Endless green rice fields, clucking chickens, stilt houses, and forested mountains — these are the sights and sounds of Mai Châu. Just a few hours from Hanoi, this peaceful valley is the perfect escape for nature and culture lovers. Here are seven great things to do in Mai Châu.
Wake up in nature
Start your day with the calm of Mai Châu. Stroll through quiet villages and lush gardens in the fresh morning air. Pause at a roadside stall for a cà phê phin, and enjoy the peaceful view of rice fields dotted with drifting butterflies.
Discover traditional weaving
Mai Châu is known for its beautiful handwoven textiles made by the White Thai people. Visit local shops to see weavers at work — or try weaving yourself. For meaningful shopping, stop by Hoa Ban+ in Lác Village, where women from the White Thai community receive training and support.
Cycle through the valley
Biking is a great way to see Mai Châu’s peaceful landscapes. Ride along quiet trails or go with a local guide who can take you to visit a White Thai family. Sit in their stilt house, sip tea, and learn about daily life in the countryside.
TIP: Ask your hotel to help book a bike tour, or visit Mai Châu Lodge. Electric carts are also available if you prefer not to cycle.
Try local flavors
Mai Châu’s food is fresh and tasty. Don’t miss cơm lam — rice grilled in bamboo and dipped in crushed peanuts. Other local favorites include grilled chicken (gà đồi), pork skewers, and stir-fried greens. Feeling brave? Try fried cicadas (ve sầu chiên) — a special local snack!
Enjoy traditional music and dance
A trip to Mai Châu isn’t complete without a local performance. In the evening, watch White Thai dancers in colorful costumes move to folk music played on handmade instruments. It’s a fun and memorable way to end the day.
Sleep in a stilt house
Try a stay in a traditional wooden stilt house in Lac or Poom Coọng village. These homestays are simple but cozy, with shared bathrooms and open-air rooms. Mai Châu also has boutique lodges and four-star hotels with great views of the rice fields.
TIP: Homestays cost around 200,000 VND, mid-range stays about 600,000 VND, and luxury hotels from 1,500,000 VND.
Explore the outdoors
Mai Châu is great for outdoor adventures. Go kayaking on the Hòa Bình Reservoir, trek in nearby Pù Luông Nature Reserve, or visit caves and waterfalls. Most hotels and homestays can help book local tours, or you can plan ahead from Hanoi.
Getting to Mai Châu
Mai Châu is a three-hour trip from Hanoi. Travel by private car, shuttle van, bus from Mỹ Đình Station, or ride a motorbike. Try to go in the morning to catch scenic views at Thung Khe Pass and of Mai Châu Valley.
TIP: Visit between March–May or September–November for the best weather and scenery.