Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Where Nature, Culture, and Adventure Collide

Pu Luong Nature Reserve, situated a short distance from the capital city of Hanoi, is the greatest wildlife reservation in the North of Vietnam. Pu Luong, comes highly recommended as it offers unbelievable natural beauty and unique culture of ethnic minorities, notably the White Thai, Muong, and Tay ethnic groups. These people have passed on their customs, be it, food, fine arts and crafts, (which are all so rich) down the generations.

In case you are lost in thoughts as to where to go, places to visit, food to eat, the means of transport and the right season to travel to, this article can be referred to as your ‘indispensable guide’ for a trip to this nature reserve. Let’s go!

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 21-11-2024

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Where is it?

Pu Luong nature reserve is located in northern Vietnam, in Thanh Hoa province. It is about 4 hours drive (160 km) southwest of Hanoi and about 3 hours drive (140 km) from Halong Bay on land from Ninh Binh. 

According to the driver's information, there are three routes to Pu Luong, with little difference in travel times. We chose to start from the center of Hanoi, passing through the magnificent Mai Chau region . Along the road, we were amazed by the view of mountains, vast fields, and sometimes we passed buffaloes and farmers at work. The landscape was full of life.

In Pu Luong, the air is pure and surrounded by varied vegetation. This region offers a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, including dense forests, lush bamboos, refreshing waterfalls, mountains that merge harmoniously with picturesque villages, and vast rice terraces.

The beauty of Pu Luong is preserved through the balance between man and nature. Here you will discover a wide variety of ethnic groups, mainly the Thai, whose typical houses on stilts, crowned with palm leaf roofs, add a special charm to the place.

Things to do in Pu Luong

This is our experience, but you can take inspiration from it to create your own by following the places covered and the activities. At the end of this part, a link to Google Maps is included to allow you to view the locations more easily.

• Take a hike to immerse yourself in lush nature

The road to Pu Luong passes through scenic rice paddies in radiant green and gold hues in November, as well as rolling mountains in the distance. Our driver brought us to the starting point of our trekking tour. Once we got off the bus, a local resident, who became our "guide" for this adventure, greeted us.

What I experienced that day is an exclusivity offered by Vietnam Découverte. Our itinerary was designed in collaboration with the local population, taking us through fields, forests, streams, and well-hidden paths—places inaccessible to traditional tourists and often even to Vietnamese.

Throughout the hike, we were the only party on the trail, creating a wonderful atmosphere of peacefulness, accompanied only by the sweet songs of birds and the gentle caress of the wind. Our trekking route led us through different villages in the Ba Thuoc district, including Ban Don village, as well as other villages like Uoi, Lan Trong, Lan Ngoai, and Bam Tren. With the mountains as a backdrop, we were surrounded by a stunningly marvelous landscape of rice terraces. If you're wandering around without a guide, just search for the villages mentioned above or ask the locals, who will be more than happy to assist you.

• Cycling and visiting Thai minority villages in Pu Luong

After a first day of trekking, our team opted for two-wheelers to admire the superb landscapes from a different angle. We crossed the peaceful village of Co Lung, took wooden bridges over streams, and passed magnificent rice fields.

During our journey, we were pleased to see the traditional stilted houses of the various ethnic minorities, besides seeing glimpses of the peaceful daily life of the locals, sometimes as they waited for buffaloes to cross our path.

Hotels or homestays can help you find bikes. Do not hesitate to book in advance for greater guarantees. Our cycle tour finally took us to the colorful Pho Doan Market, a highland market with scenic views of the rugged mountains that form the backdrop.

Our cycling journey eventually took us to the colorful Pho Doan Market, a highland market with elegant views of the majestic mountains behind it.

• Explore a very colorful weekly market - Pho Doan Market

Pho Doan market is located in Lung Niem commune, Ba Thuoc district. This is a very famous periodic market of northern ethnic groups in Pu Luong. The market is open-air with stunning views of the mountains.

Writing this travelogue, I did some research about him. Interestingly, it has been there for a few centuries, originally as a market place in the time of French colonialism.

It's worth noting that this market has been standing for a few centuries, and it used to be a marketplace during the times of French colonization. It's a place of cultural richness, truly authentic, where you can really dive into the life of mountain dwellers. Here, representatives of different ethnicities from Vietnam sell their products; all of them are dressed in colored traditional costumes. You might walk through shops selling typical vegetables from northern mountains, animals, symbolic local dishes, and souvenirs.

