Explore Go Lao Waterfall in Mai Chau, Phu Tho, Vietnam! Discover its beauty, access details, costs, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable eco-tours. Book your nature adventure now!
Mai Chau, located in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a serene eco-tourism and cultural destination 135 km northwest of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Nestled in a 120-hectare valley of rice paddies, limestone karsts, and Thai ethnic villages, Mai Chau is home to Go Lao Waterfall (also known as Go Mu Waterfall), a 20-meter cascade renowned for its rustic charm. With entry fees starting at $1 (25,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for nature lovers seeking tranquility in Phu Tho.
Go Lao Waterfall, surrounded by lush forests and Muong houses, offers a refreshing escape with its poetic scenery and cool pools. Sustainable practices, such as guided eco-tours and local 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 to this natural wonder, ensuring an immersive, eco-friendly journey. Book via the links below 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 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 Go Lao Waterfall responsibly!
Located 15 km from Mai Chau’s center in Phuc San Commune, Go Lao Waterfall is a hidden gem established as a tourist site in the 2000s. Its 20-meter cascade flows into a clear pool, surrounded by 100 hectares of lush forest with 200+ plant species, including bamboo and rare orchids. The waterfall’s serene setting, near Ba Khan Lake and Muong villages, offers a poetic escape, ideal for picnics and photography. Sustainable practices, such as maintained trails and local guides, ensure minimal environmental impact, making Go Lao a model of eco-tourism in Mai Chau. Visitors can swim in warmer months or enjoy misty views year-round, connecting deeply with Phu Tho’s natural beauty.
Go Lao Waterfall captivates with its pristine, rustic charm, offering a tranquil contrast to Mai Chau’s cultural vibrancy. The 15-km journey from Mai Chau Ward, though challenging due to winding roads, rewards with scenic Muong houses, rice paddies, and Ba Khan Lake views. The waterfall’s clear, 2-meter-deep pool is perfect for a refreshing dip in May–October, while its misty ambiance in November–April enchants photographers. Local guides ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) share ecological insights, and conservation efforts, like trail upkeep, preserve its 20-hectare ecosystem. Visiting supports Phu Tho’s sustainable tourism, blending nature and community engagement.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, enhance your waterfall visit:
Trek a 70-meter trail from Phuc San to the waterfall, best at 9:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) entry. Enjoy forest views and the 20-meter cascade. Best in May–October for full flow. Stick to paths to preserve nature.
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 Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Dip in the 2-meter-deep pool, best at 10:00 AM, included with entry ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Refresh in cool waters surrounded by forest. May–October for safe swimming. Avoid littering to protect the ecosystem.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Combine with Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Adventure Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Enjoy a picnic near the waterfall’s base, best at 11:00 AM, for $0–$3 (0–75,000 VND) for snacks from local vendors. Savor views of Ba Khan Lake and Muong houses. Year-round, with reusable containers for sustainability.
Cost: Free–$3; entry $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Capture Go Lao’s cascade and forest, best at 8:00 AM, for free with entry ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). November–April offers misty shots; May–October showcases lush greenery. Respect natural surroundings.
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 Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Visit Muong houses along the 15-km route, best at 8:30 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND) for local snacks. Engage with villagers and learn about their culture. 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 hiking and photography with misty views. The rainy season (May–October) enhances the waterfall’s flow and Ba Khan Lake’s greenery, perfect for swimming, but requires rain gear for slippery trails. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer visitors (50–150 daily) than weekends (300–600), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer serene conditions and cooler temperatures; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) suit relaxed picnics.
Go Lao Waterfall is 15 km from Mai Chau Ward’s center, reachable in 30–45 minutes from Mai Chau or 3.5–4 hours from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward (150 km total):
By Motorbike from Mai Chau: Rent a scooter ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND) and ride via Tong Dau to Phuc San. Fuel: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Follow signs to Phuc San Health Station, park at Mr. Tuan’s House ($0.40 or 10,000 VND), and walk 70 meters. Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Bicycle from Mai Chau (Adventurous): Rent a bike ($2–$3/day or 50,000–75,000 VND) for a 1–1.5-hour ride. Suitable for fit cyclists; avoid rainy season due to slippery roads.
