Mai Chau Valley 2D1N

$133 / adult
2D1N
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Min 1 pax
Max 24 pax
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Tour detail

Immerse in an authentic Thai experience on our Mai Chau 2D1N tour with a homestay, traditional fabric dyeing, local BBQ, and seasonal swimming!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience Thai (ethnic group) culture and traditions.
  • Homestay experience.
  • A lesson in dyeing natural fabrics
  • BBQ dinner with local food. 
  • Swimming in a hidden waterfall (summer) or in a hot spring (winter).

CHILDREN‘S PRICE

  • Under 3 years old: FOC (please share the seat & food with their parents)
  • From 4 to 11 years old: 75% Adult‘s price
  • From 11 years old up: Adult’s price

Mai Chau is a beautiful valley in the northwest of Vietnam that is perfect for a quick escape from the hustle of city life. It’s only a three-hour drive from Hanoi. Located just a three-hour drive from Hanoi, a Mai Chau 2 Days 1 Night trip offers breathtaking landscapes that will enrich cultural encounters and an intimate glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

From cycling through emerald rice fields to delving into the heritage of the Thai ethnic group, this guide will provide everything you need to plan a truly unforgettable getaway.

Why Visit Mai Chau for 2 Days and 1 Night?

1. The charm of Mai Chau

Mai Chau’s beauty lies in its simplicity. The valley has green rice fields, limestone mountains, and traditional stilt houses. It looks like a postcard. Unlike busy tourist areas in Vietnam, Mai Chau is peaceful, making it perfect for those who want a slower lifestyle.

Mai Chau is also home to the Thai ethnic minority. Their rich traditions and warm hospitality create a unique culture. As visitors, you can see handmade textiles and enjoy traditional music and dance. It’s a great chance to experience Vietnam’s diverse heritage.

2. Perfect for a weekend getaway

If you’re short on time, Mai Chau is the perfect choice. Its proximity to Hanoi means you can leave the city in the morning and be cycling through rice paddies by the afternoon. A 2-day, 1-night trip allows you to fully enjoy yourself in the valley’s beauty without feeling rushed.

Mai Chau has many activities for everyone. You can spend your day cycling and trekking for adventure or enjoy a relaxed evening with local food and traditional performances. Whether you stay for a short time or longer, you’ll find something to enjoy.

How to Get to Mai Chau from Hanoi

Reaching Mai Chau from Hanoi is straightforward, with several transport options available to suit your budget and preferences:

1. Bus (public or tourist)

  • Duration: ~3.5 hours
  • Cost: Around $10–$15 per person for tourist buses.
  • Details: Buses leave daily from My Dinh and Giap Bat bus stations in Hanoi. Tourist buses are more comfortable and often offer hotel pickup.

2. Private car or taxi

  • Duration: ~3 hours
  • Cost: Approximately $90–$120 (round trip).
  • Details: Ideal for groups or travelers who prefer flexibility. Stops can be made along the way for photos or refreshments.

3. Motorbike

  • Duration: ~4 hours
  • Details: Travelers who love adventure might choose to ride a motorbike. You can enjoy beautiful views along the way. However, you need to drive carefully on the winding mountain roads.

Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary for Mai Chau

Planning a trip to Mai Chau can feel a bit overwhelming, but I want to assure you that it can be a wonderfully enriching experience. This thoughtfully crafted 2-day, 1-night itinerary is designed to help you savor the unique beauty and culture of the valley without feeling rushed. 

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau

Morning activities:

  • 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Leave busy Hanoi. Enjoy the beautiful drive through the Vietnamese countryside.
  • 10:30 AM: Arrive at a traditional homestay in Mai Chau. Friendly locals will greet you, and you can settle into your stilt house.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy a tasty local lunch with dishes like sticky rice, grilled pork, and fresh vegetables.
Mai Chau 2 days 1 night
Beautiful view from homestay in Mai Chau

Afternoon activities:

  • 2:00 PM: Start a guided cycling tour through the green rice paddies and limestone mountains. Visit Pom Coong or Lac Village to see how the Thai ethnic group lives daily. Stop at a workshop where artisans weave traditional brocade. You can try dyeing natural fabrics with the locals!
  • 5:30 PM: Return to your homestay to relax. Enjoy a cool drink and the peaceful atmosphere.  
  • 7:00 PM: Have a BBQ dinner in the homestay’s courtyard. The evening will feature a cultural performance of traditional Thai music and dance, giving you a special look at the region’s heritage.
mai chau tour 2 days
Brocade weaving, a traditional craft practiced by the Thai ethnic minority in Mai Chau

Overnight: Stay in a cozy homestay or eco-lodge surrounded by nature.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Waterfall – Hanoi

Morning activities:

  • 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM Wake up and enjoy breakfast before getting on an epic motorbike ride through the surrounding local villages to the nature and wide Tat Nang Waterfall
mai chau tour 2 days 1 night
Take a ride through nearby villages
  • 8:30 AM Take a dip in the natural hot springs run by the local community (during the winter) (for summer, we will enjoy swimming at the waterfall or Hoa Binh Lake)
mai chau 2 day tour
Enjoy the time in Mai Chau 2 day tour
  • 9:30 AM Visit Go Lao Waterfall and have a chance to take a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls before heading to Sunset viewpoint for some amazing views of Vietnam’s largest Lake.

