Nestled among the winding mountain roads of Northwest Vietnam, Mai Hich Commune appears as a rustic and peaceful village. This place is an ideal stop for travelers seeking a slower pace of life, a closer connection with nature, and an authentic experience of Thai ethnic culture in Mai Chau.
Where is Mai Hich Commune?
If Lac Village has become a familiar name to many visitors to Hoa Binh, then Mai Hich, Mai Chau (now part of Bao La Commune, Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province) is a destination well worth considering. Located only about 12 kilometers southwest of Mai Chau town center, Mai Hich lies quietly in a serene valley surrounded by the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, offering a calm and unspoiled atmosphere away from the crowds.
Where is Mai Hich Commune? (Source: Bamboo Airways)
Mai Hich Commune shares its administrative borders with several well-known attractions such as Lac Village, Chieu Cave, and is especially close to Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa), located about 30 km away.
Mai Hich consists of eight hamlets: Hich 1, Hich 2, Cha Lang, Khong, Vo, Mo, Hai Son, and Tom, home mainly to the White Thai ethnic group. Each hamlet preserves its own distinctive traditional culture, most notably stilt-house architecture, brocade weaving, and local festivals.
What makes Mai Hich truly special is its well-preserved, tranquil, and unspoiled beauty. It is one of the few places in Mai Chau that has developed sustainable community-based tourism, where local residents actively participate in tourism while still protecting their cultural identity and the natural environment.
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How to get to Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau
Located about 140 km from Hanoi, the journey to Mai Hich, Mai Chau takes you along winding mountain roads to a destination that feels both pristine and culturally rich.
From central Hanoi, you can follow National Highway 6, which leads you through majestic mountain passes, past Hoa Binh City, and into the picturesque Mai Chau Valley.
One of the highlights along the way is Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Rock Pass, an ideal stop to rest, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and take photos amid clouds and sky. From Mai Chau town, continue for about 15 km along provincial roads to reach Mai Hich Commune.
Thung Khe Pass – White Rock Pass – an ideal stop on the journey to Mai Hich, Mai Chau
The road from Mai Chau town to Mai Hich Commune is quite easy to travel, with flat terrain suitable for both motorbikes and cars. Along the way, you will pass lush green rice fields and traditional stilt houses nestled at the foot of the mountains, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. If you travel by car, taking the Hoa Binh – Hoa Lac Expressway can shorten the travel time to about 2.5 hours.
If you do not drive yourself, you can choose intercity buses or limousine services from Hanoi to Mai Chau. These vehicles usually depart from Yen Nghia Bus Station or pick up passengers in central Hanoi. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 250,000 VND per trip, with multiple flexible departure times throughout the day. From Mai Chau town, you can rent a motorbike, take a local taxi, or ask your homestay to arrange a transfer to Mai Hich.
The best time to Visit Mai Hich, Mai Chau
Mai Hich reveals a different charm in each season, making it a destination worth visiting year-round.
Spring is when the area is full of vitality. The weather is cool and pleasant, and white ban flowers bloom across the mountain slopes. This is an ideal time to take part in traditional festivals of the Thai ethnic community, as well as the liveliest and most festive period of the year.
Ban flowers in full bloom blanket Mai Hich, Mai Chau
Summer may bring occasional sudden showers, but it is also the season when Mai Hich is immersed in endless shades of green. Terraced rice fields stretch out in fresh, vibrant hues, combined with clean, cool air that offers a sense of relaxation for those seeking to escape the noise and rush of city life.
Autumn, especially in September and October, is considered the most beautiful time of the year in Mai Hich. Golden ripe rice fields spread across the valleys, while the mild and pleasant weather creates a perfect picture for travelers who love the peaceful charm of the highlands. This is also the harvest season, when you can witness local people working in the fields, gathering crops, and enjoying seasonal specialties.
Winter gives Mai Hich a quieter, more contemplative beauty. In the early morning, mist drifts through the valleys, wrapping small villages in a soft, dreamlike veil. This is an ideal time for those who seek tranquility, wish to reconnect with nature, and enjoy moments of calm and reflection.
No matter when you visit Mai Hich Commune, Mai Chau, the journey is sure to leave you with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Read more: Mai Chau Tet travel guide for a peaceful spring escape
Nature and people of Mai Hich
Nestled in the heart of the Mai Chau valley, Mai Hich Commune retains a pristine and unspoiled beauty. From terraced rice fields and crystal-clear streams to the fresh, cool mountain air, everything comes together to create a Mai Hich that captivates visitors at first sight. Coming here, you also have the opportunity to learn about and experience the daily life of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities, people who have long been deeply connected to this land.
The majestic yet peaceful beauty of Mai Hich, Mai Chau
When speaking of Mai Hich, it is impossible not to mention the lush green mountains, gentle streams winding through the villages, and magnificent terraced rice fields. The surrounding hills and mountains not only create a sense of grandeur but also bring a rare tranquility and stillness to the area. This is precisely what makes Mai Hich an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Mai Hich – A Peaceful Haven Away from Urban Hustle (Source: Hoa Binh Newspaper)
In spring, peach blossoms and ban flowers bloom across the hillsides of Mai Hich, adding a poetic charm to the natural landscape. In autumn, visitors are drawn here to admire the golden terraced rice fields that are so characteristic of Vietnam’s Northwest highlands.
Mai Hich is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem. Small streams wind gently through rice paddies, cornfields, and villages, flowing like soft ribbons amid the mountains. The scenery is not only beautiful but also vividly alive, you may hear birds singing, leaves rustling in the wind, creating a natural symphony of the forest.
For trekking enthusiasts, the surrounding hills of Mai Hich offer rewarding and challenging trails. From the mountain peaks, you can take in panoramic views of the peaceful Mai Chau valley stretching out below.
The warm and welcoming people of Mai Hich
The Thai ethnic community in Mai Hich primarily relies on agriculture, including rice farming, livestock raising, and traditional handicrafts. Their sturdy stilt houses are more than just homes, they are places where stories are told and where the cultural heritage of the Thai people is carefully preserved.
What truly leaves a lasting impression is the genuine hospitality of the locals. When visiting a family in Mai Hich, guests are often invited to enjoy ruou can (traditional fermented rice wine) and savor local specialties rich in the flavors of the mountains. The people of Mai Hich are always willing to share stories about their daily lives, farming seasons, and traditional festivals, experiences you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
If you have the chance, try living alongside the people of Mai Hich: join them in the rice fields, venture into the forest to collect bamboo shoots, or learn how to weave traditional brocade. These seemingly simple daily activities often leave the deepest and most memorable impressions on travelers who visit Mai Hich in Mai Chau.
A luxurious dining space with a stunning view of Hoa Binh Lake at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
One day is certainly not enough to fully feel the beauty and peaceful rhythm of life in Mai Hich. To make your journey of exploration truly complete, choosing Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort as your place to stay is an ideal option. With its tranquil setting by the lake, the resort offers a perfect retreat to recharge your energy and prepare for memorable experiences in Mai Hich.
Mai Hich is not noisy or flashy, yet it gently touches the hearts of visitors with its simple beauty and the warm hospitality of local people. Nestled in the mountains of Mai Chau, this is a serene destination that offers travelers the most authentic, rustic, and heartfelt experiences.