Things need to know about Pu Luong

Referring to the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, tourists are probably too familiar with names such as Mai Chau, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be ... But do you know that there is still an area near Hanoi. The land is very wild, beautiful, and also majestic? That is Pu Luong. If this name is still new to you, explore it and you will never forget it. We would like to give you the most detailed information about this land, so that you can add to your Vietnam discovery journey.

1. Where is Pu Luong?

Pu Luong is a nature reserve in Thanh Hoa province. Covering more than 17,000 hectares, Pu Luong possesses a rich flora and fauna, diverse in number and types. Besides, there is also a diversity of cultural identity of the Thai community.
From Pu Luong to the nearest tourist destinations is 150 km southwest of Hanoi, 65 km south of Mai Chau, and 125 km northwest of Ninh Binh.

2. Why travel to Pu Luong?

In the past, only the "adventurers" dare to conquer this land because the road was too difficult, the service was poor. But in recent years, Pu Luong has become famous near and far and is an attractive destination for tourists, not only for Vietnamese but also for many foreigners. There are many reasons for Pu Luong to attract you, including the following 3 main reasons:

2.1. The majestic, pristine nature and the beautiful terraced fields

Pu Luong has a wild, rustic beauty that captivates tourists. Coming to Pu Luong, you will be immersed into the natural beauty, with the vast terraced fields, green jungle, ethnic villages surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, the waterwheel by the stream, the romantic waterfalls, and of course, the lovely local people.
In particular, just like Mai Chau, Pu Luong has 2 rice seasons in a year, so from March, April to early October, you will always have the opportunity to see the terraced fields. What a wonderful natural picture it is!

2.2. Peaceful and less tourists

Pu Luong is like a hidden gem of the Northwestern mountains and forests. People are accustomed to choosing famous tourist spots for a long time (like Sapa), so it is easy to miss a place like this. Therefore, Pu Luong does not have too many tourists, is no hustle and bustle but still retains the inherent tranquility and nature.
There are no high hotel buildings in Pu Luong. The sleeping places are built in the form of homestay, lodge ... in harmony with nature, so the landscape is not broken as many other places.
Ethnic villages in Pu Luong have not been much tourism. The people are kind, hospitable, and still keep their unique identities.

2.3. Convenient transportation and travel from Hanoi

Pu Luong is about 150 km from Hanoi, it will only take about 3.5-hour drive. In recent years, the road has been much improved so transfer to Pu Luong is quite easy. Moreover, Pu Luong is also close to other tourist destinations in Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, so you can easily combine Pu Luong into your discovery schedule.
Do you love nature? Do you want to explore ethnic villages, terraced fields, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful space? Pu Luong is one of the best options in the North of Vietnam for you.

3. What is the best season in Pu Luong?

As a highland area surrounded by primitive forests, the climate in Pu Luong is quite pleasant even during the hot summer days. The temperature from April to August can be up to 37 degrees Celsius day time, and at night it can drop down 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature in winter can drop down 7-10 degrees Celsius, sometimes with fog.
Especially, because there are 2 rice seasons, from February to early October, Pu Luong almost always has rice on terraced fields. In general, you will be easily captivated by the beauty of Pu Luong at all times.

The most beautiful season in Pu Luong is the ripe rice season: the end of May, the beginning of June and the end of September and the beginning of October. In the immense green forest, the terraced fields on the hillside turn bright yellow. At this time, you will also get a chance to see the local people harvesting rice in the fields. The undulating yellow rice looms the colors of brocade - traditional costumes of the ethnic people. All creates a very vivid picture of Pu Luong.

In April: The weather is cool and pleasant, with light sunshine. Pu Luong is covered by the green color of the forest, the green of rice, and the blue sky. Walking between that green space you will feel very peaceful.
So you can travel to Pu Luong at any time of the year. When there is no rice on the terraced fields, Pu Luong is still very beautiful because the green color covers the mountains and forests. However, you should also note that sometimes there are cold winter days, fog obscures the view, or in the middle of summer there is a risk of storms (not much, usually in July and August).

4. How to get to Pu Luong?
 

4.1. Rent a car of travel agency

Reference price: 65 USD / way Hanoi - Pu Luong (7-seater car)
Pu Luong tourism has just been exploited, so for the most complete trip, you should to use the private car of the local tour company. Good driver will ensure the safety for you and your loved ones on the whole journey.
Alternatively, you can take local bus or motorbike.

