Mai Chau Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam Mai Chau trek travel through Hang Kia Van Xam Khoe villages (3 days)

maichauvietnam.com — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:15:10 +0000

The 3-day trek begins in Hanoi and takes you through Muong and H’mong villages in Mai Chau valley, Hoa binh province including Hang Kia village, Van village, Xam Khoe village. You will trek through hamlets, rice fields and hill sides. Spending two nights at local home (homestay) offers the real life experience. Contact your Lotussia Travel Consultant for more details.

Day 01: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Hang Kia Village (L,D).

8:00: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel guide, driver at your hotel in Hanoi (Please advise your hotel name).

Depart for Hoa Binh province and the valley of Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes around three hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies.

After lunch in a traditional stilt house of the Thai people, we drive for one hour to Sa Linh Village where we will begin our trek. We walk along gravel tracks and small paths, used by the locals. Our destination for this evening is Hang Kia village, home of the H’mong Minority people. Here we stay overnight as the guests of an H’mong family in a traditional long house, situated in a picturesque valley of peach orchards.

Day 02: Hang Kia Village – Van Village (B,L,D).

Today we trek through tropical rain forest, using the local tracks and passing through cornfields as we descend in to Mai Chau Valley. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places.

Lunch will be provided en route.

We arrive at Van village by late afternoon and will have time to walk around this charming little village, enabling us to understand a little more about how the people live. The village is home to the White Thai people, and tonight we will be their guests in one of their traditional stilt houses. There, we will be toasted as honored guests and will be able to sample some of their homemade rice wine!

Day 03: Van Village – Khoe Village – Hanoi (B,L).

This morning we trek for a couple of hours passing through several Thai hamlets. We walk on the valley floor and are surrounded by rice paddies and beautiful scenery.

At the small village of Khoe we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back towards Mai Chau.

Lunch is again provided in Mai Chau and there is also the chance to do a little souvenir shopping before we return to Hanoi. End tour.

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Biking in and around Hanoi Mai Chau Pu Luong Tam Coc (5 days)

maichauvietnam.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:44:43 +0000

The 5-day bicycle tour, provided by Lotussia Travel to the Vietnam north-western area includes such highlights as Hanoi city tour by bike, cycling Mai Chau village, biking Pu Luong Nature Reserve and riding in Tam Coc or “Halong ba inland”. We us private A/c vehicle for transfers and support and professional trek bikes to make sure that you will enjoy the ride. The biking tour is available all year round but the best period are May and October.

Day 1: Hanoi city tour by bike (B,L).

After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. The tour includes such highlights as the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son temple. Walking around the Old Quarter.

In the afternoon, our biking guide will take you to our bike store, where you will test the bike with your selected frame size. You can also put your gear on the bike for your convenience. Please arrange stuff for 4 night trip in your backpacks/bags, the rest of your stuff can be stored in hotel.

Day 2: Drive Hanoi – Mai Chau. Start cycling Mai Chau valley (B,L,D).

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hoa Binh province (to our biking start point) where you start cycling on the back road. It s nice and peaceful countryside view.

Arriving in Cun hill, you will be picked up by your vehicle and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, you will be taken to Ba Kan village for second bike ride of the day. The afternoon ride is through the village of the Muong people in the vallage floor and along the Da river reservoir, it s back road with view of the village and water.

Late of the day, we arrive in Village of the Thai People, where we have dinner prepared by local Thai family and overnight on the stilt house and explore the local culture.

Day 3: Continue cycling Mai Chau – Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B,L,D)

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is situated in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts of Thanh Hoa Province, North Central Coast region of Vietnam. The reserve is located along two parallel mountain ridges, that run from north-west to south-east, and are divided by a central valley, which contains several human settlements and a large agricultural land area, therefore, is not included within the nature reserve. Pu Luong is endowed with great biodiversity, its flora and fauna is closely associsted with the Cuc Phuong National Park 25 km south-east.

