If the golden rice valleys of Ban Lac have become a familiar path for your wandering feet, let the map lead you further to a more secluded, serene, and enchanting destination: Suoi Lon Village, Tan Mai. Here, the sublime intersection of the majestic Northwest mountains and the poetic Hoa Binh Lake creates the ultimate 'hideaway.' Join us as we uncover why Suoi Lon Village, Tan Mai, Mai Chau has become the latest sensation for souls seeking authenticity and sustainable luxury.
Where is Suoi Lon Village, Tan Ma, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh located?
Set apart from the noise of the main town, Suoi Lon Village lies within Son Thuy Commune (formerly Tan Mai), Mai Chau. As a historic settlement of the Muong people, the village winds along the banks of the vast Hoa Binh Reservoir, an area widely renowned as Northern Vietnam's 'Halong Bay on Land' for its ethereal beauty
Where is Suoi Lon Village, Tan Ma, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh located?
Suoi Lon occupies a position reminiscent of an enchanting peninsula. Backed by majestic limestone ranges and cloaked in vibrant green bamboo groves year-round, it overlooks the tranquil, emerald waters of Hoa Binh Lake. This classic 'mountain-backed and water-facing' orientation offers more than just breathtaking scenery for photographers; it creates a pure and cool sanctuary, boasting one of the most pleasant micro-climates in all of the Northwest.
How to get to Suoi Lon Village ?
Suoi Lon Village is located approximately 140km from central Hanoi (about a 3 to 3.5-hour drive). Below is a detailed itinerary to ensure your journey to Mai Chau Hideaway is as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Route for private vehicles (Car or Motorbike)
This is the ultimate choice for travelers who wish to be proactive and stop at Thung Khe Pass to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Stage 1: Hanoi - Hoa Binh City (70km)
From the city center, follow the direction of Thang Long Boulevard or National Highway 6 to reach Hoa Binh City. We highly recommend taking the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh Expressway for a smoother ride and shorter travel time.
Stage 2: Hoa Binh City - Foot of Thung Khe Pass (Phu Cuong) (50km)
Continue along National Highway 6 towards Son La. On this stretch, you will conquer the famous Cun Pass and enjoy the winding roads that hug the mountainside.
Stage 3: The Turn to Suoi Lon "Paradise" (15km)
Upon reaching the foot of Thung Khe Pass (within Phu Cuong Commune), pay close attention: Instead of continuing up the pass towards Mai Châu town, look to your right for the signpost directing towards Ba Khan / Tan Mai.
Turning onto this path, you will traverse the stunning Ba Khan Valley. Although the road is narrower, the scenery is truly spectacular - with majestic limestone cliffs on one side and the vast expanse of Hoa Binh Lake on the other.
Continue for about 15km through lush green bamboo forests. You will find the entrance sign to Mai Chau Hideaway located in the heart of Suoi Lon Village. Need further assistance? Contact our hotline for real-time directions: 02186288899 | + (84)963406366 | 0987536787.
By Public Bus (Recommended for Small Groups or Solo Travelers)
If you prefer using local transportation, traveling by bus is a budget-friendly and authentic way to reach us.
Bus Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau
You can catch a high-quality bus from either My Dinh Bus Station or Yen Nghia Bus Station. Reputable operators include Hoang Thao, Ha Loan, and Manh Kien.
Drop-off Point: Ask the driver to let you off at Tong Dau Junction (Ngã ba Tòng Đậu).
From Tong Dau to Suoi Lon Village: The distance is approximately 20km. From the junction, you can easily take a local taxi or a "xe om" (motorcycle taxi) to reach the resort.
Traveler’s Note: This route will take you back up towards the Tan Mai area. As you wind through the high hillsides, you will be rewarded with a spectacular, panoramic view of the entire Mai Chau valley from above.
