees, all within a breathtaking natural backdrop framed by magnificent green mountains.

Take a look at: top unmissable places to visit In Mai Chau

2. Go trekking - top best things to do in Mai Chau

After exploring the villages, what else can you do in Mai Chau? One of the best activities not to miss in Mai Chau is trekking. You can choose a trekking route that suits your time and fitness level. By traversing ethnic villages, visitors not only soak in the breathtaking natural scenery but also witness the serene daily life of the locals. It's common to witness farmers plowing with their buffalos, locals tending to their crops, and everyone partaking in traditional songs and dances. Engaging in extended trekking adventures allows tourists to delve deeper into the region's distinctive characteristics, the unique cultural richness of the locals, their traditions, and customs. For the energetic souls who cherish natural beauty, trekking provides entertainment, mental rejuvenation, a boost of energy, and a broader perspective on Vietnam's ethnic minorities and their exceptional culture.

The best time for hiking is from October to April of the following year, especially around Tet. October is the golden time for terraced rice fields during the ripe rice season. During the Lunar New Year, Mai Chau is filled with white peach and plum blossoms. Spring in Mai Chau is beautiful, with flowers blooming everywhere along the roads, mountainsides, and hills. You'll walk along winding roads through villages, with vast fields on both sides, distant stilted roofs at the foot of the mountain, and tranquil landscapes. You can go with a guide from a travel agency or with a local guide.

3. Ride a bike through the valley to visit the villages

Like trekking, cycling to visit the villages is also a great choice when traveling in Mai Chau. The best time is always from October to April of the following year. Cycling here unveils many rustic beauties. Riding through villages, stilt houses, or terraced rice fields, you'll witness the lives of ethnic groups more vividly. Moreover, this is an opportunity to sense the simple yet captivating beauty of the locals' warmth and hospitality firsthand.

Bike rentals are also very affordable; you can choose to rent by the hour or for the whole day.

Rates: ~30,000 VND/bike per hour
Day: ~80,000 - 90,000 VND/bike per day

You can contact your guesthouse or hotel to rent this service.

4. Enjoy ethnic dance and music

For the northwestern Thais in general, and the Thais in Mai Chau specifically, the Xoe dance is an integral part of life, much like food and water every day.

According to their belief, the Xoe dance should be joyful; the more people participate, the more fruitful the trees will be and the harvests abundant. The dance symbolizes not only the wish for warmth, abundance, and convenience in work but also helps people alleviate stress, become more optimistic, more excited, and capable of overcoming daily challenges. But what to do in Mai Chau? Explore the nature of Mai Chau during the day, and in the evening, you will be immersed in the widespread dances of the Thai ethnic group here.

5. Stay in a homestay of a local ethnic minority

Instead of staying in luxurious hotels, spending the night in a homestay of a local ethnic minority is one of the best things to do in Mai Chau Valley. The houses here are traditionally built on stilts and some of which are now used as homestays for tourists. The simplicity is part of the charm: guests sleep on bamboo or timber floors furnished with comfortable mattresses. Life in these homestays embodies tranquility and untouched beauty, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to embrace nature's wonders, savor a slower pace of life, and immerse themselves in local culture. While not as opulent or costly as five-star hotels, these homestays have undergone significant upgrades, offering modern amenities, cozy beds, and private bathrooms, ensuring guests a unique and enriching stay.

You may want to view more: best homestays in Mai Chau

6. Visit the local handcraft

When traveling in Mai Chau, it's a must to visit the local crafts and beautiful fabrics made by skilled artisans. Their work is amazing, creating special and high-quality items that people will love. In every shop, you can see how they weave these fabrics on looms. Mai Chau has lots of different ethnic groups, and they all have their own colorful clothes and cool patterns made with special methods. Each craft shows the diverse cultures of these tribes. Therefore, when tourists buy these crafts, they're not just souvenirs - they're a way to appreciate the unique cultures of Vietnam's mountain people.

In short, if you're planning a trip to Mai Chau and seeking guidance when you don't know what to do in Mai Chau? make sure to include these top best activities not to miss in Mai Chau in your itinerary for an unforgettable journey! This destination holds great promise for nature enthusiasts and mountain lovers, offering an immersive experience into the rich and vibrant traditional cultures of Vietnam's ethnic minorities.

To have a satisfying experience that exceeds your expectations, please CONTACT AUTOUR ASIA, Vietnam Travel Agency now!

It is advisable to refer to:
> How to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
> Mai Chau Travel Guide
> Mai Chau Pu Luong 3 days
> North Vietnam Tours