General Information about Phu Mau Village
Introduction
Geographical Location: Phu Mau Village is located in the Northwestern mountains, within Van Ho commune, Son La province.
Population: Around 500 people, mainly of Thai ethnic groups.
Languages: Thai and Vietnamese.
Ethnic Groups & Geographical Location
Phu Mau Village has long been home to the Thai, people, known for their rich traditional cultural identity.
Position: 20.8500°N, 104.7000°E (reference coordinates). According to the administrative map, the village belongs to Van Ho commune, Son La province.
View on map:Google Maps
Climate
Phu Mau Village has a temperate mountain climate, cool all year round. The average temperature ranges from 15–25°C, suitable for farming and tourism development.
Temperature
15–25°C
Rainy Season
May – September
Dry Season
October – April
Best Time to Visit
February – April (Spring)
The season when plum blossoms, apricot blossoms, peach blossoms cover the hills in white, with cool weather and many traditional festivals.
Plum blossoms
Pleasant weather
Traditional festivals
May – September (Summer)
Two seasons of golden ripe rice.
Rice harvest season
August – October (Autumn)
The season of golden ripe rice on terraced fields — stunning scenery for photography.
Harvest season
Beautiful photography spots
December – January (Winter)
Frost may appear — a special highland climate experience.
Frost
Unique highland climate
How to Get to Ban Phu Mau
Ban Phu Mau can be accessed via several different routes. Below is detailed information about common transportation options and routes.
From Hanoi → Ban Phu Mau (via Moc Chau)
Distance: ~150 km
Bus (recommended for most travelers)
Ticket price: 250,000 – 340,000 VND/one-way
Recommended operators: Minh Châu Limousine, Thủy Khởi, Hải Vân, Luyện Quang, Dương Dung
Route: Route 1: Hanoi → New QL6 → Dong Bang Junction (15 km) → Old QL6 into the village. Route 2: Hanoi → New QL6 → Rung Gia Junction (7 km) → Phu Mau Village.
Entering the village: Get off at Vân Hồ → continue by taxi/motorbike taxi into the village (narrow mountain pass ~7 km)
Self-drive car from Hanoi
Travel time: 4–6 hours
Suggested route: Route 1: Hanoi → New QL6 → Dong Bang Junction (15 km) → Old QL6 into the village. Route 2: Hanoi → New QL6 → Rung Gia Junction (7 km) → Phu Mau Village.
Advantages: Flexible timing, convenient for groups or families
Self-driving Motorbike from Hanoi
Travel Time: 5–7 hours depending on speed
Advantages: Ideal for those who enjoy adventurous rides, long roads, and mountain passes
From Moc Chau → Ban Phu Mau
Distance: ~50 km
Taxi
Estimated Price: 13,000 – 15,000 VND/km
Contact Suggestions: Mai Linh Taxi Moc Chau – 02126.29.29.29
Advantages: Suitable for families, small groups, or visitors unfamiliar with mountain roads
Self-driving Car, Self-driving Motorbike
Route: Moc Chau → Ban Phu Mau
From Hoa Binh → Ban Phu Mau
Distance: ~80 km
Bus
Route: Hoa Binh → Son La (via National Road 6)
Price: Around 250,000 VND/one way
Arriving at the village: Get off at Van Ho → transfer to taxi/motorbike to the village
Popular Bus Companies: Hanh Giang, Tuan Hung, Phuong Linh...
Self-driving Car, Self-driving Motorbike
Route: Hoa Binh → National Road 6 / Hoa Binh – Son La Highway → Van Ho → Ban Phu Mau
Suitable for: Family groups or those who want fast and safe travel
Travel Notes for Self-driving Vehicles
For Cars
The road to the village has a narrow 7 km mountain pass, drive slowly and be cautious.
Avoid traveling at night, especially in rainy or foggy conditions.
You may contact the homestay in advance to check the road conditions or for help with directions.
For Motorbikes
Ensure you have strong riding skills and check the bike thoroughly before setting off.
During the rainy season, roads are slippery, so ride slowly on the way to the village.
Contact
Coordination Board
Contact the Coordination Board for support and consultation