Mai Chau Hideaway’s shuttle service
The road leading to Suoi Lon Village is a scenic mountain pass, characterized by its narrow lanes and several sharp hairpin turns. If you choose to drive yourself, please ensure the driver is experienced with mountain terrains and that the vehicle's braking system is thoroughly checked before departure.
For a truly relaxing and safe journey, the resort offers a daily High-Quality Shuttle Service.
Pick-up Points: Central Hanoi area (typically at the Hanoi Opera House or our representative office at 87 Hoang Quoc Viet).
Schedule: The shuttle departs in the morning and drops you off directly at the resort’s lobby. You won't have to worry about navigation - simply sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking Northwest scenery through the window.
Plan Your Journey: To ensure a safe, luxurious, and punctual trip, please refer to our Car Rental Price List.
If you depart in the early morning or late afternoon during winter, the stretch from Cun Pass to Phu Cuong is often shrouded in dense fog. Please turn on your fog lights and maintain a safe speed.
You can search on Google Maps for the accurate keyword "Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort". However, when reaching the foot of Thung Khe Pass, prioritize following the road signs for Ba Khan instead of following the directions to go straight to the top of the pass (as Maps sometimes suggests a longer route).
See more: Sunset Mai Chau: Magical golden moments you shouldn't miss
What makes Suoi Lon so beautiful? Experiences that "awaken" all your senses
Why is Suoi Lon Village (Tan Mai, Mai Chau) so beloved by photographers and architects? The answer lies not just in its coordinates on the map, but in its "intangible" values - where nature and indigenous culture intertwine to create a true sanctuary for healing.
Admire the landscape from a 360-degree perspective
While Ha Long in Quang Ninh boasts the magnificent beauty of the sea, Suoi Lon carries the serene and mystical charm of the Da River.
Before the sun has even emerged, mist rises from the lake's surface to shroud the undulating limestone islands, creating a surreal, dreamlike landscape. This is the "golden hour" for photographers to hunt for unique landscape shots, where light and haze intertwine.
What makes Suoi Lon so beautiful? Experiences that "awaken" all your senses
The emerald hue of the water blends with the deep green of the ancient forests and the gray of prehistoric limestone cliffs. The shifting colors throughout the day at Suoi Lon serve as an endless source of inspiration for those passionate about visual arts and landscape design.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort - The ideal sanctuary in Suoi Lon Village
Amidst the pristine and tranquil space of Suoi Lon Village (Tan Mai, Mai Chau), Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort emerges not merely as a resort, but as a hidden "oasis."
The resort prioritizes the use of natural stone, rustic wood, thatched roofs, and woven bamboo. The rugged stone walls combined with the warm tones of wood create a space that is as sturdy as the mountains and forests, yet as soft as the waters of Hoa Binh Lake.
With 32 meticulously designed rooms, each accommodation here is a masterpiece of arrangement. The most premium feature is the expansive balcony system facing directly toward the heart of the lake. Here, you can sit for hours watching the undulating islands or listening to the wind whispering through the bamboo forest, truly feeling absolute privacy and tranquility.
The infinity pool is completely paved with natural stone, featuring an overflow design that faces directly toward Hoa Binh Lake. As you immerse yourself in the cool water, the boundary between the lake's surface and the pool seems to vanish, giving you the sensation of floating amidst the majestic Da River.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort - The ideal sanctuary in Suoi Lon Village
As evening falls, the entire expanse of Suoi Lon is dyed in the brilliant orange and red hues of a highland sunset. Reflected upon the surface of the infinity pool, this scenery creates a world-class "Instagrammable" backdrop, where every camera angle becomes a sophisticated landscape photograph. You can sip a cocktail, breathe in the fragrance of the flora, and let your gaze wander freely to the horizon - a stress-relief therapy that no modern gym could ever provide.
Immerse yourself in the Xoe Hoa dance - The echoes of the Northwest highlands
As darkness gradually blankets the ancient bamboo groves of Suoi Lon Village, Tan Mai, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, an enchanting cultural space unfolds. Beyond the gentle lapping of the lake’s waves, Suoi Lon invites you to step into the world of the Xoe Hoa Dance - an intangible cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic people and a symbol of solidarity and hospitality.
