Mai Chau District is located in Hoa Binh Province in the Northwestern part of Vietnam, approximately 160 km from Hanoi. There is an estimated 48,570 inhabitants including 7 Ethnic Minority groups such as White Thai, H’Mong, Zao, Muong, Tay, Hoa, and Viet. Mai Chau consist mainly of the White Thai people.
Stepping out of the mini bus, surrounded by huge hills and lush green fields stretching as far as the eyes can see, the first thing I noticed was the significant improvement in the air quality. Although there are still many motorbikes darting about, I felt as if I could once again breathe!
As you approach Mai Chau you will have the chance to view the village from afar. From the top of Cun Mountain you will be blown away with the superb panorama of Mai Chau, nestled, snugly between two towering cliffs and surrounded by lush emerald green paddy fields, the sight is truly enchanting so make sure you have cameras at the ready.
If you are looking for a get away from the busy and crowded hustle of Hanoi, you may have just found it. Mai Chau would be ideal for travellers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience with the option of home-stay, which is available in two of the White Thai villages nearby. Ban Pom Coong and Ban Lac are both run by the ethnic minority families. I did however find Ban Lac to be the more developed of the two as Ban Lac boasts more gift shops and a busier.
The house is traditional wooden buildings sat on top of stilts. For your home-stay, you can expect large communal rooms on the second floor where mats will be laid down on top of the squeaky, split bamboo flooring. The White Thai are very conscious of hygiene and cleanliness so remember to leave footwear outside at all times. Although it is very basic and simple accommodation, you will find western style toilets, hot water and in some houses satellite television installed. The cost will set you back around 150,000VND and for this price you will enjoy an evening meal prepared and cooked for you by the local hosts, a bed for the night and also breakfast the following morning. Sitting down for dinner with the White Thai is a truly warming experience, their hospitality really is second to none.
While living with the locals you will be sure to see some of their old traditions and customs. Green tea would be offered to guests, especially by the man of the house and it would be common for the female (usually an older lady).
It offers you the chance to blacken your teeth by chewing “Betel” – A betel chew is made up of several ingredients: betel leaf, slivers of areca palm nut and a bit of lime paste. The pieces of nut covered with lime paste are wrapped in a leaf of the betel pepper vine, making a tiny package that fits neatly into the pouch of the cheek. Although teeth look unsightly to us, tooth blackening prevents tooth decay. Those who have had their teeth blackened maintain a full set of teeth longer than those who have not undergone the process. Teeth blackening may prolong life by maintaining the capacity to enjoy a wholesome diet.
An elegant building with 16 beautifully designed and decorated rooms located in the heart of the village looking out onto a spectacular view from every possible angle, whether it is towards the mountains or the valley. When entry I was greeted warmly by the staff. Rest assured, while staying at the lodge that you can see they always serve you friendly with a cosy smile and that is what a traveller expect.
A mix of local specialties and world cuisines meet in the middle creating a memorable dining experience. You also have the choice of a fine selection of wines and spirits or if you are really set on experiencing all things traditional throughout your stay, go for a bottle of locally produced rice wine.
Although in the middle of this basic and undeveloped, picturesque paradise, you will enjoy comforts including; en-suite bathrooms, hair dryers, air conditioning, satellite television, telephones and free unlimited internet connection.
After a day of wandering around the local market and seeing the many weird and wonderful things for sale or traditional clothing being skilfully woven operated by the Thai women are using fascinating homemade machines, I really enjoyed a dip in the lodges’ swimming pool, a soak in the Jacuzzi and a steam bath before sprucing up for the evening.
When visiting Mai Chau, I would recommend an overnight in the home-stay with the locals to quench your thirst for Vietnamese culture in a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere at the lodge.
For the travellers who visit to Vietnam at the first time, I highly recommended you to book those adventure packages at Vietnam Jeep Tours. They offer many tours to Mai Chau for you to experience overnight in home-stay. For more information and advices about those tours, you can direct contact via adventure@vietnamjeeptours.com or hotline: +84 909 602 370.
Related program to Mai Chau:
Biking Mai Chau
Biking Hidden Paths of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
5 Days Motorcycling West to East Northern
7 Days Motorcycling Northwestern Trails
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