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things to do in Mai Chau

Top 15 unique things to do in Mai Chau for first-time visitors

26/07/2025 336 views

Mai Chau offers a peaceful retreat in northern Vietnam. Whether you want to chase the clouds, cycle past golden rice fields, or dive into local traditions, we will highlight the top 15 things to do in Mai Chau to help you enjoy the best of the area.
Quick Tips
  • Best time to visit: Go between November and April for pleasant weather and clear skies.
  • What to bring: Pack comfortable shoes for trekking and a camera for the stunning landscapes.
  • Local culture: Respect local customs when visiting ethnic villages and be sure to try the local specialties like grilled fish and sticky rice.
  • Travel tips: Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the area at your own pace.

1. Engage with vibrant culture in ethnic villages

One of the best things to do in Mai Chau is to explore the culture of its ethnic villages. Located in Phu Tho Province (formerly Hoa Binh Province), Mai Chau is home to seven ethnic communities. The Thai form the largest group, followed by the Muong, Kinh, Mong, and Dao.

things to do in Mai Chau Vietnam

Cultural immersion tops the list of what to do in Mai Chau Vietnam (Source: Collected)

To experience Thai culture up close, you should start with Lac Village, the most well-known Thai village in Mai Chau. With over 700 years of history, it preserves stilt houses, handmade crafts, and daily customs. Nearby Pom Coong Village and Van Village offer a quieter atmosphere, where you can observe farming practices and visit the Thai Mai Chau Museum.

For Mong culture, head to Cha Day Village to explore its lively weekend markets. From there, you can travel about 6 kilometers to Hang Village and try your hands at traditional crafts like weaving or dyeing. 

If your visit aligns with festival season, you will witness Mai Chau at its most colorful. Major festivals include Xen Ban – Xen Muong, Gau Tao, Long Tong, and Cong Chieng, each filled with music, dance, and unique rituals.

2. Cycle or trek in Mai Chau Valley

Cycling is another unmissable experience in Mai Chau. You can ride along village roads, pass rice fields, and watch farmers at work. If you enjoy trekking in Vietnam, hike through Na Meo and Na Cut to reach the terraced fields of Xam Pa. The views are stunning, especially during the rice season, which usually peaks in late May or late October. The fields shift from gentle green to golden yellow, painting the valley with colors.

Cycling and trekking are two favorite Mai Chau activities

Cycling and trekking are two favorite Mai Chau activities (Source: Collected)

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3. Get lost in a sea of clouds at Hang Kia – Pa Co

When it comes to things to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam, you shouldn’t miss out on cloud-hunting at Hang Kia – Pa Co. Nestled between the Xa Linh and Luong Xa mountain ranges, these two villages sit at 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by limestone peaks. From October to April, thick clouds drift over the valley in the early morning. You should visit between 5 AM and 10 AM to see the best views. From above, you can spot wooden houses and rice terraces hidden under clouds. Top viewpoints include Cong Troi, Sam Tha Mountain, and the Pa Khom – Thung Mai trail.

4. Refresh yourself with a swim at Go Lao Waterfall

Go Lao Waterfall nestles in Go Mu Hamlet, Tan Mai Commune (formerly Son Thuy Commune), about 3 kilometers away from National Road 6. This waterfall cascades down a 30-meter cliff into a clear stream, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. From May to September, the waterfall flows strongest. Mist fills the air as you walk closer, and the sound of water echoes through the forest. You can swim in the natural pool or rest on nearby rocks to enjoy the cool breeze.

Go Lao Waterfall in Mai Chau

For nature lovers, things to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam include relaxing at Go Lao Waterfall (Source: Collected)

5. Journey through the picturesque Thung Khe Pass

Thung Khe Pass lies between Tan Lac and Mai Chau on National Road 6. It rises over 1,000 meters and offers wide views of the valley below. During road construction, limestone broke from the cliffs and left a white layer across the hills. This gives the pass a snowy appearance all year round. You can stop to enjoy the view and check out roadside stalls along the way. The locals sell regional treats like bamboo rice, forest chili, wild honey, and fresh vegetables.

6. Enjoy a peaceful paddle on Ba Khan Lake

Nestled below Thung Khe Pass, Ba Khan Lake reveals one of the most peaceful natural landscapes in Mai Chau. The area combines forested mountains with the wide, clear waters of the Hoa Binh reservoir. While other things to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam focus on adventure, Ba Khan Lake invites stillness. Kayaking is the best way to discover its beauty. As you paddle, you will glide past limestone cliffs and tree-lined shores. Reflections of clouds ripple across the water.

Enjoy a peaceful paddle on Ba Khan Lake

Ba Khan Lake’s mirrored waters and limestone cliffs are stunning things to see in Mai Chau (Source: Collected)

7. Venture into hidden caves

Mai Chau’s caves offer a quiet, mysterious side of the valley. These famous caves in Vietnam are perfect for those seeking more than scenic views.

  • Chieu Cave: Southwest of Mai Chau Town, this cave sits at the top of 1,200 stone steps. Inside, two limestone chambers shimmer. An ancient Xa Pung tree shades the entrance.
  • Mo Luong Cave: Located in the Pu Kha mountain range, this cave stretches across four chambers and runs 500 meters deep. During wartime, it served as a military shelter.

8. Admire the landscape from Mai Chau Flag Tower

Located in Mai Chau Commune (formerly Tong Dau Commune), Mai Chau Flag Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. If you are driving over Thung Khe Pass, you will spot it standing tall ahead. The tower perches on a hill, offering clear views. From here, you can look down on the entire Mai Chau Valley. Green fields stretch far and wide, stilt houses sit quietly among the trees, and white clouds drift lazily across the peaks.

