
Mai Chau
About Mai Chau
The Thais originated from southern China and have the same origins as the Zhuang, Tay and Nung minorities. Under pressure from the Han Dynasty in the north and east, Thais gradually migrated south and southwest to Vietnam from the 7th to13th century. They initially moved to around Dien Bien Phu, 250kms from Mai Chau. From here, they moved all around Southeast Asia, including Laos, Thailand, Burma and even India.
In 1880, the French started to colonize Vietnam and established borders between Vietnam, China and Laos. By 1953, the French general, Navarre, had set up his headquarters in Dien Bien Phu. He picked Dien Bien Phu because of its importance on the way to Laos and Cambodia, which were also under French control. In addition, the French used the high ground to their advantage with their airplanes, which the Vietnamese army, known as Viet Minh army then, did not have. Mai Chau was used by the Viet Minh army on their way to the final battle at Dien Bien Phu. The locals supported the Viet Minh with night transportation, to hide from the French. Caves in Mai Chau were used to shelter troops and supplies. After the defeat of the French on May 7, 1954 at Dien Bien Phu, the Northern Vietnamese government aided Mai Chau. Ethnic majority Vietnamese families moved to Mai Chau to improve farming skills, education and technology.
Mai Chau Information
Area: 564km² Population: 55,000
Minorities: Thai, H’mong, Muong
Agriculture: Rice, Corn, Cassava, Bamboo
Livestock: Cow, Buffalo, Pig, Goat, Chicken, Duck, Fish
Thai Culture
Thai villages are famous for their communal living. Families help each other with building houses, working in the fields and eat meals together. Even the traditional alcohol, ruou can, is drunk in a group through long straws. Dancing is a part of life and festivals. The dances symbolize their daily dreams, health, happiness, prosperity and love.
Thai architecture is unique with its stilt house (nha san) made of bamboo and other wood. These techniques originated in the past to protect against floods and wild animals. Mai Chau is famous for showcasing this culture
Attractions in Mai Chau
-
Ho Dynasty Citadel
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty” or “Ho Citadel” (in short writing) is a citadel built by stone that stands on a basin between the Ma and the Buoi rivers
-
Mo Luong Soldier Cave
Mo Luong Cave lies inside Pu Kha Mountain in Mai Chau town and Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district.
-
Lac Village Mai Chau
Lac village is located in Mai Chau valley, Hoa Binh Province with unique traditions. Hoa Binh province is far about 7 kilometers from Hanoi
-
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Vietnam
Pu Luong (alternatively called Phu Luong) is one of nature reserves located in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts in north-western of Thanh Hoa Province
-
Pom Coong Village Mai Chau
Pom Coong village belongs to Mai Chau town, Mai Chau district. Like other villages of the Muong
Top 10 things to do in Mai Chau
-
Tour Hanoi – Mai Chau - Halong Bay 6 days
Duration: 6 days, private tour
Languages:
English
France
Locations: Hanoi,Vietnam; Mai Chau, Vietnam; Halong,Vietnam
(per person)
-
Crossing Natural Road 4 days : Hanoi - Maichau - Cucphuong- Hoalu - Tamcoc
Duration: 4 days, private tours
Languages:
English
France
Locations: Mai Chau, Vietnam; Ninh Binh, Vietnam
(per person)
-
Tour Hanoi - Maichau -PuLuong Hiking and Ho citadel 3 days
Duration: 3 days, private tour
Languages:
English
France
Locations: Mai Chau - Vietnam; Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
(per person)
-
Ha Noi -Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong National Park - Van Long Nature Reserve 3 Days
Duration: 3 days, private tour
Languages:
English
France
Locations: Mai Chau,- Vietnam; Ninh Binh, Vietnam
(per person)
-
Mai Chau & Pu Luong 3 days
Duration: 3 days, group tour
Languages:
English
Locations: Mai Chau - Vietnam; Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
(per person)
-
Mai Chau Explorer 2 days
Special Offer
Duration: 2 days, group tour
Languages:
English
Locations: Mai Chau - Vietnam
(per person)
Save up to 20% | $80
-
Mai Chau Valley Private Day Tour - Crossing Vietnam Tour
Duration: 1 day, group tour
Languages:
English
Locations: Mai Chau - Vietnam
(per person)