The peaceful beauty of Lac Village
Lac Village in Mai Chau is renowned as the cradle of the highland ethnic culture. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the lush green nature and explore the distinctive cultural beauty of the land and its people when visiting Lac Village. Let’s explore Lac Village in Mai Chau with Ula Travel in the following article.
I. Introduction to Lac Village
1. Overview of Lac Village
With its majestic natural scenery and simple rustic life, Lac Village in Mai Chau is a highly popular tourist destination in Hoà Bình province. Nestled in the Mai Chau valley, Lac Village boasts a remarkably cool and fresh climate.
Previously, the residents of Lac Village in Mai Châu mainly belonged to five family lineages. They primarily engaged in agriculture and traditional brocade weaving for their livelihoods. In recent years, with the discovery and appreciation of tourists, this Village has begun to develop economically, especially in providing services for tourists to rent stilt houses for accommodation and experience.
Natural scenery at Lac Village
In Lac Village in Mai Châu, there are only about 20 homestays in the form of stilt houses available for tourists to stay in. The locals here maintain their simple and rustic beauty amidst the majestic natural scenery of mountains and forests, intertwined with the poetic beauty of the valley and the golden rice fields.
Throughout the four seasons, Lac Village in Mai Châu is shrouded in the ethereal mist of the valley and surrounded by towering mountain ranges. It is a destination that attracts a large number of tourists from both domestic and international locales for exploration.
Moreover, this land is also the cradle of Thai ethnic culture. Therefore, besides admiring the beautiful natural scenery and experiencing the fresh air of nature, visitors can also discover the traditional cultural beauty of the Thai ethnic people in Hoà Bình province when coming here.
2. Where is Lac Village?
Just approximately 140km from the center of Hanoi, Lac Village in Mai Châu belongs to Chiềng Châu commune, Mai Châu district, Hoà Bình province. After a journey conquering the winding mountain passes with one side of towering rocky mountains and the other side of deep and alluring ravines, you will reach the village with over 700 years of history.
Lac Village in Mai Châu, Hoà Bình, stands out distinctively from the bustling urban life. It welcomes travelers with endless mountain ranges and a dreamy, misty atmosphere. This place has been the homeland of many generations of Thai people, mainly making a living by weaving brocade and farming.
It seems that the cultural beauty of the highland people has deeply permeated every branch of tree and blade of grass, turning this place into a perfect stop for those who want to fully explore the beauty of Mai Châu’s land and people.
II. Why Visit Lac Village?
1. Serene Nature
Lac Village is surrounded by endless stretches of lush green rice fields and towering mountains, creating a breathtaking natural scenery. The fresh, cool air and the melodious chirping of birds will help you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. Especially during the rice harvest season, the entire village is draped in a golden hue, offering a romantic and poetic landscape.
2. Unique Thai Ethnic Culture
Lac Village is home to the Thai ethnic community, where traditional cultural features are well-preserved. Visitors can admire the ancient stilt houses, which showcase the architectural essence of the Thai people. Additionally, the vibrant traditional costumes, graceful xoe dances, and melodious folk songs will immerse you in the local cultural world.
The cuisine in Lac Village is also a highlight not to be missed. Traditional dishes such as sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, grilled pork, steamed fish, and fragrant corn wine will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
3. Authentic Homestay Experience
One of the main attractions of Lac Village is the homestay experience. You will stay in traditional stilt houses, sharing meals and daily activities with the locals. This is a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the customs, simple lifestyle, and hospitality of the Thai people. In the evening, gathering around a warm fire, enjoying corn wine, and listening to stories told by the villagers will create unforgettable memories.
4. Eco and Community Tourism Activities
Lac Village is not only a place to relax but also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can cycle around the village, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery. For adventure seekers, trekking through forested mountain trails will offer exciting experiences.
Additionally, you can try your hand at boating on the stream or participate in traditional brocade weaving—a long-standing craft of the Thai people. The intricately patterned brocade products will make meaningful souvenirs to bring home.
III. How to Get to Lac Village
From Hanoi, you only need to travel about 140km to reach Lac Village. If you start from the center of Hoa Binh City, the travel distance is only about 60km. Because the distance is not too far, you can travel by motorcycle or passenger car.
