Mai Chau Lodge

Hotel Grade: Medium

Introduction

The Mai Chau Valley is stunning. Visitors come to explore the emerald rice fields, ethnic villages and surrounding dramatic limestone karsts.

A timeless pastoral scene in which the Mai Chau Lodge serenely sits in the heart of the local community. Strong local links are very evident as they train and employ local people, fund part of a local school and have set up the “Buffalo Fund” to provide livestock for local families.

Facilities

The lodge offers a good standard of facilities, including an outdoor pool and an indoor Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. A choice of restaurants serve a selection of Vietnamese and western cuisine whilst you overlook the pool, lake and paddy fields.

Rooms

The lodge has 15 deluxe rooms with views over the lake, pool, mountains or valley. All feature en-suite bathrooms, climate control, satellite tv, tea/coffee making facilities and mini bar.

Pu Luong Retreat

Hotel Grade: Medium

Introduction

4 hours from Hanoi, perched on a hillside in beautiful Pu Luong National Park, the Retreat offers easy access to the stunning hill country, terraced paddy fields and rivers by foot, bike or kayak. Alternatively you can just admire the view from the sun terrace or infinity pool - so, yes off the beaten track but no sacrifice in comfort. Pu Long is everything you’d imagine from a stay in North Vietnam: magnificent limestone mountain scenery, layer upon layer of rice terrace fields, untamed rivers & waterfalls and traditional farming villages. Base yourself here for 2 or 3 days and you can pack in as much or as little as you like before resuming your touring holiday.

Facilities

The open-sided restaurant looks out over the dramatic valley and serves a range of traditional regional dishes. From here the terrace continues out maximising the view for those who’d like to relax, read or just admire. There is also an infinity pool and small spa.

What you’re really here for is the National Park and the lodge offers a wide selection of self-guided or guided walking tours that range from a short scenic stroll to nearby villages & market to a challenging hike to conquer Pu Luong’s highest peak with camping on the mountainside. Those who prefer 2 wheels can rent bikes and choose easy, moderate or extreme routes that will take you past stunning rice terrace fields, narrow dirt tracks, hard-surface valleys and mountain passes. Alternatively let the river do the work as you gently float down the Cham River on a traditional bamboo raft and watch local farming and river life play out amongst the stunning scenery.

Rooms

The bulk of the rooms (9) are divided between Deluxe (Old and New Wing) and overlook the spectacular valley with views out over rice terrace fields and mountain passes. Each has a balcony with deck chairs, en-suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and wifi. There’s also one bungalow that can accommodate and extra person and offers a spectacular 270° view of the whole valley. It also has a small garden with outside bathroom.