Bus of Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong Eco Garden
Reference price: 65 USD / 2 ways Hanoi - Pu Luong – Hanoi
Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong Eco Garden are 2 hotels with car rental service from Hanoi to Pu Luong with quite reasonable prices. No need to book a room here, you can still book a car with them. Pick up from your hotel in the old town and drop off at either Pu Luong Retreat or Puluong Eco Garden.

4.2. Local public bus

Reference price: 7 USD / pax/ way
From Hanoi, there is no local public bus to take you directly to Pu Luong tourist destination. If traveling by local bus from Hanoi, you can pick up the bus at Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam or My Dinh bus stations. A popular bus route to Pu Luong is Hanoi - Ba Thuoc - Thanh Hoa with a ticket price of about 7 USD / person.
The bus will arrive in Canh Nang town (Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa). Then you can take a taxi (about 15 USD) or a motorbike taxi (about 4 USD / person) from there to Pu Luong.
Taxi Eco Cab Pu Luong: 0084 363.129.129

4.3.Motorbike

Reference price: 10 -15 USD / day ( not included gasoline)
For the young tourists who love the adventure, motorbike is an option. From Hanoi, you can rent a motorbike in the old quarter.
Riding along the Ho Chi Minh trail to Cam Thuy, turn right then go straight to Canh Nang, turn to road 15C and ride for another 10 km to reach Pu Luong. This 170kms journey takes about 4.5 hours to drive.
There is another road passing through Mai Chau - Hoa Binh but a little further (185 kms).
Note that the mountainous roads in Vietnam are very difficult to ride, even for Vietnamese, so you must consider this plan carefully before deciding.

5. Transportations in Pu Luong
 

5.1. Walking – trekking

Trekking in Pu Luong is the most popular activity. As every mountain tours, trekking is still the best solution to explore the ethnic villages, to go deep into the village, see the daily life of the local people, be immersed into the wild nature.
There are many trekking paths to choose from based on your abilities. If you have less time and you cannot walk much, you can choose the villages close to where you stay, walk about 2-3 hours per day.

For those who love trekking, you can spend an entire day trekking through the villages, going deep into the reserve's core zone to discover more unspoiled beauty.
If you travel on your own, without a tour guide, you can hire a local guide to take you to the.
Note that the local guide does not speak a foreign language, they will guide you the route according to your schedule.
Reference price for local guide: 14 USD/day

5.2. Motorbike, Motorbike taxi

Reference price for motorbike: 7 USD/day
Reference price for motorbike taxi: 12 USD/day

If you are interested in exploring Pu Luong on your own, you can rent a motorbike and drive by yourself. Motorbike rental in Pu Luong is about 7 USD / day. If you rent a motorbike at the resort, the price may be more expensive. You can easily get a good price at homestays in Pu Luong.
If you want a guide, you should rent a motorbike taxi. Motorbike taxi drivers are local so they know well the locations. They will take you to the most beautiful places in Pu Luong.

6. What to see in Pu Luong?
 

6.1. Visiting Don village

Ban Don ( or Don village) is located in Thanh Lam commune, located in the heart of Pu Luong natural reserve. The local people are mostly Thai ethnic group. This place still retains the cultural identity, unique stilt house architecture with palm leaf roofing. Ban Don is also the village with the largest terraced fields in the region.


Since Pu Luong Retreat was built in Don village, more and more tourists know about Pu Luong but this area is still very peaceful, not crowded like many other tourist destinations.
Don village is the starting point of most tours to explore Pu Luong.

6.2. Visiting Kho Muong village

Kho Muong village is in Thanh Son commune is one of the most beautiful unspoiled valleys deep in the Pu Luong nature reserve, home to the White Thai people for many generations. Here, visitors admire the beautiful natural scenery, peaceful with terraced fields mixed with green mountains and forests. Kho Muong, located isolated from other villages in the region, is a favorite trekking place for travelers who love adventure.

Visitors also have the opportunity to exchange culture, experience the traditional culture of the Thai ethnic minority as well as enjoy the traditional specialties of the region.
There is also a pretty cave here, Bat Cave - home to many types of bats. There are many rocks and stalactites in the cave with many unique shapes.   

