Visiting Pu Luong: An Useful Guideline

It is located in a valley in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, about 180 km from Hanoi. Here, nature is the most magnificent. 360-degree rice paddies and forests. Flatland forests, mountain forests and numerous bamboo groves. Many animal species including the Delacour’s langur, an endangered monkey species. 30 of these animals still live here. It is also said that Pu Luong is a “storehouse” of medicinal plants. 1,100 species of vascular plants, four of which are listed in the Red Book of the World.

Pu Luong is populated by the Thai ethnic group who live in houses on stilts with thatched or palm leaf roofs. The daily life of the Thai is mostly removed from modern times.

Cycling, hiking, climbing, being guided by the host to secret places in this beautiful nature and preparing dinner with the Thai family, chatting and exchanging ideas for an evening, is an unforgettable experience that more than makes up for the Spartan conditions for an evening and a night.

Pho Doan market held on Sundays

• Location: Lung Niem Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province

• Market days: Every Thursday and Sunday morning

A traditional ethnic market where locals trade fresh produce, forest goods, handmade crafts, and clothing. You’ll also find local dishes and snacks unique to Pu Luong. Still authentic with very few tourists, giving you a genuine glimpse into local culture and daily life.

At Hanoi Voyages, we offer a range of exciting tour packages that let you experience the beauty of Pu Luong.

CHOOSE AN IDEA, and we will plan your trip together!

Vietnam family tour 18 days Discover UNESCO sites and the stunning Pu Luong Reserve. Enjoy a diverse adventure that's perfect for all ages	North Vietnam tour 10 days Explore the serene beauty of Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay on an adventure through stunning landscapes	Vietnam 15 days with Pu Luong Discover Vietnam over 15 days with Pu Luong, and stop at the tourist destinations of Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An.

What to do in Pulong Reserve: Must-try activities

From trekking through terraced rice fields to immersing in authentic ethnic culture, the best activities in Pu Luong combine nature, adventure, and local experiences. Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming in waterfalls, cycling through villages, or visiting traditional markets, Pu Luong offers plenty of unforgettable things to do for every traveler.

Meeting Thai ethnic minorities

Pu Luong is not only about landscapes - it’s also about meeting the Thai ethnic people and discovering their authentic way of life. Here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:

• Thai ethnic culture: The Thai live in stilt houses with palm or thatched roofs, keeping a lifestyle that feels timeless.

• Hospitality: Sharing a meal means cooking together — a true cultural exchange full of warmth.

• Hiking with locals: Trekking is the main activity here. Guided by villagers, you’ll explore scenic hamlets like Ban Hang, Ban Kho Muong, Ban Cao Hoong, Ban Eo Ken, Ban Uoi, and Ban Chieng Lau.

• Hieu Village waterwheels: See traditional bamboo waterwheels that channel stream water into rice fields — a simple yet ingenious system.

Hiking to the summit of mount Pu Luong

In the language of the Thai ethnic group, Pu Luong means the highest mountain in the region. If you are an avid hiker, conquering the summit of Pu Luong at an altitude of 1700m is an unforgettable experience. It takes 5-6 hours of walking to climb it and enjoy a splendid view of the entire valley.

Swimming at Hieu waterfall

A short hike through the rice fields leads you to Hieu Waterfall. The waterfall, nestled in lush tropical vegetation, forms beautiful pools of clear water suitable for swimming.

Kayaking on the river

For adventure enthusiasts, kayaking on the Pu Luong River is a very interesting option, especially during the rainy season. Paddle through a breathtaking river landscape, passing traditional stilt houses, impressive waterwheels and farmland.

Discovering the local market of Pho Doan

The Pho Doan market takes place every Thursday and Sunday morning. Kinh, Thai, and Muong ethnic groups gather there to sell their products, including peasant agriculture and handicrafts. There aren’t too many tourists here. Don’t miss it if you are in the area on a Thursday or Sunday!

Staying with the locals

Homestay is currently a popular formula in Pu Luong, and it has proven successful in other regions. With the help of the state, the Thai people undertake housing development work that provides a minimalist level of comfort but offers nature-loving and peaceful tourists adequate food and sleeping arrangements. The income they receive directly, without intermediaries, thus significantly improves their living condition

How many days are suggested to visit the Pu Luong nature reserve?

Considering the distance of 180 km from Hanoi and the driving time, a minimum stay of 2 days/1 night is suggested for a perfect discovery of the Pu Luong nature reserve. It is possible to combine it with Mai Chau, the terrestrial Ha Long Bay and an extension to the maritime Ha Long Bay with a cruise.

2 days/1 night minimum to visit the Pu Luong nature reserve

A possible extension of 3 or 4 days in Pu Luong

Day 1: Hanoi – Pu Luong – 180km

• Private car departure from Hanoi to Pu Luong. 180 km – 5 hours drive.

• Meeting these populations is a beautiful experience to live!

• As for the hikes, which are the only activity to practice, you will do them with the host who knows the place better than anyone! You will discover very pretty villages isolated in the middle of rice fields: Ban Hang, Ban Kho Muong, Ban Cao Hoong. If you are a great hiker, Mount Pu Luong is at 1700m and it takes 5 hours to climb and enjoy a splendid view of the entire valley.

• In the village of Hieu, you discover what norias are. A system that collects water, pours it into buckets and pipes and redistributes it to the rice fields.

Day 2: Discovery of Pu Luong then return to Hanoi

• Hiking in Pu Luong and meeting these populations is a beautiful experience! Return to Hanoi. End of the stay.

