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Located nearly 150km from Hanoi, a 4-hour drive by car, Mai Chau valley is nestled among high mountains. Home to the Thai ethnic community, Mai Chau developed community-based tourism quite early, so even a short trip will offer many interesting experiences. Below are 4 must-see places when visiting Mai Chau.
Thung Khe Pass
Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Stone Pass, is one of the four most beautiful and dangerous passes in Northwest Vietnam. It's called White Stone Pass because of the stunning, towering white rock formations along the pass's cliffs. Standing on White Stone Pass, you can see the entire picturesque landscape of Mai Chau valley, the lush green rice paddies, and a few stilt houses hidden among the bamboo groves.
Pom Coong Village
In Thai, Pom means hill, and Coong means drum, so Pom Coong means a village of hills situated on a large drum, referring to the rice fields. Home to approximately 80 households, it's a popular destination for tourists. While here, you should wander around and explore the handicraft shops and souvenir shops located at the foot of the stilt houses.
The stilt houses in Mai Chau are usually built in clusters and follow the traditional architectural style of the Thai people. The floors are made of bamboo or rattan and are raised about 2 meters above the ground on sturdy wooden posts. The roofs are thatched with straw, rattan leaves, or brick. The houses have many large windows. Beneath the stilt houses are looms where Thai girls weave brocade. These are common differences compared to the stilt houses of other ethnic groups.
Lac Village
This is a famous community tourism destination of the White Thai people, an ethnic group that has lived in Mai Chau for a long time. Lac Village embodies all the rustic, natural characteristics, captivating with the peaceful beauty of houses nestled under bamboo groves, and waterwheels beside small streams that flow day and night. Following the road into the village, you'll find lush green rice paddies fragrant with the scent of nature. The tranquil countryside scenery will entice visitors to linger longer, enjoying a stroll amidst pristine nature.
Cave exploration
Located in a limestone mountainous region, Mai Chau boasts several stunning stalactite caves such as Chieu Cave and Mo Luong Cave, less than 2km from Lac Village. To reach these caves, you must conquer very high stone steps. The reward for the hours spent sweating from the altitude is the relaxing feeling of taking in the breathtaking natural scenery around you.
Mo Luong Cave has two entrances, both facing the fields and villages in the valley. Located at an altitude of about 5 to 7 meters above the surrounding rice paddies, the cave extends more than 500 meters deep into the mountain, including its side passages. Its width ranges from 1 to 30 meters, and the average ceiling height is 10 meters, featuring a system of sparkling white, yellow, and green stalactites. The magical beauty of this natural landscape will keep you busy exploring and admiring it for a considerable amount of time.
Hang Chieu (Afternoon Cave) is the name given by the locals. It's special because every afternoon, the sunlight filters into the cave, making the stalactites even more captivating and unusually shimmering. After climbing 1,200 stone steps, you will reach Hang Chieu. Strolling inside, you will be amazed by the magical beauty of nature, with countless shapes created by the stalactites stretching along the 200-meter length of the cave. At the end of the cave is a small stream, its water cool and clear all year round. Try to feel the refreshing coolness of the water here.
In Hanoi, if you only have two days for the weekend, Mai Chau is the perfect choice for a trip back to nature, immersing yourself in the beauty and charm of the Northern Vietnamese rice fields.
Additional information:
+ Journey: From Hanoi to Mai Chau, you can choose to travel by car, which takes 4 hours.
+ Transportation: Regarding transportation between villages in Mai Chau, shuttle services are readily available for tourists. A small tip: try cycling along the long roads lined with lush green rice fields. This promises to be a delightful experience.
+ Seasonal Experiences: Each season in Mai Chau offers its own unique and picturesque scenery, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the small valley and temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Summer in Mai Chau is characterized by the lush green of the young rice fields, the cool air, and the gentle smiles of the local people.
+ Cuisine: You should try sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, wild bamboo shoots, grilled pork, and stream fish. And immerse yourself in the intoxicating atmosphere of the singing and music of the Thai Xoe dance, participating in the bamboo pole dance and Xoe dance.
+ Accommodation: There are many options for tourists, from resorts nestled in the mountains to hotels (prices starting from 300,000 VND). You can also stay in the traditional wooden stilt houses of the local people (prices starting from 100,000 VND).
Text and photos: Tuan Duong
