Discover Mu Waterfall near Mai Chau, Phu Tho, Vietnam! Explore waterfall hikes, costs, transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your eco-adventure now!
Mu Waterfall, located in Tu Do Commune near Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a stunning eco-tourism gem 120 km southwest of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, drawing over 25,000 visitors annually. Nestled at 1,000 meters in the Truong Son range, this 100-meter cascade flows through lush forests and fig-scented woodlands, offering a refreshing swim in its turquoise pools. With entry fees of $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), Mu Waterfall is a must-visit for nature lovers and eco-tourists exploring Mai Chau’s serene surroundings.
Surrounded by Muong villages, the waterfall blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, like tasting local dishes and staying in stilt houses. Sustainable practices, such as guided trails and biodegradable amenities, 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 hidden cascade, 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. Mu Waterfall, in Tu Do Commune, is easily navigable using commune-based maps, remaining a top nature destination near Mai Chau.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering curated eco-tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking authentic nature and cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric scooters or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share Muong cultural insights, ecological knowledge, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local 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 Mu Waterfall responsibly!
Situated in Tu Do Commune, 30 km from Mai Chau Ward, Mu Waterfall is a pristine cascade established as a tourist site in the 2000s. Its 100-hectare area features a 100-meter waterfall with multiple tiers, forming natural pools surrounded by dense forests and limestone cliffs. The site supports biodiversity, including 200+ plant species and wildlife like langurs. Activities like waterfall swimming, forest trekking, and Muong homestays, combined with sustainable practices like trail upkeep and local staffing, make Mu Waterfall a model of eco-tourism, offering a tranquil escape near Mai Chau’s vibrant valley.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, blend nature and culture:
Dip in Mu Waterfall’s turquoise pools, best at 10:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) entry, enjoying the 100-meter cascade’s cool waters.
Cost: $1–$2; no additional fee for swimming.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid littering; use designated areas to protect the ecosystem.
Tip: Bring a towel; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mu Waterfall Tour ($50–$80).
Hike 2 km to the waterfall’s upper tiers, best at 9:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) with a guide, exploring forest trails and canopies.
Cost: $2–$4; entry $1–$2.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to trails to preserve flora; guides promote conservation.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mu Waterfall Trekking Tour ($50–$80).
Stay overnight in a Muong stilt house in Tu Do, best booked for 6:00 PM, for $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND), tasting “rượu cần” (rice wine).
Cost: $12–$18; entry $1–$2 for nearby waterfall visits.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Muong families; uses sustainable materials.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural dinners; included in Mai Chau Overnight Eco-Tour ($90–$140).
Pedal 30 km from Mai Chau to Mu Waterfall, best at 7:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), passing rice paddies.
Cost: $2–$3; entry $1–$2.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails to protect crops.
Tip: Rent in Mai Chau; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cycling Tour ($45–$75).
Join a cooking class in Tu Do, best at 11:00 AM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), preparing dishes like forest vegetable stir-fry.
Cost: $5–$8; entry $1–$2 for waterfall visits.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses organic ingredients; supports local farmers.
Tip: Book at homestays; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for hiking and swimming. The rainy season (May–October) enhances the waterfall’s flow but makes trails slippery, requiring rain gear and caution near pools (2-meter depth). Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (100–200 daily visitors) than weekends (400–800), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer serene waterfall views; afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) are great for homestay activities.
Mu Waterfall, in Tu Do Commune, Phu Tho, is 120 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 3–3.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 3 hours via QL6 and Ho Chi Minh Trail, 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 + Motorbike Taxi: Bus from My Dinh to Lac Son (2.5 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), then motorbike taxi to Tu Do (20 km, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), totaling $10–$16 (250,000–400,000 VND) round-trip.
By Bicycle (Adventurous): Rent in Mai Chau ($3–$6/day), 2–3 hours from Mai Chau to Tu Do, not recommended for novices due to rough roads.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau, then car to Tu Do, 3.5 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, 150 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 “Mu Waterfall, Tu Do Commune, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Vu Ban. 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 motorbike taxis.
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; swimsuit for waterfall pools.
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 waterfall shots, towel for swimming.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for trails; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($1–$2), activities ($2–$8), or snacks ($0.50–$3); secure valuables on trails.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) adult; $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) child under 1.3m.
Waterfall Swimming: Included in entry.
Guided Trek: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Muong Stilt House Stay: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Forest Vegetables): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Muong 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 + Motorbike Taxi: $10–$16 (250,000–400,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $3–$6/day (75,000–150,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Mu Waterfall: $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: $10–$20 (bus, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, trek, cooking class).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, stilt house stay, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for entry ($1–$2), activities ($2–$8), and transport ($10–$80); carry cash for tickets and vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for serene views; November–April for dry trails. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 400–800 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided treks or homestays. Book activities at homestays.
Sustainability: Stay on trails to protect forests; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Muong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3) or crafts ($2–$10).
Navigation: Save “Mu Waterfall, Tu Do Commune, Phu Tho” in offline maps; ask locals in Vu Ban for signs. Avoid night rides due to rough roads.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes near pools (2-meter depth); secure valuables. Confirm fares for motorbike taxis.
Weather: Dry season for safe hiking; 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 waterfall areas; avoid loud talking.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Mu Waterfall and Mai Chau’s natural wonders:
Mu Waterfall Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Tu Do for waterfall swimming, guided trek, and Muong lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Mai Chau & Mu Waterfall Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Mai Chau cycling, Mu Waterfall, Muong homestay ($15–$25/night). Includes meals, guide.
Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Nature Escape ($220–$350/person, 3 days): Mu Waterfall, 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!
Mu Waterfall in Phu Tho’s Phu Son Commune, with entry at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), is an eco-tourism haven near Mai Chau, enchanting over 25,000 visitors yearly, 120 km from Hoan Kiem Ward. From swimming in turquoise pools to trekking forest trails, its sustainable practices like guided tours preserve its pristine charm. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Tho Tours guide you through this hidden cascade, ensuring a refreshing, green escape. Whether enjoying Muong cuisine or staying in stilt houses, Mu Waterfall promises an unforgettable Phu Tho adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Mu Waterfall near Mai Chau, Phu Tho? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable nature 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:
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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