1. Bus / Van to Mai Chau
2. Taxi / Car to Mai Chau
3. Travel on motorbike
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Hanoi to Mai Chau – The Best Ways to Travel:
From Hanoi to Mai Chau you can travel by bus, taxi, motorbike.
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- The travel distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau spans approximately 140 km (passing through Hoa Binh town). There are 3 popular transportation options available for traveling from Hanoi to Mai Chau. As there is no train connection or airport in Mai Chau, travelers typically opt for bus, taxi, or motorbike. Bus fares from Hanoi to Mai Chau range from $4 to $15, with a travel time of approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on the type of bus. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or minivan directly from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport to reach Mai Chau. Booking bus tickets from Hanoi to Mai Chau or arranging a private taxi from Noi Bai Airport can be easily done online. Traveling by motorbike is suitable for experienced riders (International Driving Permit necessary). Once in Mai Chau, you can further explore nearby destinations such as Ninh Binh by bus, another popular tourist spot in northern Vietnam. Ensure to book bus tickets or arrange a private car to Mai Chau in advance.
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- Mai Chau is a charming town nestled in Hoa Binh province, primarily frequented by Vietnamese tourists. Serving as a gateway to Pu Luong Nature Reserve and the nearby Hoa Binh Lake, Mai Chau is conveniently located just 65 km from Moc Chau, another off-the-beaten-path destination in northwest Vietnam. Renowned for its natural beauty, Mai Chau offers an authentic experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture, including homestays with the ethnic Thai people and engaging in various cultural activities. With multiple transportation options available from Hanoi, including bus/minivan, private car, or motorbike, Mai Chau is easily accessible for travelers. Discover the best way to reach Mai Chau from Hanoi and embark on an unforgettable holiday experience in Vietnam. Additionally, you can travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau via Ninh Binh or journey to Hoi An in central Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Mai Chau: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 3-3.5 hours | $4 – $15 |
| Minivan from Noi Bai Airport | 4 hours | $15 – $20 |
| Private Taxi | 4 hours | $70 – $170 (car) |
| Motorbike | 4-5 hours | N/A |
How do I get from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
1. BUS / VAN from Hanoi to Mai Chau
The most used option of transportation from Hanoi, but also from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Mai Chau, is by bus or minibus. Since there is no railway to Mai Chau, this low-budget option will be the next one used by tourists. The journey by bus or minibus to Mai Chau is not too long, the journey time from Hanoi is approximately 3-3.5 hours, if you use the transfer directly from Noi Bai airport, the journey time will be approx. 4 hours by minibus.
Some private transport companies operate on the route between Hanoi and Mai Chau, such as Daiichi Travel, Chinh Minh, Huong Kien, Thu Bang, Grouptour, Anh Dung and or Nhat An, which offer smaller buses and more comfortable modern minibuses. You can use them for transportation from the center of Hanoi – from various places (e.g. Hanoi Opera House, Yen Nghia) or even from Noi Bai International Airport.
Older smaller Vietnamese buses tend to be the cheapest – here tickets start at about $4/per person, minibuses or private minivans cost on average $10-20/per person, the most expensive is a transfer from Noi Bai airport. All buses are equipped with seats and minibuses with very comfortable reclining seats, you will feel comfortable in the minibus if you ignore the fact that these minibuses sometimes drive quite fast.
These minibuses and buses from Hanoi will take you to various places in Mai Chau, but since it’s not a big place, it’s not that important. They arrive for example at Mai Chau Lodge, Nga 3 Ban Lac, Tong Dau Petrol Station Mai Chau and others. Tickets for these buses from Hanoi to Mai Chau are easy to find and book online, some companies also accept mobile tickets, but always read the current instructions before booking the ride. Travel by bus or minibus to Mai Chau is the best choice of transportation for most travelers.
