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What To Bring Back? Best Souvenirs You Can’t Leave Mai Chau Without

What to bring back from Mai Chau? (photo : Village de Ban Lac)

Nestled in northern Vietnam, Mai Chau is more than just a valley with stunning natural beauty — it’s also a fantastic spot to find amazing Mai Chau souvenirs that capture the region's essence. From handcrafted items to products deeply rooted in local culture and agricultural traditions, these treasures will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're seeking something unique or a meaningful memento, explore our list of the best souvenirs from Mai Chau to bring back!

I. What to shop in Mai Chau? Best souvenir ideas
II. Best souvenir shops in Mai Chau for shopping

I. What to shop in Mai Chau? Best souvenir ideas

1. Mai Chau brocade souvenirs

Brocade products are not just simple souvenirs from Mai Chau; they also represent the rich cultural heritage of the Thai and Hmong ethnic groups in the region. These items showcase the talent of skilled women who combine creativity and traditional craftsmanship in their decorative patterns. Using rudimentary tools, they create the highest quality brocade fabrics.

The range of products is diverse: bags, scarves, hats, keychains, and even complete traditional costumes. If you're charmed by these Mai Chau souvenirs, you can purchase them directly from the locals in cultural villages or local ethnic markets. By doing so, you not only support the ethnic communities but also contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage and the transmission of this ancestral craft.

Shopping in Mai Chau - Brocade souvenirs are a must!

2. Mai Ha wine

When shopping in Mai Chau, you should try this traditional wine named after the Mai Ha commune, where it was first made. The Mai Ha people are known for their ancient distillation skills in producing this exceptional liquor. They harvest wild leaves and fruits from the forests in Mai Chau, clean and dry them, then mix them with rice and cassava flour to create the fermentation starter.

The fermentation process includes other specific ingredients and takes place in tightly sealed jars. The longer the fermentation, the more distinctive the aroma and refined taste of the wine.

Don't miss the chance to discover the secrets behind the making of Mai Ha wine. Its production requires many steps and a great deal of time, but the result is the true essence of the local nature. This product is undoubtedly an unmissable Mai Chau souvenir!

What to buy in Mai Chau? Mai Ha wine

3. Local herbal tea

One of the easiest Mai Chau souvenirs to bring back is local herbal tea, known as “nước lá phao” in Vietnamese. This beverage is renowned for its beneficial properties, especially for the digestive system and immune defenses. Made entirely from natural ingredients, its main component, the Phao herbs, comes from a plant found only in Mai Chau.

To prepare the tea, locals harvest the herbs, dry them, and then finely chop them. When infused in boiling water, the tea releases a distinctive aroma reminiscent of traditional medicinal herbs, with a rich and pronounced taste.

Herbal Tea – A Top Souvenir from Mai Chau

4. Bamboo and rattan products

In addition to brocade items, the Thai ethnic group is also famous for its bamboo and rattan woven products. These Mai Chau souvenirs are carefully crafted by local artisans, who dye the fibers with natural pigments before skillfully weaving them. The dyes are derived exclusively from plants and flowers found in the forest, ensuring products that are both safe for health and environmentally friendly. For instance, yellow comes from turmeric, black from the bark of the sang vi tree, pink from purslane flowers, and purple from violet leaves. The rattan fibers are boiled with these dyes, dried in the sun, and then sorted by intensity before being woven.

Bamboo and rattan products mainly include everyday items such as baskets, chairs, cushions, rugs, and bags. These souvenirs from Mai Chau, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Thai people, appeal to visitors not only for their authenticity but also for their affordable prices and eco-friendly nature.

Bamboo and rattan products in Mai Chau

5. Mai Chau purple garlic

Shopping in Mai Chau and don’t know what to buy? Purple garlic, also known as Noong Luong garlic, is among the top 100 gift specialties of Vietnam in 2021 and 2022, according to the Vietnam Records Organization.

Grown in the communes of Noong Luong or Thanh Son in the Mai Chau region, this garlic is distinguished by its small golden cloves, strong aroma, and intense, slightly spicy taste. It is a key ingredient in family meals in Mai Chau. Moreover, purple garlic is known for its health benefits: it aids breathing, improves sleep, soothes coughs, and boosts liver function. It’s an excellent souvenir from Mai Chau, especially for food lovers.

Mai Chau purple garlic

6. Mai Chau rice

It’s impossible to talk about Mai Chau's best souvenirs without mentioning rice, a specialty of the White Thai ethnic group. Grown in high-altitude areas where the climate is cooler, this rice is known for its firm grains and unique fragrance. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese rice, don’t miss the chance to bring this Mai Chau specialty home!

Mai Chau rice

II. Best souvenir shops in Mai Chau for shopping

If you're looking for the best shopping spots for Mai Chau souvenirs, here are some must-visit places. These locations feature a diverse selection of authentic, local products that are worth checking out.

1. Pa Co Ethnic Market in Mai Chau

Vietnamese name: Chợ phiên Pà Cò Mai Châu
Address: Pa Co Commune, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
Market days: Every Sunday
Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Google Maps: link

Foreign tourists at the Pa Co market

2. Ban Lac Village

Vietnamese name: Bản Lác Mai Châu
Address: Chieng Chau Commune, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
Google Maps: link

In addition to the above list, the souvenirs in Mai Chau offer a wide variety of products tailored to your needs and preferences. Don't miss the chance to purchase items infused with the flavors of the mountains and the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic groups during your visit to Mai Chau! Contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam travel company, to start your journey in Vietnam now and experience a trip that exceeds all your expectations!

You can refer to:

> Itinerary Mai Chau 1 day

> Mai Chau travel guide

> North Vietnam Tours

> Mai Chau Pu Luong 3 days

5/5 - (1001 Vote)

Diana

5.0 Excellent

Where to visit in Mai Chau?

There are many places to visit in Mai Chau, including:

The picturesque Mai Hich commune is known for its lush landscapes and the Thai ethnic group's culture.
The Poom Coong Village is great for experiencing the local culture and handicrafts.
Don't miss Hmong Pa Co Market for a taste of authentic local products and fresh goods.
For nature lovers, the Chieu Cave and surrounding hills offer beautiful hiking opportunities.
To learn about the area's ethnic cultures, explore Lac Village, where you can meet the White Thai people and enjoy their traditional lifestyle.

Leslee

5.0 Excellent

Can I haggle when shopping for souvenirs in Mai Chau?

Yes, haggling is a common practice when shopping for souvenirs in Mai Chau, especially in local markets (but not ethnic markets in the highlands).

Vendors are often open to negotiation, but it's important to approach it with respect and politeness. Start by offering a price lower than the asking price and see how the vendor responds. Keep in mind that the price can depend on the item and the market in Mai Chau, so don't be afraid to negotiate, but be fair and considerate.

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