You've probably seen the above photo on @duongtran's post recently because I was one of his companions during our trip to Mai Chau Commune in mid-December. However, every moment, every feeling, everyone's emotions are completely different so today I would like to introduce to you guys a place to eat, rest and have fun that we happened to visit- Truong Giang Homestay.
Due to the absence of tourists for a long time, most of the restaurants on the way to Mai Chau has been closed or served a small number of visitors. We had contacted three restaurants to ask if we could have lunch at their restaurants but received apologies as the restaurant was currently closed. Fortunately, one of those restaurant owners suggested that we go to Truong Giang Homestay to check it out and luckily it opened that day.
This homestay is located in Suoi Lon Hamlet, Tan Mai Commune, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province. At my first glance, it has a fairly simple and typical architecture of the Northwest mountains with wooden stilts. Since I live in the city, it's quite interesting to see many of the stilts in Mai Chau. This homestay had also renovated toilets to create the most comfortable feeling for visitors after a long drive.
We only came here for lunch but what makes me fall in love is the restaurant's direct view of Hoa Binh lake. The fresh, cool feeling of nature made me forget all the fatigue along the journey as well as complicated thoughts dancing in my head. The green of the leaves and mountains, the blue of the lake and the sky, the brilliant red and orange of the chickens running around all created a truly picturesque scene.
There was no menu, no special dishes, only familiar and typical Vietnamese dishes such as fried fish, grilled meat, boiled vegetables, boiled chicken, boiled eggs. But we all felt happy since everything was really delicious thanks to the preparation of the owner of the restaurant. In addition, a cold beer also helps relieve the feeling of frustration when sitting in the car for too long. Perhaps the simplest things will make us happier, right?
After having lunch, I spent about 15 minutes exploring around this homestay and discovered many beautiful scenes that cannot be ignored. For me, nature and plants are natural medicines to heal all tired emotions in my mind, so seeing the flowers on the front porch of the restaurant made me really immersed.
Honestly, this scene via my camera's perspective is only 5/10 when compared with my eyes. The feeling of regret in me often arises every time I see such a beautiful natural scene like this that cannot be conveyed through photos. Looking down from above, the lake has a jade green colour exactly like the colour of the jade necklace worn by my grandmother. It has been the first time I saw such a poetic scene like that. Seeing the small hut lying among the foliage, I secretly admired the people here when they can reside and work in a house amidst nature. That's why I told myself that I must try harder to be able to live my dream life.
In front of the homestay is also a picturesque scene with a poetic Hoa Binh lake nestled among the forest trees. The cold feeling of the winter atmosphere mixed with the warmth of the early afternoon sunlight made people feel very comfortable and refreshed. I took a few photos here for my travelling companions and spent a few more minutes taking in the whole view that I have never seen in my life.
Meanwhile, a few of my friends took advantage of napping in the hammocks or simple beds placed in the main room of the homestay.
On the other hand, others chose their favourite corners to spend a minute of contemplation and enjoy a cup of hot tea before starting the next fun on our trip.
Each destination leaves me with different emotions and I cherish them all. Thank you all for reading this post to the very end. This trip still has more attractive places so stay tuned for my next posts.
Thank you so much for reading my post.
Have a warm night 😍
Have a warm night 😍