Serene Mai Chau valley – the perfect escape from Hanoi

Two three-star cruisers to serve tourists in the Hoa Binh Lake was launched in 2015 and expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. These two ships are designed to serve 100 – 200 passengers equipped with modern facilities including bars, music stages, outdoor restaurants and coffee shops. Together with Tien pagoda, the idyllic Mai Chau valley embraced by emerald mountains and clouds make Hoa Binh a retreat centre in North Vietnam.

As you approach down the windy cliff side road and the villages and surrounding countryside, Mai Chau’s stunningly beautiful rural scene could easily charm you. The bright, almost parrot-green colour in spring amazingly transform into golden hues as the rice approaches harvest. Thanks to the picturesque valleys and rice paddy terraces, the friendly locals and many small villages, Mai Chau is an excellent base for light trekking or cycling and relaxation. Thick jungle, bamboo groves, tea plantations and waterfalls lends itself to fantastic walks and mini treks to ethnic minority villages.

Home to 7 ethnic minority groups, ‘White Thai’, ‘H’Mong’, ’Zao’, ’Muong’, ’Tay’, ’Hoa’, and ‘Viet’, Mai Chau boasts the distinct cultures of the colourful hill-tribe people. The White Thai women are masterful weavers producing plenty of traditional-style textiles. Colorful Sunday market is good option for your visit. You will have chance to enjoy the folk dances and songs that are accompanied by Gong music, as well as experience the feeling of drinking Can Wine. For the more adventurous, a ‘homestay’ in a stilt house is in one of the ethnic White Thai villages with a short walk from Mai Chau town: Ban Poom Coong, Ban Lac 1 and Ban Lac 2. On the outskirts of Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Lake is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the region. The best time of year to visit Mai Chau is between October to November, and February to May.

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