Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 155

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Mai Chau

0218 / POP 47,500
In an idyllic valley, Mai Chau is surrounded by lush paddy fields and the rural soundtrack
is defined by gurgling irrigation streams and birdsong. Dozens of local families have
signed up for a highly successful homestay initiative, and for visitors the chance to sleep
in a traditional stilt house is a real appeal - though note that the villages are on the tour-
group agenda. If you're looking for hardcore exploration, this is not the place, but for bik-
ing, hiking and relaxation, Mai Chau fits the bill nicely.

Sights & Activities

There's fine walking past rice fields and trekking to minority villages. A typical trek further
afield covers 7km to 8km; a local guide costs about US$10. Most homestays also rent
bikes to explore the village at your own pace.
A popular 18km trek is from Lac village (Ban Lac) in Mai Chau to Hmong Xa Linh vil-
lage , near a mountain pass (elevation 1000m) on Hwy 6. This trek takes in a 600m climb
in altitude and usually involves an overnight stay.
Many travel agencies in Hanoi run inexpensive trips to Mai Chau.

Sleeping & Eating
Most visitors stay in Thai stilt houses (per person incl breakfast around 200,000d) in the villages of
Lac or Pom Coong, just a five-minute stroll apart. All the stilt-house homestays have elec-
tricity, running water, hot showers, mosquito nets and roll-up mattresses.
Most people eat where they stay. Establish the price of meals first as some places
charge up to 150,000d for dinner. Warning: cheesy song-and-dance routines follow dinner
at some places.

Mai Chau Nature Lodge
( 0946 888 804; www.maichaunatureplace.com ; Lac Village; dm/d US$5/40) Private bungalows
with bamboo furniture and local textiles. Dorms are also available, and there are free
bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.

BUNGALOWS $$