Geography

Hoa Binh (Peace in Vietnamese), 74 km southwest of Hanoi is the homeland of many Minority groups, including Muong and Thai. Unfortunately, they were removed 15 km away to clear the ground for Hoa Binh hydroelectric plan. Therefore, Hoa Binh does not have much of a hill tribe atmosphere. It is just a good stop for lunch or taking photo of Song Da Reservoir, the biggest in Vietnam with clear water.

Mai Chau is the closest hill tribe villages to Hanoi (elevation 400m). It is a beautiful rural area, and most of the people here are ethnic White Thai, related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.

Climate

The climate of Mai Chau, Hoa Binh is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 18°C with a maximum of 29°C in July and a minimum of 16°C in January.

In general, Mai Chau’s climate is quite good around the year. It rains less and the humidity is lower than other Northern Vietnam cites. The best weather extends from September to May with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.

It can be quite cold during winter from November to the end of February. From June to September, it has the monsoon with stronger breezes and higher humidity. The temperatures are warmer in this time, varying between 25°C and 35°C.

Attractions

Mai Chau can be a base for some trekking tours to the villages around, and spending one night at one of the stilt houses in Mai Chau, tourists have chance to enjoy the folk dances and songs that are accompanied by Gong music, as well as experience the feeling of drinking Can Wine – an important cultural symbol for ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh province. Particularly, tourits coming there can enjoy the minority specialty dishes including rice cooked in bamboo and grilled meat. Beside that, Hoa Binh has some place: Kim Boi Hot Spring, Ban Lac Village, Thung Nai....