Pu Luong, meaning “the highest mountain peak” in the local language, is a breathtaking Nature Reserve located in Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts, just 130 kilometers from Thanh Hoa City. Spanning over 17,600 hectares, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is renowned for its lush primary forests, terraced rice fields, and the tranquil life of its ethnic minorities. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking to explore new and exotic places.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Lung Van, located in Thanh Son and Van Son Communes respectively, have been developed as 2 resorts. Tourists from around the world can also visit nearby attractions, such as Son Ba Muoi (Lung Cao) Ban Lac Village (Mai Chau), Cam Luong Angelfish Stream, Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh Province), and the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (Thanh Hoa Province). These sites have been connected to create a captivating tourism itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Visitors should plan to go to Pu Luong Thanh Hoa in late May and early June, when the season starts and the terraces are transformed with the verdant green of young rice, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Despite the heat of summer in Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong stays at a pleasant temperature because of its positioning in a low limestone mountain range, with plenty of tropical rainforests and a small population.
Come September and October, Pu Luong Thanh Hoa is in harvest season. All the terraces up the hillsides become brilliant yellow, making it a grand and dreamy sight. Every year, thousands of tourists come to take in the beauty of the area.
10 Best Things to do in Pu Luong Natural Reserve
A glance at Pu Luong Nature Reserve reveals why the Thai people chose this captivating valley as their home centuries ago. Away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, the tranquil atmosphere of Pu Luong stands out. Surrounding mountains, verdant valleys and undisturbed jungle are just some of the reasons why it’s worth a visit. Here are seven ways to maximize your time in this picturesque spot.
Swim at Thác Hiêu Waterfall
Beginning from the top of Hieu village, a brief hike through the lush rice fields will take you to a stunning cascade of waterfalls. Descend and take the path along the two merging rivers, where much larger pools await. Take a refreshing dip and unwind in the natural setting while exploring unique areas of the waterfall.
For the best experience, enlist the help of a local guide to bring you to the top swimming spots.
Visit Thai Ethnic Group Village
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is filled with small and charming hamlets and villages, each with its own history. Home to two branches of the Thai people, White Thai and Black Thai, the park is a great place to learn about the culture and customs of this Vietnamese minority. The Thai are skilled at wet rice cultivation and their homes are raised on stilts, making it a great opportunity to stay in a homestay and truly experience local life.
Join the typical Pho Doan market
On Thursdays and Sundays, don’t miss the chance to visit Pho Doan Market, a renowned marketplace from the French period situated in Lung Niem Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province. Browse through an array of goods from the Kinh, Muong, and Thai minorities from nearby districts such as Tan Lac and Lac Son (Hoa Binh Province). Experience the unique atmosphere of a mountain market that features an abundance of local products like traditional silk garments, tube wine, vegetables, and fresh fruits.
Experience the great outdoors
Take a stroll through the lush tropical rainforests of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and across its picturesque rice terraces. Listen to the soothing sound of waterwheels and the calming chirps of wildlife as you explore the area. Wave at the locals as they go about their daily lives, including farming and herding water buffalo. Capture the breathtaking beauty of the valley and its abundant greenery with your camera. Allow yourself to take a deep breath of fresh air and marvel at the serene atmosphere of this Nature Reserve.
Attend a craft making class!
For generations, Pu Luong’s Thai people have preserved the customs of their ancestors as an integral part of their culture and community. Weaving, embroidery, basket-weaving and bamboo furniture making are just a few of the traditional skills that are still practiced today. Take the chance to explore and learn about these ancient practices with a craft workshop during your stay. Not only will you gain a new skill but you’ll also help local businesses and safeguard these timeless traditions.
Your resort or homestay can assist you in finding workshops and classes nearby.
Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine cooked at home.
Delightful flavours from locally grown ingredients can be found in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Baby pumpkin leaf, green beans, and bamboo shoots are among the many freshly harvested veggies that you may come across. For a true Pu Luong experience, enjoy locally raised pork and grilled mountain snails dipped in fish sauce. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a home-cooked meal with ingredients from the area!
Trek to Pu Luong mountain
Exploring Pu Luong by trekking is a great way to appreciate its natural beauty on a Vietnam Tours of adventure. Access to maps and trails in the park can be limited, so hiring a local guide to help plan the perfect journey can save time. You can choose to take the climb to the peak of Mt. Pu Luong, or explore the reserve through a multi-day trek. Either way, you will be rewarded with an amazing adventure.
Experience a charming homestay
The majority of accommodation options in Pu Luong Nature Reserve are homestays, offering tranquil and secluded settings from mountainside huts to stilted homes in the rice terraces. There are also a few retreats, lodges and treehouses for those looking for a unique experience. To ensure a memorable stay in the serenity of the reserve, it is advisable to plan and book in advance.
Visit Kho Muong village on the way
On the way to Pu Luong Mountain Peak lies a wild and secluded valley, Kho Muong. Located in Muong Son Commune, Ba Thuoc District, it is one of the most underdeveloped areas in the region. Nevertheless, its bountiful natural conditions and cultural heritage provide great potential for rural tourism.
The road to the village is still under construction – meandering between cliffs and deep valleys, with yellow terraces and lush green forests. Home to around 60 families, mostly Thai ethnic minorities, they have traditionally been self-sufficient farmers, growing rice and corn. But with the abundance of natural resources, they have also managed to transform their village into a desirable tourist destination.
Combine the tour to Lung Van nearby
At the highest peak of Muong Bi and 40km from Pu Luong Nature Reserve lies Lung Van, known as the “Roof of Muong Area”. Despite being isolated by traffic, this place still retains its wild beauty from centuries ago. Explorers coming here can take in the stunning natural views of the mountains and forests, and enjoy the fresh, tranquil atmosphere. The journey to Lung Van is arduous, yet it still attracts many adventurers, who are captivated by the clouds and the serene landscape. For a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can visit the highest point of Lung Van in the early morning and witness the clouds as the sun rises. Further more Lung Van is also an ideal place for trekking and homestay experience.
Read more about Lung Van tourism of Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province here!
Transport from Hanoi to Pu Luong
The most popular way to reach Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa Province is by private vehicle (motorbike, car), which you can hire in Hanoi or have a tour agency arrange. From there, you should follow a closed road, not repeating the route you’ve already taken.Starting from Hanoi, you should drive on National Highway No. 6 to Hoa Binh Province. From there, you can take a scenic route through Lung Van cloud valley or Ban Lac Village Mai Chau to reach Pu Luong.
The road through Lung Van valley is quite narrow with its winding passes and slopes, but the surrounding landscape will awe you with its beautiful cloud blocks and early dew layer. The journey should take about four to five hours.
After completing the Pu Luong Nature Reserve journey, it is recommended to travel along National Highways 15C and 217 to the Cam Luong Angelfish Stream. Continuing on, the journey will then reach Xuan Mai Intersection (National Highway 6) before heading back to Hanoi. This route is longer, but it is safer and offers many chances to admire the breathtaking scenery along the way. If available, Cuc Phuong National Park can be visited and appreciated for its diverse flora and fauna.For an even better experience, many tourists prefer to enjoy the scenic route via motorbike, taking in the views and savoring every moment of the journey.
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