Located in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts of Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam’s North Central Coast region, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in northern Vietnam bordered by Lac Son, Tan Lac and Mai Chau districts of Hoa Binh Province. This reserve is situated along two parallel mountain ridges, which run from north-west to south-east. These two mountain ridges are divided by a central valley, which consists of a large agricultural land area and some human settlements, thus, does not belong to the nature reserve. Indochina travel

Where is Pu Luong?

The charming Pu Lương from above -source: internet

Living up to the image of an idyllic Vietnamese landscape and rural life of most people, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which stretches from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong National Park, attracts travelers for its impressive beauty and biodiversity along with the unique cultural values of these ethnic minorities.

Roughly 170km from Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which was established in 1999 has a total area of 17,662 ha, 75% of which is primary tropical forest. Pu Luong, whose name means the highest peak of the village in Thai language, is home to ethnic Thai and Muong people.

Endowed Pu Luong is rich forest, magnificent rice terraces, breathtaking scenery, limestone panoramas and great biodiversity, its fauna and flora are closely associated with those in the Cuc Phuong National Park, which is 25 km south-east. What has turned the mountain slopes to alluring terrace rice fields is the local’s works during thousands of year.

What to do in Pu Luong?

Pu Luong attracts travelers for its impressive scenery- source: internet

Pu Luong has recently become an ideal place for a few day trips from Hanoi. Among the activities that travelers like are trekking along huge rice paddy field and in the forest, pay a visit to many beautiful small villages and cycling through the reserve. Pu Luong is among a few interesting off the beaten track destination near Hanoi which has recently been highly recommended by many explorers.

With two ranges of mountains on both sides, the beautiful scenery looks like a lush green valley in the heart dotted with peaceful traditional villages. The villagers there are among the most hospitable people in Vietnam. Don’t be surprised if they invite you to their houses for a cup of tea. It is your chance to discover the rich and authentic local culture. Villagers are living in their traditional houses on stilts in small villages nested in the valleys. How peaceful it is! If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, don’t miss to join on a dance after having dinner.

Best time to visit Pu Luong

Pu Luong retreat- source: internet

During rice harvest season, from September to November or February until May is the best time to visit Pu Luong. At this time, the weather is pleasant and the plantation is lush. Pu Luong is best accessed either from Ninh Binh or Mai Chau. A good option for trekkers should be a multiple-day trekking tour through and to Pu Luong on the least frequented trails. The best activity one can do there is a trekking tour through peaceful villages including Ban Hieu, Ban Kho Muong, Ban Hang or Ban Sai, and stay with locals in one of the authentic homestay. There are also available options for everyone such as: local families with lovely small children. You can also find a tour operator currently offering tours to Pu Luong Nature reserve in combination with Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Mai Chau. These amazing tours which cover several rural areas will give travelers a real taste of authentic Vietnam. Let’s come and experience the best of this un-discovered place. Tours on Indochina

How to get to Pu Luong?

Kayaking in Pu Luong -source: internet

Being a natural reservation in northern land of Vietnam, Pu Luong is about 160 km away from the capital city. It takes 4-hour car drive to north-west of Hanoi to reach this natural reservation. It is advisable to look for a tour to discover Pu Luong combining with Mai Chau trekking tour. It is possible to find a trekking tour to Pu Luong from Mai Chau. You will stay overnight in Pu Luong Retreat – 1 traditional stilt house with 16 comfy beds, 9 comfortable bungalows, an open air restaurant with infinity pool, spa area, rock garden and nice cuisine. All in Pu Luong Retreat are at your disposal to explore the hidden details, made by hand from the ground up, with greatly meticulous attention.

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