Nestled in the charming village of Cha Day, Pa Co Commune, Mai Chau, A Pao Homestay offers an authentic experience infused with the rich cultural heritage of the Mong people. Surrounded by vibrant flowers year-round and filled with the melodies of birdsong, A Pao homestay is a true retreat. Here, Mr. A Pao, both the homestay owner and an experienced tour guide, accompanies guests on their journey to explore the enchanting Pa Co Valley.

Tourists in traditional Mong attire check in at A Pao homestay, surrounded by a garden of blooming flowers

Since 2018, A Pao has passionately invested in and developed this beautiful, unique homestay. Designed to reflect the traditional Mong lifestyle and harmoniously blend with nature, A Pao homestay offers a complete range of services for dining, accommodation, relaxation, and sightseeing. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, the peaceful life and warm hospitality of the locals await visitors who come to explore and enjoy A Pao homestay. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of fascinating discovery and experiential programs. Begin your morning by watching the sunrise and visiting the endless, dreamy Shan Tuyet tea hills, including ancient tea trees that are 300 to 400 years old. Continue your adventure by traversing the ancient forests and following the rice terraces to reach the Mong peach and plum gardens. Back in Cha Day village, visitors can try their hand at traditional Mong crafts like wax painting, indigo dyeing, making "do" paper, or pounding sticky rice cakes. If you visit the homestay during the summer, when peaches and plums are in season, you can join in the harvest and even compete to see who can pick the most fruit in the shortest time. From late November to early December, when the mustard flowers bloom in brilliant yellow, it’s a favorite time for visitors to explore.

Mr. A Pao, the homestay owner, prepares sticky rice cakes to introduce guests to the unique traditional cuisine of the Mong people

After a day filled with adventure and discovery, guests can return to A Pao homestay to rest and enjoy the delightful Mong cuisine prepared by Mong women, featuring specialties like Mong chicken, dried meat, sticky rice cakes, and boiled mustard greens. These ingredients are locally sourced from A Pao's farm and neighboring households, providing guests with an authentic taste of the local culture. Many visitors leave with fresh vegetables grown by local farmers as souvenirs.

In the evening, A Pao homestay hosts lively cultural exchange programs, featuring talented local youths who excel in traditional singing, dancing, and playing the "Khen" (a traditional Mong musical instrument). A Pao himself is known as one of the best Khen players in Pa Co, mesmerizing guests with the lively and joyful melodies of the "Canh Tru" dance. If you stay at A Pao homestay on a Saturday night, you can experience the Mong cultural night market, held from 6 P.M to midnight every Saturday in Cha Day village. This market draws many locals and visitors for a vibrant cultural exchange.

Tourists explore the lush tea gardens of Pa Co, Mai Chau

Ms. Tran Minh Trang from Ha Noi capital shared her thoughts: “When my family and friends arrived at A Pao homestay, we were delighted with the unique Mong-inspired accommodation. The rooms blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, using traditional materials like stone, wood, and bamboo for the foundations, walls, and ceilings. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, thanks to the attentive services for dining, sleeping, and relaxation. The host was very enthusiastic, guiding us through various activities such as cloud hunting, village tours, learning traditional crafts, and visiting the local market."

From A Pao homestay, visitors can continue their journey to Hang Kia to explore a Mong village with over 100 households and experience cloud hunting at Cong Troi (Heaven’s Gate), a place known for its stunning cloud formations, perfect for capturing unique and memorable photos with friends. Tourists can also take a boat ride on Hoa Binh Lake to the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam via Bai Sang Port or continue their adventure exploring the majestic Northwest region of Vietnam.