Nestled in the lush Mai Chau valley, Lac Village is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape in the Northwest mountains. Famous for its ancient stilt houses, the village preserves the rich cultural traditions of the Thai people while offering unique culinary and natural experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Lac Village always leaves unforgettable memories.
Where is Lac Village? When is the best time to visit?
Lac Village is located in Chieng Chau Commune, Mai Chau District, formerly part of Hoa Binh Province. From 2025 May, Hoa Binh was merged with Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho to establish the new Phu Tho Province. Lac Village now belongs to Mai Ha Commune, within the new Phu Tho Province. Although its administrative boundaries have changed, the cultural values and traditional landscapes of this ancient village remain intact.
Lac Village
With a history of more than 700 years, Lac Village is home to the White Thai ethnic group. The village is distinguished by its stilt houses, traditional brocade weaving, and vibrant communal lifestyle. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful scenery of the Mai Chau valley and experience the slow-paced, nature-connected way of life preserved for generations.
The best times to visit Lac Village are varied. From April to June, lush green rice fields blanket the valley, creating a refreshing and picturesque landscape. From September to October, the harvest season paints the area in brilliant golden hues, perfect for photography and local farming experiences.
Between October and March, the cool, dry climate is ideal for cycling, hiking, and joining evening community activities. Travelers should avoid the rainy months of July and August, when slippery mountain passes may make exploration more challenging.
How to get to Lac Village Mai Chau
To make your visit smooth and enjoyable, it’s helpful to know the available routes and transportation options in advance. The following guide will help you plan your journey efficiently and make the most of your time in this picturesque village.
Routes to Lac Village
To reach Lac Village (Mai Ha Commune, in the newly established Phu Tho Province), most travelers depart from Hanoi. The distance is about 135 – 150 km, and the journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on the mode of transport. There are two main routes:
Starting from central Hanoi, you head toward Nguyen Trai – Ha Dong and merge onto National Highway 6. This road passes through Xuan Mai, Luong Son, and Cao Phong before reaching Mai Chau Town.
Thung Khe pass
From there, it’s about 5 km along a smaller road to Lac Village. This is the traditional route, offering many scenic views, but it includes steep mountain passes, especially Thung Khe Pass, where careful driving is needed.
- Via Hanoi – Hoa Binh Expressway
From Hanoi, you take Thang Long Boulevard and enter the Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh Expressway. This newer route shortens travel time, with wider and smoother roads. Once in Hoa Binh, you continue along National Highway 6 toward Mai Chau, then a few more kilometers to Lac Village. This option is safer and more comfortable, especially for cars.
Along the way, travelers can stop at Thung Khe Pass (also known as White Stone Pass) to enjoy panoramic views of the Mai Chau Valley from above – a must-try experience.
Means of transportation to Lac Village
Getting to Lac village can be part of the adventure itself, as the journey winds through scenic valleys and mountain passes. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various transportation options, from comfortable buses and private cars to motorbikes for a more adventurous ride.
- Motorbike: Best suited for those who love adventure and want to experience the winding mountain roads. Riding a motorbike gives you the freedom to stop at various scenic spots. However, make sure your bike is in good condition, brakes are reliable, and that you have solid riding skills.
- Private car: A comfortable and safe choice, especially for families or groups of friends. The expressway route is recommended to save time. Even 7-seater cars can easily reach the village center.
- Passenger bus: From Hanoi’s My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia bus stations, there are several buses daily to Mai Chau. Ticket prices range from 100,000 – 150,000 VND (about $4–6) per person. From Mai Chau Town, you can take a taxi, motorbike taxi, or even rent a bicycle to get into Lac Village.
- Group tours or private shuttle services: An ideal option if you want convenience and don’t want to worry about directions. Travel agencies usually arrange door-to-door shuttle service and often include other attractions in the Mai Chau area in their itineraries.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort offers a convenient shuttle bus service from Hanoi directly to the resort, making your journey to Mai Chau effortless and relaxing. The modern, comfortable, and safe vehicle will take you straight to the resort’s entrance, ready to start your peaceful stay amid the lush valley scenery. Book your shuttle today and begin your Mai Chau trip smoothly from Hanoi, without worrying about transportation or directions.
Things to do in Lac Village
Lac Village, the heart of Mai Chau, is not only famous for its traditional stilt houses but also offers a variety of unique cultural, natural, and culinary experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful life, full of the charm of the Northwest mountains. Here are some of the activities you shouldn’t miss:
Explore traditional Thai stilt houses
One of the must-do experiences is visiting the ancient stilt houses. These tall wooden houses with thatched or tiled roofs, decorated with intricate brocade patterns, preserve the traditional culture of the Thai people.
