You can both breathe in the fresh, cool air and admire all the simple beauty blending with the clouds and sky with terraced fields and primeval forests. Let’s explore this special nature reserve with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where Is Pu Luong Nature Reserve?
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located across two districts, Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. About 130 km northwest of Thanh Hoa city center and about 160 km southwest of Hanoi capital.
2. How Is Pu Luong Nature Reserve Unique?
Pu Luong is a nature reserve established in 1999, with an area of 17,600 hectares. At an altitude of 1,700m, Pu Luong has a cool, fresh and extremely airy atmosphere. In addition, it also impresses with its primeval forests, rich flora and fauna, and a complex of beautiful caves. Therefore, Pu Luong nature reserve has great value in terms of science, socio-economics and ecotourism.
In particular, Pu Luong is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic communities. Therefore, besides the unique natural landscape, this place also attracts visitors by its cultural identity and the peaceful life of the local people.
In addition, it also owns three locations with great potential to be exploited into resorts here. They are Ban Don, where Pu Luong has the most beautiful terraced fields heritage, Son Ba Muoi in Lung Cao commune and Pu Luong peak at 1,700 m high in Thanh Son commune. Moreover, around Pu Luong there are many famous tourist attractions. Such as Ban Lac in Mai Chau, Ca Than stream in Cam Luong, Cuc Phuong forest in Ninh Binh and Ho Dynasty citadel in Vinh Loc, … All have created an extremely attractive tourist route.
3. When Is The Best Time To Visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve?
The best time to travel to Pu Luong is from May to October. Depending on your free time and preferences, you can choose the time to come to Pu Luong:
- Late May and early June is the time when Pu Luong puts on a new coat of “gentle green” when entering the new rice crop. All terraced fields are covered in a bright green color of young rice seedlings and new rice. When you come to Pu Luong during this time, you will feel cool and airy weather. Everywhere the trees are green and the temperature is just below 30 degrees.
- Around September and October, this is the best time for you to travel to Pu Luong. At this time, all the fields and terraced fields turn a shimmering yellow color. It blends with the aroma of ripe rice, bringing you a peaceful, simple and very familiar feeling.
In addition, you can also experience Pu Luong tourism in other months of the year. The atmosphere here is still extremely pleasant and has its own unique beauty in each season.
4. How To Get To Pu Luong Nature Reserve?
Currently, the transportation infrastructure in Thanh Hoa province in particular, and Vietnam in general, is extremely developing. Therefore, it is not difficult for you to travel to Pu Luong by many different means in the most suitable way. Sharing with you some ways to travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa as follows:
4.1. If you are in a remote province
If the distance to Pu Luong is too far, you should choose a means of transport such as: plane, train to Hanoi. Then, you book a private car or take a bus to Pu Luong:
- Airplane: those who are far away such as Saigon, Da Nang can choose flights of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or Bamboo Airways to land at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. Then, you go to Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations to catch a bus to Pu Luong. Usually, the buses only go to the district center, from here it is about 20 km to Pu Luong, at this time you can catch a motorbike taxi to take you there. Or choose to fly straight to Thanh Hoa and rent a taxi or motorbike from Tho Xuan airport to Pu Luong.
- Train: similar to flying, you can take the train to Hanoi and then rent a motorbike or take a bus to Pu Luong. If it is more convenient, you can take the train directly to Thanh Hoa station and then take a bus or rent a motorbike to Pu Luong.
4.2. If you are in neighboring provinces
If the distance from your place to Pu Luong is quite close. Then you should choose a personal vehicle or taxi for the most convenience.
- Motorbike: for those who want to explore Pu Luong, motorbike is the most suitable choice. From your location, use google maps to check the route. Follow route 15C, go straight to Pu Luong. When you travel by motorbike, you can both see the roads and surrounding scenery, and easily ask the locals for directions. A note when riding a motorbike is that you need to choose and maintain the vehicle well before the trip. You need to be fully equipped with protection: helmet, hand & foot protection, sun gloves, etc. Drive at the most appropriate speed to ensure your safety.