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- Book and buy bus tickets from Hanoi to Mai Chau on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
- You will receive your bus e-ticket to Mai chau by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present when boarding the bus in Hanoi (Recommended – print your bus ticket)
2. TAXI (Van, Minivan) from Hanoi to Mai Chau
The most convenient, but at the same time the most expensive way to travel to Mai Chau from Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport is to use a private taxi or book a car with a driver. The advantage of a private car is that you can choose the departure point in Hanoi and the arrival point in Mai Chau according to your requirements, and you can choose from modern cars, SUVs or minivans for more people.
There are several private taxi services operating on the route between Hanoi and Mai Chau, some of them are Taxi with VTS, Saigon DMC, Ouros Travel, Booking Car and or PacknGo. All these companies offer transfers from the center of Hanoi or from the airport, and the offers include very modern and comfortable cars of various brands.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Mai Chau here ➜
As mentioned, a private taxi transfer is the most expensive transport option, a taxi or chauffeured car from Hanoi to Mai Chau costs on average $70-170/car. The most expensive options are minivans and minibuses for more people, the advantage here is that if you are traveling with more people, you can calculate the price for the whole car per individual.
So sometimes this option of transportation to Mai Chau can even pay off. You can search and book your private transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau or from Noi Bai Airport online even in advance. Again, always read all important transfer instructions before ordering your car. With a private taxi, you will experience the most comfortable ride to Hoa Binh and Mai Chau area, the drivers are experienced and company references are usually very good.
3. TRAVEL BY MOTORBIKE to Mai Chau
You can also travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau by motorbike, this option is suitable for experienced motorbike drivers and for those who have an international driver’s license with a valid license for the given motorbike. You should also have some experience driving a motorbike in Vietnam and be familiar with traffic, regulations, also be aware that a lot of drivers do not follow traffic regulations.
You can rent a motorbike in Hanoi even for a few days, which is certainly convenient, there is no point in traveling to Mai Chau for 1 day. You can also search for your ideal bike online and in advance on the Bikesbooking platform. An ideal motorbike travel route from Hanoi to Mai Chau is via the city of Hoa Binh, where you can visit, for example, the Hoa Binh dam near this city or you can try boat trip on the lake.
The Hoa Binh Lake area is also a popular place for homestays with local ethnic residents and homestay accommodation is a unique experience how to explore local ethnic cultures. The trip on a motorcycle is not too difficult, but expect the travel distance to be about 150 km, so in the end, expect that the transport may take up to 4 hours with stops.
A motorbike or scooter is also ideal if you want to explore the surroundings of Mai Chau or go to Hoa Binh Lake, as there are practically no local transport links. It is also highly recommended to use protective gear when riding a motorcycle, you can rent or buy them in Hanoi.
BOOK a MOTORBIKE with Bikesbooking ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Hanoi to Mai Chau:
1. How to book bus tickets or taxi from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- You can book bus tickets or taxi from Hanoi to Mai Chau on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
2. What is the travel time from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Hanoi to Mai Chau takes about 3-3.5 hours.
- Travel by taxi from Hanoi (+Noi Bai Airport) to Mai Chau takes about 4 hours.
- Travel by motorbike from Hanoi to Mai Chau takes about 4-5 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- Transport by bus/minivan from Hanoi to Mai Chau costs about $4-10/pp.
- Transport by taxi from Hanoi (+Noi Bai Airport) to Mai Chau costs about $110-175 (car).
4. What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau (over Hoa Binh) is about 140 km by bus/motorbike.
5. Do you want to book a motorbike in Hanoi?
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- You can search and book your motorbike in Hanoi with Bikesbooking ➜.
6. Is it possible to get by train from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- No, there is no railway station in Mai Chau, there is no train connection between these cities. The only way how to get to Mai Chau is to travel by bus, taxi, motorbike or private transport. You can also book eg. 2-3 day tour from Hanoi.
7. Is there a flight from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
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- No, there is no flight, travel by plane is not possible, Mai Chau has no airport.
8. Where do you keep your luggage in Hanoi?
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- If you want to keep your luggage in Hanoi you can try Radical Storage service. This service offers a few places in the city center of Hanoi, it is a cheap and your luggage will be safe.
