Mai Chau is one of many cracking experiences in Vietnam. If short on time or just want to hit the best, this is how I would look at the options in terms of wow factor:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A boat through Ha Long Bay
One of the most visually spectacular places in the world – towering limestone karsts rising out of calm water – and on the list for Natural Wonders of the world. Can get busy, but if you chose the right boat and stay overnight it can be magical. An overnight boat trip through HaLong Bay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cycling through the rice fields of Mai Chau
A peaceful and authentic glimpse of rural Vietnam, cycling between rice paddies, small villages and with towering mountains nearby. Worth the slight detour from the well trodden path. Cycling through the patchwork rice fields of Mai Chau.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The mountain scenery and hill tribes of Sapa
Dramatic mountain landscapes and terraced rice fields with a strong cultural element. Be sure to ride or jump on the back of a motorbike to properly experience it and get the train from Hanoi. Sapa – taking a motorbike around the mountain scenery and hilltop villages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hoi An’s lantern-filled old town and An Bang Beach
Charming and photogenic old town that comes alive at night with its lanterns, and paired with an easy, relaxed beach nearby. Be sure to also take advantage of the high-end tailoring throughout the town. Hoi An’s Old Town, An Bang Beach and the ruins of My Son.
⭐️⭐️ Getting lost in Hanoi’s Old Town
Chaotic, intense and full of character – more about atmosphere than standout sights. Stick to the old town and grab a fresh beer at Bia Hoi junction. Getting lost in Hanoi Old Town.
⭐️⭐️ Experiencing Ho Chi Minh’s vibrancy
A fast-moving, modern city with energy and edge, and realistically a key hub for the trip. Be sure to experience the Vietcong tunnels. HCMC / Saigon, Vietcong tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
⭐️⭐️ Boat life on the Mekong Delta
An interesting look at river-based living and floating markets, as part of a short trip from Ho Chi Minh.
⭐️ Mui Ne beach
A decent stretch of beach with a few nearby sights and great for kite surfing, but not particularly special compared to other Southeast Asia options. Chilling at Mui Ne Beach.
⭐️ Tam Coc’s cast mountains and lakes
A mini, more accessible version of Ha Long Bay’s scenery on land. Pleasant but not essential if you’ve seen the real thing and a far cry from the beauty of Mai Chau. Cycling and views around Tam Coc.
GASH – Nah Trang
A built-up beach resort that feels generic and lacks the character or standout features of Vietnam’s better destinations. Avoid. Tacky Nha Trang
GASH – The former Vietnamese capital of Hue
Historically interesting former capital, but I found it so underwhelming in practice, with limited standout sights compared to elsewhere in Vietnam. A day for the former Vietnamese Capital of Hue