1. Traveling by passenger car
If you choose to travel to Lac Village by passenger car, you just need to go to My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations. At the station, you can buy tickets to Mai Chau for about 110,000 VND. You can choose the travel time frame and the appropriate bus company according to your preferences. Be careful with your luggage and money when traveling by bus to avoid loss or theft!
2. Traveling by motorcycle
If you want to explore the beautiful roads leading to Mai Chau on your own, you can travel by motorcycle. With the journey to Lac Village Mai Chau Hoa Binh on your own, you will challenge yourself with winding roads. Moreover, you can admire the beautiful scenery along the way.
Based on the travel experience of backpackers, from Hanoi, you can go to Mai Chau via Xuan Mai, Luong Son, Hoa Binh, Muong Khen, and Mai Chau. After arriving in Mai Chau, you just need to ask the locals for directions and drive a little further to reach Lac Village.
Note: Remember to thoroughly check your vehicle and fuel before hitting the road!
IV. Best Time to Visit Lac Village
Each season, Lac Village presents a different but equally captivating beauty. Situated in the Northwestern Mountains, the climate here is mild throughout the year. Therefore, no matter when you visit, you can always feel the cool and fresh air of the mountains and forests.
Lac Village in spring
In the spring, around February or March, the weather is cool but not too cold. You will witness the scenery of plum, peach, and apricot blossoms blooming all over the hillsides.
Lac Village in summer
In the summer, around May and June, you can enjoy the picturesque landscape of Lac Village during the flooding season. At this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, with lush green mountains and vast stretches of rice fields creating the rustic and peaceful beauty of Lac Village in Mai Chau.
Lac Village in autumn
In the autumn, in September–October, you will admire the golden ripe rice season and experience the unique cultural features in the cool weather.
V. Things to Do in Lac Village
1. Immerse Yourself in the Rustic Beauty
Trekking in Mai Chau
In contrast to the rugged mountain scenery along the road from Thung Khe to Mai Chau, Lac Village emerges before visitors with a tranquil and peaceful image. Vast rice fields stretch out, with distant hills covered in white mist and gentle clouds.
Lac Village in Mai Chau attracts tourists with hidden stilt houses amidst the misty backdrop of lush green hills.
Click here: All Mai Chau Tours
2. Paddle Bamboo Rafts and Swim in Streams.
Paddle bamboo rafting
In Lac Village, Mai Chau Hoa Binh, there is a small stream called Suoi Mun. The path to Suoi Mun is quite narrow, winding through lush green bamboo forests, attracting the attention of many people.
If you want adventurous experiences, you can try sitting on bamboo rafts and paddling along the Mun stream. Feeling the swaying on the clear stream, listening to the sound of flowing water, and enjoying the serene mountains and the dreamy village in the distance—what could be more exciting?
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3. Explore Lac Village by Bike.
Cycling to explore the village
Blessed by Mother Nature with majestic natural landscapes, when traveling to Lac Village, you can admire the clouds, mountains, and beautiful valleys. Especially, the fresh air in Mai Chau will help you relieve the stresses of life. Cycling around every corner of Lac Village will surely give you a more authentic view of this 700-year-old ancient village.
Start your journey with: Hanoi to Mai Chau Tour 3D2N
4. Planting Rice with Local People
Visitors planting rice with local people
If you visit Lac Village Mai Chau during the planting or harvesting season, you will have the opportunity to experience the agricultural activities of the farmers, such as planting rice, building dikes, or harvesting rice. This is also one of the activities that young people love because they don’t always have the opportunity to do this work in the city.
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5. Explore Chieu Cave
Chieu Cave
When visiting Lac Village, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Chieu Cave, a wonderful destination in the area. With two layers of caves and unique stalactites, Chieu Cave proudly has a lifespan of thousands of years.
To reach Chieu Cave, tourists have to climb 1200 steps through the cool space of the Xa Pung tree. On the first floor, you will be amazed by the thousands of stalactites formed over thousands of years. Especially the impressive white stone slabs are the unique feature of Chieu Cave, creating a unique shape like a coral reef. This interesting destination not only provides fascinating experiences but is also the pride of the local community.