- Taxi: depending on the area you live in, you can call a taxi on the roadside or call the taxi companies there directly. Traveling by taxi will be fast and convenient for you without worrying about getting lost.
5. Sightseeings At Pu Luong Nature Reserve
5.1. Kho Muong Village – Bat Cave
Kho Muong Village is located deep in the core area of Pu Luong National Nature Reserve. Because it is isolated from other villages in the area, it is less affected by human impact, so it still retains its original wildness. This is where the White Thai people live.
An important highlight of Kho Muong Village is Kho Muong Cave, also known as Bat Cave. The mysterious cave is forgotten in the middle of the area and still sleeps peacefully. The entrance to the cave is a steep dirt road covered with forest trees. From the outside, Bat Cave is only about 100m long but the cave is more than 2.5 km wide, with many nooks and crannies deep into the ground.
5.2. Pho Doan Market
Pho Don Market takes place every Thursday or Sunday in Lung Niem Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province. This is where the products of the Kinh, Muong, and Thai ethnic groups are exchanged and sold.
This market has the characteristics of a highland market. With a variety of goods such as brocade costumes, rice wine, wild vegetables, insects, and fresh fruits. The special thing is that the market still operates by exchanging goods at equal value, rarely demanding or bargaining.
5.3. Pu Luong Peak
In Thai, Pu Luong means the highest peak in the region. The peak is about 1,700m high, loved by trekkers to conquer steep, dangerous mountains. Standing on the top of Pu Luong, you can fully admire the poetic scenery of the mountains, forests, fields, and valleys at the foot of the mountain. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can set up camp, eat and rest overnight and then go down the mountain the next day.
5.4. Hieu Waterfall
Hieu Village and Hieu Waterfall are located in Co Lung Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa. The 25 km long road from Canh Nang Town to Hieu Village is very beautiful. Because on both sides of the road are terraced fields on both sides of the stream. After crossing the wooden suspension bridge, you will enter the village. Hieu Waterfall. And Hieu Stream originates from a cave in the limestone mountain range of Pu Luong limestone landscape, creating a particularly clear stream.
5.5. Don Village
Don Village is the main residence of the Thai ethnic group, and is located in the central area of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. It attracts tourists with its wild beauty, terraced fields and peaceful stilt houses at the foot of the hill. When you come here, you can experience weaving and enjoy many specialties of the highlands. Local people are always sincere and warmly welcome visitors.
5.6 Son – Ba – Muoi Village
Son – Ba – Muoi are 3 highland villages of Lung Cao Commune, located in the core area of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This place is likened to a miniature Sapa because of its cool, mild climate all year round. These villages are located at an altitude of 1,200m above sea level, plus the road up to the village is very difficult, so Son – Ba – Muoi is almost completely isolated from the villages at the foot of the mountain. Creating a wild landscape for the villages. This place is attractive to those who love adventure tourism.
5.7 Tom Village – Cham Stream
Tom Village or Cham Stream is famous for its giant water wheels and the experience of floating on the river on a bamboo raft. Coming here, visitors will experience hiking through terraced fields. Experience cycling, bamboo rafting on the river.
6. Activities And Experiences When Traveling To Pu Luong Nature Reserve
6.1 Wading through streams to visit “water wheels”
The water wheel rotating at regular intervals is a familiar image associated with the lives of ethnic people in the highlands, often appearing in the dry season on streams, that is, the summer months.
Before entering the core area of Pu Luong to visit the villages, you can stop by the water wheels to admire this meticulous handcraft. There are many water wheels in the Chieng Lau area, about 5km from the center of Canh Nang town.
An interesting thing is that, before reaching the water wheels, you will pass by the doc fish farm, a type of fish raised by the locals here from the Ca Than stream. In addition, the water in the farm is brought from the stream by giant water wheels.
The creaking sound of the water wheel, the babbling sound of the stream, the fragrant scent of rice wafting between the stilt houses creating a poetic picture of the Pu Luong mountainous region, which is hard to find anywhere else.
