Lac Village in Mai Châu 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 Châu with Ula Travel in the following article.
I. OVER VIEW OF LAC VILLAGE
With its majestic natural scenery and simple rustic life, Lac Village in Mai Châu is a highly popular tourist destination in Hoà Bình province. Nestled in the Mai Châu 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.
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.
II. WHERE IS LAC VILLAGE LOCATED?
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.
III. GUIDE TO TRAVEL 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.
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.
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.
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. EXCITING ACTIVITIES IN LAC VILLAGE
1. Immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of Lac Village.
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.
Start your journey with: Impressive Mai Chau 2D1N
2. Paddle bamboo rafts and swim in streams.
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?
3. Explore Lac Village by bike.
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.
Do not miss: Explore Mai Chau Valley 2D1N
4. 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.
5. Explore 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.
6. Experience the unique lives of the local people.
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.
7. Enjoy the atmosphere of the 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. SPECIALTIES IN LAC VILLAGE
1. 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
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 Stream Fish
The next dish you should try is grilled stream fish, like minnows caught in the streams around the village. When you eat, you will feel the sweet taste of grilled fish flesh.
4. 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.
VII. TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Here some travel tips for visiting Lac Village, Mai Chau:
- Lac Village is located in the high mountains of the North, so the climate is cool throughout the year. Therefore, you should prepare thick clothes to keep your body warm, especially when traveling in the winter or spring.
- 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 visiting spiritual tourism sites, choose appropriate clothing.
- Choose a suitable time to travel.
- If you travel to Lac Village independently during the rainy months, remember to bring an umbrella, raincoat, and extra clothes to change.
- Protect the environment by saying no to littering.
- 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.
- When traveling by motorcycle, remember to prepare some fast food and drinks for when you’re hungry!
- Don’t forget to bring a power bank to use when your phone runs out of battery.
With all the information about travel experiences in Lac Village above, Ula Travel hopes you will have a complete and enjoyable trip. You must visit Lac Village at least once and Ula Travel is always ready to be your friend on every journey.
