Vietnam Mountain Stay

5 best Mai Chau accommodations (Expert review + 2021 updated)

As someone whose entire career is exploring hidden beauties in Vietnam mountains, I have been to Mai Chau lots of times. In fact, as part of my work, I have spent nearly 5 years traveling between Mai Chau and Hanoi. Thus, I can say that I have stayed in plenty of Mai Chau accommodation, from the most budget to the most luxurious ones. I have also witnessed how the destination rises over time. That’s why I am happy to share my reviews of the best accommodations in Mai Chau.

Mai Chau has been one of the most popular spots for tourism since 2003. Famous for its unique traditions, friendly people, and beautiful landscape, this valley has become a perfect place for travelers who are looking for relaxation, biking, and hiking. Only 5 hours driving from Hanoi, about 160 km, Mai Chau is easily accessible by car, bus, or motorbike. To maximize your experiences in this lovely valley, here are my reviews helping you find your best Mai Chau accommodation in Vietnam.

1. Avana retreat – the most luxury Mai Chau accommodation

Price: from 185$US

Words couldn’t describe how nice this resort is. Avana is the newest and the most luxury 5-star in the North of Vietnam. It takes 5 years to build and complete with more than 60 rooms and villas in the 15-ha area.

Location, facility and service reviews

Avana means “A beautiful wildflower”. The name depicts the retreat perfectly. Since Avana stays in the middle of the forest, up to the hill offering a panorama view to the valley of Bao La commune and Pieng Ve commune of Mai Chau district. It can be said that Avana Retreat represents the inseparable connection between nature and people.

This resort offers you the best spots for enjoying sunrise and sunset at a height of 600m high. Not to mention that there’s a stream and a natural waterfall in the middle of the resort. As a result, the stream creates some natural lakes with various wildlife and a natural swimming pool giving a high-end experience to guests.

With more than 30 villas with sustainable and unique architecture, this charming high-end resort will be a perfect Mai Chau accommodation. Not only nature friendly but Avana is also seriously devoted to local preservation. The resort is surrounded by beautiful Muong and Thai villages. Also, the staffs working here are Muong and Thai people. If you are looking for great accommodation in Mai Chau with top-notch service along with great authenticity, then Avana is your way to go.

What to do in Avana retreat

This resort offers a variety of activities such as luxury spas, jeep tours, and hiking.

A perfect day is to hike for Mai Chau beautiful forests, meet & greet with Hmong people living uphill. Then, you take a jeep tour back to the resort and relax at their natural spa. Later in the day, enjoy a refined dinner by the waterfall and watch a movie at the outdoor cinema.

2. Mai Chau Hideaway – the best affordable 3-star Mai Chau accommodation

Price: from 81$US

Maichau Hideaway is an eco-friendly resort with a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and garden.

Rooms feature thatched roofs and wooden furniture, which adds a rustic feeling to the guestrooms. All units have air conditioning, a terrace and a private balcony with a minibar and kettle. En suite bathroom comes with a bathtub and shower.

The best selling point of this resort is its location. This 3-star Mai Chau accommodation lies on the bank of Black River with a panoramic lake view. This resort is located on the side of old national highway #6 which, if you are keen on adventure, we recommend you to come by motorbike. The route is quite adventurous with a view of the lake on one side and the mountain cliff on the other side. The room designs allow clients to have amazing views from its room balcony.

One thing you shouldn’t miss is to have a cocktail on the infinitive pool view to the lake while enjoying the sunset. The hotel amenity is good enough for a 3-star resort. There’re not many restaurants around the neighborhood so you should book meals in advance with the resort’s restaurant

What to do in Mai Chau hideaway?

Because of its unique location, it is a perfect place with an affordable price for anyone who wishes to enjoy 2 to 3 days’ hiding away from the city hustle. Coming to this resort, you can go kayaking on the lake, discover the surrounding areas by bike or visiting the waterfalls, and enjoy the marvelous ride along the black river.

While staying at Maichau hideaway, I recommend you to discover the other side of Black River – Da Bac district of Hoa Binh province. It’s Mai Chau’s hidden treasure. From the resort, you can go kayaking or take a boat trip crossing the river. When reaching the other side, you should hire a motorbike and take a local guide with you. This is a good chance for you to enjoy the scenery of the hidden Da bac, where it’s pristine and people are friendly and kind-hearted.

Besides finding great accommodation in Mai Chau, you should also check when you should visit Mai Chau to maximize your experience as well.

3. Sol bungalow

Price: from 108$US

Located right in the middle of Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by lush paddy fields, Sol Bungalow is an ideal choice of Mai Chau accommodation for relaxation and cultural exploration. Only 3kms from the center, this resort lays on a small valley, down to the bottom of the limestone mountain. There’re only more than 10 rooms, located on 4 bungalows and one central building in the middle. Thus, the Soi bungalow is perfect for someone who wants to enjoy their time alone but doesn’t want to cut off contact with the outside world.

The resort is next to the ricefield which you can observe from your room. So it also allows you to have a chance to communicate with local people or seeing them working on the farm.

One of the activities we recommend is to do the biking trip exploring the surrounded areas. You can bike through the small villages of Mai Chau, passing by the valley, and attend the town market here.

4. Maichau Ecolodge

Price: from 107 $US

This resort was once the biggest accommodation in Mai Chau with an outstanding location and outstanding view of the rice fields. Located on the hill looking down to the rice fields and villages of Mai Chau, it features modern rooms and suites with views and free WiFi. It has a restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool, and an in-house spa for guests to relax in.

Mai Chau Ecolodge is 500 m from Pom Coong Village and 1 km from Lac Village. Mai Chau Centre is 1.5 km away while Van Village is 3 km from the property.

Because of its ideal location, and also its limited capacity, the resort will be crowded on the weekends. This is the best choice for people who just want to relax, chill with people in a good location.

The pool of Maichau Ecolodge opens for the people from outside, too. So it would be very crowded sometimes. But the services are professional, and the amenity of the room is decent for its price. The wooden bath is an advantage point and the view from the private balcony is also excellent.

5. Maichau Sunrise Village hotel

From 28$US

This is a hidden gem of Mai Chau, also the best affordable accommodation in Mai Chau I find. Since it’s located on the other side of the town, you may find it difficult to find the way, but you will love it eventually.

Staying on a local roadside, facing down to the rice field; Mai Chau Sunrise Village looks just like somebody’s lovely home if you don’t look carefully. It has both community and bungalow options for you to choose from based on your interest. The bungalows are massive, thus you can get the feeling of being at your home here. What I admire most is that each balcony has a big space to sit, chill with a cup of coffee and watching villagers passing by.

The food is normal, but the atmosphere is a high point. Also, the services are also very good with helpful staff.

Hope that after my article, you can now find good accommodation in Mai Chau for your great trip exploring this area. If you need any further help with planning, please tell me. I will do my best to help.