Overview
This small family run hotel was set up over twenty years ago by Ong Duc (Grandfather Duc), who still potters around helping out. Now, his daughters and grandchildren run the place and he has a more supervisory role.
The hotel is in the village of Poom Coong and is a short distance from noisier Ban Lac Village and Mai Chau Town. It is still relatively peaceful unless there is some booming Karaoke going on, which there can be.
Features
There is a fantastic cocktail bar set on the 2nd floor of the building and this is where they get their name. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset early in the evening whilst having an aperitif. There is a wonderful balcony that you can sit on to , and it offers a great view over the rice paddies and football field. It is open for anyone not only hotel guests so even if you are not staying there, you can still enjoy a sundowner.
Oh, joy of joys! They’ve got a pool. You will really appreciate this on the hot days of Summer when you need to cool off. Cocktails by the pool is just the thing.
Food
One of the reasons I have always stayed here is because of the food. This example breakfast shows you how great it is. In contrast to a lot of other hotels and homestays that offer a pretty meagre selection, at Mai Chau Sunset there is a little something for everyone.
Rooms
These are absolutely wonderful and you wouldn’t think that you are in a little Thai village out in the countryside. For me, the bed is too soft but I have never heard any complaints: it’s usually the opposite.
Sunset Hotel also has the much cheaper dorm room option. This is great if you want to save cash and also if you are in a large group. They are very clean and quite comfortable. I usually have my best night’s sleep in these dorms and wake up feeling fresh.
Additionally, the bathrooms in the hotel are very nice and very much of a standard that you would expect. There is hot and cold running water and everything is very clean.
Service
The staff are typically Thai, very helpful and polite. They help make it a relaxing spot that would suit you well after a long trekking or sightseeing.
Thing to Do in the Area
If you have a day to spend in Mai Chau, you have several options of things to do:
- trekking
- cycling
- visit Go Lao Waterfall
- visit Chieu Cave
- visit Mo Luong Cave
- have a go at weaving
- take a cookery lesson
There are plenty of other things to do around Mai Chau.
Verdict
Overall, this is a great place to stay if you’re travelling through Mai Chau.
- peaceful, picturesque location
- plenty of activities in the surrounding area
- pool and fully-stocked bar
- rooms for any budget
- close proximity to a few houses means villagers singing karaoke can sometimes be an issue