Mai Chau Trips & Tours

Mai Chau Trips & Tours

A peaceful interlude from modern whims in the hills of northern Vietnam

A mere 135 kilometres southwest of Hanoi yet many moons apart is the luminous scenery of the Mai Chau Valley. Encircled by hills and patchwork rice fields, it’s an idyllic corner of the country where nods to modernity are few and tiny villages are often the only signs of life. Homestays are a great draw and are usually hosted by White Thai families, known for their warm hospitality and fantastic food - and waking up atop a stilted house with only a burbling stream to break the dawn is sure to be a highlight of any trip. Other activities are geared around relaxing and taking in the scenery, hiking and biking around the farmlands and ribboning paths, and bartering for arts and crafts. Sunday is the day to be seen in Mai Chau town, when the morning market is in full flow and the hill people gather in their finest dress. If you’re looking for a hardcore, off-the-beaten-track experience, this isn’t for you; but if some R&R in the countryside is what the doctor ordered, you’ll love it.