Enfolded by fields as green as Spring itself, this eco-friendly lodge is the picture of country living the Mai Chau way - being as close to nature as possible. Wake up to mind-clearing views of paddy fields, get lost in conversation with the staff (who all grew up in local hill villages) and simply let tranquility wash over you on a walk through the gardens. The aura of the valley draws visitors back again and again, and with its amazing caves and wild spaces, it's easy to see why. In quaint thatched cottages overlooking soaked rice paddies, it'll feel like you're stepping into an ancient scene where the world seems to go a little slower.
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Away from the central lodge, the hilltop pool is flanked by palm-leaf shaded loungers and a small thatched bar where you can quench you thirst on local beers and cocktails. The Orchid is a warm setting to tuck into hearty local cuisine like clay pot chicken or tom yum soup, and just next door is the Panorama Bar, where you can enjoy a dazzling show over wine or watch the sunset out on the balcony. Unwind with a deep-tissue massage or luxuriating foot scrub at the spa.
In a private garden on the hilltop, the little stilted houses have welcomed nature inside with everything from bamboo deckchairs to headboards, and deep wooden tubs in the rustic bathrooms - some of the showers are al fresco too! Decorated with intricate (and colourful!) decor from local villages, each room has king-size or twin beds, tea facilities and large vanity counter. The President Suite comes with its own plunge pool and a spacious living room with a private bar.
Mai Chau is known for its incredible caves so get your hiking boots on and make the trek up 1200 stone steps to Chieu Cave - the folklore is pretty interesting! On the outskirts of the valley, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a (mostly) tourist-free paradise where leopard may lurk in the quiet forest and there's birding galore. Hike to visit traditional villages in the hills or for a more quiet day, cycle the streets of Na Phon and learn the art of weaving.
The lodge takes good care of its valley by using renewable materials and solar power, and dedicating 80% of its land to remain open and free.
You'll see a lot about the Thai tribe dotted around the lodge, but if you'd like to learn a little extra, enjoy an evening performance of the traditional Xoe dance and visit the the mini-museum in the lobby.
The lodge may be gorgeously remote but it is on the edge of a small village so some noise tends to drift up on busy nights.
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A peaceful interlude from modern whims in the hills of northern Vietnam