Visitors can learn about customs and traditions and even spend the night in the stilt houses to enjoy the slow-paced life amidst the mountains.
Try brocade weaving and handicraft making
Lac Village is famous for the traditional brocade weaving of Thai women. Visitors can try weaving fabric or embroidering patterns under the guidance of local artisans. This experience not only helps you understand about brocade weaving but also gives the joy of creating a unique souvenir to take home. Additionally, you can learn to make other traditional handicrafts, such as fabric bags, bracelets, or traditional hats.
Walk or bike around the village
Cycling is a great way to enjoy the peace of Lac village
Lac Village has small winding dirt roads passing through stilt houses, lush rice fields, and clear streams. Walking or renting a bicycle is a great way to stay active while feeling the peaceful rhythm of village life and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Along the way, you may see children playing, locals tending their rice fields, and rare scenic views that make your journey intimate and memorable.
Participate in festivals and folk cultural activities
If you come at the right time, visitors can also join traditional festivals, such as the new rice celebration, Xoe dance, Then singing, or play folk games. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai cultural life, learn, and have fun. These experiences leave deep impressions and make your trip even more memorable.
Enjoy bamboo pole dance, campfire nights, and can wine
Evenings in Lac Village are perfect for joining the bamboo pole dance, a traditional folk dance of the Thai people. Visitors can dance on the bamboo poles to the rhythm of drums, joining the local community. Singing along with locals while tasting can wine during campfire night surely creates a fun and bonding experience.
What to eat in Lac Village?
Lac Village captivates visitors not only with its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural life but also with authentic Thai cuisine full of Northwest mountain flavors. Here, you have the chance to savor a variety of signature dishes, from simple meals to more elaborate preparations.
Com Lam
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Visitors often enjoy com lam with grilled meat
Com Lam is a traditional dish closely tied to the Thai people of Mai Chau. Sticky rice is packed inside bamboo tubes and roasted over hot coals, creating a fragrant, slightly sweet, and chewy rice. Visitors often enjoy it with grilled meat, sesame salt, or river fish, offering a truly flavorful mountain experience.
Grilled village pork
Village-reared pork, naturally raised and seasoned, is grilled over charcoal to perfection. When tasting, you’ll notice the rich, tender flavor combined with the smoky aroma, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Grilled river fish
Fresh fish from the local streams is grilled directly over hot coals, preserving its natural sweetness. Typically served with forest vegetables, it is dipped in sesame salt or special sauces, creating a meal that is both delicious and distinctly mountainous.
Many Thai families in Lac Village invite visitors to share meals inside their stilt houses, offering not only delicious dishes but also a chance to converse and learn about local culinary culture and daily life. This experience allows guests to fully appreciate the authenticity and warmth of life in the Northwest mountains.
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Bamboo Restaurant
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort also offers Bamboo Restaurant, serving traditional Thai specialties alongside a selection of refined Asian and Western dishes. This is the perfect place to relax and savor local flavors after a day of exploring Mai Chau. Reserve your table today and complete your stay with a memorable culinary journey!
Travel tips for Lac village
Visiting Lac Village in Mai Chau offers travelers unique cultural, natural, and culinary experiences. To make the most of your trip, here are some useful tips.
- Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Lac Village is from September to November when the rice fields turn golden, or from April to June when the ban flowers and rice flowers bloom. During these periods, the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities, trekking, sightseeing, and photography.
- What to bring: Since Lac Village is nestled in the Northwest mountains, it’s recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes or sneakers, comfortable clothing, hats, and sunscreen. If you plan to join activities like trekking, boating, or cycling, don’t forget to bring a light jacket, scarf, water, and a camera.
- Accommodation: You can choose to stay overnight in a traditional Thai stilt house for an authentic local experience, or book a room at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort.
Sightseeing and activities: Plan your trip to fully explore Lac village, and don’t forget to check in at Hang Chieu and Hang Mo Luong near the village. If you visit during festival seasons, you may also experience traditional festivals and folk games of the Thai people.
A journey to Lac Village offers you a full immersion in culture, cuisine, and nature. From exploring stilt houses, tasting local delicacies, to participating in campfire nights, and trekking nearby caves, every moment leaves a lasting impression. Plan your trip and experience Lac Village to fully appreciate the serene lifestyle and vibrant culture of Vietnam’s Northwest mountains today.
