How to Get to Mai Chau from Hanoi and Back (2025 Simple Guide)

Mai Chau is an attractive destination not only for international tourists but also for locals. The idyllic valley of Hoa Binh province is 140 km from Hanoi, which offers great excursions. So how about taking advantage of the weekend to discover the charm of Mai Chau – Hoa Binh? Let yourself be carried away by the fresh wind of this beautiful nature, covered with green forests, gentle hills, and houses on stilts.

Visiting Mai Chau, you'll see a laid-back village in the north of the Thai people that has a lifestyle so different from yours. Mai Chau is indeed the ideal place for those looking for tranquility, without noise pollution, a calm place of Zen and authentic sincerity.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 02-06-2025

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How to Get to Mai Chau from Hanoi?

By Bus: Easy on the Wallet, but Less on Freedom

Traveling to Mai Chau, Vietnam, by bus is budget-friendly, with tickets costing $5-10. Buses depart from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Giap Bat stations, taking 3-5 hours. These local buses often stop to pick up passengers, extending travel time.

While cost-effective, the journey can be tiring for families or those with heavy luggage. Bus quality varies by company, and schedules may be inconsistent.

By Private Car: The Most Comfortable and Flexible Way

For a comfortable and flexible trip, rent a private car with a driver to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, Vietnam, in about 3-4 hours. Costing $50-100/day, this option lets you set your own schedule, stop for photos, or explore local villages along the way.

Ideal for families or groups, it ensures safety, comfort, and a pleasant experience. Your local driver, familiar with the area, can suggest must-see spots for a personalized adventure.

By Motorbike: An Epic Ride to Mai Chau

For adventure-seekers, traveling the Hanoi to Mai Chau route by motorcycle is an unforgettable experience. So, hop on a motorbike for an unforgettable 3 to 4 hour ride from Hanoi to Mai Chau, Vietnam, costing about $10 to $20/day to rent. You’ll zoom through stunning mountains, lush rice paddies, and charming villages. To stay safe and make the most of it, keep these tips in mind:

• Watch out for trucks: Roads can get tight, and heavy trucks move slowly uphill. Be patient and wait for a clear, safe moment to pass; don’t rush it.
• Skip night riding: Some stretches lack streetlights, making nighttime travel risky. Kick off your trip early in the morning to arrive before dark.
• Prep your bike: Check brakes, tires, and lights before you go. Pack a quality helmet and a raincoat, especially during the rainy season.

This thrilling ride is perfect for experienced bikers looking to soak in Mai Chau’s beauty with the wind in their hair!

How to get around?

Trekking: A Travel Style for the Fit and Adventurous

Trekking through Mai Chau  is the perfect way to soak in its charm at your own pace. Wander through the nearby villages of Lac and Pom Coong, surrounded by lush rice paddies and rolling hills, in a relaxing 2-3 hour hike. It’s ideal for adventure enthusiasts eager to explore local culture and stunning scenery. The only catch? You’ll need more than a day to reach farther spots, so plan accordingly!

By Bike: Travel Freely, Ride at Your Own Pace

Cycling is an increasingly popular choice with foreign tourists because it is eco-friendly, and it goes well with small paths in villages. By cycling and breathing in the fresh air, you can enjoy the peaceful landscape of the village.

In an electric car: a sweat-free journey up front

Now you can choose the electric car when you want to get around Mai Chau. This is a fairly new method that was introduced in recent years. The pace is not that fast, so if you want to rent it to go further, you have to negotiate directly with the driver.

On a Scooter: For the Bold and Curious

The scooter is suitable for some more remote places such as the Thung Khe and Ba Khan passes, where you can't take the bikes. At the moment, if you don't want to come to Mai Chau by scooter, you will easily find another one here.

What to do in Mai Chau?

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is only 35 kilometers from Mai Chau, so one can take a refreshing day trip. With beautiful mountain ranges, stunning rice paddies, picturesque rivers and waterfalls, scenic passes, and ethnic villages, Pu Luong is truly a microcosm of northern Vietnam. Trekking on foot is a good idea to contemplate the beauty of this region.

Mai Hich

Located 13 km southwest of Mai Chau, Mai Hich, with 96% of the Thai population, the poetic Xia stream, primary forest, and palm grove, is a perfect site for your exploration of northern Vietnam. For those who want to stay away from the tourist village of Lac, Mai Hich is your perfect option, as it was recently discovered and supported by the Research Center for Public Health and Development (COHED).

Mai Hich is the star of Mai Chau, where you can enjoy nature, admire the impressive scenery, and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the villagers. This village is a great place for visitors to join in hands-on activities, namely biking through the rice paddies and taking bamboo rafting trips across a crystal-clear stream.

Pa Co Market

Every Sunday morning, Pa Co Market near Mai Chau, Vietnam, comes alive as a vibrant festival for local ethnic groups. Just a 30-40 minute drive (20 km) from Mai Chau, this bustling market showcases the H’mong from Moc Chau and Thai from Mai Chau, trading colorful handmade crafts, fresh produce, and traditional goods. The lively vibe, filled with traditional clothing and chatter, stands out against the quiet weekdays. Don’t miss this must-see gem for an authentic Mai Chau experience!

Thung Khe Pass

In the list of the best places to come in Mai Chau, there is definitely the Thung Khe Pass – a famous site in Mai Chau. The pass is at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level, crossing mountain cliffs with a perfect curve. To enjoy the landscapes of Thung Khe in its entirety, it is best to come to Mai Chau by scooter. Buses to Mai Chau also stop here for a while. Traditional dishes here include hard-boiled eggs, grilled corn, sugar cane, and glutinous rice "com lam".

Best Time to Visit Mai Chau

Mai Chau can be visited all year round, but the best times are from mid-September to November and from March to May, with a pleasant climate.

• Harvest season (May, end of September): ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Winter (November – February): cool days (16°C), cold nights. It is also the season for peach and plum trees in bloom.
• Autumn: flowering of the bauhinias from September.
• Summer (May – August): hot (25–35°C) and humid; think of sun protection and a raincoat.

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