Late morning activities:

  • 11:00 AM: Return to the homestay for a final rest and lunch.  
  • 3:00 PM: Get on your bus or car to return to Hanoi. You will arrive in the city by late afternoon, just in time for a night out.

This Mai Chau 2 Days 1 Night itinerary lets you explore nature and culture. Start by cycling through beautiful rice paddies to enjoy the stunning landscapes and meet friendly locals. Then, you can learn about the area’s heritage through hands-on experiences in brocade weaving and fabric dyeing with skilled artisans. 

If you love nature, visit hidden waterfalls and sacred fish streams for some peaceful moments. End your day with a special cultural experience: traditional Thai performances featuring music and dance celebrating the local community. 

The cost for an adult is about $133.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mai Chau?

Mai Chau is a year-round destination, but each season offers a unique charm that makes the valley even more enchanting.

1. Spring (February to April)

Spring times from February to April is a great time to visit Mai Chau. The weather is cool, and the valley is full of blooming flowers. The white bauhinia blossoms cover the mountains, creating a beautiful scene that looks like a dream.

2. Summer (May to August)

In summer, from May to August, the landscape is filled with lush greenery as rice fields grow during the planting season. Summer can be warm, but occasional rains keep the air fresh and cool, offering a calm escape from the city heat.

3. Autumn (September to November)

Autumn, from September to November, is a great time for photographers and nature lovers. The rice paddies turn a bright golden color just before harvest, and this creates a beautiful contrast with the nearby limestone mountains.

4. Winter (December to January)

In winter, from December to January, Mai Chau becomes cozy. This is a good time to enjoy warm meals, local foods, and evenings by the fireplace in a homestay.

The weather in Mai Chau is generally mild, but here are some tips to help you plan:

  • Pack light layers for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in winter or spring.
  • Bring a raincoat or umbrella if visiting during the summer months, as brief showers are common.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring villages and trekking trails.

No matter when you visit, believe me, you will be amazed by Mai Chau’s natural beauty. 

Travel Tips for Mai Chau Trip

Since Mai Chau is home to the Thai ethnic minority, their traditions and customs add to the region’s charm. To show respect and interact positively, keep these points in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting villages or joining cultural activities.   
  • Always ask before taking photos of locals or their homes.  
  • Support the community by buying handcrafted goods like brocade textiles or local snacks.  
  • Follow homestay rules: remove your shoes before entering stilt houses and keep noise down at night.

Mai Chau is a rural area that has become more popular with tourists, but cash is still the main form of payment. Many local businesses, like homestays and markets, only take cash. There are few ATMs in Mai Chau, so make sure to withdraw enough cash while you are in Hanoi before your trip. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated. You can leave a small tip for guides, drivers, or hosts to show your thanks.

Are You Ready for Your Mai Chau 2 Days 1 Night Trip? 

Mai Chau is a beautiful and peaceful destination in Vietnam that offers both natural beauty and rich culture. It’s a great place to visit for two days and one night. You can cycle through green rice paddies, learn how to weave brocade, or just relax in a calm setting. 

Now that you know about this Mai Chau tour 2 days 1 night, it’s time to make it happen! You can choose a guided tour with Vietnam Backpacker Hostel or plan your own adventure. Mai Chau is ready to welcome you.

Additional Information

Included

Return bus ticket Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hanoi
Homestay Experience
Local English-speaking guide in Mai Chau
Meals as mentioned on (B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
Bicycle rental on day 1
Lesson of dyeing natural fabrics
Motorbike ride on day 2 (sit on the back of a bike)
Sightseeing entrance fees

Not Included

Drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Tips & Gratuity

Tour schedule

DAY 1: HANOI - MAI CHAU VALLEY (-/L/D)

7:00 AM – 7:30 AM Depart the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and head to the beautiful Mai Chau valley

10:30 AM Arrive at an authentic Mai Chau homestay and enjoy a delicious local lunch

2:00 PM After relaxing, spend the afternoon cycling through lush rice paddies and limestone mountains on a guided tour

  • Visit a traditional brocade weaving workshop and learn about textile production in Mai Chau. Attend a training lesson on dyeing natural fabrics with the workers at the textile factory
  • A fresh and cool steam is a reward after an afternoon of bicycling. Then you will ride back to the homestay for a rest

7:00 PM Enjoy a BBQ night in the front yard of the homestay. Relax for the night

DAY 2: MAI CHAU - WATERFALLS - HANOI (B/L/-)

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM Wake up and enjoy breakfast before getting on an epic motorbike ride through the surrounding local villages to the nature and wide Tat Nang Waterfall

8:30 AM Take a dip in the natural hot springs run by the local community (during the winter) (for summer, we will enjoy swimming at the waterfall or Hoa Binh Lake)

9:30 AM Visit Go Lao Waterfall and have a chance to take a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls before heading to Sunset viewpoint for some amazing views of Vietnam’s largest Lake.

11:00 AM Arrive back to the homestay for a rest and refuel with lunch

3:00 PM Get on the bus back to Hanoi.

7:00 PM Arrive back to your accommodation in Hanoi

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