• Ride on a bamboo raft or boat ride

In Pu Luong, there are many small river piers that offer exciting chances for raft rides. When on the typical bamboo raft of the region, one can be slowly carried by the crystal waters amongst lush green bamboo forests lining both sides.

To improve the experience, one might think about taking a boat tour on the Ma River. This item of the tour, interwoven with the historical narratives of Vietnam since the war, offers a panorama of the river when the day is clear, with a fresh breeze and mountainous landscapes in view. While on board, authentically rural scenes unfold before one's eyes that allow for a deeper understanding of daily life among local inhabitants in the area.

•  Swimming in the Hieu waterfall

If you like swimming, Hieu Waterfall, located in Co Lung commune, is an excellent destination. Around this waterfall extends a network of limestone mountains hidden in the heart of old preserved forests, interspersed with ethnic villages and peaceful terraced fields.

The flow of the waterfall varies according to the seasons. During heavy summer rains it is more dynamic, while the rest of the year the water remains but flows less quickly. This shallow waterfall is perfect for swimming, providing a safe experience.

• Accommodation with Pu Luong locals

A stay at the home of locals in Pu Luong adds a touch of authenticity during your trip to Vietnam. There's nothing like spending a night with an ethnic family to discover the real Vietnam and its culture.

You will be staying with a white Thai family in a traditional, rustic and comfortable bungalow or house on stilts. They will share a meal, one or more drinks with you and may teach you how to cook a Vietnamese dish like a chef. 

• Discover the surroundings of Pu Luong

Right next to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the beautiful Mai Chau Valley. Green and tranquil, it is the perfect destination for the urban Vietnamese or the traveler in search of serene nature. On foot or by bike, you will see beautiful and peaceful rice paddies with the possibility of meeting Vietnamese farmers and ethnic groups at work.

You'll also see amazing fish farms and pass through traditional ethnic villages, and you'll be able to, like Pu Luong, stay with the local people of Mai Chau.

Less than two hours from Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a must-see destination in northern Vietnam, the landlocked Halong Bay of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. This region, listed in 2014 as a UNESCO heritage site, is known for its remarkable natural landscapes: sugar loaves, rivers, green rice fields, small mysterious caves...

You will also be able to discover Hoa Lu, an ancient imperial city of Vietnam and the Bai Dinh Pagodas, including the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.

>>> The map of places to visit in Pu Luong

Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility.

When are the best times to go there?

Our field exploration in Pu Luong took place in November 2024. We were greeted with beautiful weather that was cool and ideal for hiking. 

According to information from locals, the weather in Pu Luong can be divided into separate periods:

• November to February: Thanks to the winter season, it is cool during this time of year. Fog often forms in January and February, mostly in the early hours, which can occasionally disrupt visibility.

• March to June: This season typically features plenty of sunshine and clear skies. However, near the end of May and into June, this changes. It's a pleasant time for tours, but don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching heat, especially if long walks are planned.

• July to October: This period marks the rainy season, characterized by cool and pleasant weather. However, when it rains, roads can become wet and slippery, so caution is advised. Preparations, such as carrying waterproof gear, are recommended.

💡More information about the weather for your trip to Vietnam: When to go? Best time to travel to Vietnam

The best times to admire the rice terraces can be summarized as follows: 

Unlike areas like Mu Cang Chai, Sapa and Ha Giang, where rice cultivation follows a single cycle per year, in Pu Luong it follows two distinct seasons:

• The first season begins in February, and the second runs from June to October, with the stormy water season at the end of January and the end of June.
• In March, April and July/August, the fields are adorned with green, the green rice fields transform into fields of rice waiting to ripen. The first harvest takes place from late May to early June, when the rice fields take on a golden hue, reminiscent of fields of wheat.
• In October, the second harvest begins, allowing the last grains of rice to be collected before letting the land rest during the cold period from November to January.
• The harvest season is the most awaited time for local communities. The rice terraces shine under a gentle sun, the farmers wear their conical hats, and their smile lights up the fields... A spectacle not to be missed!

How many days should you spend exploring Pu Luong?

For travelers with limited time, one day and one night is enough to visit Pu Luong. For example, leaving Hanoi at 6am, you can arrive in Pu Luong around 10am after a journey of around 4 hours. Take advantage of this day to explore the surrounding area, hike the rice terraces, visit local villages, cycle, then spend a night at a hotel or homestay to recharge your batteries. The next morning, breathe in the fresh air before leaving for other destinations.

