Best homestay in Mai Chau backpackers house

Mai Chau has many homestays, but most offer the same style: stilt houses, simple rooms and local hosts. To make it easier for backpackers, we only keep the two places that our team and guests trust the most. Both are clean, comfortable, easy to book and have good value for money.

Tan Homestay

• Price: around 450,000 – 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 

Why backpackers like it:

• Rooms are well kept and comfortable
• Good for couples or travelers wanting more privacy
• The family is friendly and cooks tasty meals
• Safe and peaceful area

Tan homestay is best for couples, small groups, travelers who prefer a calm and tidy homestay in Mai Chau

Peaceful Mai Chau Homestay

• Price: around 400,000 – 650,000 VND per night 
• Room Types: double rooms, family rooms, stilt house options 
• Amenities: clean shared or private bathrooms depending on room, free wifi, fan, breakfast available, great rice field views 
• Location: Xom Hinh village, right next to the rice paddies 

Why backpackers like it:

• Very quiet and relaxing
• Beautiful sunrise views over the fields
• Easy access to cycling routes
• Hosts are kind and helpful

Peaceful Mai Chau Homestay is for solo travelers, nature lovers, riders looking for a simple and scenic Mai Chau homestay

Why backpackers love homestays in Mai Chau

Backpackers enjoy staying in Mai Chau because it is simple, quiet and easy to explore. Homestays here are run by local families, so the experience feels warm and real. You get clean rooms, good food and a peaceful countryside vibe without spending much.

Most homestays are close to the rice fields and village paths, so you can walk or bike everywhere. The hosts are used to welcoming travelers, so they are helpful with meals, directions and basic local tips. The whole valley feels safe and relaxed, which makes it a good place for solo travelers too.

For anyone looking for a break from the city and a closer look at local life, a homestay in Mai Chau is one of the best options near Hanoi.

Best places to visit in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a small valley, but each village and spot has something different to offer. Below are the places most backpackers enjoy, with honest notes to help you plan your visit better.

Lac Village

Lac Village is the center of the valley and the easiest place to explore. You’ll find local food, simple cafes, small weaving shops and families selling handmade fabric.

The village can be busier on weekends, but it’s still a good place to walk around, buy souvenirs and get your first look at traditional stilt houses. Most bike routes start from here.

Pom Coong Village

Pom Coong is just a short walk from Lac but feels calmer and more open. Houses are spaced out, rice fields surround the area and the paths are great for photography.

Early mornings here are peaceful, with farmers working in the fields and kids heading to school. If you want a quiet walk without crowds, this village is ideal.

Na Phon Village

Na Phon is a bit less touristy and has wide open rice fields, simple homes and a slower vibe. Many good homestays are located here because it’s quiet at night and perfect for cycling. If you prefer nature and open views, this is one of the best spots in Mai Chau.

Mo Luong Cave

Mo Luong is a small cave close to Lac Village. You don’t need special gear or long hikes, it’s just a short walk and a quick climb to the entrance. Inside, you can see small rock formations and cool natural air. It’s not a huge cave, but worth a stop if you’re already nearby.

Go Lao Waterfall

About 20 to 25 minutes from the main village. The waterfall is small but pretty, especially in the rainy months. You can take photos, relax by the water and cool off if the weather is hot. Easy to reach by motorbike or a short taxi ride. The road is simple and safe for most riders.

Mai Chau Viewpoint (Thung Khe Pass)

This viewpoint is on the way from Hanoi, and most vans stop here. It gives you a wide view over the valley and rice fields below. It’s good for photos, quick breaks and seeing the valley from above before you arrive.

Pa Co Market (Sundays Only)

A real local mountain market, about 30 minutes from the valley. Ethnic groups sell vegetables, clothes, fabric and daily goods. It feels very local, with almost no tourist shops. Come early, around 7 AM, for the most lively atmosphere. This is a good trip if you want something more authentic.