6.2 Trying making bamboo tube rice (Com Lam)
One of the indispensable dishes of the Muong and Thai people is bamboo tube rice. This dish is made by putting sticky rice in bamboo tubes, giang or fresh reed and roasting it evenly over a fire. When the rice is cooked, it will have a fragrant bamboo smell, served with a dipping sauce made from crushed forest leaves, or sesame salt. The word “lam” is the Thai way of saying “grilled”.
When you come to Pu Luong, you will have the opportunity to see the locals making bamboo rice with your own eyes. From cutting fresh bamboo tubes in the forest, choosing newly harvested sticky rice, to the elaborate processing to create a rustic and delicious meal. In addition, you can also join them and learn more about the daily life of the indigenous people.
6.3 Trekking the villages
In Pu Luong, there are some villages with beautiful terraced fields, including: Ban Don, Ban Uoi, Ban Lan, Ban Hieu, Kho Muong. The trekking routes here will give you the opportunity to experience the village culture. You can raft on the river, as well as explore more about the rustic, simple, but still very unique and interesting life of the Thai and Muong people.
To feel the picturesque beauty of Pu Luong, remember to arrange to come here in two golden times: May – June or September – October.
6.4 Exploring the green forest
Especially, for those who love adventure and are in good health, you definitely cannot miss the challenge of crossing the forest, wading streams, climbing mountains and hills to admire the beauty of Pu Luong. The reward for your efforts is a panoramic view of the mountains, forests, and villages from the 1,700m high Pu Luong peak.
This adventure activity is suitable for both teenagers and adults, depending on your endurance and skills. Surely, after a trip to the forest in Pu Luong, you will gain countless beautiful memories and valuable lessons in survival skills.
7. Specialties When Traveling To Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Not only possessing wild and majestic natural scenery and a culture with its own unique identity. Pu Luong is also loved for its food and cuisine, which are also very diverse and typical.
7.1. Grilled stream fish
The grilled stream fish here has a strong flavor of the highlands, the fish is marinated with ingredients available in the mountains and forests. Such as: mac khen, wild herbs, chili, lemongrass, … mixed with salt. Enjoying fragrant grilled stream fish on hot coals is an interesting experience that you should not miss when coming to Pu Luong mountains and forests.
7.2. Hill chicken
Chicken is an extremely popular dish that is available everywhere, no one will want to eat chicken when traveling, right? However, if you travel to Pu Luong and miss dishes made from hill chicken, you will regret it. Because their meat is more delicious than regular chicken and is only available in some areas, including Pu Luong.
7.3. Co Lung duck
Co Lung duck has been famous since ancient times, the meat is both soft and sweet, a famous specialty of the Thai people. When coming to Pu Luong and not having eaten Co Lung duck, it is considered that you have not been to this place. This is a breed of duck with a short neck, small legs, and a neck and head that often have striped feathers and smooth feathers.
They are raised by the local people in rice fields and fed natural foods. This duck specialty has small bones and firm meat. Duck here is processed into many different delicious dishes. But the most delicious is the fragrant and crispy roasted duck.
7.4. Bamboo tube rice (Com Lam)
Pù Luông bamboo rice is a dish not to be missed when exploring Pu Luong cuisine. Bamboo rice is made from new rice, both fragrant and sticky, cooked in bamboo tubes. When enjoying Pu Luong bamboo rice, you will not only feel the sticky aroma of new rice, the sweetness of forest water, the cool aroma of bamboo, all of which create a very unique flavor for bamboo rice here.
7.5. Bitter bamboo shoots
Bitter bamboo shoots have a bitter taste, people who are not used to eating it will find it difficult to eat. However, this very strange taste is loved by many people because of the wildness and naturalness of this bitter bamboo shoot. Bitter bamboo shoots are grown in many places in the mountainous regions and high mountains of the Northwest. People here can pick bitter bamboo shoots everywhere.
7.6 Grilled grass pig
Grass pig is a pig that is raised and raised, the meat is very firm and fragrant. You can see people grilling a whole grass pig or just using the lean pork or pork belly on skewers. When grilling, the meat will be wrapped in grapefruit leaves, served with sticky rice.
7.7 Stone stream snails
In addition to the familiar grilled meat dishes of the highlands, you must try stone snails to fully experience the culinary quintessence of Pu Luong. When the rainy season comes, people catch snails in caves and streams. Then, they are simply boiled with lemongrass and ginger to preserve the delicious flavor of the snails.
