Situated in the west of Hoa Binh province, Mai Chau is one of the first destinations for young people in recent years. Fewer attractive landscapes than Moc Chau, but this is an ideal site for you to admire its picturesque beauty, fresh atmosphere and culture of the ethnic groups.
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The climate
Far away Hanoi’s hustle, Mai Chau is an idyllic valley hemmed in by hills. The climate is quite agreeable, not too hot in summer neither cold in winter. Travellers can get there anytime in a year. However, the best time to visit Mai Chau is between October and December or from March to April.
During winter and spring, you can enjoy the cold weather of winter and admire the beautiful scenery of flower season. Especially, in the end of the spring until the autumn, almost parrot-green fields transform into golden hues as the rice approaches harvest.
How to get there?
Mai Chau is 5 km off highway 6, 139 km from Hanoi. You can get there by bus, motorbike or by car. Besides, in order to stroll around the small village, you have the ability to hire a bike or go on feet.
Where to visit?
You”ll pass through the town on the way to the stilt houses – commonly traditional accommodations of the ethnic groups. There is not much landscapes, but these are picturesque scenery that you should not miss to visit in Mai Chau valley:
1.Thung Khe Pass
Trek to Thung Khe Pass, you will have a taste of true mountain grandeur. This is the best ideal site for tourists and backpackers to experience, adventure and admire beautiful scenes of Hoa Binh province. Don’t miss to enjoy local foods along the streets. The gorgeous scenery, seclusion and fresh air of this lofty spot are well worth the climb. The Pass is also known for its striking weather changes throughout the day, which the locals compare to a day of changing seasons.
2.Pom Cọong Village
Pom Cọong Village and Ban Lac are most popular in the trips to Mai Chau, about 2km from the centre. Like other villages of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups, the Pom Coong village’s people often live in area which has rivers, streams. The special thing of the village is a pure space with clean water, water construction which creates comfortable and safe feeling. Coming here, tourists will feel the fresh air and peaceful of life, you will forget the fatigues.
3.Ban Lac (or Lac Village)
The village is very quiet and relaxing. In addition, the food is excellent, both for quality and quantity. You can take on a bike to ride around local areas. It is very enjoyable. In the evening, there is some local dancing and the tourists are invited to join in. There are a lot of stilt houses for tourists to stay for night. You also take on a very good walking tour of the local market and the 1300 steps up the mountain. Local people are so hospitable and they sell some fabulous local handicrafts.
4.Mo Luong Cave
Situated inside Pu Kha Mountain, about 2km for walking, this cave is set deep into the rock with a huge variation in width. The cave is an imposing limestone cave complex with four grottos and a variety of unique shapes.
5.Chieu Cave
You have to climb one thousand steps to get to Chieu cave, but you will be glad what you made the effort. “Chiều”, meaning “afternoon” is named after the magnificent scene in the afternoon when the sun fills the cave with sparkling jewels of reflected light. All of them would make you be in the heaven which is endowed by nature.
(Source: Internet, TripAdvisor)
