Pu Luong Nature Reserve: 6 questions to consider before you go

Pu Luong, a cultural and natural paradise near Hanoi, beckons you into a captivating realm of stunning rice fields and charming ethnic villages, nestled at the base of majestic mountains. This authentic and must-visit destination is cherished by our enthusiastic travelers. If you''re unsure about what to do in Pu Luong, this article will introduce you to the best activities within Pu Luong Nature Reserve and provide practical tips to help you maximize your experience.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 09-04-2024

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1. Where is Pu Luong located?

Pu Luong 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.

>>> Worth knowing: 

In Thai, the language spoken by the Thai people, who are the majority ethnic group in this region, the name "Pu Luong" means "the highest peak in the village".

2.  What does Pu Luong look like?

Pu Luong is a nature reserve in Vietnam where the air is pure and surrounded by varied vegetation. This region offers a diversity of impressive landscapes, including dense forests, lush bamboo, refreshing waterfalls, mountains blending harmoniously with charming villages, and immense rice terraces.

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

3. When are the best times to go there?

Our field exploration in Pu Luong took place in November 2023. 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:

• From November to February: temperatures are cool due to the arrival of winter. In January and February, fog is common, especially early in the morning, which can sometimes reduce visibility.
• From March to June: the sky is sunny and clear. However, as May and June approach, the heat gradually increases. This is a great time for sightseeing, but if you're planning a long hike, be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
• From July to October: it is the rainy season, with pleasant and cool weather. Note that roads can become slippery when it rains, so be careful and prepare waterproof clothing.

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!

4. What to see and 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 beautiful rice fields in green and gold hues in November, with rolling mountains on the horizon. Our driver took us to the starting point of our hike. As we got off the bus, a local resident, acting as our "guide" for this reconnaissance, greeted us.

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

On this expedition we were the only group on the way, creating a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility, where only the songs of birds and the murmur of the wind accompanied us. Our hiking routes took us through various places in Ba Thuoc district, Ban Don village, as well as villages such as Uoi, Lan Trong, Lan Ngoai, Bam Tren... With the mountains in the background and all around it is a magnificent landscape of rice terraces. If you are exploring without a guide, simply look for the places mentioned above or ask local people, who will be happy to guide 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 discovered with pleasure the traditional houses on stilts of the various ethnic communities, as well as scenes of the serene daily life of the inhabitants, sometimes while waiting for the buffaloes to cross our path.

Hotels or homestays can help you find bikes. Do not hesitate to book in advance for greater guarantees.

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, offering stunning views of the mountains. 

While writing this travelogue, I was looking for more information about him. Interestingly, it has been around for hundreds of years, having originally been a market from the French colonial era.

It is an authentic place, imbued with cultural richness, offering a true immersion in the daily life of the mountain inhabitants. You will meet members of different ethnic groups offering their products, dressed in colorful traditional costumes. You can explore stalls offering typical northern mountain vegetables, animals, as well as iconic dishes and souvenirs.

In Pu Luong, small river docks abound, offering very interesting rafting activities. On a bamboo raft typical of the region, let yourself drift along the cool water, surrounded by green and cool bamboo forests on both sides. This photo was taken at the end of our hike, when we arrived at the dock for the raft ride.

For a more extensive experience, consider considering a boat tour on the Ma River. Tied to Vietnamese history since the war, this experience offers magnificent views of the river under clear skies, with a cool breeze and scenic mountainous. By boat, we observe very rustic scenes which allow us to better understand the daily life of the inhabitants here.

•  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.

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

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

5. How many days should you plan to explore 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

5. Where to stay for a perfect trip?

• Homestay Experience

Our team understands the desire of French tourists for an authentic travel experience. Pu Luong meets this criterion. Three years ago, we discovered a local house, an authentic stilt dwelling in the heart of Pu Luong, which belongs to Mr. Ty. To get there, you have to cross a wooden bridge over a stream, surrounded by rice fields, mountains and forests...

Kampá Tour financed the construction of a new traditional house with three private rooms with outside toilets. In addition to the 3 private rooms, this residence offers shared spaces between family and travelers,...

The environment of the house is what I appreciate the most. If you're looking for an authentic experience, you won't be disappointed. Three generations live together here, offering visitors a glimpse of Vietnamese family culture, where family unity is a priority. You can immerse yourself in the daily activities of the host, Mr. Ty. The experience of preparing meals with a wood stove and enjoying fresh vegetables picked from the forest is truly memorable. It was a rare experience to see a kitchen with a wood stove instead of an electric stove.

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.

7. 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.

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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