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Seeking a getaway from the energetic Hanoi? Head straight to Mai Chau to let your hair down in a couple of days. As a remote area with spectacular mountains, Mai Chau is like a haven to escape from the hectic pace of life. Before you pack your bags, read our guide for some glimpses about how to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau.
Distance between Hanoi and Mai Chau: 160 km
Ban flowers
Verdant field of flowers
For private transportation and driver, ask your hotel receptionist in Hanoi to help you arrange one, or visit a tour operator and tell them your inquiries (e.g. number of seats, car brand, etc.). Remember to ask for the price and the inclusions before booking and try bargaining a little bit.
As for public taxis, hopping in a Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi is ideal. As the price is based on the meter clocks, it partly depends on the driver's knowledge. If the driver knows the road like the back of his hands, he will most likely choose the shortcuts. If he has never traveled to Mai Chau from Hanoi, he may get lost, which will cost you more than the average price.
You'll pass by a lot of magnificent views on the road to Mai Chau
The plus point of a tourist bus is that it has a tour guide, and the bus usually stops by Mai Chau attractions along the way and in Mai Chau. However, travel agencies only offer buses to Mai Chau on specific days. Besides, if there are not enough passengers, the trip might be canceled just before its departure time.
Tourist buses usually stop at this idyllic Ban Lac
…and Mo Luong Cave
Buses to Mai Chau depart every hour so you can be flexible with your time. Be aware that some buses do not solely stop at Mai Chau, they might travel further to Hoa Binh District. Therefore, you should ask the ticket seller about the bus itinerary and get off the bus at the right place.
Normal Bus: VND 80,000 - 100,000/ticket
Limousine: VND 150,000 - 220,000/ticket
Tips:
Look for the bus tickets below:
My Dinh Bus Station
Yen Nghia Bus Station
Mai Chau's nature surely brings a stunning background for your Instagram post along the motorbike trail from Hanoi. However, since the way to Mai Chau is packed with dangerous passes, narrow roads, and dense fog in certain seasons, it is not the safest option, especially when you're familiar with a motorbike or the Vietnamese road conditions.
Itinerary 1: Center of Hanoi – Nguyen Trai – Ba La (Ha Dong District) – Xuan Mai – Route 6 – Thung Khe Pass – Tong Dau Junction – Mai Chau
Itinerary 2: Center of Hanoi – Tran Duy Hung – Thang Long Avenue – Xuan Mai – Route 6 – Thung Khe Pass – Tong Dau Junction – Mai Chau
Tips:
Thung Khe Pass from above
Summary of How to Travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau
As Mai Chau is an off-the-beaten-path destination, the road from Hanoi to this wonderland will be full of obstacles. Thus, you should do many kinds of research, map out a detailed itinerary, and prepare good health as well as an adventurous spirit.
Get your travel insurance to travel Mai Chau:
© Written by Uyen Ho for itourvn.com
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