9. Where to accommodate in Mai Chau?
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- Mai Chau offers various types of accommodation – mainly local homestays, bungalows, hotels or tourist resorts. Accommodation in Mai Chau in homestay is cheap and start already at $7/pp (shared room in homestay). There are only a few luxury resorts for tourists and standard hotels are limited.
10. How to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
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- You can travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh by bus. There are only a few buses to Ninh Binh, but you need to ask at your hotel for current schedule. Transport between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh is limited.
11. Where to go from Mai Chau?
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- You can travel from Mai Chau to Moc Chau, travel distance is only about 65 km, so you can rent a motorbike and travel on your own. If you want to travel by local or tourist bus from Mai Chau to Moc Chau – ask for the bus at your hotel. Another good reason why to visit Mai Chau is to travel to Hoa Binh Lake. Teoretically you can also travel to Halong Bay (via Hanoi or Ninh Binh).
12. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
13. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?
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- Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.
14. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?
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- Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam, characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.
15. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?
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- Weather in Vietnam varies with a tropical climate featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. In the north, the dry season (October to April) brings cooler temperatures, while the wet season (May to September) is marked by higher humidity and heavy rainfall. Central Vietnam experiences a dry period (January to August) with lower humidity and a wet season (September to December) characterized by increased rainfall. In southern Vietnam, the dry season (December to April) offers warm temperatures, while the wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. For accurate information, check local forecasts.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
🚍 Bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau – Schedule / Timetable + Bus Tickets:
Bus Schedule - Hanoi to Mai Chau | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Mai Chau | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Daiichi Travel | 07:00 | 10:30 | From $13.00 |
Daiichi Travel | 09:45 | 13:15 | From $13.00 |
Daiichi Travel | 12:30 | 16:00 | From $13.00 |
Daiichi Travel | 15:00 | 18:30 | From $13.00 |
Daiichi Travel | 16:30 | 20:00 | From $13.00 |
Huong Kien | 08:30 | 11:50 | From $10.00 |
Huong Kien | 10:00 | 13:00 | From $10.00 |
Huong Kien | 12:30 | 15:50 | From $10.00 |
Huong Kien | 15:10 | 18:30 | From $10.00 |
Chinh Minh | 07:20 | 10:20 | From $5.00 |
Thu Bang | 11:00 | 14:00 | From $4.00 |
Thu Bang | 13:30 | 16:30 | From $4.00 |
Thu Bang | 14:30 | 17:30 | From $4.00 |
Nhat An | 06:00 (Noi Bai) | 10:00 | From $20.00 |
Nhat An | 08:00 (Noi Bai) | 12:00 | From $20.00 |
Nhat An | 10:00 (Noi Bai) | 14:00 | From $20.00 |
Nhat An | 13:00 (Noi Bai) | 17:00 | From $20.00 |
Nhat An | 16:00 (Noi Bai) | 20:00 | From $20.00 |
Nhat An | 18:00 (Noi Bai) | 22:00 | From $20.00 |
🚕 Taxi from Hanoi to Mai Chau – Schedule / Timetable + Companies:
Taxi Schedule - Hanoi to Mai Chau | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
Booking Car | 03:00 | From $110.00 |
Taxi with VTS | 03:00 | From $86.00 (Comfort) |
Taxi with VTS | 03:00 | From $99.00 (SUV) |
Taxi with VTS | 03:00 | From $112.00 (Minibus) |
Saigon DMC | 03:20 | From $95.00 (Comfort) |
Saigon DMC | 03:20 | From $102.00 (SUV) |
Saigon DMC | 03:20 | From $150.00 (Van) |
Ouros Travel | 03:20 | From $102.00 (Comfort) |
Ouros Travel | 03:20 | From $110.00 (SUV) |
Ouros Travel | 03:20 | From $160.00 (Van) |
PacknGo | 04:00 | From $112.00 (Standard) |
PacknGo | 04:00 | From $127.00 (Minivan) |
PacknGo | 04:00 | From $143.00 (Van) |
