15 Best Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
April 28, 2024
Menu
Mai Chau is a rural area in Northwestern Vietnam only a three-hour drive from the bustling Vietnamese capital Hanoi. It is the perfect escape for nature lovers who like to visit ethnic minority villages, experience the traditional culture of ethnic groups, and marvel at gorgeous rice fields surrounded by green mountains. Here is a complete travel guide with everything you need to know about this up-and-coming destination!
Mai Chau, Vietnam
Mai Chau is a beautiful area only a three-hour drive from the capital Hanoi. It consists of a few valleys surrounded by lush green mountains dotted with ethnic minority villages.
The White Thai and Black Thai are the main ethnic groups that live in the villages around Mai Chau. Their ancestors came from Thailand and you can recognize their distinctive culture through the traditional Stilt houses around the Lac and Pom Coong villages and the traditional weaving that can be seen in most of the homestays around the valley.
In this guide, you can learn about the top things to do in and around the Mai Chau valley, how to get to around, how to get to Mai Chau, and the best places to eat and sleep!
What to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam
There are many things to do in Mai Chau and you can easily spend a week here, just relaxing in a traditional homestay or embarking on adventures in the lush countryside!
Cycling is the best way to get around
One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is simply cycle around the valley and take in the gorgeous scenery. The valleys are dotted with stunning rice fields and small pathways leading to nearby villages.
Almost all the homestays and accommodations in the area offer free bikes or, if not, you can rent them for around VND 20 000.
You can cycle around yourself or opt for an organized tour.
If you want to experience the local Thai culture to the fullest, the best way to do this is to stay in a local homestay. There are many of them in the main villages of Lac and Pom Coong but the most attractive ones are located in between the valleys and the ricefields.
A favorite among domestic travelers and foreign visitors is Little Mai Chau. The homestay consists of little bamboo huts perched against a green mountain with extraordinary views over the rice fields. They offer a communal dinner every evening where you can get to know the other guests and they also cater to vegetarians.
Women working on the ricefields
The two main local villages that are the most easily visited are Lac Village and Pom Coong village. Do be aware that Lac village has become incredibly touristy and has basically become a string of homestays all offering handmade textiles and traditional dance performances.
While it is certainly worth visiting them, don’t forget to also venture out a little further to place like Van village with its Thai museum and Pa Co village for its colorful sunday morning market.
Traditional Thai Weaving is one of the main things you will see in and around the homestays and the villages. According to Traditional Thai culture, every young woman was supposed to learn how to weave, make natural dyes, and embroider.
Thai weaving and traditional colorful dresses
This traditional habit had been declining in the past decades but, due to a recent surge in tourism a few years ago, there has been a renewed interest. You can now find around 300 looms in the area that are all operated by hand.
Another thing that will surely catch your eye is the colorful White Thai dresses that you can buy on the streets of Lac and Pom Coong.
The Thai people are rice farmers by heart and you will see them starting early in the morning working their land. Depending on your wishes, it is important to know when the harvesting takes place, so you can plan your accordingly.
Vietnam Mai Chau: Rice fields
Most travelers like to visit during the green season. There are two harvestings every year and to watch the paddies at their greenest the best time to visit is during February or August.
After that, just before harvesting, the paddies turn into an intense yellow color. The best times to see this and the harvesting is late May and September.
That said, the paddies are beautiful every time of the year. The photos above were taken in December.
→ Also read: 15 Great Things to Do in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Mai Chau what to do: Hoa Binh Lake
Hoa Binh Lake is located 15 kilometers north of Mai Chau and is the largest man-made lake in Vietnam. It is an up-and-coming ecotourism destination and the water is suitable for all kinds of water activities like kayaking, supping or canoeing.
As a traveler, you can also take a boat cruise along the lake (your accommodation can help you arrange this) or drive to this location to soak in the best views.
Not far from Hoa Binh lake, you can find the marvelous Goc Lao waterfall. The location is clearly indicated on Google Maps so it is easy to find. For the best views, however, drive a little further past the entrance. You can see the whole waterfall there in all its glory and it’s the best place to take photos.
Goc Lao waterfall
There is a small pool at the base of the waterfall that is suitable for swimming. You can choose to climb the rocks a little further down the river to find a few nice swimming spots.
There are no facilities on site so if you plan to stay for a while it’s best to bring snacks and water or a picnic.
Mai Chau Hot springs
A hidden gem I stumbled upon while exploring this region was this cute little hot spring. It is located 25 kilometers from Lac village and you will need to rent a scooter or a taxi to get there. Getting here with a mountain bike is also possible but will require a certain level of fitness.
The entrance fee is VND 20 000 to enjoy the shared pools that have a nice temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius. There are snacks for sale at the entrance and upon request, they can also arrange warm meals.
The hot springs are operated by a local cooperative so your travel money goes straight into the local community. This hot spring is an absolute must on your Mai Chau itinerary!
Close to the hot spring, you can find this stunning waterfall. There is no possibility to swim in this waterfall. The base of the waterfall is fenced because it is not safe for visitors to get close. You can bathe in the streams around the waterfall though if you fancy a splash.
Nang Waterfall
The environment is stunning and a great location to have a picnic. There is also a large building on the site that seems to serve as an event location. The entrance to this waterfall is completely free.
Na Meo ricefields
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Mai Chau. The small pathways lend themselves perfectly for long walks in the area and you can inquire at your guesthouse for hidden trails that are impossible to find on Google Maps and even on Maps.me.
A great hike is the one to the Na Meo ricefields which are terraced instead of flat like in Mai Chau. If you are hesitant to hike the area on your own there is a guided Mai Chau Valley trek and a village and rice field trek that you can book online.
There are a few caves around Mai Chau that are worth exploring that can easily be reached on foot. The most famous ones are Soldier cave and Chieu Cave. Soldier cave is managed by the lodge across the street and was closed at the time of our visit but we did visit Chieu Cave and this one is quite impressive.
View from and entrance to Chieu Cave
To reach Chieu cave, you will first have to climb a steep 1000-step staircase (yes, you can count them, exactly 1000 steps!). It is quite intensive and it’s possible you’ll have to stop a few times to catch your breath. The staircase is also not that well maintained and is crumbling a bit in certain areas so be careful and put on decent footwear.
Chieu Cave interior
From the top of the stairs, you’ll have a magnificent view of the valley. The large entrance of the cave is next to a beautiful Xa Pung tree and you’ll need to take another stairs down here to enter the cave. It opens up to a large room with pretty stalactites and you can wander around in different directions.
The entrance fee was VND 10 000 per person at the time of our visit.
There is another cave in the area called “Hang Nhim” that few visitors know about. It is located in the back garden of a local and will require you to walk through the onsite banana plantation.
→ Also read: Hang Mua Viewpoint + Mua Caves: Is It Worth It?
Yes, restaurants are great, but in Mai Chau, the best place to eat is your homestay. At your homestay, you will be able to enjoy a homecooked feast every evening that you can enjoy on your own or together with other travelers at a large table.
Homecooked homestay dinners
Vietnamese like to share their food and this is exactly what you can expect in Mai Chau. A large number of local specialties will be put on the table and you will receive a small bowl in which you can scoop a little bit of every dish. It’s a great way to meet other travelers and also makes you feel like you are a part of the homestay family.
Pu Luong, Vietnam
If you think Mai Chau is beautiful, then wait until you see Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is located only 45 kilometers from Mai Chau and can easily be visited on a day trip.
Expect the same scenery but the location is more remote than Mai Chau and you can find more terraced rice fields here. There is a one-day trip and an overnight trip to Pu Luong Nature Reserve that you can book online.
Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:
Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside
12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam
GRAB: for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vietnam
Eatwith: Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience
Withlocals: Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!
Viator and Get Your Guide: For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general
Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.
Since Mai Chau is an up-and-coming tourist destination, it is relatively easy to get here. The best places from which you can reach Mai Chau are Hanoi, Ninh Ninh and Pu Luong.
Mai Chau is located approximately 140 kilometers from Hanoi and the easiest and most ecological way to get there is by shared minibus. Prices depend on the pick-up location and you can check them out online on 12GoAsia and Bookaway. It takes around three hours to reach Mai Chau from Ninh Binh, with one 15-minute toilet break included.
It is also possible to visit Mai Chau from Hanoi on an organized tour:
If you are traveling in a group, a private car might also be an interesting option.