Puluong Reserve combined with Mai Chau 3 days/2 nights

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau

• Early departure for Mai Chau via Duong Lam. The village of Mong Phu or Duong Lam with its authentic character offers red laterite and rammed earth houses. The village gate, the communal well, the temple courtyard, reflect a peaceful and authentic life. The change of scenery is total.

• Short bike ride in the small alleys to meet and communicate with the villagers.

• Mai Chau is an authentic village, the birthplace of Thai minorities, with stilt houses in the heart of beautiful rice fields surrounded by mountains. Many meetings with the villagers busy with their daily activities. Thai women weave and dye fabrics themselves. They will offer you traditional style costumes they make as well as the embroidery that adorns them.

• We suggest you experience spending a night in a Thai stilt house with thatched roof in the heart of a splendid rice valley.

• The kindness of the Thai people will also give you the opportunity, if you wish, to participate in preparing dinner with the host family.

• In the evening: traditional Thai dance show and tasting of Ruou Can alcohol – a local alcohol made from rice.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Pu Luong

• Meeting these communities is a beautiful experience to live! The hospitality of the Thai people is genuine, and sharing a meal with them also means preparing the meal with them!

• As for the hikes, which are the only activity to practice, you will do them in the company of the host who knows the places better than anyone! You will discover very pretty villages isolated in the middle of rice fields: Ban Hang, Ban Kho Muong, Ban Cao Hoong. If you are a great hiker, Mount Pu Luong is at 1700m, and it takes 5 hours of walking to climb it and enjoy a splendid view of the entire valley.

• In the village of Hieu, you will discover what the norias are. This system collects water, pours it into buckets and pipes and redistributes it in the rice fields.

Day 3: Discovery of Pu Luong and return to Hanoi

• Hiking in Pu Luong and meeting these communities is a beautiful experience to live! Return to Hanoi. End of the trip.

For more information: Ultimate itinerary for a 3-day Mai Chau and Pu Luong tour

Choose our Pu Luong tour for a seamless and unforgettable experience. With years of expertise and deep local knowledge, we provide you with a journey filled with scenic trekking trails, hidden villages and genuine cultural encounters All carefully organized for your comfort   >>> CONTACT US NOW <<<

When to visit Pu Luong nature reserve

The climate of Pu Luong and the best travel time

June: Very hot and humid August: A lot of rain September: Less rain March-May and September-October: Best months with good weather and beautiful landscapes

In Pu Luong, there are 2 rice harvests per year:

• Rice planted from late February to early March

• Green rice fields in April until the end of June

• June is the date of the first harvest and also the time for the second rice planting.

• Green rice fields in September and harvest in October.

How to get to Pu Luong from Hanoi

For those planning a Pu Luong travel adventure, reaching this hidden gem from Hanoi is simple. Located about 160 km southwest of the capital, Pu Luong can be accessed by several convenient options:

• By private car or motorbike: The most flexible way to travel, taking around 4.5 to 5.5 hours via National Highway 6 and Route 15C. Along the way, you can stop for photos, scenic views, and local food.

• By bus or limousine van: Multiple daily buses and tourist limousines depart from Hanoi to Pu Luong (usually via Mai Chau or Canh Nang town). The journey takes 5–6 hours, with many services offering hotel pickup in Hanoi.

• By tour package: A popular choice for first-time visitors. Organized tours include transportation, accommodation, and activities — making your trip completely hassle-free.

👉 At Hanoi Voyages, we provide comfortable transfers and tailor-made Pu Luong travel packages, ensuring your journey is smooth and stylish. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on the experience.

Where to stay in Pu Luong

This Pu Luong travel guide will help you choose the best accommodations near top attractions in Pu Luong. From traditional stilt house homestays to eco-resorts surrounded by rice fields, there's something for every traveler.

Pu Luong Natura

📍 Address: Don Village, Thanh Lam Commune, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

💸 Price: Starting at $70 per night

Pu Luong Natura is a charming 4-star resort located right in Don Village, one of the most popular spots in Pu Luong for trekking and exploring local Thai ethnic culture. From here, guests can easily reach nearby attractions such as Kho Muong Village, Hieu Waterfall, and the Pho Doan Market.

Pu Luong Retreat

📍 Address: Don Village, Thanh Lam Commune, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

💸 Price: Starting at $65 per night

Pu Luong Retreat is one of the most scenic areas of Pu Luong, surrounded by rice terraces and limestone mountains. From here, visitors can easily explore nearby attractions. The retreat features an outdoor infinity pool, a restaurant, a rock garden and panoramic views of the valley. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities like trekking, bamboo rafting, kayaking, and biking.

Pu Luong Eco Garden

📍 Address: Bang Village, Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

💸 Price: Starting at $60 per night

Pu Luong Eco Garden is a peaceful retreat nestled in Bang Village, a great base for exploring the surrounding rice terraces and local ethnic villages. Guests can also enjoy room service, airport transfers, fishing in nearby streams, or rent a car to explore further afield. Just 58 miles from Tho Xuan Airport, this eco-friendly getaway combines natural beauty with modern comfort — perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

Located in the Pu Luong region, this hotel offers a charming and serene setting for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. From the rooms, a magnificent panorama of rice fields and mountains unfolds before your eyes. Choose Hanoi Voyages for a seamless and personalized travel experience crafted by experts dedicated to exceeding your expectations. From tailored itineraries to immersive eco-tourism activities, we ensure every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying Pù Luông’s breathtaking terraced rice fields, lush green valleys and unique cultural heritage. This season, discover the tranquil charm of Thanh Hóa’s hidden gem, where nature and tradition meet in perfect harmony.

Book your unforgettable journey with Hanoi Voyages today!