After Breakfast and farewel to the host, we cycle to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We cycle on a dirt road through local Thai and Muong villges. Stops may be made en route for you to take picture and to visit local homes. Then Go on cycling on the Road 15 C untill we will get to a Thai village where we have lunch.

Afternoon is free for walking around this village. Diner and overnight in a local stilt house.

Day 4: Continue biking Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Tam Coc (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we leave the village biking on a dirt roads with fews up and downhill rides. We then pedal on the Ho Chi Minh trails. It s an easy ride today with scenic highway. When we get to the left turn, we will get the transfer to Tam Coc.

Dinner and overnight in Tam Coc at hotel.

Day 5: Tam Coc boat trip. Return Hanoi (B,L)

After breakfast, we get on board for a 2hr boat ride on the Ngo Dong river, Tam Coc to enjoy the “ Halong bay on land” and go through 3 caves. The boat row finish after 1,5hrs then we continue to cycle through countryside villages, rice fields to Hoa Lu ancient capital, Van Long and back road til we readh the Highway 1 where we finish cycling and get transferred to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi (own arrangements). The end of Lotussia Travel service.

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Cycling Vietnam Mai Chau Tam Coc and Kayak Halong Bay (5 days)

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:25:27 +0000

The 5-day tour, provided by Lotussia Travel Hanoi is recommended to those who prefer active bike tours with an overnight boat/junk cruise, sea kayaking. There are about 4 – 6 hours cycling per day. Opportunity to pedal on single tracks, dirt roads in Mai Chau and on countryside lane road in Tam Coc. The itinerary is ideal for family travel and small group of 5 people max. The overnight cruise to Halong bay is provided on sharing basis offering a lower cost.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau valley (L,D).

8:30: You will be met up by Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi (Please advised your hotel name upon your confirmation).

Depart for Mai Chau arriving at Poom Coong village around lunch time. Take a warm up ride around villages and enjoy home cooked lunch at local home. After lunch cycle to the Thai village of Cun Pheo on a mix of good single track paths and undulating rough jeep trails. The views are stunning as the ride passes through many villages and across rice paddies. Pass hot springs, cycle across suspension bridges and follow the contours round beautiful terraced rice fields. On arriving in Cun Pheo village the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to wander by foot or explore the village trails further by bike.

Dinner and overnight in local village homestay at Van Village.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Tam Coc, Ninh Binh (B,L,D).

A contrasting and more challenging ride today, though there is plenty of opportunity to stop, rest and admire the views.

After breakfast enjoy relatively easy biking on undulating terrain for the first seven km then the trail begins to climb uphill – steep in parts, undulating in others. Rise above the valley and look down on small hamlets, feel and hear the forest surroundings as the trail snakes up and along the mountainside. Stop for a siesta in a Thai village house, a welcome relief from the heat – before tackling the last few km to the top of the pass. Cruise a final eleven km downhill all the way back to Mai Chau around lunch time, enjoy lunch at local house in Lac Village, then our shuttle will bring us out of Mai Chau to the HW6 Junction, branch off left at Muong Khen and continue to ride on undulating roads twist through mountain and forest.

We end our cycling day at Lac Son and transfer our weary legs to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we spend our night.

Day 3: Tam Coc – Hoalu – Hanoi (B,L)

The area around Tam Toc is famed for its spectacular karst scenery. The soaring limestone mountains jut straight out of the paddy fields are wonderful. We begin our day with a peaceful cruise by local sampan to explore the picturesque Tam Coc (dry Halong Bay), the canal running through three caves.

Return to hotel for check out and start cycling on quiet country lanes which twist through mountains leading to Hoa Lu. We stop to visit to the ancient city of Hoa Lu since 9th century, where the remarkable remnants are King Dinh and Le Temple.

After lunch we drive back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay. Cruise & kayaking (L,D).