If you want to explore Mai Chau with a full local experience, here are the tours we run in the valley. Each one includes transport, activities and a stay in a local homestay.

• 3D2N Mai Chau – Pu Luong
• 3D2N Mai Chau Valley
• 2D1N Mai Chau Valley

These options make it easy to see the main villages, cycle through the rice fields and enjoy the best parts of the valley without worrying about planning.

Things to do around Mai Chau backpackers house

Mai Chau is a small valley, so most activities are close to your homestay. You don’t need a strict plan here. You can just take it slow and enjoy the countryside.

Cycling through the rice fields

The best way to explore Mai Chau is by bike. Roads are flat and quiet, and you can cycle through villages, rice paddies and small streams. Most homestays offer bikes for rent. Morning and late afternoon are the best times for cooler weather and nicer views.

Walking around the villages

Lac, Pom Coong and Na Phon are the main village areas. Walking here gives you a relaxed look at daily life: families cooking, kids playing, farmers working in the fields. It’s safe to walk anywhere and locals are friendly when you greet them.

Local food and home meals

Homestays in Mai Chau serve simple Thai dishes like grilled pork, sticky rice, local vegetables and bamboo dishes. Meals are homemade and often the highlight of the stay. If you want something special, ask your host to prepare a family-style dinner.

Traditional weaving and crafts

Many Thai families weave fabric by hand. You can watch them work on the loom, learn a bit about their patterns and buy small handmade items. It’s quiet, local and a nice way to support the community.

Sunset spots

Mai Chau sunsets are very calm. The best place to watch is usually right in front of your homestay or along the bike path between Lac and Na Phon. Soft light, open fields and no noise, very different from Hanoi.

Best time to visit Mai Chau

The best time to visit Mai Chau is March to May. The weather is cool, the fields are green and the whole valley feels fresh. It is the easiest period for cycling, walking and exploring the villages without heat or rain.

Another great time is September to October. This is harvest season, when the rice fields turn golden and the scenery is at its best. Temperatures are comfortable and the light is perfect for photos, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

These two periods offer the nicest weather, the most beautiful views and the most relaxed experience for backpackers.

How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi

Mai Chau is about three hours from Hanoi, and the trip is straightforward. Below are the options backpackers use the most, with honest notes about what to expect.

By local bus

This is the cheapest option. Buses leave from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station and usually stop at the Mai Chau town area, around 10 to 15 minutes from Lac or Na Phon villages. Seats are basic, the ride can be a bit noisy and the driver may make multiple stops. If you’re used to local travel, this is fine. If not, it may feel a bit long.

Note: You might need a short taxi ride from the drop-off point to your homestay.

By limousine van

This is the easiest and most comfortable choice for most travelers. Vans pick you up in the Old Quarter, have proper AC and soft seats, and drop you directly in Mai Chau village areas. The trip is smoother and faster because they make fewer stops.

Note: Seats can run out on weekends, so booking ahead is smart.

By motorbike

Good for riders who enjoy mountain roads. The route is simple for most of the way, but the last 30 minutes have some curves and higher sections. Views are great, especially approaching the valley.

Important notes:

• Avoid riding after dark because the mountain pass has limited lights
• Fuel stations get more spread out outside Hoa Binh
• Check weather before leaving, as rain makes the road slippery

By private car

Best for small groups or families. The driver picks you up from Hanoi and takes you straight to your homestay with no transfers. It saves time and effort, especially if you travel with luggage or want a smooth trip.

Note: Costs more, but worth it if you want convenience.

Moving around Mai Chau

Once you arrive, most places are close to each other. You can walk, rent a bike for cheap or ask your host for a motorbike if you want to go farther. The valley is safe and easy to navigate.

FAQs about Mai Chau backpackers house

Book your stay in Mai Chau today!

If you’re ready to explore Mai Chau, we’re here to help you plan your trip. You can message us directly on any of our channels for quick answers, availability or tour details.

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We’ll help you choose the right homestay or tour and make sure your time in Mai Chau is simple, local and relaxed.