Explore Mai Chau’s countryside in Phu Tho, Vietnam! Discover biking, hiking, costs, transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your eco-adventure now!
Capture the scenic beauty of Mai Chau’s eco-tourism haven (Source: Internet)Mai Chau, located in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a breathtaking eco-tourism destination 135 km northwest of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Nestled in a 120-hectare valley of vibrant rice paddies, limestone karsts, and Thai ethnic villages, Mai Chau offers stunning landscapes perfect for cycling and hiking, with 300+ plant species and wildlife like hornbills. With entry fees at $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-tourists seeking Vietnam’s rural charm.
Mai Chau’s countryside trails reveal golden rice fields, wildflower meadows, and local life, from farmers with water buffalo to children playing in villages. Sustainable practices, such as low-impact bike rentals and biodegradable trail markers, 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 tours guide you through this scenic valley, ensuring an eco-friendly, immersive journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or 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 eco-tourism destination.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering tailored eco-tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking authentic outdoor and cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like bicycles or electric shuttles, led by English-speaking guides who share Thai cultural insights, ecological knowledge, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local Thai communities, 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 on this page and explore Mai Chau responsibly!
Biking and walking around Mai Chau Valley is the best idea (Source: Internet)Situated in Mai Chau Ward, 135 km from Hanoi, Mai Chau is a biodiverse valley established as a tourist site in the 1990s. Its 120-hectare expanse includes 80 hectares of rice paddies and 40 hectares of forests with bamboo and teak, hosting 180 tree species, many in Vietnam’s Red Book. The valley’s flat and hilly trails are ideal for cycling and hiking, offering views of mirror-like paddies and karst mountains. Activities like bike tours, village treks, and Thai homestays, combined with sustainable features like trail maintenance and local guides, make Mai Chau a model of eco-tourism, offering a serene escape from urban Hanoi.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$8, offer outdoor immersion:
Pedal scenic trails in Ban Lac, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), capturing golden or green rice fields.
Cost: $2–$3; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails to protect crops.
Tip: Rent at homestays; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cycling Tour ($45–$75).
Trek 5 km to Pom Coong, best at 9:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND), meeting Thai locals and seeing traditional looms.
Cost: Free–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to paths to preserve flora; support local vendors.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Hiking Tour ($45–$75).
Stay overnight in a Thai stilt house, best booked for 6:00 PM, for $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND), enjoying “rượu nếp” (rice wine) after a day outdoors.
Cost: $12–$18; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Thai families; uses sustainable materials.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural performances; included in Mai Chau Overnight Eco-Tour ($90–$140).
Walk to Ban Lac market in Tan Mai Ward, best at 7:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND), tasting local snacks and buying Thai crafts.
Cost: Free–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports vendors; use reusable bags.
Tip: Bring cash for snacks ($0.50–$3); included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Market Tour ($45–$75).
Join a guided bike tour to karst viewpoints, best at 4:00 PM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), capturing Mai Chau’s sunset glow.
Cost: $5–$8; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 3:00–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Guided tours protect trails; bikes minimize impact.
Tip: Bring a camera; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Sunset Tour ($50–$80).
Experience Mai Chau Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for cycling and hiking. September to November showcases golden rice harvests, while March to April offers vibrant green paddies and wildflowers, perfect for photography. The rainy season (May–October, 23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F) brings lush scenery but slippery trails, requiring rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (150–300 daily visitors) than weekends (600–1,200), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer misty views; afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) are great for sunset rides.
Mai Chau, in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho, is 135 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 3–3.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 3 hours via QL6, costing $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 3 hours, $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 VND) one-way; $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, 3–3.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Mai Chau Ward (3.5 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), departing 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM.
By Bicycle (Adventurous): Rent in Hoan Kiem Ward ($3–$6/day), 6–7 hours via QL6, not recommended for novices due to traffic.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, 3 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($45–$60 or 1,125,000–1,500,000 VND, 3.5 hours, 160 km); Xanh SM taxi ($40–$50 or 1,000,000–1,250,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Moc Chau. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling minimizes impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.
Start your Mai Chau Travel with tranquil vistas (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for trails; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun protection.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for paddy shots, binoculars for wildlife.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for trails; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($1.50–$2.50), rentals ($2–$8), or snacks ($0.50–$3); secure valuables on trails.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND) adult; $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) child under 1.3m.
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Pom Coong Village Hike: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).
Thai Stilt House Stay: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
Ban Lac Market Walk: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).
Sunset Bike Tour: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Sticky Rice): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Thai Crafts): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Private Car: $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$12/day.
Public Bus: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $3–$6/day (75,000–150,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Mai Chau: $45–$60 (1,125,000–1,500,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $12–$22 (bus, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (private car, bike rental, guided tour).
Luxury: $90–$140 (Xanh SM taxi, stilt house stay, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for entry ($1.50–$2.50), activities ($2–$8), and transport ($4–$80); carry cash for tickets and vendors (no cards accepted).
Capture the sustainable charm of Mai Chau’s nature (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for misty views; November–April for dry trails. Weekdays for fewer crowds (150–300 vs. 600–1,200 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter trails.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided biking or homestays. Book rentals at homestays.
Sustainability: Stay on trails to protect rice fields; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Thai vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3) or crafts ($2–$10).
Navigation: Save “Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps; ask locals at Moc Chau for signs. Avoid night rides due to rural roads.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes on trails; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.
Weather: Dry season for safe cycling; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$6) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in homestays (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect rice fields; avoid loud talking in villages.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Mai Chau’s countryside beauty:
Mai Chau Cycling Tour ($45–$75/person, 1 day): Private car to Mai Chau for bike rides, village hikes, and market visit, with lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Mai Chau & Pu Luong Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Mai Chau, Pu Luong’s trails, Thai homestay ($15–$25/night). Includes meals, guide.
Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Explorer ($220–$350/person, 3 days): Mai Chau, Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Mai Chau, Phu Tho’s eco-tourism haven with entry at $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND), enchants over 50,000 visitors yearly, 135 km from Hoan Kiem Ward. From cycling golden rice paddies to hiking Thai villages, its sustainable practices like low-impact trails preserve its natural charm. Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Tours guide you through this picturesque valley, ensuring an immersive, green Mai Chau Travel escape. Whether biking to karst viewpoints or savoring rượu nếp, Mai Chau promises an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Mai Chau’s countryside in Phu Tho? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable outdoor 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.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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