It’s that time of the year again.  We were in serious need of another short getaway.  The destination of choice was Mai Chau Hideaway, situated on the banks of the Hoa Binh Reservoir.

We had an early start Monday morning waiting for our driver Mr Phong to transport us to Mai Chau, which was only 135km Southwest of Hanoi. As in all road trips in Vietnam, they seem to take much longer due to slower speed limits and not many highways allowing you to travel at high speed.  The average travel was 60km/hour or less hence the 3.5 hour-long drive. We snaked along the scenic Thung Khe Pass through villages, rice paddies and sugar cane fields. Mr Phong kindly stopped a few times to look at the spectacular view of the reservoir, which is comparable to a land version of Ha Long Bay.

The Rascals were happy when we finally arrived at Mai Chau Hideaway.  What a sight as we left the car, stretched our legs and caught a glimpse of the spectacular view from our balcony—a true hideaway, far away from the busy streets of Hanoi.

Mai Chau is a small town surrounded by by many ethnic villages.  Set in a valley between tall mountains, tropical forests and lush green rice paddies.  I was hoping to see the beautiful, Plum, and Peach flowers which are suppose to be visible during the months of March, April. I was hoping to find them over the next few days.

The birds singing outside and the gentle chugs from fishing boats as the fishermen tend their traps and set out nets was the perfect wake up call to start our day.  But first, a quick stop for breakfast. There was something for everyone and no one went hungry, not the normal buffet spreads we have come to enjoy.  The kids tucked into bacon and eggs and hubby enjoyed a hearty chicken Pho whilst taking in the lake view.

I arranged a private guide to take us round the local area and sights.  Unfortunately, it didn’t happen due to miscommunication between bookings  and reception department.  Whatever it was we were not going to let this ruin our holiday.  The hotel scrambled and arranged a taxi to shuttle us round and back to the hotel.

First stop Go Lao Waterfall, only a 6km drive from Mai Chau Hideaway – a beautiful hidden gem, not many visitors know about it.  The Rascals were relieved to hear they would only had to tackle 40 steep steps to reach the base of the falls. Well, someone couldn’t count.  Of course, if I give the kids a number, they have to count it out. By the time they reached 40, they were only at the halfway point.  I can now confirm if you want to visit the falls, you will only have to conquer approximately 80 steeps steps down to the base of the falls.   The water flows down to Hoa Binh lake and was flowing relatively well considering its not rain season. I would recommend a visit.  Pay for parking and head down to the falls.  I  only wish people would take their litter with them.  Then it would be a pristine sight.

Our taxi driver patiently waited for me to take my pictures before heading to our next stop Lac Village and Pom Coong Village. He dropped us off at the entrance and agreed on a time to meet and head back to the hotel.  It was a pity we didn’t have an English speaking guide to show the Rascals around, to understand the villages way of life.  It would have been insightful to watch the villages weave, make their tools and other handcrafted items, as well as explore the history behind their beautiful wooden houses built on stilts, continuing traditions as they did centuries ago. The villages live upstairs and work below.   You can opt to walk, cycle or, better option on a hot day, jump into a golf buggy to ferry you around. You can take in the scenery as you pass all the rice paddies and mountains, watching the farmers hard at work.  It’s a tranquil area as you take it all in #simplewayoflife.

After a refreshing drink, the Rascals were ready to head back to the hotel.  Their tummies empty, and they couldn’t wait to sit down on the balcony for a light picnic lunch and delicious plums for dessert.   The hotel kindly offered a daily plum basket which was a tasty treat.

Tummies filled and rested it was time to dive into the infinity pool to cool off.  Late afternoon we headed down to the lake for a spot of fishing.  Unfortunately the only thing we caught was flip flops caked in mud.  Regardless it was a perfect way to end a day.

Every evening we went out to the Bamboo Restaurant for all our evening meals and breakfast.    The view from their terrace is amazing. 

Another early morning wake up. We headed down to the lake and boarded a metal tug, which slowly and noisily chugged along the lake. We passed some floating fish farms, loads of lime stone cliffs and islets.  Enjoying a magnificent water view.

The rest of the day was as chilled as the morning.  We enjoyed another picnic lunch with a view, a long afternoon swim, stone balancing and a spot of fishing on the rocky side of the resort away from the mud.

Mai Chau Hideaway offers every guest a peaceful spot to unwind.  It is secluded relatively far from the city and towns, forcing you to slow down and take in the beautiful views, kick back on your balcony, watching the fishermen, boats, and birds pass by.