6.3. Visiting Hieu village

In Co Lung commune, there is a hidden Thai village that attracts us. That is Hieu village with more than a hundred traditional stilt houses lying along the two sides of the Hieu waterfall.
Located 4km from Pho Doan market, but the road to Hieu village is quite dangerous, cars cannot get into the village, you have to go by motorbike or walk. Riding a motorbike taxi here is a very interesting challenge.
The driver takes you on a trail for about 2 km with a cliff on one side and a deep valley on the other. You will be overwhelmed by nature. However, if it rains, the road is muddy, then it is quite dangerous to ride a motorbike taxi.

To go around the Hieu village without repeating the route, you can take a motorbike taxi to the village and then walk from Hieu village along the Hieu waterfall down the main road.
In Hieu village, there are a number of local houses for guests to stay. For more comfortable, considering staying in Ban Hieu Garden Lodge or Les Bains de Hieu ecolodge.

6.4. Visiting Hieu waterfall

Hieu Waterfall in Hieu village is famous for being the most beautiful waterfall in Pu Luong area. Hieu waterfall is not so majestic as other waterfalls in North Vietnam such as Silver waterfall, Ban Gioc waterfall, but is stretched down from high mountains.
The waterfall is hidden among the immense green color of the mountains and forests, weaving through the cliffs, the stump of trees, creating a wild, peaceful and rustic natural picture.



In the middle of the waterfall there is a deep water area that is bathable. In the summer, tourists travelling to Hieu waterfall will often immerse themselves in that cool water. Extremely refreshing!
Walking down along the Hieu waterfall, you will discover a very idyllic countryside, the houses on stilts hidden among the green of the mountains and forests, the waterwheels, the ethnic people working on the fields. ...

6.5. Discovering Pho Doan market

Fair markets are a very interesting part of tours in the mountains. A fair market is not only a place for buying, selling, and exchanging goods, but also a place for exchanges and meetings of ethnic minorities people. For them, going to the market is like going to a festival.
They will wear traditional colorful dresses and together going to the market very early. Visiting the fair, you will meet many different ethnic people, discover their life, culture and local products.
Pho Doan market is in every Thursday and Sunday. If you come to Pu Luong on these days, don't miss your visit to the market!

6.6. Visiting Son – Ba – Muoi villages

Son Ba Muoi is a village in Lung Cao commune, located at an altitude of about 1,180m above sea level, where visitors can admire the beauty of immense and poetic Pu Luong. The road to Son Ba Muoi is quite difficult, but it will be an attractive challenge for young people who love adventure.
In particular, Son - Ba - Muoi is quite isolated from the outside, so up to now still preserves many conventionalities of the ancient Thai people, stilt houses still retain the imprint of the tradition, not affected by modern architecture from the outside.

6.7. Exploring Pu Luong peak

Pu Luong in Thai means the highest mountain peak. Pu Luong Peak, located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, is a challenge for those who love adventurous trekking.
Looking down from the top of Pu Luong, visitors could enjoy the panoramic view of majestic mountains, forests, and the valley of vast rice fields below.

7. Where to stay in Pu Luong?

There are 2 types of accommodation in Pu Luong: Homestay and Lodge

7.1. Overnight in a Homestay

Overnight in Pu Luong's house is authentic. There are few new accommodations for tourists, and you'll be in a shared house with your host family. The conditions are simple, but you have the opportunity to observe their daily life, enjoy their own rustic dishes prepared from locally available ingredients. A grazing duck in the field, some fishes in the pond, some vegetables in the garden ... all ready for a delicious meal.
Price for overnight in a local house: about 15 USD/pax (sleeping on a shared floor, including dinner, breakfast)

The overnight places are lying in the communes of Co Lung, Thanh Lam, Thanh Son, Lung Cao of Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa:

Manh Cuong Homestay
Add: Thanh Son, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 097 758 12 64

Ngoc Dau Homestay
Add: Co Lung, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 0327 111 547

Hong Ly Homestay
Add: Kho Muong, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 039 280 2218

Anh Nam Home Stay
Add: Kho Muong, Thanh Lam, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 0394 904 372 - 0237 38677922

