The Thai-style lodge in Mai Chau

Mai Chau Ecolodge has been built in the stilt-house style of the Thai minority people who inhabit Mai Chau Valley. The lodge is set on a hill and overlooks the area’s stunning rice fields. All the bungalows are built in traditional design with palm-leaf roofs and bamboo interiors, furnished with wooden bathtubs and tiled floors. Guests enjoy the exotic outdoor jungle shower and balconies overlooking the fields.

The ecolodge was only built in 2004/5 but it fits in with the landscape and has a lush garden filled with vegetables. Other eco-friendly additions include solar energy and waste water treatment systems, as well as refillable glass water bottles in the rooms. The owners like to promote the local culture and after dinner, there’s a show with Thai and H’mong bamboo dancing; visitors can take part and try some strong rice wine.

Although the architecture is rustic, rooms are spacious and you’ll find four-star facilities like a spa, pool and restaurant which serves Thai and Vietnamese food. After a hard day of trekking or cycling, you can cool off by taking a dip in the hilltop pool. Guests often comment on how peaceful the lodge is and they feel like they’re staying in a real Thai village.