Pù Luông Nature Reserve

Pù Luông Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in northern Vietnam. This nature reserve is situated in Quan Hóa and Bá Thước districts of Thanh Hóa Province, North Central Coast region of Vietnam. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is bordered by Mai Châu, Tân Lạc and Lạc Sơn districts of Hòa Bình Province. The reserve is located along two parallel mountain ridges, that run from north-west to south-east, and are divided by a central valley, which contains several human settlements and a large agricultural land area, therefore, is not included within the nature reserve. Pù Luông is endowed with great biodiversity, its flora and fauna is closely associated with the Cúc Phương National Park 25 km south-east.

Pu Luong is a natural reservation in northern land of Vietnam. It is 160 km away from Hanoi and takes 4-hour driving to south-west of Hanoi.

Best Time to Visit Pu Luong: Late May and early June offer lush greenery and a serene ambiance, perfect for rejuvenating mind and soul. Even in the height of summer, Pu Luong maintains a comfortable temperature owing to its position in a low limestone mountain area with tropical rainforests and sparse population. September and October mark harvest time, painting the terraced mountainsides a glorious yellow, creating an opulent and dreamy atmosphere. However, Pu Luong welcomes visitors year-round for tranquil nature experiences.

How to Reach Pu Luong: The most popular modes of transportation to Pu Luong are motorbikes or cars, which can be easily rented in Hanoi. Alternatively, you can opt for a limousine from Giap Bat or My Dinh stations, with the journey taking approximately 4.5 hours. It's recommended to break the journey in Ninh Binh or Mai Chau to explore more of Northern Vietnam's beauty.

Things to Do in Pu Luong:

Hiking:

Explore beautiful country roads that lead to hilltop vistas in Pu Luong. En route, visit small villages and traverse villagers’ plantation areas. Witness breathtaking views of mountains and valleys, especially during sunrise when the mist enveloping the mountains dissipates in the sunlight.

Biking:

Escape the city bustle with a bike ride along Pu Luong's serene roads, breathing in fresh air and tranquility. While the main mode of transportation here is bicycles, adventurous cyclists can tackle challenging mountain routes. Many homestays in Pu Luong offer complimentary bicycles for guests. Visit Ethnic Villages in Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Discover the cultural richness of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to the Thai and Muong ethnic groups. Marvel at their stilt houses, observe traditional farming practices, and savor ethnic cuisine. Don Village, Son, Ba, and Muoi Village are among the notable spots to explore.

Explore Pho Doan Market:

Experience the vibrant local market scene at Pho Doan Market, where ethnic minorities trade their goods. Browse traditional silk costumes, sample tube wine, and indulge in mountainous vegetables and fresh fruits. Admire the Scenery from Pu Luong Mountain Peak: Challenge yourself to conquer Pu Luong's peak at 1,700 meters high, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of stilt houses, terraced fields, and cloud-kissed landscapes that evoke a dreamy ambiance.

Hieu Waterfall:

Visit Hieu Waterfall in Hieu Village for a community-based ecotourism experience. Marvel at its five small waterfalls with beautiful blue-green water, perfect for a refreshing swim. Additionally, observe the iconic bamboo water wheels used for agricultural irrigation throughout Pu Luong.