8:15: Join our sharing shuttle bus and enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong bay (transfer from your hotel to our departure point will be arranged by yourself; without guide).

12:00: Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave.

In the afternoon, enjoy one-hour paddling through small islets in different shapes.

Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B).

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City.

11:00: Disembark at the dock at Halong City. End of Lotussia Travel service.

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Mai Chau hill tribe villages trek (5 days)

maichauvietnam.com — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:41:47 +0000

The four-day trek will take you the the less visited hill tribes villages in Mai Chau valley such as Hang Kia village, Van village, Xo village and Poom Coong village. The trek is medium challenging with fews climbing up and downhill. The three nights will be spent in a local house in village (homestay), offering a true experience of the real villagers’s life.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi via Flight???, you will be greeted by Lotussia Travel guide, driver then escorted to your hotel in town.

Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau. Trek Mai Chau – Hang Kia village.

We leave Hanoi heading west to Hoa Binh Province. We climb towards the Mai Chau valley another two hours away stopping to take in the spectacular scenery.

Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the White Thai village of Xa Linh where we start a 2-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts this evening will be the H’mong people. Whilst enjoying their hospitality we learn a little about their way of life.

Tonight’s accommodation will be basic although mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets are provided.

Day 3: Continue trekking Mai Chau hill tribe villages (Hang Kia – Van village).

This morning we have a 4-5 hour trek to Van village is home of the White Thai people. The trek takes us through unforgettable scenery and provides us with an opportunity to witness the authentic rural life.

Arriving in Van village by mid to late afternoon there will be time to take a short walk around the village.

Our hosts for this evening will treat us to a fine meal and stories of life in Van village.

Day 4: Continue trekking Mai Chau hill tribe villages (Van village – Xo village).

We spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages. We then return to Van for lunch. After lunch, stroll down to the river (if weather permit) before embarking on a 3hour walk to the village of Xo.

Dinner and overnight in Xo village.

Day 5: Continue trekking Mai Chau hill tribe villages (Xo village – Poong Coong village). Return Hanoi.

Bidding farewell to our hosts we have a five-hour trek from Xo to Poong Cong village. Lunch will be provided in a local stilt house.

After lunch, we will drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive Hanoi around late afternoon. Check-in hotel and overnight in Hanoi.

—> Contact us for more details.

—> More Vietnam trekking tours.

Hiking Mai Chau Vietnam Reviews

maichauvietnam.com — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:40:04 +0000

Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh province, approximately 135 km from Hanoi and 60 km from Hoa Binh. The journey takes about three hours and a half from Hanoi.

Mai Chau valley is surrounded by Thai villages scatting on the hill sides. Most of travelers come to Mai Chau for spending a night in a local stilt house of the Thai people in Lac and Poom Coong village. They will share the house with family, have dinner with the host.

The day highlight is to take a hike around – Hiking through green rice fields, and local thai hamlets. The scenery is not grandiose with immense terraced fields and rain forests. But this is really quiet, peaceful and friendly here. If you don’t have much time, you can enjoy a half day hiking around Lac and Poom Coong village (Mai Chau). If you have much more time, several days to spend on hiking in this area, you can book a two-day, three-day, four-day hiking tour, or even longer.

Booking a guided tour guide is highly recommended for a hiking tour to Mai Chau, especially when you have multi-day hike. You will walk from one village to another, and a local guide knows the trail. The local guide also know the local culture. He will tell you what you should do and should not during the hike.

There are not as many ethnic groups as you can meet in Sapa or other areas in northern Vietnam (Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Lai Chau…). But Mai Chau is really a good place for those who look for easy hiking tours which do not have lots of up and downhill hike. The area is also less touristy then Sapa.

Mai Chau hiking is good for both active travelers and family holidays. Therefore, if you travel with your kids, try to ask your local tour operator to advise the most suitable trail and the shorter hiking trips.

