Mai Chau Eco Lodge

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.