Visit of Pu Luong

Nestled on the limestone mountain range, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to get off the beaten track.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located 150 km from Hanoi, near Mai Chau, in the north of Thanh Hoa province. Established in 1999, it covers 17,662 hectares and is home to the Muong and Thai ethnic groups. Pu Luong means “the highest mountain of the region” in Thai language. Little frequented by tourists, this place keeps all its authenticity

When traveling to Vietnam, if you don’t have time to go to Sa Pa, Pu Luong is the best choice. A natural paradise, Pu Luong offers breathtaking landscapes with rice terraces, authentic villages and lush vegetation. You can immerse yourself in the vastness and wild beauty of nature and enjoy the cool breeze to relax.

Wondering what to do in Pu Luong? It is here :

1. Admire the fabulous rice terraces

The beauty of Pu Luong lies in its majestic rice terraces located on the mountainside amidst lush green forests.

During your stay in Pu Luong, you will learn the secrets of rice cultivation, a very difficult agricultural activity that requires considerable effort. You can see impressive bamboo norias, large water wheels used to irrigate the rice fields. This is one of the traditional Vietnamese methods still used today.

The rice harvest in Pù Luông takes place twice a year. The first one takes place from mid-June to the beginning of July and the second one between mid-October and mid-November.

2. Take a hike

Hiking is the best way to get out and explore the natural splendor of Pu Luong. The pace of walking allows you to spend time exploring the scenery, flora and fauna, and breathing in the fresh air.

Depending on your interest and physical condition, you can choose a trekking itinerary that best suits your needs: a simple hike to a nearby village, a challenging hike to the top of Pu at more than 1700 meters above sea level, or a few days trekking on the less traveled trails through the villages of Hang, Kho Muong, Kia, Hieu.

While trekking, you will be overwhelmed by the picturesque landscape: rice terraces, karst mountains, lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, suspension bridge and houses on stilts, as well as by the kindness and warmth of the locals.

3. Cycling

Cycling is an authentic way to discover Pu Luong, which has many bicycle paths. You can choose the appropriate level of cycling, from easy to moderate or advanced. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you will have fun on the different trails enjoying the picturesque rice terraces, idyllic valleys and peaceful scenes of the local people working in the fields.

4. Explore the Pho Doan market

Pho Doan market, also known as Pho Don, is located in Lung Niep commune, Ba Thuoc district. It is held only on Thursday and Sunday mornings. It is a commercial market and thus a meeting place of Kinh, Muong, Thai ethnic groups…. You will find all kinds of daily necessities such as traditional silk costumes, bottled wine, mountain vegetables, fresh fruits…

5. Take a natural bath at Ban Hieu waterfall

Nestled at the bottom of the reserve, in a rustic village, is the splendid waterfall of Ban Hieu. The length of the waterfall is about 1 km. The water is blue all year round, cool in summer and warm in winter. The waterfall has a swimming pool for those who would like to immerse themselves in the cool water after a discovery of the top of the waterfall.

6. Riding on a bamboo raft

Taking a bamboo raft ride is a unique experience in Pu Luong. It allows you to enjoy nature at a slow pace and understand the local farming life along the banks of the Cham River. You will be immersed in an authentic rural atmosphere, surrounded by remote and rustic villages, majestic mountains and picturesque rice terraces.

7. Sleeping in a local’s house

Being an ecotourism destination, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has developed its network of homestays in the villages of Kho Muong, Ban Hang, Ban Tom or Ban Hieu. Staying at a homestay, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful traditional wooden houses on stilts of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups and their well preserved customs.

Best time to visit Pu Luong

Thanks to the pleasant climate, Pu Luong can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best periods to take great pictures of rice terraces are February – May and September – November. The weather during this period is pleasant, with an average temperature of 15-20ºC.

February to May is the green season when the rice stalks have grown. The terraced fields have a fresh green layer.

From September to November, the rice harvesting season, when all the fields turn into a yellow color. You will be amazed by the fascinating beauty of the golden season of ripe rice.