Tet is always an ideal time to escape to peaceful destinations, and Mai Chau is a perfect choice for a gentle early-spring getaway. With its tranquil mountain scenery, quiet villages, and mild weather, the area offers a rare sense of relaxation. Join Mai Chau Hideaway as we share useful tips for traveling to Mai Chau during Tet, helping you prepare for a truly fulfilling trip.
Why visit Mai Chau during Tet?
Tet is the perfect occasion to step away from a fast-paced lifestyle and seek out calm, nature-filled places. Mai Chau, with its serene valley landscapes, rich local culture, and pleasant early-spring climate, is an ideal destination for a short wellness retreat. Below are some reasons why Mai Chau is so popular among travelers during Tet.
A peaceful atmosphere away from crowds
Mai Chau is known for its green valleys, rice fields, and small villages nestled among the mountains. Unlike crowded tourist hotspots during Tet, the area offers a relaxed environment where you can walk through villages, cycle along quiet roads, and enjoy the fresh air of the new year in comfort.
Pleasant weather for a relaxing getaway
Tet is also when Mai Chau enjoys mild weather, with cool mornings and comfortable afternoons. These conditions are perfect for exploring nature, visiting scenic spots, and enjoying outdoor activities without worrying about extreme heat or cold.
Experiencing Thai ethnic culture during the New Year
Mai Chau is home to the Thai ethnic community, where traditional culture is reflected in stilt houses, brocade weaving, folk dances, and local festivals. Traveling to Mai Chau during Tet allows you to join cultural performances, enjoy regional dishes, and experience the warmth and friendliness of local people, capturing the true spirit of Tet in the highlands.
Where is Mai Chau? How to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau
Mai Chau is a beautiful mountainous district of Hoa Binh Province, located about 135–140 km southwest–northwest of central Hanoi. The area is well known for its lush green valleys, terraced rice fields, traditional Thai ethnic villages, and fresh, clean air. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation, peaceful surroundings, or a chance to explore highland culture.
From Hanoi, you can choose from several transportation options depending on your time, budget, and comfort preferences:
There are many daily bus services departing from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia Bus Stations that travel directly to Mai Chau. The journey typically takes 3.5–4.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on the type of bus.
For a more comfortable experience, you can opt for a limousine bus, which offers wider seats, air conditioning, bottled water, and Wi-Fi. These services usually provide pick-up in areas such as Hoan Kiem District and the Old Quarter, then travel straight to Mai Chau.
- Private Car / Taxi / Shuttle Service
Hiring a private car or taxi is a convenient option for families or groups of friends. This allows you to travel at your own pace and stop for photos at scenic spots along the way, such as Thung Khe Pass or Hoa Binh Lake. Travel time is typically 3.5–4 hours.
Some resorts in Mai Chau, including Mai Chau Hideaway, offer private transfer services with various vehicle options to suit different needs. The resort provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from Hanoi, the airport, or any preferred meeting point. Vehicles are driven by professional drivers who can communicate in basic English and adjust the schedule flexibly according to guests’ requests.
Traveling from Hanoi to Mai Chau by car
If you enjoy adventure-style travel, riding a motorbike is a great option. You can follow National Highway 6, passing through Xuan Mai – Hoa Binh – Thung Khe Pass, before reaching Mai Chau. The distance is about 140 km, and a relaxed ride usually takes 4–5 hours. Along the way, there are many scenic spots where you can stop to enjoy the views and take photos.
Beautiful places to visit when traveling to Mai Chau during Tet
Traveling to Mai Chau during Tet offers a poetic journey through peaceful mountain landscapes. From Thai ethnic villages rich in cultural identity to untouched natural attractions and majestic mountain passes, Mai Chau has many ideal spots to enjoy the early days of the Lunar New Year in a calm and meaningful way.
Ba Khan – A traditional village by Hoa Binh Lake
Ba Khan is located beside Hoa Binh Hydropower Lake, known for its clear blue water and surrounding mountain ranges that create a serene atmosphere. Simple stilt houses and the slow-paced daily life of local residents make this area perfect for walking, photography, or kayaking on the lake. It is an ideal stop for travelers seeking tranquility during Tet.
Scenery of Mai Chau during Tet (Source: Danviet)
Lac Village – A vibrant Thai cultural space during Tet
Lac Village is one of the most iconic destinations in Mai Chau, preserving the cultural heritage of the White Thai ethnic group. During Tet, the village becomes livelier with local markets, traditional cuisine, bamboo dances, xoe dances, and various cultural activities. Walking around the village, chatting with locals, and joining festive celebrations offer an authentic and immersive Tet experience in the highlands.
Xoe dance of White Thai people
Bo Am Hot Spring – Relaxation in cool weather
Bo Am Hot Spring features naturally warm mineral water with a stable temperature throughout the year. It is especially suitable for relaxing during the cool early days of the Lunar New Year. Soaking in the mineral water helps relieve fatigue and restore energy after traveling around Mai Chau.
Relax in Bo Am hot spring
Thung Khe Pass – A scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley
Also known as White Stone Pass, Thung Khe Pass is a popular check-in spot on the way to Mai Chau. From the top of the pass, you can admire sweeping views of the valley below and distant mountain ranges. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly beautiful, when light mist creates a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for photography and enjoying the mountain air.
Thung Khe Pass – A scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley
Go Lao Waterfall – A hidden waterfall in the forest
Go Lao Waterfall attracts visitors with its clear water flowing through a lush forest. The quiet and untouched surroundings make it an ideal place for resting, taking photos, or simply listening to the sound of flowing water to reconnect with nature and find inner peace.
