What About Vietnam - Series 2 - 5 - Explore Mai Chau and its threaded history in textiles

Today we delve a little deeper into the cultural side of Vietnam as we traverse an area where many of the minority groups still live, as they have done for many hundreds of years. Our program today takes us to a place called Mai Chau, Located in the Hoa Binh Province, about 135 Kms or 3 hours drive from Hanoi. We get to explore this rustic location with my guest traveler Cynthia Mann who managed to complete a trip there recently when the Covid-19 Lockdowns were suspended and travel was open to locals and ex-pats.Cynthia chats with us about the amazing villages in the area, home to the ethnic Thai and Hmong people. Due to Cynthia’s main business being in textile and design, she will talk to us about the vibrant local markets such as Muong and Pa Co Markets. Here, you can find traditional colourful handicraft products made using skills developed and passed down over many generations. We find out there is much to learn about those amazing handwoven scarves and bedspreads we see in our travels throughout Vietnam. Mau Chau is a surprising delight. Not as overrun with tourists, as in places like Sapa, and offers a very authentic view of local village life. Surrounded by beautiful forests, and a major reservoir with its own sense of beauty, you will be charmed by this little idyllic location and Cynthia's experience.Cynthia highly rated a new place to stay called Mai Chau Hideaway – details here if you are interested - http://maichauhideaway.com/I mention a very lovely Eco Lodge which I stayed at and highly recommend for its location, quality of rooms and views - https://maichau.ecolodge.asia/Cynthia Operates a gorgeous textile designer showroom in Hanoi – Called Future Traditions and you can find all her details here. Pop in or order online through her Facebook page here ;- https://www.facebook.com/FutureTraditions/Please SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.  It's FREE (this way you get notified when a new episode is published, usually every fortnight), rate, review and share my podcast with any of your friends or fellow travellers who are considering a visit to this beautiful country.Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.comEmail me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected] rate, review and share your thoughts through my Facebook page – I’d love to hear what you think. https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTokLet me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam  - See our Travel ServicesDo you need a #Dental Procedure?  Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital