Recently, the question “Which province will Hoa Binh merge with?” has drawn a lot of attention, especially among travelers who love Mai Chau. This matter isn’t only about administrative boundaries, it also affects how visitors navigate, search for destinations, book services, and plan future trips. After the administrative merger of Hoa Binh, travel information may no longer remain the same, as certain locations and place names could be changed. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to travel to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh after the merger.
Official information regarding the administrative merger of Hoa Binh Province
Hoa Binh is currently undergoing an administrative restructuring process. According to the proposal, the province will be merged with neighboring provinces to form a new administrative region. For many people, this may sound like a regular piece of government news. However, for travelers planning to visit Hoa Binh, the impact is much bigger than it seems.
Understanding the administrative updates helps clarify territorial divisions and how certain destinations will be referred to in the future. As a result, planning your trip to the region becomes easier and less confusing, you’ll avoid potential naming issues when booking tours, choosing accommodation, or moving between local destinations.
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Travel tips when traveling to Mai Chau
The administrative merger opens up new opportunities for tourism in the region. Infrastructure is expected to improve, and travel routes, cultural festivals, and resort developments may expand as a result. Despite these changes, Hoa Binh will continue to preserve its mountainous landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of its ethnic communities. By understanding these administrative updates in advance, travelers can better prepare and enjoy a more seamless trip.
Read more: Mai Chau – Pu Luong travel guide: Suggested 3-day-2-night Itinerary for first-time visitors
Which province will Hoa Binh merge with? Will there be any changes to Mai Chau?
Starting from July 1, 2025, Hoa Binh Province will officially merge with Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho to form a new province named Phu Tho. The new administrative and political center will be located in Viet Tri City, currently the capital of Phu Tho Province.
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So which province will Mai Chau belong to after the merger?
After the administrative merger of Hoa Binh, Mai Chau Town will no longer retain its former administrative name. Specifically, the town will be merged with the communes of Na Phon, Thanh Son, Tong Dau, and part of Dong Tan to form the new Mai Chau Commune, under the newly established Phu Tho Province.
After the administrative merger of Hoa Binh, Mai Chau Town will no longer retain its former administrative name. Specifically, the town will be merged with the communes of Na Phon, Thanh Son, Tong Dau, and part of Dong Tan to form the new Mai Chau Commune, under the newly established Phu Tho Province.
When planning your trip, it is recommended to stay updated on the new administrative boundaries to avoid confusion. Understanding how Hoa Binh has been reorganized will make it easier to book tours and accommodation, navigate routes, and participate in activities without unnecessary hassle.
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How to travel to Mai Chau now that it belongs to the new Phu Tho province
After the merger, Mai Chau officially falls under the newly formed Phu Tho Province. This may initially cause confusion for first-time visitors searching for information online. In reality, the travel routes remain the same, only the province name changes on maps and booking platforms.
From Hanoi
Mai Chau is located approximately 140 km from Hanoi. The most common route follows National Highway 6: starting from central Hanoi, travelers head toward Xuan Mai, pass through Hoa Binh City, then continue for another 60 km along Highway 6 to reach Mai Chau. Shortly before arrival, you will pass Thung Khe Pass, a popular check-in spot known for its dramatic mountain scenery. Travel time is roughly 3–3.5 hours by car or motorbike.
Thung Khe Pass
- By sleeper bus or coach: Several bus companies still operate the Hanoi – Mai Chau route, departing from stations such as My Dinh, Yen Nghia, or Giap Bat. Ticket prices range from 120,000–150,000 VND, depending on operator and vehicle type.
- By motorbike or private car: This is an ideal option for travelers who prefer flexibility, you can stop for photos, enjoy viewpoints, or explore small local villages along the way.
From Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, or Yen Bai Provinces
After the administrative merger, travel becomes easier to combine with multiple destinations. For example, from Viet Tri City (Phu Tho), you can follow Highway 32C or Highway 2 toward Hoa Binh, then connect to Highway 6 to reach Mai Chau. Total travel time is around 4–4.5 hours. If departing from Vinh Yen (Vinh Phuc), travel time is similar depending on the route.
Travel tips when traveling to Mai Chau
To make your trip to Mai Chau more enjoyable and hassle-free, there are a few simple yet useful tips worth keeping in mind. They may seem small, but they can save time and help you avoid unexpected inconveniences along the way.
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Travel tips when traveling to Mai Chau
After the administrative merger of Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau has officially become a commune under the newly established Phu Tho Province. For returning travelers, this change can be confusing at first, especially when navigating routes, booking transportation, or reserving services. The change in administrative names means certain maps, ride-booking apps, and travel schedules may not match immediately, leading to extra time spent confirming the correct destination. Understanding this challenge, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort offers direct shuttle services from Hanoi, allowing guests to simply relax and enjoy the journey while the resort handles the logistics.
When searching on Google Maps or ride-hailing apps, be sure to enter “Mai Chau, Phu Tho” instead of “Mai Chau, Hoa Binh” to avoid being directed to the wrong location.
If traveling by bus, it’s best to call the operator in advance to confirm the exact drop-off point in Mai Chau’s center. Some buses still label the route with the old “Hoa Binh” designation, which may cause confusion.
During winter and early mornings, Thung Khe Pass often experiences heavy fog with limited visibility. Daytime travel is recommended for safety and to better enjoy the views.
If you’d like to combine multiple destinations, you can consider a circular route via Viet Tri – Thanh Thuy – Mai Chau. This option not only saves time but also allows you to explore more attractions along the way.
The merger of Hoa Binh into the new Phu Tho Province opens up opportunities for connected travel routes and regional tourism experiences. Despite the administrative changes, Mai Chau retains its charm and natural beauty, welcoming visitors with peaceful mountain scenery and rich cultural experiences. With proper information and planning, your trip to Mai Chau in the new Phu Tho Province will be smooth, memorable, and truly rewarding.