Pu Luong Natural Reserve

Pu Luong's charm may be more subtle than other flashy recreational complex but it has been capturing great tourist attention. The region rewards unspoiled nature with tree-clad, soaring mountains, vast rice fields, and a scattering of Thai ethnic villages. The rustic vibe and great hospitality there especially attract inquisitive travelers for an action-packed excursion deep into nature.

Location

Pu Luong Nature Reserve belongs to Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa District, around 130km northwest of Thanh Hoa City Center. The distance from Hanoi to Pu Luong is only 150km. The region is surrounded by Mai Chau, Tan Lac, and Lac Son, Hoa Binh District.

Glorious sunrise in Pu Luong

Transportation

Since public transportation from Hanoi to Pu Luong is unavailable, the best way to reach this destination from Hanoi and other northern provinces is by private car or motorbike.

If you still want to use the bus, you can take Hoang Phuong Bus from Giap Bat Bus Station (Hanoi) to reach the city center then take a taxi for 20km further to Pu Luong.

Best time to visit

While featuring a tropical monsoon climate, thanks to being jam-packed with dense jungles, Pu Luong is endowed with moderate weather even in the heart of hot, humid summer. The best time to visit Pu Luong is May & June September & October. While May and June is the period when local people start the new rice crop, the whole area is covered by green, September and October are really romantic with silk yellow rice fields during the harvest season.

Photo by @Hakatravel

Places of interest

Thai ethnic village: dotted in Pu Luong Nature Reserve are authentic villages and houses of White and Black Thai people. You'll see locals' small thatched house in stilt style, greet them, and delve into their culture.

Thac Hieu Waterfall: flowing from the top of Hieu Village to the hillside, Thac Hieu is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Pu Luong. Nature lovers come there to cool down, relax, and take photos of this dreamy waterfall.

Photo by @TrangHien

Mt. Pu Luong: the peak of Pu Luong Mountain is the best sightseeing spot for a panoramic view of the area. Besides trekking, tourists can enjoy exhilarating activities like camping, taking a photo hunt.

Pho Doan Fair Market: local inhabitants often flock to this regular market held on every Thursday and Sunday to purchase daily necessary products like vegetables, clothes, and poultry. Tourists can buy various kinds of souvenirs and enjoy special dishes.

Things to do in Pu Luong

Trekking: walking and trekking are the best activities to do in Pu Luong. Amazing walks, Kho Muong Village - Bat Cave, for example, offer you beautiful scenes of rice terraces and small houses of Thai minority group. Bicycle rental is also offered for cycling. Climbing: adventurous travelers should not miss the chance to climb and check-in Pu Luong Mount, 1700m above the sea level. Many also love to hold camping parties there.

Photo : phuotvivu.com

Relaxing: Pu Luong includes a variety of resorts and homestays amidst nature bringing you wonderful places to release stress and breathe a fresh atmosphere.

Where to stay

Pu Luong Retreat: standout from a number of newly-built homestays and inns in Pu Luong, Pu Luong Retreat is much preferred by both domestic and international travelers. Accommodation options are well-appointed and exquisite, varying from dorms, suite bungalow, and valley bungalow.

Ban Hieu Garden Lodge: the lodge provides a peaceful, friendly atmosphere where guests can get close to nature, visit Thai traditional houses, and do many outdoor activities.

Pu Luong Natura Bungalow: another ideal resort address to stay with thatched houses and open views to majestic rice fields and lush gardens.

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