Ban Nua Homestay
Add: Lung Cao, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 085 755 0703

Ngan Toan Homestay
Add: Thanh Lam, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 091 195 48 30

Nha Tung Homestay
Add: Hieu village, Co Lung, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 037 732 1982

Tho Ha Homestay
Add: Thanh Son, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 0372 499 636

Hà Đình Nếch Homestay
Add: Kho Muong, Thanh Lam, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 0237 38690293 - 0945 801 124

Anh Minh Homestay
Add: Nua village, Lung Cao, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 085 7550 703

Dung Xuan Homestay
Add: Co Lung, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 0397 676 603

Son Bá Mười Homestay
Add: Lung Cao, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 038 888 8817

Nguyen Lan Homestay
Add: Thanh Son, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 038 316 4319

Huy Thục Homestay
Add: Thanh Lam, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa
Tel: 097 377 95 88

7.2. Overnight in a Lodge

There are no building hotels, the lodges in Pu Luong are built in harmony with the wild landscape of the region and do not disrupt the natural landscape. In the lodge, you also have 2 options: either stay in a stilts house with other groups, it is cheap price, or stay in private bungalows, private rooms, it is higher prices. The average price of sleeping on stilts is usually 15USD / pax including breakfast.

Below is the reference lodge list in Pu Luong:

Pu Luong Retreat
Add: Don village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: Puluongretreat.com
Price: From 90 USD/night ( included breakfast)

Located in Don village in Thanh Lam commune, Pu Luong Retreat is the best resort accommodation in the region. With a prime location, this resort is surrounded by stunning mountains and rice fields.
The concept is an Eco hotel, Puluong Retreat does not use things such as TVs, refrigerators, trying to use environmentally friendly products It's a great way to approach ecotourism, respect the environment and the community.
A special feature of Pu Luong Retreat attracting visitors is the infinity pool with a beautiful view of the terraced fields and the stunning mountains stretching in front of the eye.
Tourists appreciate the location, comfort, swimming pool, and foods of the resort. All services are provided at reasonable prices.

Pu Luong Ecogarden ( Swimming Pool available)
Add: Bang village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: Puluongecogarden.com
Price: From 35 USD/night ( Included breakfast)

Pu Luong Natura Bungalow ( Swimming Pool available)
Add: Don village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: naturabugalow.com
Price: From 55USD/night ( included breakfast)

Pu Luong Home ( Swimming Pool available)
Add: Don village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: https://www.facebook.com/Puluong-Home-1733407010026155/
Price: From 40USD/night ( included breakfast)

Pu Luong Hillside Lodge
Add: Don village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: puluonghillsidelodge.com
Price: From 40USD/night ( included breakfast)

Pu Luong tree House
Add: Don village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist, Thanh Hoa
Web: puluongtreehouse.com
Price: From 50USD/night ( included breakfast)



Ban Hieu Garden lodge
Add: Hieu village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist. Thanh Hoa
Web: www.banhieugarden.com
Price: From 45 USD/ night ( included breakfast)

Les Bains De Hieu Ecolodge
Add: Hieu village, Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Ba Thuoc Dist. Thanh Hoa
Web: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g4059061-d4059066-Reviews-Les_Bains_de_Hieu_Ecolodge-Pu_Long_Nature_Reserve_Thanh_Hoa_Province.html
Price: From 90 USD/ night ( included breakfast).

8. What to eat in Pu Luong?

In Pu Luong, you will often enjoy meals at the place you stay, at the Lodge or the homestay.
Cuisines in Pu Luong bring the features of Thai cuisines with grilled dishes, steaming dishes, with many spices flavors of the mountains. Some of the most popular dishes are grilled Muong pig, Fishes from a stream, hill chicken, Co Lung duck ...
• The price of a meal (lunch or dinner) at a homestay: about 7-8 USD / pax
• Price of meal (lunch or dinner) at Lodge: 10-12 USD / pax

9. How to organize a tour to Pu Luong?

From Hanoi, you can easily organize tours to Pu Luong or combine Pu Luong with other destinations: Ninh Binh, Mai Chau.

Please refer to our website for the best schedule!
Hopefully, Pu Luong will be one of the unforgettable places in your trip to discover Vietnam!