3 Days Mai Chau Valley Motorcycle Trip from Hanoi

The most economical and convenient way to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley, which is located about 140km north is taking a coach. About 3.5 hours are needed for a single trip. If you depart from a hotel in the Old Quarter area, you may take Bus No. 34 from Trần Quang Khải to My Dinh Bus Station (Bến Xe Mỹ Đình), which is located in My Dinh Town, Tu Liem District. It needs about 1 hour and the bus fare is about VND7,000 per person. Then change to a coach to Mai Chau Valley. The coaches are available at 06:00, 07:30, 14:00 and 14:30 and the ticket fare is VND80,000 per person.

Traveling along the National Highway 6, the coach will pass by the Thung Khe Pass where the panoramic view of Mai Chau Valley can be seen. Mai Chau Valley is surrounded by limestone cliffs and endless rice fields. Its most beautiful time is from May to October when the rice fields are luxuriant. The coach will arrive at Chieng Chau District, Mai Chau. For later trip, you may rent a motorcycle near the station, and the staff will provide you with a local riding guide map.

First, you may ride to the gathering places of the White Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. The local bamboo-stilted houses are very unique, about 10-12 feet above the ground. Houses in different sizes are embedded in the mountains, like a brightly colored oil painting. Many houses here have been turned into guest houses, with restaurants and shops downstairs, and guest rooms upstairs. Mai Chau Lodge is a popular one. You may stay here tonight, or choose other ones you like. In the evening, you are recommended to try the local special food such as the colorful glutinous rice cooked with bamboo, barbecue, rice wine and banana flower salad, etc.

Recommended Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge

After breakfast, you may visit the local Pom Coong and Na Phon villages. Cycling on the narrow roads among the rice fields, you may meet various locals riding motorcycles and carrying chickens, banana leaves, or a family of three or four. You can feel the peaceful life here through the simple but lively scenes. For lunch, it is suggested to try the traditional cuisine provided by local folklore in the village.

The village is a sea of joy in the evening. Some villagers will play traditional musical instruments and others will dance to the melodious traditional music. Let yourself immerse in the happy village that features amazing traditional dances, unique stilt houses, straw mats, rice wine and delicacies. After, return to your hostel following the coming way.

Recommended Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge

This morning, you may hike to Na Meo, Xam Pa villages. There are numerous local specialties, such as handmade ethnic costumes, small square towels, head flowers and small hats made of bamboo. If you are interested, you can buy some as a souvenir. On your way down the winding path, you will also pass by Cum and Sam Khoe villages.

In the afternoon, it’s time to return the motorbike, and then take a local motorbike to Bac Village. At 15:00, there is a coach back to Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station. After arrival, also take the Bus No.34 to return to your hotel in the Old Quarter area.