7.8 Banana flower salad
When coming to Pu Luong, you must definitely try banana flower salad. This is a rustic dish but has a very unique flavor. When choosing banana flowers, people will often take the young leaves, slice them thinly, and soak them in vinegar to prevent them from turning black. Then mix in a little sugar and chili for more flavor. Simple but delicious recipe.
8. Accommodation When Traveling To Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Do you dream of waking up in a faraway place, in the middle of green mountains and forests? Check out the following super beautiful Pu Luong resorts.
8.1 Pu Luong Retreat
An ideal choice for those who want to separate themselves from modern life. Because this place is not equipped with electronic devices, but only has wifi for you to connect with the outside world. The purpose of this resort is for you to immerse yourself in nature and authentic natural space.
8.2 Ciel De Puluong Resort
This is a luxury resort that combines majestic natural landscapes with high-class services and amenities. In particular, Ciel De Puluong Resort is proud to be the first resort to have an infinity pool using pure spring water taken from the top of Pu Luong mountain.
8.3 Ban Hieu Garden Lodge
A homestay that has received many positive reviews from visitors is Ban Hieu Garden Lodge, located in Cao village. Also located in the Pu Luong mountain forest, and very close to the beautiful Hieu waterfall of Thanh land. This homestay will definitely bring you closer to the indigenous culture and nature.
8.4 Pu Luong Eco Garden
This is a 4-star resort but still has a strong mountain forest atmosphere. The ecological space here is very fresh, only green with flower gardens, palm hills and swimming pools. It gives you an extremely relaxing and pleasant feeling.
8.5 Puluong Glamping
For anyone who is looking for a peaceful place to “F5” their life, they will definitely love this homestay. Puluong Glamping Homestay gives you an extremely friendly feeling. From the host’s welcome, to the decoration, and saying no to plastic products.
8.6 Pu Luong Natura Bungalows
Pu Luong Natura Bungalows promise to bring you a vacation with the scent of new rice on terraced fields, the water flowing smoothly. Or simply let yourself melt into pure nature, as an effective spiritual “detox” treatment for yourself and your family.
8.7 Pu Luong Boutique Garden
Hidden in the reserve, Pu Luong Boutique Garden is a resort that is very popular with tourists because of its tranquility, harmonious combination with nature. When it is surrounded by endless rice fields, in the distance are forests and green Pu Luong mountains.
8.8 Central Hills Pu Luong Resort
We are delighted to introduce you to Pu Luong Central Hills Resort. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, located amidst the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Our resort boasts the largest area within the reserve, offering an unmatched experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surrounding primeval forest.
Nestled against the mountain with a breathtaking view of the valley, our resort is adorned with vibrant flowers that create a picturesque setting. From every window, guests can enjoy a sensational view that awakens all their senses.
9. Some Important Notes When Traveling To Pu Luong Nature Reserve
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Pu Luong. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- Appropriate time: Check the weather forecast before going. September to November is the ideal time to visit Pu Luong.
- Prepare clothes: Bring clothes suitable for the weather and outdoor activities. Hiking shoes are definitely essential, as you will be walking a lot on trails and hills.
- Accommodation: Pu Luong has many types of accommodation from budget guesthouses to high-end resorts. We recommended you to book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Learn about culture and customs: Pu Luong is home to ethnic minorities such as Thai and Muong. Respect local customs and culture. Joining community tours can help you gain a deeper understanding of their lives and culture.
- Protect the environment: Always keep the environment clean when exploring nature. Bring trash bags to collect waste and do not affect wildlife.
- Necessary items: Drinking water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are indispensable items. In addition, bringing basic medicine, insect repellent and first aid tools is also very important.
With updated and useful information about Pu Luong travel experience. Which Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, has just shared in the above article. Hopefully, it will help your upcoming vacation when traveling to Vietnam.
We also accompany you on the Vietnam tour to explore this enchanting Pu Luong nature reserve. A place you should visit at least once in your life, it will definitely bring you unexpected emotions and the most special experiences.
