Mai Chau is one of the most peaceful valleys in northern Vietnam, and choosing the right homestay in Mai Chau can make the experience even better. The area is known for quiet rice fields, traditional stilt houses and warm local hosts.
This guide highlights the best homestays for backpackers and travelers who want comfort, good value and an easy way to explore the valley.
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Why Mai Chau is a great destination for backpackers
Mai Chau is one of the most peaceful valleys near Hanoi, with wide rice fields, small villages and gentle mountain views. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, which makes it ideal for backpackers who want a slower, more natural travel experience.
Backpackers enjoy Mai Chau because:
- The scenery is beautiful in every season, with green or golden rice fields.
- Cycling is easy, as the valley is flat and full of quiet village paths.
- Local people are friendly, and it feels safe to walk or ride around.
- Accommodation is affordable, with many clean and comfortable homestays.
- Daily life moves slowly, giving travelers time to relax and enjoy nature.
Mai Chau suits solo travelers, couples, riders and anyone who wants a simple escape from busy cities. It offers the perfect mix of nature, culture and comfort without feeling crowded or overwhelming.
9 best homestays in Mai Chau for backpackers (rooms, vibe, facilities and prices)
Mai Chau has many places to stay, but these 9 homestays stand out for their comfort, fair prices and relaxed vibe. They are all trusted options for backpackers who want an easy and enjoyable stay.
1. Tan Homestay
Price: around 450,000 to 700,000 VND per night
Room types: double rooms, twin rooms, some private rooms
Amenities: clean private bathroom, hot water, wifi, fan or AC depending on room, home-cooked meals on request
Location: Na Phon village, quiet and not too crowded
Tan Homestay offers a tidy, comfortable stay inside a traditional wooden house. The rooms feel warm and private, and the beds are well kept. The hosts are friendly and often prepare fresh, simple meals for guests. The village is peaceful, making it a great place for quiet mornings or resting after a day of cycling.
Best for: couples, small groups and travelers who enjoy calm, clean and friendly accommodation.
2. Peaceful Mai Chau Homestay
Price: around 400,000 to 650,000 VND per night
Room types: double rooms, family rooms, stilt house options
Amenities: clean shared or private bathrooms, free wifi, fan, breakfast available, views of the rice fields
Location: Xom Hinh village, right next to the rice paddies
Peaceful Mai Chau Homestay is true to its name. The homestay sits beside wide rice fields, so guests wake up to open views of the valley and quiet morning air. The wooden terrace faces the fields and mountains, creating a relaxing space to eat breakfast, read or simply enjoy the scenery. Many travelers say this is their favorite spot to sit during their stay.
Best for: solo travelers, nature lovers and riders who want a scenic and relaxing stay.
3. Mai Chau Home
Price: medium range
Room types: private rooms, shared stilt-house beds
Features: central location in Lac Village
Mai Chau Home sits right in the center of Lac Village, making it easy to walk to small shops, local restaurants and the village market. The homestay offers a mix of private rooms and shared beds in a traditional stilt house, giving travelers the choice between comfort and a more local-style experience.
Rooms are clean and practical, and the atmosphere feels friendly without being too busy. The location also makes it a good base for short walks through the village or simple morning bike rides.
Best for: travelers who want convenience, village life and a traditional experience without staying too far from local facilities.
4. Mai Chau Dreams Homestay
Price: low to medium
Room types: communal stilt house, private optionsFeatures: traditional architecture, large common areas
Mai Chau Dreams Homestay offers a classic stilt-house setup with a wide, open sleeping space and plenty of room to relax. The large common areas make it easy to meet other travelers, and the wooden structure gives the stay an authentic feel. Some private rooms are also available for guests who want more space.
Best for: groups and social backpackers who enjoy communal spaces and traditional stilt-house living.
5. Homestay Quân Hằng
Price: medium
Room types: private wooden rooms
Features: attached coffee shop, mountain views
Homestay Quân Hằng offers tidy wooden rooms with a warm, simple design. The small coffee shop downstairs gives the place a lively, welcoming feel and is perfect for morning drinks or a quiet afternoon break.
Many guests enjoy the mountain views from the property, which create a peaceful backdrop for relaxing after exploring the valley. The location is convenient, and the hosts are known for being easygoing and helpful.
Best for: travelers who enjoy a lively but comfortable setting with easy access to coffee, views and local village life.
6. Little Mai Chau Homestay
Price: low to medium
Room types: private rooms, traditional stilt-house beds
Features: peaceful garden area, close to rice fields
Little Mai Chau Homestay is known for its calm setting and well-kept garden. The property sits close to the rice fields, so guests can walk directly onto village paths or start their cycling route right from the doorstep.
Rooms feel warm and cozy, and the overall atmosphere is quiet, making it a great escape from busier parts of the valley. The hosts are friendly and attentive, often helping guests plan simple routes or local visits.
Best for: solo travelers and couples who want a peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
7. Meadow Mai Chau Homestay
Price: low to medium
Room types: private rooms
Features: excellent value, comfortable beds, wide mountain views
Meadow Mai Chau Homestay offers strong value for its price. Rooms are clean, comfortable and set within a quiet property overlooking rice fields and mountain ranges. Many travelers highlight the good mattresses and simple but reliable amenities.
