Thung Khe Pass in Mai Chau: Phu Tho’s Scenic Marvel & Eco-Tourism Adventure

A Breathtaking Stopover in Phu Tho’s Highlands

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. En route from Hanoi, Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Stone Pass, stands as a must-visit viewpoint at 1,000 meters above sea level, offering panoramic vistas of Mai Chau’s valley, rice paddies, and karst mountains. With experiences starting at $0.50 (12,500 VND) for local snacks, it’s an essential stop for travelers seeking Phu Tho’s natural splendor.

Thung Khe Pass, located on Highway 6 between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, features a vibrant roadside market with Muong and Thai vendors selling specialties like “cơm lam” (bamboo-tube rice). Sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly tours and local sourcing, 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 scenic marvel, ensuring an immersive, eco-conscious journey. Book via the links below or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

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 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 Muong and Thai traditions, ecological insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local vendors and 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 below and explore Thung Khe Pass responsibly

Located 25 km from Mai Chau’s center on Highway 6, Thung Khe Pass is a renowned viewpoint established as a tourist stop in the 2000s. Its 1,000-meter elevation offers sweeping views of Mai Chau’s 120-hectare valley, with 80 hectares of rice paddies and 40 hectares of bamboo and teak forests, hosting 180 tree species, many in Vietnam’s Red Book. The pass’s white limestone cliffs, formed during road construction, give it the name White Stone Pass, creating a striking backdrop. The roadside market, with thatched stalls, serves local delicacies, while the pass’s misty ambiance adds a mystical charm. Sustainable practices, like local vendor support and minimal environmental impact, make Thung Khe a model of eco-tourism in Phu Tho.

Thung Khe Pass captivates with its dramatic scenery and cultural vibrancy, offering a perfect pause en route to Mai Chau. The pass’s flagpole viewpoint, known as Mai Chau Viewpoint, provides unobstructed vistas of the valley’s patchwork fields and stilt houses, ideal for photography. The roadside market, dubbed “the market in the clouds,” features Muong and Thai vendors selling boiled corn, sugarcane, and “cơm lam,” fostering community engagement. Despite its beauty, the pass’s steep slopes and curves require caution, especially in winter fog. Eco-friendly tours and local guides ensure a safe, sustainable visit, supporting Phu Tho’s green tourism while showcasing Mai Chau’s Northwest charm.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$8, immerse you in the pass’s beauty and culture:

1. Savor Local Delicacies at the Market

Taste “cơm lam” or boiled corn at Thung Khe’s roadside stalls, best at 9:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Enjoy Muong specialties amid misty views. Year-round, with local sourcing. Supports vendors.

• Cost: $0.50–$2; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Market Eco-Tour ($45–$75).

2. Capture Panoramic Views

Photograph the Mai Chau valley from the flagpole viewpoint, best at 8:00 AM, for free. November–April offers clear skies; May–October showcases lush greenery. Respect stall spaces. Year-round.

• Cost: Free; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

3. Join a Guided Scenic Tour

Take a guided tour of Thung Khe Pass, best at 10:00 AM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Learn about Muong culture and pass geology. Year-round, with eco-conscious guides. Supports local communities.

• Cost: $2–$5; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

4. Cycle to the Pass

Rent a bike in Mai Chau ($2–$3/day or 50,000–75,000 VND) and cycle 18–20 km to Thung Khe, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$3. Challenging slopes; best in dry season. Promotes eco-friendly travel.

• Cost: $2–$3; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Eco-Cycling Tour ($45–$75).

5. Explore Nearby Thai Villages

Visit Ban Lac or Pom Coong post-pass, best at 11:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND) for snacks. Engage with Thai locals and see stilt houses. Year-round, supporting community tourism.

• Cost: Free–$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 Community Eco-Tour ($50–$75).

Visit from November to April for clear skies and cool weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for photography and market visits. The rainy season (May–October) enhances greenery, perfect for lush valley views, but brings slippery roads and fog, requiring caution. Winter (December–February) can see dense fog, reducing visibility to 3–5 meters, making driving hazardous; check forecasts and travel early. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) offer fewer visitors (100–200 daily) than weekends (400–800), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are best for clear views and vibrant market activity; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) suit relaxed stops.

Thung Khe Pass is 25 km from Mai Chau Ward’s center and 110 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi or 30–45 minutes from Mai Chau:

• From Hanoi to Thung Khe Pass:

  • Private Car: Drive via QL6, $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, 2.5–3 hours. Book via Legend Travel Group.

  • Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND) round-trip, 2.5–3 hours. Use Xanh SM app.

  • Public Bus: From My Dinh to Thung Khe (2.5 hours, $1.50–$2.50 or 40,000–60,000 VND), departing 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM. Buses may stop at the pass’s market.

  • Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) fuel round-trip; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

  • Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person round-trip, 7:00 AM.

  • From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($40–$55 or 1,000,000–1,375,000 VND, 3 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).

• From Mai Chau to Thung Khe Pass:

  • Motorbike: Rent a scooter ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND), 30–45 minutes. Fuel: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Park at the market ($0.40 or 10,000 VND).

  • Bicycle: Rent a bike ($2–$3/day or 50,000–75,000 VND), 1–1.5 hours. Suitable for fit cyclists; avoid rainy season.

  • Motorbike Taxi: Hire a “xe om” ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND round-trip) from Mai Chau’s market.

  • Taxi: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) round-trip from Mai Chau, 30 minutes. Navigation Tip: Save “Thung Khe Pass, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me). From Hanoi, follow QL6 to Tan Lac, then 25 km to the pass. From Mai Chau, head toward Tong Dau junction. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Buses, bicycles, or group tours reduce emissions; book eco-tours for sustainable travel.

• Safety: Check vehicle conditions; drive cautiously due to steep curves and fog. Confirm fares upfront.

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); warm layers for winter fog (December–February).

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.

• 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).

• Market Gear: Small backpack, camera for valley shots, notebook for cultural notes.

• 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; cash for vendors; basic first-aid kit ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Entry to Thung Khe Pass: Free.

• Village Entry (if visiting nearby): $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND) adult; $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) child under 1.3m.

• Market Snacks (e.g., Cơm Lam): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Guided Scenic Tour: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Bike Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Village Snacks: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Wild Orchids): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Round-Trip)

• From Hanoi: Private car: $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND); electric taxi: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND); bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); motorcycle: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) fuel, rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

• From Mai Chau: Motorbike: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel, rental $5–$10/day; bike: $2–$3/day; motorbike taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); taxi: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Including Transport from Mai Chau)

• Budget: $5–$10 (bike, snacks).

• Mid-range: $10–$20 (guided tour, motorbike taxi).

• Luxury: $30–$50 (taxi, premium guided tour).

Tip: Budget $5–$25 for activities and transport; carry small VND notes for vendors (no cards accepted).

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thung Khe Pass and Mai Chau’s natural beauty, supporting local Muong and Thai communities:

• Mai Chau Thung Khe Pass & Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Travel from Hanoi to Thung Khe Pass for market snacks and valley views, plus a Thai lunch ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Includes eco-friendly transport, guide, and entry fees. Promotes local vendors.

• Mai Chau & Hoa Binh Eco-Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Visit Thung Khe Pass, a Thai homestay ($15–$25/night or 375,000–625,000 VND), and Hoa Binh’s Da River. Includes meals, low-impact transport, and cultural performances, supporting sustainable tourism.

• Mai Chau & Pu Luong Eco-Immersion ($150–$220/person, 3 days): Combine Thung Khe Pass with Pu Luong’s trails and eco-homestays, including rice field cycling. Includes meals, eco-transfers, and entry fees, fostering local communities.

• Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Eco-Journey ($220–$350/person, 4 days): Explore Thung Khe Pass, Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, and Hoa Binh’s Grilled Da River Fish. Includes eco-transfers, homestays, and cultural workshops, 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 Thung Khe Pass sustainably

• Timing: November–April for clear views; May–October for lush greenery. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 400–800 on weekends). Avoid Tet (January/February) for less traffic. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) for vibrant markets.

• Booking: No tickets needed for the pass; book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. Reserve transport via homestays or apps.

• Sustainability: Respect market spaces; use reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Muong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).

• Navigation: Save “Thung Khe Pass, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps; follow QL6 signs. Ask locals for market directions.

• Safety: Drive cautiously due to steep curves and winter fog (December–February); check vehicle brakes. Secure valuables; confirm fares.

• Weather: Dry season for safe driving; 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 villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to vendors. Ask permission before photographing locals.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry mosquito repellent.

Mai Chau in Phu Tho’s Mai Chau Ward, with Thung Khe Pass as a free scenic stop, is a natural eco-tourism haven enchanting over 50,000 visitors yearly, 135 km from Hanoi. The pass’s white cliffs and valley views, paired with a vibrant Muong market, offer a breathtaking pause, supported by sustainable practices like local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Tours guide you through this highland gem, ensuring a sustainable Mai Chau Travel experience filled with immersive, green exploration. Whether tasting “cơm lam” or capturing vistas, Thung Khe Pass promises an unforgettable Phu Tho adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured eco-tours and book your scenic journey today!
Ready to explore Thung Khe Pass in Mai Chau, Phu Tho? Reserve your sustainable eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.