Go Lao Waterfall – A hidden waterfall in the forest
Chieu Cave – A Mysterious Natural Wonder
To reach Chieu Cave, visitors need to climb more than 1,200 stone steps. Although the journey can be physically demanding, the breathtaking view of Mai Chau Valley from above makes it worthwhile. Inside the cave, unique stalactite formations create a magical atmosphere, offering an exciting exploration experience during your spring journey.
Chieu Cave – A Mysterious Natural Wonder
Rice Fields & Pom Coong Village – Peaceful village walks
Pom Coong Village is loved for its clean village paths, traditional stilt houses, and wide green rice fields. Visitors often choose to walk or cycle around the village to take photos and experience the simple rhythm of local life. Located close to Mai Chau town center, it is also a convenient and scenic stop for travelers.
Rice Fields & Pom Coong Village – Peaceful village walks (Source: Xanh SM)
Read more: Lac Village, Mai Chau: Immerse yourself in Thai culture, nature & cuisine
What to eat when traveling to Mai Chau during Tet
Mai Chau is not only famous for its natural scenery and local culture but also for its distinctive Northwestern cuisine. Local dishes are typically made from fresh mountain ingredients, prepared using traditional methods, and seasoned with rich, bold flavors, perfect for enjoying during the early days of the Lunar New Year.
Bamboo-cooked Rice – A signature dish of Mai Chau
Bamboo-cooked rice (com lam) is one of Mai Chau’s most iconic dishes. Sticky rice is placed inside fresh bamboo tubes and grilled over charcoal. Once cooked, the rice becomes soft and fragrant, infused with the subtle aroma of bamboo. It is usually served with sesame salt or grilled meat, offering a simple yet flavorful taste that feels especially comforting during early spring.
Bamboo-cooked rice tubes sold by local residents along the roadside (Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper)
Charcoal-grilled hill chicken – A flavorful new year dish
Mai Chau hill chickens are free-range, making their meat firmer, sweeter, and more aromatic than industrially farmed chicken. The chicken is marinated with local spices such as mac khen and doi seeds, then grilled over charcoal until the skin turns golden and fragrant. This dish is a favorite among visitors and often appears in dinners at stilt houses or homestays.
Charcoal-grilled hill chicken
Ban Pig (Free-Range Pork) – A renowned local specialty
Ban pig, a type of free-range native pork, is a well-known specialty of the Northwest. The meat is lean, firm, and naturally sweet, commonly prepared in various ways such as grilling, steaming, stir-frying, or slow-cooking. When paired with bamboo rice and cham cheo dipping sauce, the flavors become even more balanced and memorable. This is a must-try dish for those wanting an authentic local food experience.
Ban Pig (Free-Range Pork)
Grilled stream fish – Naturally sweet and aromatic
Stream fish in Mai Chau are freshly caught from clean mountain streams, giving the meat a firm texture and naturally sweet taste. The fish is lightly seasoned and grilled over charcoal to preserve its freshness and natural aroma. This rustic dish is especially enjoyable in the cool highland weather during Tet.
Grilled stream fish
Upland sticky rice – A traditional Tet dish
Upland sticky rice is made from glutinous rice grown on hillside fields, known for its round grains, long-lasting fragrance, and chewy texture. It is commonly served during Tet celebrations among the Thai ethnic community and pairs well with grilled meat or local pork. Its appealing color and rich aroma make it a dish that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Sticky rice
Can wine – A cultural experience not to miss
Can wine is a traditional drink of the Thai people and many other ethnic groups in the Northwest, often enjoyed during festivals and community gatherings. The wine is fermented in large jars and drunk through long bamboo straws, creating a warm and communal atmosphere. With its mild alcohol content and herbal aroma, sharing can wine by the fire is an unforgettable cultural experience during the New Year.
Can wine
Where to stay when traveling to Mai Chau during Tet
When visiting Mai Chau during Tet, many travelers prefer quiet accommodations close to nature with attentive services to fully enjoy the early-year holiday. Lakeside resorts, village homestays, and eco-resorts are therefore popular choices.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
If you are looking for a truly private, fresh, and fully equipped place to relax with family, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort is an ideal option. The resort overlooks the poetic Hoa Binh Lake and offers accommodations that blend local cultural elements with modern comfort, creating a peaceful yet luxurious retreat.
Mai Chau Tet travel tips for first-time visitors
If this is your first time visiting Mai Chau during Tet, the following tips will help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:
- Dress appropriately: Early-year weather can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring warm clothing, scarves, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Check the weather forecast: Spring drizzle may occur, so packing a raincoat, waterproof jacket, or compact umbrella is recommended.
- Book accommodation and transport early: Tet is a peak travel period, so booking resorts, homestays, and transportation in advance helps avoid sold-out situations or price increases.
- Respect local culture: When visiting villages such as Lac or Pom Coong, be polite, avoid loud behavior, and ask for permission before taking photos of local residents.
- Carry some cash: Many small eateries, souvenir stalls, and local services may not accept electronic payments.
- Getting around villages: Walking or renting a bicycle is a safe and convenient way to explore villages, allowing you to stop easily for photos or short breaks.
Traveling to Mai Chau during Tet offers a chance to step away from city life, enjoy fresh mountain air, and experience the peaceful beauty of the highlands at the beginning of the year. With its mild climate, poetic scenery, and rich village culture, Mai Chau continues to be a destination that brings relaxation and calm to every traveler.
We hope these destination suggestions, food recommendations, and travel tips help you prepare for a smooth and fulfilling trip with family and friends. If you are looking for a quiet retreat with thoughtful service, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort is well worth considering to make the most of your early-year holiday.
For reservations, please contact 0963 406 366 to book your stay and start planning your own memorable Mai Chau journey.