Mai Chau

Mai Chau, in the Hoa Binh region, is a small, peaceful valley of White Thai villages and stilt houses beside rice paddies. It is an ideal short getaway for Hanoians who want to escape the noise.

Top sights

• Lac and Pom Coong villages – White Thai villages with stilt houses, homestays and a small brocade street.

• Mai Chau rice fields – cycle between the paddies, loveliest at harvest (September – October) and flooding season.

• Thung Khe Pass – a viewpoint over the whole valley on the road from Hanoi.

• On, Nua and Van villages – quieter villages that suit an overnight stay.

• Chieu Cave and Mon Stream – places to relax, dip your feet and picnic.

Experiences

Dinner by the fire in a stilt house, a xoe dance performance, jar wine, brocade weaving lessons and cycling through the fields.

Local food

Bamboo-tube rice, upland sticky rice, free-range chicken, grilled stream fish, smoked buffalo, wild vegetables, local pork and jar wine.

Best time to visit

September – October for ripe rice; February – March when white ban flowers bloom across the hills. Summer is cooler than Hanoi but rainy.

Getting there

From Hanoi follow National Route 6 through Hoa Binh and Thung Khe Pass to Mai Chau, about 135 km, 3 – 3.5 hours.