Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a mountainous district of Hoa Binh province which borders Moc Chau of Son La province in the north, Pu Luong of Thanh Hoa province in the south, Da Bac district in the north, and Tan Lac district in the east.

Mai Chau is a beautiful valley amid the majestic Northwest mountains. Not as famous as the nearby Moc Chau plateau, Mai Chau still expresses a hidden beauty that every visitor arriving here feels stunned and want to come back. 

In addition to the breathtaking landscape, Mai Chau also has many relics with historical and cultural values, in which there are five relics which are recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. They are Khoai Cave (Xam Khoe), Chieu Cave (Mai Chau town), Nhat Cave, Lang Cave, and Mo Luong Cave.

Mai Chau is also a locality to store rich folk art treasures with the characteristics of Thai and Mong ethnic groups through the activities of the ancients in festivals. Mai Chau has community tourism areas such as Lac village, Poom Coong village, Van Village, and Buoc eco-tourism. 

When is the best time to visit Mai Chau

It is surrounded by mountains, so the weather in Mai Chau is generally dry all year round. Notably, in the winter from October to December, the atmosphere in Mai Chau is cool and pleasant so visitors can enjoy the wonderful scene of the white peach blossom and plum blossom. 

Also, March and April are the time of Bauhinia variegata flowers that the weather is quite comfortable. Coming to Mai Chau this time, tourists will take part in many traditional festivals of the ethnic minorities here.

Travelers can go to Mai Chau in any season. There are no hills of the immense tea as Moc Chau, no buckwheat flowers as Ha Giang, or the majestic Ban Gioc waterfall like Bac Kan, but Mai Chau has the unique and surprising beauty, making everyone going here unforgettable with just some of the places behind the mountains and forests that not many people know.

Must-see attractions in Mai Chau

Lac Village

Lac village is home to five Thai ethnic families Ha, Lo, Vi, Mark, and Loc. Up to now, the village has existed for 700 years. The Black Thai people here live on brocade weaving, upland farming, and rice cultivation. Lac Village is characterized by pristine stilt houses close to each other. Currently, there are nearly 30 spacious homestay motels, serving the needs of tourists. Each floor is a tall and clean space, combining modern architecture and ancient architecture and well equipped. 

Pom Coong Village

Pom Coong means the village of the hills on the big drum, indicating the field. Pom Coong has been known as a cultural village, an attractive destination for travelers with nearly 70 households and more than 300 people. Traditionally, Pom Coong people still build unique stilt houses.

Mo Luong Cave

Mo Luong cave is located near Mai Chau town, on the Pu Kha mountain range, about 2km away from Lac village. Mo Luong Cave has four main caves, once was an important military base.

In Mo Luong Cave, there are thousands of invisible stalactites in a row, creating a fantasy picture. 

Brocade - the unique culture of Thai people in Mai Chau

Brocade is the pride of the Thai people in Mai Chau. The lines of patterns on brocade show the diligence, meticulousness, and soul beauty of Thai women.

Brocade is woven by hand, so the tightness depends on on the discretion of the person who made it. Brocade pieces can be used for decoration and sewing bags or clothes. 

The pattern on brocade also shows the age and personality of the weaver. Bright colors represent the enthusiasm, youth, excitement, freshness, and vitality of young girls. Also deep, bold colors, solid lines show the reflection of the elderly. Thai brocade is a gift of Mai Chau for any tourists as a souvenir.