Pu Luong Travel Guide 2024 from A to Z
Puluong Travel Guide: About 160 km from Hanoi, Puluong Nature Reserve is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic communities. In Thai, “Puluong” means the highest peak of the village. Located in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong covers an area of 17,662 hectares, featuring dense forests, numerous waterfalls, caves, and mountains intertwined with peaceful villages and lush terraced fields every summer.
Getting There
Puluong is situated within the Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts in Thanh Hoa Province. It takes about 4 hours to drive from Hanoi. To the north and northeast, Puluong borders the Mai Chau, Tan Lac, and Lac Son districts of Hoa Binh Province. Visitors can reach Puluong by motorbike, self-driven car, or bus.
Pu Luong Travel Guide 2024 from A to Z
Many accommodations offer combo packages, including round-trip transportation from Hanoi to Puluong and overnight stays starting from 800,000 VND per person. Additionally, groups can rent a private vehicle for a complete package or take a bus for 300,000 VND per person for a round trip, with higher-quality buses costing about 500,000 VND.
Upon arrival in Puluong, visitors can explore attractions and villages by motorbike, bicycle, or trekking. Many accommodations provide these services along with guides.
Accommodations
Relaxing at Homestays in Puluong
Currently, the number of homestays, guesthouses, and resorts in Pu Luong is increasing, all while ensuring the preservation of the natural environment and the promotion of eco-tourism. Nature lovers and those interested in local culture can stay in local homes or homestays in the stilt houses of the Kho Muong, Kit, and Hieu villages, with prices starting from 100,000 VND per night.
For those who prefer a luxurious retreat, resorts such as Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong Eco Garden, Pu Luong Natura, Ciel del Puluong, Pu Luong Tree House, and Pu Luong Hillside Lodge offer many options. Prices range from 300,000 to over 1,000,000 VND per night. These places offer spacious rooms, infinity pools, charming landscapes, and stunning views of the rice fields.
Due to their focus on eco-tourism, many resorts do not have televisions or air conditioning. However, the rooms are always clean, airy, and equipped with basic amenities.
What to Do
On the way from Mai Chau to Pu Luong, you’ll find Son Ba Muoi, a collection of three highland villages in Lung Cao commune, Ba Thuoc district. This area boasts a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Due to its isolation, it has preserved many ancient Thai customs and traditional stilt houses that reflect local culture. Stopping by Son Ba Muoi allows visitors to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
There are many cool and refreshing streams where you can take a dip and enjoy the natural beauty
Venturing deeper into Puluong Nature Reserve, you’ll discover Hieu village, famous for its stunning Hieu waterfall. The waterfall features clear, powerful waters cascading down in layers, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. At the base, there are natural pools that offer crystal-clear water—cool in summer and pleasantly warm in winter. In addition to swimming, be sure to visit the palm hills, terraced fields, and untouched forests. About 11 km from Hieu waterfall lies Tom Village or Suoi Cham, where you can find giant waterwheels and enjoy floating on bamboo rafts. The rafting tour lasts about an hour, accommodating 8 to 14 people per raft, and costs around 50,000 VND per person.
Don’t forget to explore the terraced fields on foot, cycle, or take a bamboo raft down the river. You can also simply relax, read a book, and breathe in the fresh air. Puluong Peak, standing at about 1,700 meters, is a popular trekking destination with a challenging and winding path. It typically takes about 6 hours to reach the summit under good weather conditions. From the top, you can soak in the stunning views of mountains, fields, and valleys below.
You can camp at the peak for an overnight stay, or bring lunch and return to Don village in the evening. For the trek, it’s best to wear long clothes, hats, and sturdy shoes, and don’t forget mosquito repellent, water, and snacks. If you’re new to trekking, many resorts offer day tours or 2-day, 1-night packages.
The limestone cave features a variety of visually stimulating stalactite formations in different shapes.
Don Village is home to a vibrant Thai community and has seen an increase in visitors over the past few years. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and pristine natural surroundings, along with delicious local specialties like wild bamboo shoots, ducks, wild boar, hillside chickens, pumpkin greens, and climbing vegetable tips. Kho Muong village and Bat Cave are must-see spots in Puluong. While the road to Kho Muong can be tough due to steep, winding paths, the stunning beauty that awaits is well worth the effort. From a distance, you can spot stilt houses and expansive rice and corn fields framed by rolling mountains.
Walking from the village through the lush rice fields leads you to Bat Cave or Kho Muong Cave. This limestone cave, formed around 250 million years ago, is home to various bat species. As you journey deeper, you’ll encounter vast chambers adorned with uniquely shaped stalactites.
Don’t miss the Pho Don market, held every Thursday and Sunday. Here, you can experience a traditional highland market, shop for souvenirs and local products, and savor local delicacies. Interestingly, the market operates on a barter system, so haggling is rare.
Food and Drink
Puluong’s specialties will recharge your energy after a day of exploring
One of the must-try specialties in Pu Luong is Co Lung duck. This duck is known for its lean, firm, and aromatic meat, which is grilled over charcoal. A whole duck costs around 450,000 VND and is enough to serve 3 to 4 people. Additionally, you can ask your host for various local dishes such as stone snails, hillside chicken, grilled river duck, roasted wild boar, sour bamboo shoots, bitter bamboo shoots, wild spinach soup, sticky rice, and banana flower salad.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Son Ba Muoi – Hieu Village – Hieu Waterfall
- Day 2: Trek to Pu Luong Peak – Don Village
- Day 3: Kho Muong Village – Bat Cave – Pho Don Market
Join a cycling tour to explore Puluong with Hanoi Bike Tour in this travel guide
explore Puluong with Hanoi Bike Tour
In this travel guide, join a cycling tour to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Pu Luong with the Hanoi Bike Tour. Pedal through lush terraced fields, vibrant local villages, and picturesque streams as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of the area. This adventure not only allows you to enjoy the fresh air but also offers a unique way to experience the charm of Pu Luong up close.
> Read more :
-
Latest Things You Need to Know About Mountain Biking in the Rain
- 13 Important Tips for Cycling Properly
>> Follow us more at:
