
1. Distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau
Mai Chau, a captivating destination in Phu Tho Province (formerly Hoa Binh), lies roughly 140 kilometers southwest of Hanoi. In contrast to the capital’s vibrant pace, Mai Chau offers a peaceful retreat with lush rice paddies and ethnic minority villages. A Hanoi to Mai Chau trip typically takes around 3 hours by car or shuttle bus, making it an accessible destination for a short nature-filled trip.

The Hanoi to Mai Chau distance is approximately 147 kilometers (Source: Collected)
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2. How to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
2.1. By coach
Coaches are a convenient and budget-friendly option for a Hanoi to Mai Chau journey. The buses from Hanoi to Mai Chau take around 3 hours, with an average ticket price of 200,000 VND, making this a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Notable operators include Mai Chau Nature Limousine, Mai Chau Smile Limousine, Huong Kien Limousine, and Tung Anh or Yen Binh buses.
Coaches typically make their final stop at Tong Dau T-junction, Ban Lac T-junction, or other nearby points. Depending on your accommodation, choose the coach with the closest drop-off to your hotel or homestay for convenient access. Return buses heading from Mai Chau to Hanoi typically depart in the morning, with the earliest leaving at 5:30 AM and the last one around 3:00 PM. For travelers staying in Lac Village, expect a short 1.6-kilometer journey to the nearest main bus station.

Taking a Hanoi to Mai Chau bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers (Source: Collected)
2.2. By private car
A Hanoi to Mai Chau private car rental with a driver is a comfortable and flexible option, especially for families or small groups. This mode of transport allows you to travel at your own pace, make scenic stops along the way, and enjoy a more personalized experience. Popular car models include Vios, Honda City, Mazda, Attrage, CX5, Cerato, and Kia K3, with options ranging from 4-seaters to 16-seaters.
Typical rental prices for a one-way trip start at around 1,200,000 VND for a 4-seater, 1,400,000 VND for a 7-seater, and 2,200,000 VND for a 16-seater. For round trips with the car staying for 2 or 3 days, prices range from 2,600,000 to 6,200,000 VND, depending on vehicle size and duration.
2.3. By rental motorbike or car
Renting a motorbike or car is a great option for travelers who want more freedom and a hands-on experience of the scenic Hanoi to Mai Chau route. Nevertheless, a valid international driving permit (IDP 1968) is required to drive a vehicle in Vietnam.
There are two main route options to consider:
- Route 1 (140 kilometers, ideal for motorbikes): Nguyen Trai – Quang Trung – Ba La – Chuc Son – Xuan Mai – Luong Son – Ky Son – Hoa Binh – Cao Phong – Tan Lac – Thung Khe Pass – Mai Chau.
- Route 2 (150 kilometers, ideal for cars): Thang Long Boulevard (via Trung Hoa underpass) – Xuan Mai – Luong Son – Ky Son – Hoa Binh – Cao Phong – Tan Lac – Thung Khe Pass – Mai Chau.

Riding a Hanoi to Mai Chau motorbike route is a thrilling way to explore natural beauty (Source: Collected)
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3. Recommended Hanoi to Mai Chau itinerary
A 2-day, 1-night trip to Mai Chau from Hanoi offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and local experiences. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Depart Hanoi in the morning and stop at Thung Khe Pass for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
- Arrive in Mai Chau around noon and spend the afternoon exploring local villages, rice fields, tea hills, and fruit orchards for a peaceful countryside experience.
- Day 2:
- Explore Hang Kia – Pa Co, a favorite spot for cloud hunting, especially from November to April when misty landscapes are at their most magical. This Hmong-inhabited area offers panoramic valley views and colorful flower gardens. On weekends, Pa Co Market is a great stop for local crafts and produce.
- Continue to Go Lao Waterfall, about 15 kilometers from Mai Chau, for a short hike and scenic break.
- End your trip at Lac Village, famous for stilt houses, friendly locals, and delicious ethnic dishes like grilled chicken, sticky rice, and com lam (bamboo rice).

A well-paced Hanoi to Mai Chau itinerary lets you experience the region’s scenic routes (Source: Collected)
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4. FAQs about traveling to Mai Chau from Hanoi
4.1. Can I travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau by train?
There is no direct Hanoi to Mai Chau train, as the town doesn’t have its own railway station. Instead, you can take a train to a nearby station, such as Phu Ly or Hoa Binh, and then continue to Mai Chau by bus or taxi.
4.2. Is it safe to ride a motorbike to Mai Chau?
Riding a motorbike to Mai Chau Vietnam from Hanoi can be an adventurous option, but safety should be a top priority. Keep these tips in mind:
- The route has many sharp turns and blind spots, especially around Cun Slope and Thung Khe Pass. Always stay in your lane and drive carefully.
- Speed cameras are common, so watch for signs and stick to the speed limit to avoid fines.
- Some sections are steep, so use the same gear going downhill as uphill, and never speed when descending.
4.3. Is there any scenic stop along the way to Mai Chau?
Definitely. Thung Khe Pass stands out as one of the most breathtaking sights along the Hanoi to Mai Chau journey, famed for its sweeping mountain vistas and striking white limestone slopes. The drive becomes especially picturesque after passing through the former Hoa Binh City, offering travelers glimpses of lush rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional stilt houses nestled in the valleys.

Thung Khe Pass is a must-see stop along the road from Hanoi to Mai Chau (Source: Collected)
4.4. Can I find any tour package to Mai Chau from Hanoi?
Yes, a wide range of tour packages to Mai Chau from Hanoi are available. Many travel agencies offer 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day itineraries that typically include round-trip transportation, accommodations (if applicable), meals, and guided experiences such as cycling, trekking, or cultural visits to ethnic minority villages.
Note: The information provided is for reference only and may be subject to change over time.
The Hanoi to Mai Chau journey is more than just a scenic drive; it’s a gateway to peaceful landscapes, ethnic culture, and authentic local experiences. Ideal for a weekend trip or as part of a longer North Vietnam adventure, Hanoi to Mai Chau is a route that captures the heart of Vietnam’s natural beauty and rural charm.
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