On the second floor of Chieu Cave, you will be immersed in the unique beauty of limestone stalactites with complex shapes, like a statue of a Thai girl. Under the sunlight, the sparkling yellow and silver limestone create a glittering and mysterious picture. This is an ideal place to capture artistic moments.
Read more: Things to do in Mai Chau
6. Experience the Unique Lives of the Local People.
Daily life of people in Local village
Lac Village Mai Chau, the village of the White Thai ethnic group, offers tourists a unique experience of the life and culture of the local community. In Lac Village, the community often organizes exciting and unique campfire activities.
The people here are always hospitable and friendly, warmly welcoming tourists. Participating in the evening campfire activities, you will immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere, singing and dancing to the tunes of Thai folk songs and enjoying the shared activities near the warm fire.
Lac Village is famous for its traditional brocade weaving. When visiting, explore the traditional brocade weaving and try on unique Thai traditional costumes, posing for unique photos with friends and family.
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7. Enjoy the Atmosphere of the Lac Village Market.
Lac Village market
The highland market is an interesting experience when visiting the northern mountainous region. The market in Lac Village, Mai Chau, is distinctive with highland specialties. Taking place in the early morning, the market attracts tourists with thousands of unique products such as brocade dresses, scarves, shirts, Thai flared dresses, and folk items such as bamboo flutes, crossbows, etc. at affordable prices.
Exploring the market, tourists will experience the diversity of highland culture through traditional handicraft products, from daily utensils to unique costumes.
VI. What to Eat in Lac Village
1. Mai Chau Bamboo Sticky Rice
Mai Chau Bamboo Sticky Rice
When traveling to Lac Village, the first dish you must taste is bamboo sticky rice. This is a specialty of the Northwest mountains, made from clean rice stuffed into bamboo tubes, then grilled on charcoal until cooked. Becoming a unique dish, when eaten, it has a sweet aroma from the rice with the characteristic flavor of bamboo fragrance.
2. Mai Chau Hill Chicken
Mai Chau Hill Chicken
Many tourists choose hill chicken as it is very delicious. The grilled chicken here is very tasty, with firm and sweet meat. This aromatic piece of chicken is best enjoyed with bamboo sticky rice.
3. Grilled Village Pig Skewers
Grilled Village Pig Skewers
When visiting Lac Village, remember to try the grilled village pig skewers. The village pigs here are naturally raised, so they are very fragrant and delicious. The pork is grilled over charcoal, cooked slowly, and dipped in a special sauce, which is very delicious.
Read more: Mai Chau Cuisine
VII. Tips for Visiting Lac Village
Here some travel tips for visiting Lac Village, Mai Chau:
- It’s advisable to bring some insect repellent creams or basic medicines for headaches, stomachaches, allergies, etc., which are essential for your trip.
- If you want to stay in a homestay in Lac Village, it’s necessary to book in advance by phone to avoid fully booked situations, especially during peak seasons.
- In Lac Village, there is a convenient bicycle rental service for tourists who want to explore the mountains, hills, and rice fields around Lac Village. The usual price is only 15,000 VND per day.
- When traveling around the time near Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), it’s recommended to bring an umbrella or raincoat as it often drizzles during this time.
- Check the prices of local specialties before buying to avoid overpaying.
- Only carry a sufficient amount of cash to avoid the risk of theft, especially when visiting crowded places.
- If you travel to Lac Village independently during the rainy months, remember to bring an umbrella, raincoat, and extra clothes to change.
- If you want to have a more adventurous experience, book a Lac Village-Mai Chau tour in advance. This way, you will be fully taken care of from A to Z for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
In conclusion, Lac Village is not just a tourist destination; it is a journey to explore the unique cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Vietnam. With traditional stilt houses, endless rice fields, and the distinctive culture of ethnic communities, Lac Village offers an authentic and unforgettable experience for every traveler. This is where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere, and cherish meaningful moments.
Let Lac Village be your next destination on your journey of discovery! Don’t miss the chance to experience its pristine beauty, savor local cuisine, and learn about its unique cultural heritage.
Start planning and book your trip to Lac Village today to enjoy everything this remarkable destination has to offer.
See more: Mai Chau Travel Tips