The open view from the homestay creates a refreshing environment, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Best for: budget-conscious travelers who still want comfort, scenery and a relaxing place to unwind.
8. Mai Chau Countryside Homestay
Price: medium
Room types: private rooms with balconies, stilt-house options
Features: great cycling location, rice field views
Mai Chau Countryside Homestay sits in an ideal location for cycling and exploring quiet backroads. Many rooms come with balconies that overlook rice paddies, giving guests wide views of the valley.
open and refreshing. It is easy to relax here between activities or enjoy a slow morning coffee with scenery all around.
Best for: travelers who want modern comfort, strong views and access to scenic cycling routes.
9. Mai Chau Green Ecohouse
Price: medium
Room types: private rooms, simple wooden bungalows
Features: eco-friendly design, garden space, free bicycles
Mai Chau Green Ecohouse focuses on natural materials and a simple, eco-friendly style. Wooden furniture, a green garden space and quiet surroundings give the property a soft, relaxing feel. Guests can borrow bicycles to explore nearby fields and villages.
Best for: eco-conscious travelers who value natural design, quiet spaces and slow living.
Things to do near Mai Chau backpackers house
The area around Mai Chau Backpackers House offers calm scenery, friendly villages and easy outdoor activities. Everything is close, simple to reach and suitable for travelers who want a relaxed day exploring the valley.
Cycling through rice paddies
Cycling is the most enjoyable activity in Mai Chau because the roads are flat, quiet and surrounded by rice fields. A short ride lets you see daily life in the villages, children playing outside, farmers working in the fields and local homes built on stilts.
You can choose long or short routes depending on your energy. Some paths lead through tiny bridges, shaded bamboo groves and open fields with mountain views on both sides. Morning rides feel fresh and cool, while late afternoon has warm light and soft colors over the valley.
Visiting Lac and Pom Coong villages
Lac and Pom Coong are two of the most welcoming Thai ethnic villages in Mai Chau. They sit only a few minutes from Mai Chau Backpackers House.
Travelers often describe them as peaceful and friendly places with a gentle rhythm of life. You can walk through narrow lanes between stilt houses, watch local families weaving fabric, try simple snacks and look at handmade souvenirs created by the villagers.
Both villages offer small shops, local restaurants and resting spots, making them perfect for a slow stroll or a half-day visit.
Short hikes with valley viewpoints
Mai Chau has several small hills and walking trails that lead to natural viewpoints. These hikes are short and suitable for beginners. They bring wide views of the valley, rice paddies and surrounding mountain ranges.
A sunrise hike gives calm and quiet moments when the valley is still covered in soft light. Sunset hikes show warm colors reflecting on the fields. Many travelers enjoy stopping along the way to take photos, watch farmers working or simply sit and take in the scenery.
Thai ethnic performances
In the evening, some villages host Thai ethnic dance shows. These performances introduce the traditions, music and clothing of the local community.
You can expect gentle dances, welcoming hosts and simple stories shared through movement. Some shows invite the audience to join for a small part at the end, which becomes a fun and warm experience for many backpackers.
It is a nice way to learn about the culture without needing long explanations or complicated tours.
Best time to visit Mai Chau
Mai Chau is beautiful all year, but two seasons are most recommended. These periods offer the best colors in the rice fields and the most comfortable weather for exploring the valley.
March to May: bright green rice fields and fresh weather
Spring brings soft sunlight, cool temperatures and rice fields that turn a bright, refreshing green. The air feels light and comfortable, so cycling and village walks become very enjoyable.
Many travelers say this is the most relaxing time to explore Mai Chau because the weather stays pleasant throughout the day.
September to November: golden harvest and clear skies
This season is famous for golden rice fields that cover the whole valley. The air feels cool, mornings are clear and the light is perfect for photos. September and October often give the strongest colors, making this the favorite time for travelers who want beautiful views and comfortable outdoor activities.
Most travelers choose spring or harvest season for the best scenery and weather, but Mai Chau still offers a gentle and enjoyable escape at any time of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mai Chau a safe place for solo travelers?
Yes. Mai Chau is one of the safest destinations for solo travelers in northern Vietnam. The villages are calm, locals are friendly and the roads are easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Are the homestays in Mai Chau clean and reliable?
Most homestays in Mai Chau are clean, well maintained and run by local families who take good care of their spaces. The homestays listed in this guide are trusted, comfortable and consistently well reviewed by guests.
Can I rent a bicycle or motorbike in Mai Chau?
Yes. Many homestays and hostels offer bicycle or motorbike rentals at affordable prices. Cycling is the easiest way to explore the valley, and motorbikes help travelers reach the surrounding hills and viewpoints.
How do I travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau?
You can reach Mai Chau by shuttle bus, motorbike or private car. The journey usually takes around three hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Most travelers choose the shuttle bus for convenience and comfort.
Book your stay in Mai Chau today!
Mai Chau offers peaceful scenery, friendly hosts and great value for every type of traveler. Any of the homestays in this guide will give you a comfortable and easy stay in the valley.
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