Admire the landscape from Mai Chau Flag Tower

From the Flag Tower, you can take in some of the most iconic things to see in Mai Chau (Source: Collected)

9. Unwind with a camping trip at Sam Tang Lake

Sam Tang Lake in Cao Duong Commune (formerly Thanh Son Commune) is the largest freshwater lake in Hoa Binh Province. It stands at over 1,200 meters above sea level and spans 2.7 hectares. Low hills and quiet villages surround the lake. You can spend a full day camping here. Bring a tent, set it up near the shore, and relax by the calm water. In the late afternoon, the sunset reflects on the lake and bathes the scenery in gold.

10. Experience community tourism in Mai Hich

Mai Hich Commune (now part of Bao La Commune) is located about 60 kilometers away from Hoa Binh City. Most locals are Thai people who have preserved their traditions for generations. You can wake up to fresh air, watch the sunrise, and take part in daily village life. Hike up Pu Denh Mountain, explore forest trails, or raft along Xia Stream. You can also learn traditional crafts like brocade weaving, bamboo carving, or crop harvesting.

Experience community tourism in Mai Hich Mai Chau

Mai Hich offers a deep look into what to see in Mai Chau beyond the landscapes (Source: Collected)

11. Delight in the local flavors

The cuisine of Mai Chau is rustic and deeply satisfying. You should try these dishes:

  • Sticky rice: Soft and fragrant, often colored with forest leaves
  • Bamboo-tube rice: Grilled inside bamboo and paired well with meat
  • Hill chicken: Grilled over fire for a smoky taste
  • Grilled stream fish: Caught fresh, seasoned with herbs, and served whole
  • Fermented stream fish: Offering a tangy bite
  • Smoked pork: Cured and smoked mountain pork using traditional methods

12. Check out Thai Flower Garden

About 2 kilometers northwest of Lac Village, Thai Flower Garden offers a peaceful stop for nature lovers and photographers. This garden features flower beds that bloom with mustard, buckwheat, and cosmos, depending on the season. Hills rise in the background, while clean pathways guide you through the fields. Here, you can stroll, take photos, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Check out Thai Flower Garden Mai Chau

Among the many things to do in Mai Chau, Thai Flower Garden lets you take in natural beauty (Source: Collected)

13. Go shopping at Mai Chau’s markets

Exploring local markets is one of the most immersive things to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam. These markets offer a glimpse into daily life and ethnic traditions.

  • Pa Co Market: About 40 kilometers north of Mai Chau Commune, this market opens every Sunday morning. It comes alive by 6 AM with stalls selling meat, fresh produce, colorful Hmong fabrics, and handmade accessories.
  • Pa Co Night Market: Held every Saturday from 6 PM to midnight in Cha Day Hamlet, this night market blends food, music, and dance. Here, you can watch Hmong performances, enjoy folk games, and sample local dishes like thang co, black chicken, and sticky rice cakes.

14. Uncover artistic charm at Hai Son Mural Village

Hai Son Village in Bao La Commune (formerly Mai Hich Commune) invites you to explore a different side of Mai Chau. The locals have turned an old 800-meter pathway into a vibrant mural street. These paintings celebrate the Thai community’s daily life, traditions, and natural surroundings. As you walk along the pathway, you will spot murals of rice planting, grain pounding, cheraw dancing, and families sharing wine.

Hai Son Mural Village in mai chau

Hai Son Village adds a colorful twist to the many things to do in Mai Chau, Vietnam (Source: Collected)

15. Enjoy a scenic boat tour on Hoa Binh Lake

Taking a boat tour on Hoa Binh Lake is one of the most peaceful things to do in Mai Chau. The lake stretches nearly 70 kilometers and spans over 52,000 hectares. As you cruise, you will see limestone islets, forested hills, and hidden caves. You will also pass spiritual sites like Thac Bo Temple, Hoa Tien Cave, and Ngoc Island.

Several ethnic villages along the lake offer authentic community experiences, such as Ngoi Village (Suoi Hoa Commune), Ke Village (Hien Luong Commune), and Sung Village (Cao Son Commune). For departures, you can start from Bich Ha Port near the city center or other docks like Bai Sang and Hien Luong.

16. FAQs about things to do in Mai Chau

16.1. What are the best free things to do in Mai Chau?

  • Explore ethnic villages like Lac and Pom Coong
  • Hike through rice paddies and terraced hills
  • Cycle along quiet roads
  • Visit local markets
Many Mai Chau attractions await your discovery

Many Mai Chau attractions await your discovery (Source: Collected)

16.2. What are the best things to do in Mai Chau at night?

  • Stroll through Pa Co Night Market 
  • Unwind at local spots like Mai Chau Top View Cafe, Jungle Brews, and Mai Chau Sunset Bar
  • Attend a traditional Thai music and dance performance

16.3. What are the top cultural activities in Mai Chau District?

  • Sample farm-fresh dishes
  • Visit festivals and markets
  • Learn how to weave ethnic textiles 
  • Enjoy live ethnic music and dances
  • Stay overnight in a traditional stilt house

With these 15 things to do in Mai Chau, you are ready to experience the essence of this valley. Whether you gaze at cloud-covered peaks, taste sticky rice by a warm fire, or cycle through the morning mist, Mai Chau delivers moments that linger long after the trip ends. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy all it has to offer!

After exploring Mai Chau, you might want to visit other places in Vietnam like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Hoi An. In these destinations, don’t miss VinWonders – a chain of world-class entertainment complexes offering games, shows, and family-friendly fun.

To elevate your stay, unwind at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which can be found in Vietnam’s top travel destinations.

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