Mai Chau offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced energy of Hanoi. After spending a few days surrounded by rice fields and ethnic village life, many travelers begin to look for the best way to return to the capital. Taking a Mai Chau to Hanoi bus now is not only affordable but also easy and convenient. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey back to Hanoi.
Distance and travel time from Mai Chau to Hanoi
Mai Chau is a charming rural town in northern Vietnam. Known for its rice paddies, stilt houses, and welcoming ethnic minority communities, it's a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Travelers come here not only to admire the natural beauty but also to experience traditional culture and slow village life.
.png "Distance and travel time from Mai Chau to Hanoi bus")
Distance and travel time from Mai Chau to Hanoi bus
Despite feeling like a world apart, Mai Chau is only about 140 to 150 kilometers southwest of Hanoi. The actual distance may vary slightly depending on your starting and ending points, but the route is straightforward and increasingly popular among backpackers and eco-tourists.
Traveling from Mai Chau to Hanoi by bus can take anywhere between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the type of bus and traffic conditions. If you take a limousine minivan or private shuttle, expect a smoother ride of around 3.5 to 4 hours. These are the fastest and most comfortable options, often including hotel pick-up in Mai Chau and drop-off in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
For those on a tighter budget, local public buses or standard coaches are available, though the journey can take 4 to 5 hours, sometimes requiring a transfer in Hoa Binh City. These buses stop frequently and may not have air conditioning, but they offer a more authentic glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life.
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Mai Chau to Hanoi bus
Because the route involves winding mountain roads, especially in the early stretch from Mai Chau, travel time from Mai Chau to Hanoi bus can be affected by weather, particularly during the rainy season. It’s best to plan your departure accordingly and allow some flexibility in your schedule.
Read more: Mai Chau Bus: Complete guide from Hanoi routes to local travel options
Popular bus options from Mai Chau to Hanoi
Choosing Mai Chau to Hanoi bus doesn’t mean just one kind of vehicle. Depending on your travel style and budget, you can choose between standard local buses, limousine minivans, or resort-operated shuttles. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options.
Standard public bus (Basic local bus)
For travelers looking for a no-frills, authentic, and budget-friendly way to return to Hanoi from Mai Chau, standard seat buses are a reliable option. These are local buses with fixed routes and seating, often used by residents traveling between towns. While they may lack modern comforts like air conditioning or onboard Wi-Fi, they offer a genuine taste of how locals move around — and at a very low cost.
.png "Seat bus (source: daily tour Viet)")
Seat bus (source: daily tour Viet)
You can easily book these buses online through Vietnamese platforms like Vexere.com, which lists verified operators, schedules, reviews, and ticket prices. Below are three of the most trusted standard bus companies currently running the Mai Chau – Hanoi route:
Type: 24-seat standard coach
Departure time: Varies – please confirm when booking
Departure point: Mai Chau town center
Arrival point: Hanoi (typically Yen Nghia Bus Station)
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Ticket price: 100,000 VND (~$4 USD)
This operator is known for safe driving and friendly service. It’s a solid option if you don’t mind simple seating and a shared local ride.
Type: 24-seat standard coach
Departure times: 06:40, 07:20, 09:30 (daily)
Departure point: Lac Village junction
Arrival point: Yen Nghia Bus Station, Hanoi
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Ticket price: 100,000 VND
Thu Bang offers multiple morning departures, perfect if you want to get back to Hanoi by early afternoon. The route is direct and ideal for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers.
Type: 24-seat standard coach
Departure time: 06:00 AM
Departure point: Lac Village junction
Arrival point: Yen Nghia Bus Station, Hanoi
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Ticket price: 100,000 VND
Tung Anh has the highest customer rating among the standard seat options. It departs early, great if you want to make the most of your day in Hanoi.
Limousine vans
If you value comfort, convenience, and a smoother ride, limousine vans are an excellent upgrade from local buses. These 9–11 seat high-end vans offer leather reclining seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and sometimes even door-to-door service — perfect for families, couples, or travelers with luggage.
