The resorts and homestays in Mai Chau are spread over two villages and a number of them are further hidden in the valley. There is no densely built-up city with hotels sprouting up all over the place. A stay in Mai Chau is more rural and gives a feeling of peace and freedom. You can choose from a traditional homestay where you learn more about the local traditions or a lodge, where you experience a lot of comfort. Whatever your choice, with the bicycles that each accommodation lends for free, you can cycle through the beautiful landscape of rice fields and villages.
Where to stay in Mai Chau
In Mai Chau there are two villages where accommodation can be found: Lac and Poom Coong. Both villages are adjacent to each other. Most of the accommodations consist of homestays run by local families of the ethnic White Thai minorities. These people live in traditional houses on stilts and staying in a local homestay in Mai Chau gives you a unique opportunity to learn more about their unique culture and traditions.
If the idea of a homestay doesn’t appeal to you, you will also find lodges in Mai Chau, offering more comfort and beautiful bungalows with pools and private terraces. In the villages you will also find souvenir shops of the ethnic minorities who sell their locally made wares. There are also a few restaurants and each lodge and homestay also features its own restaurant.
There are also resorts and homestays in Mai Chau that are located a lot deeper in the valley and there is one resort you can find all the way at Hoa Binh lake. Most homestays in Mai Chau are already located in a quiet area, so the accommodation that are deeper in the valley don’t have a lot of extra benefit if it comes to peace and quietness. Though these villages can be more rural and a bit more authentic feeling. Just keep in mind that not all transfers from Hanoi go beyond Lac village and Poom Coong village, so you have to take a taxi or car from here. It is best to arrange this beforehand with your accommodation,
Best homestays in Mai Chau
In the Lac village and Poom Coong village, families of the White Thai ethnic minority offer simple accommodation in stilt houses on the edge of the rice fields. Staying in a homestay is a fun local experience. But don’t worry, homestays in Mai Chau have electricity, western toilets, showers, and mattresses including mosquito nets.
Little Mai Chau Homestay
- Price from: $ 6 – dormitory and $ 20 – private bungalow
One of the best homestays in Mai Chau is Little Mai Chau. This homestay is located in the middle of the rice fields and is therefore also a nice starting point for walking and cycling. There are bungalow style rooms with a beautiful view over the rice fields. The family who run the property are friendly and helpful.
Lim’s house
- Price from: $ 18
This is a more traditional homestay in Mai Chau. The house is built on stilts in the traditional way, only with slightly more modern and comfortable furnishings. You will stay in the village among other minorities, which gives a real authentic experience. With the bicycles that you can borrow for free, you are within a minute between the rice fields.
Co’s House
- Price from: $ 20
- Website
Similar to Lim’s House, this homestay is also located in the village and built like a traditional house, only with a little more comfort and western standards. There is a cozy family dinner every evening where you eat with the host family and other guests. Nice local experience.
Meadow Mai Chau Homestay
- Price from: $ 5 – dorm and $ 10 – private room
- Website
A homestay with a great view. There are private rooms and a dorm that are all kept clean.
Best lodges and resorts in Mai Chau
If you prefer more comfort then a homestays in Mai Chau, choose a stay in a resort or lodge. A number of lodges are quite luxurious, with swimming pool and bungalow houses. Below are some of the best lodges and resorts in Mai Chau.
Mai Chau Ecolodge
- Price from: $ 75
- Website
Mai Chau Ecolodge is probably the best known accommodation in Mai Chau. The iconic bungalows are built on a hill and overlook the beautiful rice fields. The rooms are comfortable and decorated in a local traditional way. The lodge has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and its own spa where you can relax.
Mai Chau Villas
- Price from: $50
- Website
Mai Chau Villas is slightly remote, in a unique location, surrounded by rice fields and offers accommodations in the form of small villas. The villas are beautifully decorated, luxurious and spacious. There is also a small pool where you can cool off on a hot day.
Mai Chau Sky Resort
- Price from: $ 45
- Website
This resort has a wonderfully large swimming pool and comfortable rooms. Like other accommodation in this list, this resort also has a beautiful view over the rice fields.
Mai Chau Valley View Hotel
- Price from: $ 40
- Website
If you prefer to stay in a hotel in Mai Chau, then the Mai Chau Valley View Hotel is one of the best options. This accommodation has the comfort of a hotel, the cozy of a homestay and the view of a luxury lodge.
Mai Chau Green Rice Field Hotel
- Price from: $ 45
Green Rice Field Hotel is a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to the Valley View Hotel. Here too you have a beautiful view of the rice fields from the balcony.
Mai Chau HideAway Resort
- Price from: $ 70
- Website
Mai Chau HideAway Resort is not located in the Mai Chau valley, but on the Hoa Binh lake. The name HideAway doesn’t lie, as this resort is far from civilization. If you want to cycle through the rice fields, this is not the best choice, but if you want to enjoy luxury and tranquility by a gigantic lake, this is your best option in Mai Chau. It has an infinity pool overlooking the lake, very luxurious, spacious and comfortable rooms. There are options for a lake boat ride and jungle trekking tours.
Planning your trip to Mai Chau
Traveling to Mai Chau from Hanoi
Lac village and Poom Coong village (the place where yo will find the most resorts and homestays in Mai Chau), are located 135 km from Hanoi. The easiest way is to arrange a limousine bus that will bring you straight to the village. There are also buses going from Hanoi, only they don’t stop in the village, so you have to take a taxi or car to your accommodation in Mai Chau.
What to do in Mai Chau
There are quite a few things to do in Mai Chau. Probably the best thing to do is cycling in Mai Chau; it is even one of the best places to go cycling in Vietnam! Cycle through the peaceful countryside and visit some local villages. Most resorts and homestays in Mai Chau have free bicycles that you can borrow.
Another highlight is visiting neighboring Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You can visit this area in either a day trip or stay here overnight. This is one of the best areas to do trekking in Vietnam. Here you find stunning terraced rice fields similar to Sapa, only the area is a lot smaller. You can go hiking between the rice fields from village to village.
Traveling with Local Vietnam to Mai Chau
If you don’t like the hassle of arranging transfers from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you can go by private or small group. This includes pick up by limousine van from your hotel in the center of Hanoi, your accommodation in Mai Chau and activities. There are great options to combine your trip to Mai Chau with trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. During this combination tour you will stay in a stunning lodge with infinity pool overlooking the rice fields.