The Xoe dance in Mai Chau carries its own distinct nuance: as fluid and graceful as the waters of Hoa Binh Lake, yet as robust and vibrant as the rhythm of highland life. The various forms, such as xoe danh mang, xoe vong, or xoe cha, all originate from the very pulse of labor and daily customs, preserved through countless generations.
Immerse yourself in the Xoe Hoa dance - The echoes of the Northwest highlands
As the gongs and drums resonate with exhilaration, the Xoe circle expands like a multi-colored flower blooming in the heart of the mountains. Here, all boundaries vanish. Whether you are a distant traveler or a local, young or old, everyone joins hands, swaying to the rhythmic footsteps and the intoxicating aroma of ruou can (straw wine) under the flickering firelight.
Immersing yourself in the Xoe dance is the most authentic way to touch the soul of the green lands of Mai Chau, allowing your heart to beat in harmony with the nature and the people here.
Kayaking and bamboo rafting - Touching the "lifeblood" of the Da River
It would be a major oversight to visit Suoi Lon without taking to the water. Unlike noisy tourist destinations, in the heart of Suoi Lon lake, the only sounds you will hear are the rhythmic splash of paddles and the wind whistling through the mountain crevices.
Manually steering a kayak through nameless peninsulas or leisurely sitting on a traditional Muong bamboo raft, you will feel the smallness of man before the majestic wilderness. That is the moment when all the pressures of urban life are completely "washed away" by the cool waters of the Da River.
Check-in at Go Lao Waterfall: The "White Silk Ribbon" amidst the bamboo forest
Located just a few minutes away from Suoi Lon Village is Go Lao Waterfall - a natural wonder that still retains its pristine wildness.
The path leading to the waterfall consists of winding trails through lush green bamboo groves, reminiscent of scenes from a period film. From afar, the thundering sound of the falling water resonates like a grand epic of the mountains and forests.
The waterfall is over 20m high, plunging directly into the lake and creating screens of white, cool mist. At the foot of the fall lie large boulders worn smooth by water over millions of years. This is an ideal spot to meditate, read a book, or simply let the tiny water droplets touch your skin, awakening every cell after a morning of cycling to explore the villages.
The cultural and architectural depth of the Muong people in Suoi Lon Village
In contrast to the vibrant Thai culture of Ban Lac, Suoi Lon Village in Tan Mai, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, bears the profound, ancient imprint of the Muong people.
Traditional stilt house architecture and Interior Design inspiration
The stilt houses in Suoi Lon are not merely dwellings; they are masterpieces of topographic understanding and highland feng shui. This is a "treasure trove" of inspiration for anyone passionate about interior design and landscape architecture.
The Muong people in Suoi Lon skillfully choose to build their houses on high hillsides, with their backs against solid mountain cliffs and their fronts facing the vast Hoa Binh Lake. This not only creates a premium view but also ensures ventilation, welcoming the vital energy from the water's surface.
The sophistication lies in their use of aged timber, woven bamboo, and natural stone. The roofs are typically covered with thick palm leaves or yin-yang tiles, creating a natural insulation system - keeping the interior cool in the summer and warm when winter arrives.
Inside the stilt houses, the space is symbolically partitioned by large wooden pillars. The Muong people's interior arrangement is highly minimalist: from ancient wooden chests and weaving looms to the central hearth. The hearth is not just a place for cooking but also the "soul" of the house, where warmth and generational stories are preserved.
The intense, aromatic flavors of the Muong highlands
Your experience in Suoi Lon would not be complete without letting your palate be guided by specialties that are "fresh from the lake, sweet from the mountains." Each dish is a skillful combination of local produce and signature spices:
Grilled Da River Fish (Muong-style Pa Pinh Top): Fresh Catfish and Sturgeon are caught directly from the lake within the day. The fish is marinated with mac khen, hat doi (forest seeds), ginger, and lemongrass, then clamped into bamboo sticks and manually grilled over charcoal until the skin turns golden brown, releasing the signature aroma of kitchen smoke and the delicate sweetness of river fish meat.
Straw-Roasted Muong Pork: These pigs are free-roaming on the hillsides, resulting in exceptionally firm meat. The secret lies in the straw-roasting process, which creates a golden, crunchy skin while locking in the juices. The pork is then marinated with forest spices and either grilled or steamed in banana leaves, delivering a rich and unforgettable flavor.
Aromatic Ruou Can (Straw Wine): Unlike any other, Tan Mai's ruou can is crafted from forest-leaf yeast and upland glutinous rice. This is the beverage of connection; everyone gathers around the wine jar, sipping through small bamboo straws to feel the sweet aftertaste and a gentle, spicy warmth spreading through the body.
The Fusion at Bamboo Restaurant
You can find the perfect convergence of both architecture and gastronomy at the Bamboo Restaurant of Mai Chau Hideaway.
Impressive Vaulted Architecture: Using bamboo - the "green steel" of modern architecture - as its primary material, the restaurant features a system of intricate yet incredibly graceful bamboo arches.
An Artistic Space: This is not merely a place to enjoy fine food, but a space where natural light filters through the bamboo gaps, creating stunning shadow plays across the dining tables. Enjoying a dinner of grilled Da River fish within the heart of a "bamboo masterpiece" is an experience that awakens every sense - one that you can only truly find at Suoi Lon.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Gateway to Suoi Lon Village
To ensure your journey back to Suoi Lon Village (Tan Mai, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) is truly complete and fulfilling, travelers should keep the following notes in mind:
Golden timing: Autumn (September - November) is when the lake water is at its clearest and the climate is cool. Spring (January - March) is the season of apricot and plum blossoms, whitening the skies of Tan Mai.
Outfits & Luggage: Since temperatures in the lake and mountain areas often drop lower than the plains at night, you should bring a light jacket. Additionally, sneakers and insect repellent are "must-have" items when trekking through the bamboo forest.
Local Culture: Always smile and greet the local people. The hospitality of the Muong people in Suoi Lon will make you feel like you are returning home.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Gateway to Suoi Lon Village
Do not miss the opportunity to join the discovery travel tours at Mai Chau Hideaway. From kayaking trips through the majestic limestone islands on the lake to cycling journeys through the bamboo forest to visit Go Lao Waterfall, every activity is carefully curated by us to bring the deepest connection between humans and nature.
Suoi Lon Village does not need to strive to be attractive, because its very authenticity is its most powerful draw. In the future, when luxury is redefined by Stillness and Privacy, Suoi Lon will be the ultimate destination.
The future of tourism does not lie in massive reinforced concrete structures, but in the ability to harmonize humans and nature. In Suoi Lon Village, resorts like Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort have pioneered the concept of "Sustainable Luxury."
Making the most of Rustic architecture and utilizing local materials (bamboo, wood, stone) not only minimizes the carbon footprint but also creates a stay space rich in artistic character. For travelers with a sophisticated aesthetic, a room with a balcony overlooking the lake is proof of enjoying a high-class lifestyle while maintaining complete respect for the environment.
At Suoi Lon, you possess a luxury privilege: Absolute stillness. There is no digital noise, only the sound of paddles stirring the water as you kayak in the heart of the lake or the chirping of forest birds by the window. This is the place for you to conduct a "revolution" for the soul, regenerating energy after long, weary days.
Tan Mai does not only possess beautiful scenery; it also preserves the soul of the Muong people. From the hospitable lifestyle to customs rich in identity, Suoi Lon is a place for us to return to our roots, to feel small and humble before the greatness of nature.
Let Mai Chau Hideaway accompany you on this journey back to a land of tranquility.