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Region: Northwest Vietnam> Province: Hoa Binh>Location: Mai Chau

Mai Chau sights and attractions

Tours and trekking around Mai Chau - the rhythm of rural life

Description
Mai Chau doesn't have a tourist service per se, but the staff at the new Mai Chau lodge can be pretty helpful, and many villagers speak enough English to help you out if you ask around. One trek we've heard of goes 18 km up a mountain about a kilometre above sea level to a H'mong village and typically includes an over night stay. The surest bet is to make arrangements at a travel agency in Hanoi before you arrive. Luckily you can return by road if you arrange to have a vehicle meet you for the trip back. There's a lot of untapped potential for treks here, so if you're giving Sapa a miss, this is the place to explore your options.

Boat tours can also be undertaken along the Song Da river that visit other minority villages, such as the Dzao tribe, and the Ba Khan Islands. You may be able to catch a boat on the fly by showing up at the Bai San Pier -- go to the Tong Dau Junction outside of town, follow the road to Moc Chau, and the pier is about 6 km further down the road on the right. A return trip will be in the US$30 to 40 range, for one boat that seats up to ten passengers. Overnight homestays are also available. Ask at the Mai Chau Lodge to arrange something more official (and more expensive).