Sample Vietnam hiking tours can be found at Lotussia Travel website, www.hikingvietnam.com or www.lotussiatravel.com

Mai Chau Accommodation

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:18:25 +0000

Mai Chau is located 135 km south-west of Hanoi in the Northern province of Hoa Binh which is bordered by Son La in the West, Phu Tho and Ha Tay in the North, Ha Nam and Ninh Binh in the East, and Thanh Hoa in the South.

Mai Chau is a popular place for both foreign tourist and Vietnamese travelers. This peaceful village is located just about three hour drive from Hanoi. The Mai Chau town has not much of interest except the local market is open in the morning.

Most people come to Mai Chau for visiting the village of Lac and Poom Coong where they can be lodged in a stilt house. The accommodation in these villages is quite simple. The guests share the house with family with private bedding setup. Soft mattresses and hot water are available as well. The toilets are located outside the house.

Many Vietnamese tourists come to Mai Chau at weekends. They arrive in the Saturday afternoon and spend one night in the village and return back to town Sunday afternoon. But foreign tourist come to Mai Chau not for spending a night in the silt house. But they used to have some day trek or bicycle tours. The departure is Mai Chau.

Luxury accommodation is also available in Mai Chau. This is the Mai Chau lodge. The Mai Chau lodge offers comfortable rooms with hot water, swimming pool and other comfortable facilities.

People coming to Mai Chau will not have much choice in terms of accommodation. They either stay in the village in a stilt house or in the luxury Mai Chau lodge. There is some hostels in Mai Chau town. But these guesthouses are very simple and are rarely used by tour operators.

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Mai Chau Vietnam Tour

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:05:41 +0000

Mai Chau offers a most splendid vista of the Valley which is surrounded by lush greens and stilt houses inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. The Sunday market brings a lot of people into town where traditional Thai dishes are made and revel in traditional dances.

Mai Chau has a population of about 47,500 inhabitants that belong to different ethnic minority groups such as the White Thai, H’mong, Zao, Muong, Tay, Hoa and Viet. The Mai Chau hill tribes are warm and welcoming, and famous for their handicrafts – in particular for their skills in embroidering clothes.

Mai Chau offers a wide selection of soft adventure tours such as trekking, biking and motorcycle tours. Mai Chau Vietnam tour can be categorized by travel activity as follows:

Mai Chau hiking tours: Thanks to the beautiful landscape and the rich culture and tradition, Mai Chau offers lots of trekking hiking tours ranging from half day easy hiking to multi-day challenging trekking tour. Most of the hiking tours start from Mai Chau village.

The trek will take travelers through Thai hamlets and green rice fields.

A variety of biking tours are also provided by Lotussia Travel. For easy biking tour, you can spend a half day cycle around the Lac village and cycle to Van village. This area is flat and you will only need to use your classic road bikes. With more challenging bike ride, Lotussia Travel recommend you taking your mountain bikes. Training is sometimes required to do prior to the trip departure.

Mai Chau Vietnam tour is also available for motorcycle tours. Please contact Lotussia motorcycle expert for further details.

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Mai Chau Weather Forecast

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 07:02:38 +0000

Mai Chau is a district of Hoa Binh Province in the northwestern region of Vietnam. The district is located at about 160 km from Ha Noi.

The climate of Mai Chau, Hoa Binh is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 18°C with a maximum of 29°C in July and a minimum of 16°C in January.

In general, Mai Chau’s climate is quite good around the year. It rains less and the humidity is lower than other Northern Vietnam cites. The best weather extends from September to May with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.

It can be quite cold during winter from November to the end of February. From June to September, it has the monsoon with stronger breezes and higher humidity. The temperatures are warmer in this time, varying between 25°C and 35°C.

The best time to visit Mai Chau is from September to April of next year, at this time trekking is good ideal for your vacation.

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Mai Chau Vietnam Location

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 06:44:34 +0000

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Mai Chau Pictures

maichauvietnam.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 06:33:04 +0000

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