For travelers with more time and not in a hurry, the ideal stay is 3 days and 2 nights to fully enjoy Pu Luong. This offers you the opportunity to hike or raft, swim in waterfalls, visit local markets, participate in rice planting (if you are traveling during the appropriate season), and fully appreciate the beauty of the region.

>>> Discover the experience lived by our travelers by consulting the circuit: Top 10 Best Vietnam Trekking & Hiking Tours

How to get there?

Getting to Pu Luong Nature Reserve is not as easy as getting to other popular destinations in northern Vietnam. There are no direct buses to this place. The most convenient way is to rent a motorbike or a car to get here.

On the other hand, Kampá Tour is a local agency specialized in routes through Pu Luong. Contacting a local travel agency that already has experience organizing this type of trip is the easiest way. You won't have to spend a lot of time researching, local advisors will surely arrange everything properly so that you have the trip of your dreams.

Where to stay for a perfect trip?

• Homestay Experience

Living with the indigenous people in Pu Luong is an authentic travel experience. Three years ago, Kampa Tour discovered a local home, an authentic stilt house in the middle of Pu Luong belonging to Mr. Ty. To access this house, you have to cross a wooden bridge over a stream surrounded by rice paddies, forests, and mountains.

Kampá Tour financed the building of a new traditional house with three private rooms and exterior bathrooms. As well as the 3 private rooms, this home includes shared areas between family and travellers.

I appreciate the most is the environment around the house. Disappointment is not likely for those who are looking for an authentic experience. Three generations live together in this house, and the guests will have the insight to see Vietnamese family traditions in which familial bonds are very significant.

You can immerse yourself in the daily rituals of the host, Mr. Ty. The experience of cooking on a wood stove and tasting just picked vegetables from the forest is truly memorable. It was a peculiar sight to see a kitchen with a wood stove instead of an electric device. Very authentic!

The place is extremely peaceful. Let's watch this video to find out more!

If you would like to stay with a local, contact us to organize your trip to Pu Luong and live unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature.

Other hotel suggestions in Pu Luong 

During our scouting, we also checked other hotels so that our valued travelers have a variety of good accommodation choices. Here are some suggestions in addition to the homestay:

• Pu Luong Home 

Pu Luong Home is nestled in the heart of lush nature. From here, a panoramic view of magnificent rice terraces awaits you, providing a natural experience without traveling long distances. The harvest season is intoxicating, with the captivating aroma of ripe rice. Pu Luong Home's swimming pool also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields. 

• Pu Luong retreat

Pu Luong Retreat, perched with panoramic views, brings together the charm of northern Vietnam: mountains, rice fields, waterfalls, breathtaking passes and isolated traditional villages. Offering cozy bungalows and a traditional stilt house, with open-air restaurant, infinity pool, spa and rock garden, every detail is carefully considered for an authentic experience.

FAQs

What is more special about Pu Luong than Sapa?

• Pu Luong offers a quieter and less touristy experience compared to Sapa. Its rice terraces are softer and less steep, making trekking easier. In addition, Pu Luong is not as crowded as Sapa, allowing for a quieter environment.

What do I need to prepare for trekking in Pu Luong?

For a successful trekking in Pu Luong, it is important to prepare the following:

• Suitable footwear: Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Appropriate clothing: Lightweight, quick-drying clothing, as well as layers to adapt to temperature changes.
• First aid kit: Includes basic medications, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
• Hydration: It has enough water and an easy-to-use hydration system.
• Food: Energy snacks and non-perishable food for the road.

Which place is reasonable to combine with Pu Luong?

A reasonable match with Pu Luong is Mai Chau. This area is located relatively close and offers an interesting contrast to the wilderness of Pu Luong. At Mai Chau, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful scenery, cultural activities, and the opportunity to experience rural Vietnamese life. In addition, you can take short bike tours or gentle hikes to explore the surroundings before or after your adventure in Pu Luong.

Our last words,

I hope this sharing helps you in planning your trip. Pu Luong is ideal for hikers and nature lovers looking for an authentic experience, far from mass tourism. Dense forests, waterfalls, hiking trails and traditional villages of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups make Pu Luong a true paradise in the heart of the North. If you are looking for a natural getaway, plan your stay in Pu Luong now and discover the splendor of this unique nature reserve in Vietnam!

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