Discover Chieu Cave in Mai Chau, Phu Tho, Vietnam! Explore its stalactites, costs, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable eco-tours. Book your adventure now!
Capture the mystical beauty of Hoa Binh’s geological gem (Source: Internet)Mai Chau, nestled in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a captivating eco-tourism and cultural destination 135 km northwest of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Set in a 120-hectare valley of rice paddies, limestone karsts, and Thai ethnic villages, Mai Chau is home to Chieu Cave (Hang Chieu), a stunning natural wonder with two chambers filled with shimmering stalactites. With entry fees starting at $1 (25,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers in Phu Tho.
Chieu Cave, accessible via a challenging 1,200-step staircase, offers a rewarding exploration of its cool, pristine interiors, steeped in local legends. Sustainable practices, such as guided eco-tours and conservation efforts, align with Phu Tho’s green tourism goals, set in a temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable eco-tours guide you through this geological marvel, ensuring an immersive, eco-friendly journey. Book via the links below or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hoa Binh Province merged into Phu Tho Province, with Mai Chau reclassified as Mai Chau Ward. This simplifies navigation using ward-based maps, while Mai Chau remains a top cultural hub in Phu Tho, with nearby Tan Mai Ward (home to Bakhan) enhancing its scenic appeal.
Legend Travel Group leads in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering curated eco-tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking authentic natural and cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like bicycles or electric vans, led by English-speaking guides who share Thai and Muong traditions, ecological insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local communities and conservation efforts, we align with Phu Tho’s eco-tourism initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links below and explore Chieu Cave responsibly!
Photograph the cultural allure of Hoa Binh’s heritage (Source: Internet)Located 2 km from Mai Chau’s center in Phuc San Commune, Chieu Cave is a geological treasure established as a tourist site in the 1990s. Nestled in a limestone karst hillside, the cave’s two chambers span 200 meters, adorned with a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites in vibrant hues of white, silver, and gold. The 1,200-step stone staircase, starting beside the ancient Xa Pung tree, offers a physical challenge with panoramic valley views. The cave’s cool, stable 18–20°C interior provides a refreshing escape, while LED-lit paths ensure minimal environmental impact. Sustainable guided tours and local maintenance preserve its pristine beauty, making Chieu Cave a highlight of Mai Chau’s eco-tourism offerings.
Chieu Cave captivates with its otherworldly stalactite forests, offering a blend of adventure and serenity. The 1,200-step climb, equivalent to a 150-meter ascent, challenges visitors but rewards with breathtaking views of Mai Chau’s rice paddies and karsts. Inside, the flat chambers showcase natural formations resembling mythical creatures and cascading waterfalls, steeped in Thai folklore about celestial beings. The cave’s cool ambiance and shimmering stalactites create a magical experience, while eco-friendly practices, like guided tours and waste management, protect its 5-hectare ecosystem. Visiting Chieu Cave supports local Muong and Thai guides, enhancing Phu Tho’s sustainable tourism and cultural narrative.
Learn Hoa Binh’s natural heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$18, deepen your cave adventure:
Climb to Chieu Cave’s entrance, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) entry. Enjoy valley views and the Xa Pung tree. Year-round, with dry season (November–April) offering safer steps. Stick to stairs to preserve the hillside.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cave Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Tour the two chambers, best at 9:00 AM, included with entry ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Marvel at shimmering stalactites with a local guide. Year-round, with LED lighting minimizing impact. Follow guides to protect formations.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cave Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Take a guided tour with Muong locals, best at 10:00 AM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Learn about stalactite folklore and cave ecology. Year-round, supporting community guides and conservation.
Cost: $2–$5; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Capture stalactite formations, best at 9:00–11:00 AM, for free with entry ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). November–April offers stable lighting; avoid flash to preserve cave ambiance. Respect restricted areas.
Cost: Free with entry; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore Phuc San’s Thai villages post-cave, best at 11:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND) for snacks. Engage with locals and see stilt houses. Year-round, supporting community tourism.
Cost: Free–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Community Eco-Tour ($50–$75).
Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for climbing the 1,200 steps and exploring the cave’s cool interior. The rainy season (May–October) enhances rice field greenery, adding scenic beauty to the ascent, but makes steps slippery, requiring sturdy shoes and rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer visitors (50–150 daily) than weekends (300–600), especially during Tet (January/February), when cultural events peak. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are best for cooler climbs and serene cave tours; afternoons (1:00–3:00 PM) suit relaxed village visits post-cave.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hoa Binh Travel (Source: Internet)Chieu Cave is 2 km from Mai Chau Ward’s center, reachable in 10–15 minutes from Mai Chau or 3–3.5 hours from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward (137 km total):
From Mai Chau to Chieu Cave:
By Motorbike: Rent a scooter ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND) and ride to Phuc San. Fuel: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). Park at the Xa Pung tree base ($0.40 or 10,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Bicycle: Rent a bike ($2–$3/day or 50,000–75,000 VND) for a 15–20-minute ride. Flat, beginner-friendly path; best in dry season.
By Motorbike Taxi: Hire a local “xe om” ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND round-trip) from Mai Chau’s market to the cave’s staircase.
By Walking: Trek 2 km from Mai Chau’s center (30–40 minutes), free with entry ($1.50–$2.50 or 40,000–60,000 VND). Scenic path through rice fields; wear sturdy shoes.
From Hanoi to Mai Chau (then to Chieu Cave):
Private Car: Drive via QL6, $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, 3–3.5 hours to Mai Chau, plus 10–15 minutes to Chieu Cave. Book via Legend Travel Group.
Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 3–3.5 hours. Use Xanh SM app.
Public Bus: From My Dinh to Mai Chau (3.5 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), then motorbike taxi ($1–$2). Departs 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM.
Shuttle Bus: Door-to-door from Old Quarter, $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) round-trip, 7:00 AM or 2:30 PM.
Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel round-trip; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): $24–$36 (600,000–900,000 VND)/person round-trip, 7:00 AM.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($45–$60 or 1,125,000–1,500,000 VND, 3.5 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($40–$50 or 1,000,000–1,250,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Chieu Cave, Phuc San Commune, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me). From Mai Chau, head toward Phuc San; the Xa Pung tree marks the staircase. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking or cycling reduces emissions; book eco-tours for sustainable travel.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorbikes; watch for uneven steps (1,200 total). Confirm fares upfront.
Clothing: Light, breathable layers, sturdy hiking shoes for 1,200 steps; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); modest attire for villages (cover shoulders/knees).
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, hat for staircase climb.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Cave Gear: Small backpack, flashlight ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND) for backup, camera for stalactite shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for the climb; cash for vendors; basic first-aid kit ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Capture the sustainable charm of Hoa Binh’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Entry to Chieu Cave: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) adult; $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) child under 1.3m.
Village Entry Fee: $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND).
Guided Cave Tour: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Photography: Free with entry.
Village Snacks: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Cơm Lam): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Thai Silk): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Motorbike Taxi: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Walking: Free with entry.
Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Budget: $5–$10 (bike, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $10–$20 (guided tour, motorbike taxi).
Luxury: $30–$50 (premium guided tour, homestay add-on).
Tip: Budget $5–$25 for activities and transport; carry small VND notes for vendors (no cards accepted).
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Chieu Cave and Mai Chau’s natural beauty, supporting local Thai and Muong communities and sustainable practices:
Mai Chau Chieu Cave & Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, climb to Chieu Cave, and enjoy a Thai lunch ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Includes eco-friendly transport, guide, entry fees, and a village visit. Promotes cave conservation.
Mai Chau & Ba Khan Eco-Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Explore Chieu Cave, Ba Khan Lake, and a Thai homestay ($15–$25/night or 375,000–625,000 VND). Includes meals, low-impact transport, and a rice field cycling tour, supporting sustainable tourism.
Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Eco-Immersion ($150–$220/person, 3 days): Combine Chieu Cave with Pu Luong’s trails and eco-homestays, including weaving workshops. Includes meals, eco-transfers, and entry fees, fostering local conservation.
Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Eco-Journey ($220–$350/person, 4 days): Visit Chieu Cave, Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, and Hoa Binh’s Grilled Da River Fish. Includes eco-transfers, homestays, and cultural activities, supporting Phu Tho’s green initiatives.
Pricing Details: All tours include eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, entry fees, and meals as specified. Enjoy a 15% discount for groups of 8 or more, with flexible cancellations up to 48 hours prior. Book now via the links throughout this guide to explore Chieu Cave sustainably!
Timing: November–April for dry steps; May–October for lush greenery. Weekdays for fewer visitors (50–150 vs. 300–600 on weekends). Avoid Tet (January/February) for quieter climbs.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. Book motorbike taxis via homestays.
Sustainability: Stick to the 1,200-step staircase to protect the hillside; use reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Thai vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).
Navigation: Save “Chieu Cave, Phuc San Commune” in offline maps; follow signs to Xa Pung tree from Mai Chau. Ask locals for staircase directions.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes for steep steps (1,200 total); bring water for the 20–30-minute climb. Secure valuables; avoid climbing in heavy rain.
Weather: Dry season for safe ascents; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in Phuc San villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Ask permission before photographing residents.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry mosquito repellent; rest during the climb if needed.
Chieu Cave in Mai Chau Hamlet, Hoa Binh Region, Phu Tho Province, a natural eco-tourism haven 135 km from Hanoi, enchants over 50,000 visitors yearly with entry fees of $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Its shimmering stalactites and 1,200-step ascent through a 5-hectare ecosystem offer a thrilling adventure. Sustainable practices like guided tours and eco-friendly maintenance preserve its pristine beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Tours guide you through this geological wonder, ensuring a green, immersive Hoa Binh Travel experience with explorations of its chambers and visits to nearby Lac Village and Pom Coong Thai villages. Don’t miss out—browse our featured eco-tours and book your nature adventure today!
Ready to explore Chieu Cave in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province? Reserve your sustainable eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Chieu Cave Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