.png "Luxury limousine van (source: 12 Go)")
Luxury limousine van (source: 12 Go)
Most limousine services run between Mai Chau town (or nearby Lac Village) and central Hanoi (Old Quarter, My Dinh, or Giap Bat). You can book them easily on platforms or through your hotel, homestay, resort. Below are the most trusted and active operators.
Type: 9-seat Dcar Limousine
Departure time: 15:00 (from Mai Chau)
Duration: Approx. 3–3.5 hours
Ticket price: ~250,000–300,000 VND
Type: 11-seat limousine van
Departure times: ~13:00–15:00 (check schedule)
Duration: ~3 hours
Ticket price: ~250,000 VND
- Mai Chau Nature Limousine Bus
Type: Luxury 11-seat limousine
Duration: 3–3.5 hours
Ticket price: 280,000–320,000 VND
Type: Limousine van with 9–11 seats
Ticket price: ~240,000–260,000 VND
Type: Limousine van
Ticket price: ~230,000–250,000 VND
Round-trip shuttle service by Mai Chau Hideaway Resort
If you plan to stay at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, the most convenient and stress-free way to get to and from Hanoi is using the resort’s round-trip shuttle service. Designed exclusively for their guests, this option offers a direct route between the resort and Hanoi’s Old Quarter with no transfers, no hassle, and beautiful scenery along the way.
.png "Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort")
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
Direct Limousine Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau Hideaway
Route: Hanoi ⇄ Mai Chau Hideaway (Suoi Lon, Mai Chau)
Pickup times in Hanoi:
- 07:00 AM – Hilton Fountain
- 07:15 AM – Hang Da Market Gate
- 08:00 AM – Entrance of the National Convention Center (Tran Duy Hung – Thang Long Boulevard)
Arrival at the resort: around 12:00 PM
Return trip from Mai Chau Hideaway: departs between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM, arrives in Hanoi before 7:00 PM (drop-off at the Hanoi Opera House)
Ticket price: Contact the resort directly for pricing
Travel tips for taking Mai Chau to Hanoi bus
After enjoying the peaceful countryside and stunning landscapes of Mai Chau, getting back to Hanoi by bus is a practical and budget-friendly choice. While the journey is fairly straightforward, a few helpful tips will make your trip much more convenient.
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Travel tips for taking Mai Chau to Hanoi bus
1. Choose a comfortable bus with air-conditioning
The journey from Mai Chau to Hanoi is about 140 km and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s a good idea to select a vehicle that offers reclining seats and air-conditioning for added comfort. Limousines are the best choice if you’re traveling with family or carrying bulky luggage.
2. Book in advance via apps or directly by phone
Several bus companies allow reservations through apps like Vexere, Easybook, or via their hotlines. During peak travel seasons, booking early is essential to avoid fully booked buses.
If you're staying in Lac Village or Pom Coong Village, your homestay host can often help you arrange a transfer or book a seat on your behalf.
3. Have a backup plan in case of transfers
If a direct limousine is unavailable, consider taking a local bus or minibus from Mai Chau to Hoa Binh City, and then transferring to a Hanoi-bound bus. While this option takes a bit more planning, it’s flexible and commonly used by locals and budget travelers.
4. Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases for bus travel
If you're taking a standard bus or minivan without English-speaking staff, knowing a few simple Vietnamese phrases can be extremely helpful. Here are a few that you might want to memorize or keep handy:
- “Tôi muốn đi Hà Nội” – I want to go to Hanoi
- “Xe này có đi Hà Nội không?” – Does this bus go to Hanoi?
- “Bao lâu thì đến?” – How long does it take?
- “Xuống xe ở đây được không?” – Can I get off here?
- “Cảm ơn!” – Thank you.
Learning these phrases, or having them written down on your phone, will help you feel more confident when boarding or getting off the bus, especially in areas where few people speak English.
Read more: Bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau: Your guide to a simple and relaxing journey
Whether you’re wrapping up a relaxing retreat or continuing your Vietnam adventure, choosing the right Mai Chau to Hanoi bus can make all the difference. From cozy limousines to budget-friendly local buses, the route back to Hanoi is filled with scenic views and convenient options. Plan ahead, pick the bus that fits your travel style, and you’ll be back in Hanoi comfortably, with unforgettable memories of Mai Chau in tow.
