Just 100 miles from Hanoi - the bustling capital city of Vietnam - is the lush, tranquil hideaway of Mai Chau, a mountainous rural district that has recently caught the attention of travelers in the northwest of Vietnam. As the villages that dot the valleys are located less than 500 feet above sea level, the area is known for its stilt houses - many of which have been transformed into guesthouses. Spending time in Mai Chau means being transported back in time, to traditional villages and an era of living off the bright green rice paddies surrounding them. While more and more people are discovering the natural beauty of the area, its serenity and charm still exists.