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Mai Chau is located in Hoa Binh province, approximately 135 km from Hanoi and 60 km from Hoa Binh. The first sighting of Mai Chau, a hollow with carpet green rice fields and thatched stilt houses is particularly striking during winter and autumn days when they are shrouded in fog and clouds. Not surprisingly, people tend to stop for a long time atop the Cun Slope to take in the view before proceeding, and thousands of pictures are taken here every day to give each person his or her panoramic view of Mai Chau.

Many minorities, including the Thai ethnic group, live in Mai Chau. Stilt houses border both sides of the roads. The houses are quite large with palm leaf roofs and polished bamboo-slat floors. The kitchen is located in the center of the house; the cooking as well as the making of the colorful tho cam, the material used by Thai minority to make their clothes, takes place in the kitchen. The windows are large and decorated with patterns. Each house also has a pond to breed fish.

On Sunday, people from different minorities living in the mountains come to Mai Chau market to sell their specific products: fruits, honeys, brocades made by skilled Thai women. Sunday market is also an occasion to enjoy traditional Thai dishes and to participate in traditional dances.