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Mai Chau Ecolodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Comfortable ecolodge
- Swimming Pool
- Hiking, cycling
- Cookery classes & village visits

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Overview

Nestled in the unspoiled Mau Chau Valley, this eco-friendly lodge offers enchanting views, comfortable accommodation and a fascinating insight into local ways of life. It’s just a three hour drive from Hanoi, the lively and bustling Vietnamese capital, and is an ideal place to stay for those looking for a more authentic experience. The lodge has been successfully designed to blend seamlessly into the area’s beautiful natural surroundings and the decor consists largely of natural materials which pay homage to the area’s tribal heritage.

The accommodation consists of 19 bungalows on stilts, each with its own private garden. All of the bungalows have private verandas with breath taking views, whether it’s of the mist-shrouded mountains, the beautifully manicured gardens or the expansive paddy fields. Amenities include air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary toiletries.

In keeping with the lodge’s back-to-nature concept, entertainment amenities such as televisions are not provided. It’s hoped that the absence of some of these modern-day distractions will encourage guests to 'switch off' and spend time taking advantage of the many activities on offer at the lodge and in the surrounding area. The sizable pool boasts amazing views of the towering mountains. Traditional Thai dance classes are available, as are cookery classes where guests learn about, prepare and taste many a local delicacy. There are several idyllic, verdant trails that are ideal for both hiking and cycling. Cultural visits can be arranged to several villages within easy reach so that guests can learn about the local traditions and customs. Massages are on offer from local professionals, and there are also opportunities to get hands-on and do some farming work to make a lasting contribution to the area’s development.

'The Restaurant' is set over two floors and is the highest point in the resort, affording stunning, panoramic views of the surroundings. The food is a mix of Thai tribal food and traditional Vietnamese dishes; much of it is grown in the lodge’s very own gardens. The ground floor of the restaurant functions as a bar and reception hall, while the top floor houses the restaurant proper.

Children are very welcome. Families who require more space are advised to book two interconnecting rooms. While the lodge doesn’t have any designated 'kids club', there is plenty for them to do in and around the lodge and youngsters will enjoy splashing about in the pool's shallow end. Parents are reminded to keep their children under supervision at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for Mai Chau Ecolodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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