Since Pu Luong is nearby a logical next step in your itinerary would be to visit Mai Chau. There is unfortunately no public transport between Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Mai Chau. You will have to take a taxi to reach Mai Chau which costs approximately VND 700 000 and will take around one and half hour.
Ricefields and beautiful mountains
There are a lot of different ways to get around Mai Chau and one option is more ecological than another. As a conscious traveler that doesn’t mind traveling slowly, walking and cycling are the best options. To reach destinations in the area that are further away, you’ll have to hire a motorbike or a private car.
A lot of nearby attractions in Mai Chau are easily doable on foot. The caves are within walking distance, as are the terraced Na Meo rice fields and the villages of Lac, Pom Coong, and Van.
Cycling is very popular in Mai Chau and most of the accommodations offer free bikes. In case your accommodation doesn’t offer free bikes, you can ask to rent them at another hotel or homestay.
Do note that the bicycles offered by the accommodations are city bikes without gears. It is very convenient to get around on the bikes on flat terrain but if you want to venture out a little further to, for instance, Hoa Binh Lake or Goc Lao waterfall, you’ll be better off renting a mountain bike.
The roads around Lac and Pom Coong village and the surrounding rice fields where the homestays are located aren’t real roads but pathways that are inaccessible by cars. This is great because the only traffic is bicycles and motorbikes but it’s not so convenient if you have heavy luggage to carry.
A lot of accommodations own a golf cart to either pick up and drop off guests on the main road in Mai Chau or to drive guests around on sightseeing tours.
If you want to plan a day trip visiting various locations around Mai Chau, like the hot springs and Nang Waterfall you might consider renting a private car. It is the perfect choice if you’re a party of four people who can share the costs.
Prices for a private car for one day start at around VND 400 000 depending on the locations you would like to visit.
If you’re only two people renting a motorbike is the most convenient and cost-effective option to visit further away destinations around Mai Chau. Most accommodations rent out scooters and they should cost no more than VND 150 000/day.
Homestays
A homestay with a Thai family is the best way to stay in Mai Chau, however, if you’re after some (eco)luxury, there’s plenty of that too!
BUDGET:
Little Mai Chau: Stay with a Thai family in cute bamboo wooden bungalows overlooking the rice fields. Read my Little Mai Chau Homestay Review to learn more about my experience.
Meadow Mai Chau homestay: A homestay with mountain views, a restaurant, and free bike rental.
MID-RANGE:
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort: An off-the-beaten-track eco-friendly resort near Hoa Binh Lake and Goc Lao waterfall.
Mai Chau Countryside Homestay: A gorgeous homestay in an outstanding location overlooking the rice fields of Mai Chau.
LUXURY:
Avana Retreat: A top-notch eco-friendly resort with an infinity pool and its own private waterfall.
Mai Chau Valley Retreat: A community-based ecotourism retreat with a clear focus on sustainable tourism development.
Fried noodles @ Three Sisters resaurant, Mai Chau
There aren’t a lot of real restaurants in Mai Chau. Most visitors eat at their homestay and breakfast is almost always included in the price. Walking the street of Lac Village, you will notice a lot of barbeque going on at the street. If that’s not your thing, here are some options for a good plant-based meal!
Regarding the rice fields and the weather, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. The weather is nice and warm and the rice fields turn a golden-yellow color just before harvesting.
For green rice fields, visit Mai Chau in February or August. Be careful though when you visit in August. It is the rainy season in Mai Chau from June to August and Monsoons can flood the roads.
Winter in Mai Chau is pleasant with daytime temperatures still reaching 20 degrees Celsius. It can get cold though at night but your accommodation will provide thick blankets to keep you warm.
Mai Chau, Vietnam
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide about Mai Chau in Vietnam. As you can see, Mai Chau is a wonderful place to visit. It offer the perfect combination of nature, culture and a relaxed vibe.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
Latest Posts
15 Best Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
Santa Rita, Salento: All You Need to Know
La Playa de Belen, Colombia: An Easy Travel guide!
How to Visit the Pescaderito in Curiti (Near San Gil)
Los Estoraques Unique Natural Area: An Easy Travel Guide
Do you want to receive my latest finds on conscious and sustainable travel directly to your inbox? Subscribe here!
© COPYRIGHT TRAVELERS&DREAMERS, 2023.