By Motorbike Taxi from Mai Chau: Hire a local “xe om” ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND round-trip) from Mai Chau’s market. Includes drop-off and pick-up at Phuc San.
By Private Car from Mai Chau: Arrange via homestays ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND round-trip for 4 people). Drops off near Phuc San trailhead.
From Hanoi to Mai Chau (then to Go Lao):
Private Car: $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, 3–3.5 hours to Mai Chau, plus 30–45 minutes to Go Lao. 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 ($3–$5). Departs 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM.
Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): $24–$36 (600,000–900,000 VND)/person round-trip, 3–3.5 hours to Mai Chau, with Go Lao add-on.
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 “Go Lao Waterfall, Phuc San Commune, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me). From Mai Chau, head to Tong Dau T-junction, turn left toward Son La, then right at Dong Bang T-junction, and follow to Phuc San Health Station. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Motorbike taxis or group tours reduce emissions; avoid littering on trails.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorbikes; watch for uneven trails. Confirm fares upfront.
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for trails; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); swimsuit for May–October dips; modest attire for villages (cover shoulders/knees).
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
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).
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 ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for picnics; cash for vendors.
Entry to Go Lao Waterfall: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) adult; $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) child under 1.3m.
Site Entry Fee: $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND).
Hike: $1–$2 (included with entry).
Swimming: $1–$2 (included with entry).
Picnic Snacks: Free–$3 (0–75,000 VND).
Photography: Free with entry.
Muong Village Snacks: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Com Lam): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Motorbike Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) for 4 people.
Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Budget: $5–$10 (bike, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $15–$25 (motorbike taxi, entry, picnic).
Luxury: $30–$50 (private car, guided tour).
Tip: Budget $5–$25 for activities and transport; carry small VND notes for vendors (no cards accepted).
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Go Lao Waterfall and Mai Chau’s natural beauty, supporting local communities and conservation efforts:
Mai Chau Go Lao Waterfall & Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, hike to Go Lao Waterfall, and enjoy a Thai lunch ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Includes eco-friendly transport, guide, entry fees, and a Muong village visit. Promotes trail preservation.
Mai Chau & Ba Khan Eco-Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Explore Go Lao Waterfall, Ba Khan Lake, and a Thai homestay ($15–$25/night or 375,000–625,000 VND). Includes meals, low-impact transport, and a rice farming activity, supporting sustainable tourism.
Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Eco-Immersion ($150–$220/person, 3 days): Combine Go Lao Waterfall 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 Go Lao Waterfall, Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, and Hoa Binh’s markets. 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 Go Lao Waterfall sustainably!
Timing: November–April for dry trails; May–October for full waterfall flow. Weekdays for fewer visitors (50–150 vs. 300–600 on weekends). Avoid Tet (January/February) 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 visits. Book motorbike taxis via homestays.
Sustainability: Stick to trails to protect flora; use reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Muong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).
Navigation: Save “Go Lao Waterfall, Phuc San Commune” in offline maps; follow signs from Phuc San Health Station. Ask locals for trail directions.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven trails (70 meters); avoid swimming in strong currents. Secure valuables; confirm transport fares.
Weather: Dry season for safe hiking; 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 Muong 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.
Go Lao Waterfall 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). This 20-meter cascade, surrounded by lush forests and Muong villages in Chieng Chau Commune, offers a poetic escape with serene pools and scenic trails. Sustainable practices like local-guided treks and biodegradable amenities preserve its pristine beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Tours guide you through this serene wonder, ensuring an immersive, green Hoa Binh Travel experience with activities like hiking, swimming, or picnicking by Ba Khan Lake, plus visits to Lac Village and Thung Khe Pass. Don’t miss out—browse our featured eco-tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to visit Go Lao Waterfall 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:
Go Lao Waterfall Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, localvietnam.com, maichau.com.vn, hanoiecotour.com
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