Mai Chau offers a most splendid vista of the valley surrounded by the lush green forests, fields, and stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group. This is a quiet piece of countryside to stroll and cycle through and to be wrapped in the warm and nice hospitality of the Thai people.
7:30. Departing from the old quarter in Hanoi, we’ll leave the city behind and pass through a craggy, mountainous landscape to Mai Chau Valley. The road climbs to almost 800 meters before dropping steeply down into the valley passing through picturesque rocky outcrops and with views of rice fields hidden in the deep valleys below. We arrive at Mai Chau around 10:30, where we will be welcomed by our hosts and enter a world of new customs and traditions.
11:00. Following a tour briefing we will cycle to Na Phon village through the rice fields, along narrow lanes until we reach a weaving workshop. We will learn the White Thai traditional weaving, dyeing, and embroidery techniques and experience a hands-on natural dyeing workshop hosted by a Thai lady. The products that you make are yours to take with you along with fond memories of time spent with beautiful people.
*We support 2 local weaving workshops in Mai Chau, one is the workshop of Mrs. Xuyen, an artisan who until now been weaving ancient details of White Thai. The other is the Hoa Ban Social Protecting Center, created in 2008 to support disadvantaged and disabled women while maintaining the traditional handicraft customs of the White Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau, Vietnam.
Both workshops are for promoting sustainable textile fabrics and products with high quality, environmental, and social values.
1:30. Returning to our Homestay we will enjoy a lunch of Mai Chau specialties delicately prepared by your host family.
In the afternoon, we’ll hop on bicycles and start cycling. Depending on the weather and your wishes, our local guide will suggest suitable cycling routes. There are many beautiful cycling trails in Mai Chau Valley which take you through quaint villages, rice and cropping fields. Along the way, you can stop anytime to catch beautiful moments of nature or talk to a friendly villager.
4:00. We’ll go back to our homestay and have tea before saying goodbye to your host, then head back to Hanoi and arrive at around 7:30. End of the trip
Highlight
Relaxing rural landscape
Friendship, warmth, and hospitality of Thai local host family
Easy and fun cycling through the gorgeous valley
What to bring
Sun & rain gear (including sunscreen and brimmed hat)
Warm clothes in winter (mid-November to early March)
Insect repellent
Walking shoes/sandals
Cycling shoes/sandals
Swimsuits
Toiletries, towel, and flashlight
Original passport
