Mai Chau Lodge, Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a small town in a breathtaking valley in the mountains of north-western Vietnam. Nestled in a valley of rolling hills, shimmering paddy fields and bustling villages the location offers a vibrant image of modern Vietnam.

Approximately four hours drive from Hanoi, the town is an ideal place to visit if travelling overland into Vietnam from Laos. A lively town with a great mix of cultures, Mai Chau, has lots of exciting excursions and activities and is a great place to get a flavour of rural Vietnamese life.

The Mai Chau Lodge has 15 well-equipped rooms in a charming building overlooking a lake and its surrounding paddy fields. There's a great semi-open-air restaurant with lake views, sauna & steam rooms and a small but decent swimming pool.

The lodge organises a range of activities with village walks, cycle rides and kayaking some of the most popular. There's a cave opposite the lodge and a wide range of other attractions in the area. Some activities are included in the price and make the lodge great value.

The informal restaurant is usually lively, and a wide range of Vietnamese dishes are prepared daily. It's a changing set menu which gives you the chance to sample a variety of dishes during your stay. There's a decent wine list too, and the bar is an excellent place to meet fellow travellers. A couple of nights a week there is a traditional dance performance showcasing some of the dances from the ethnic tribal communities who live in the villages around the lodge. This is done to a high standard, unlike many places which offer similar.

Although some of the pictures make the lodge appear isolated, it is located on the road in the town and is surrounded by a vibrant mix of buildings and houses as well as the picturesque countryside. Overall, the lodge is a great place to enjoy a blend of relaxation and activity.

We would suggest looking at our Luang Prabang to Hanoi itinerary which includes the lodge on the rural route between Laos and Vietnam. The lodge is also a great option if you don't have the time to visit Sapa.