Top 6 Things to Do in Pu Luong 2025

160 kilometers from Hanoi, Pu Luong is recently a new off-the-beaten-track retreat which is chosen by foreign travelers when customizing private tours to discover Vietnam. Located in Thanh Hoa province, this town is famous for imposing mountain peaks, winding rivers, spectacular waterfalls and stunning rice terraces. There are many interesting things to do here and nearby attractions. If you don’t have time for a tour to Sa Pa, Pu Luong is the place for you to enjoy pleasant weather in mountainous regions.

Read More:

• Vietnam Weather: Best time to visit the North of Vietnam
• 7 most attractive travel destinations in Northern Vietnam
• Nature and people of Northeast Vietnam

1. Cycling around ethnic villages

With many biking trails, Pu Luong enables travelers to discover the town in its most authentic way. Idyllic valleys, unique terraced rice fields, and romantic mountains are the rewards for eager cyclists. Moreover, you can see Thai and Muong farmers plowing with their water buffalos when you are on a bike. Travelers will be thrilled at spectacular waterwheels which are used to move water to the rice fields. Cycling is a perfect activity for your family holiday in Vietnam.

2. Taking photos of emerald rice terraces

Northern Vietnam is an ideal place for a photography tour. Photographers will be thrilled since they can capture the unique landscape that they cannot find anywhere else. This place will never disappoint you with blue sky, pristine nature, and colorful ethnic culture. Don’t just focus on natural landscapes; ingenuous ethnic people will make your photos more soulful.

3. Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

This province is a brand new place for an adventure and ecotourism tour in Vietnam that overtakes Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang recently. For an adventurous tourist, you can spend a multi-day trip to trek around lesser-known trails and explore rustic ethnic villages: Don Village, Uoi Village, Kho Muong Village, and Hieu Village.

4. Kayaking and rafting in Cham River

Rainy season is the best time for kayaking and rafting in Cham River. You can appreciate wonderful landscapes in a slow rhythm and understand local farming life along the river’s banks.

5. Experiencing homestay in local stilt houses

Staying in a homestay to interact with our hospitable local hosts is the best way to sink yourself into the rich culture of Vietnam. For a high-end option, Pu Luong Retreat is an eco-resort with an affordable price at around US $20. Located on the highest mountain, Pu Luong Retreat offers you a stunning view of luminous-green rice terraces. For budget accommodations from $13-$15, we suggest some options for you:

• Kho Muong Village:
  • Mr. Nech’s Homestay: 0373 8690 293 or 0945 801 124
  • Mr. Nam’s Homestay: 01694.904.372 or 0373.8.677.922
  • Thanh Tuan’s Homestay: 094.580.1224
• Nua Village:
  • Mr. Hoang’s Homestay: 0127 997 3969
  • Mr. Minh’s Homestay: 0125 755 0703
• Kit Village:
  • Mr. Thao’s Homestay: 0167 249 442
• Hieu Village:
  • Mr. Si’s homestay: 0123 818 0616
  • Mr. Ba’s homestay: 0167 640 6177
  • Ly Van Homestay: 096 507 02 08
  • Duy Phuong Homestay: 0166 361 5404

6. Visiting Mai Chau

If you travel to this destination for 2 days or more, we recommend that you take a short cycling tour to Mai Chau as well. Only 40 kilometers from Pu Luong, Mai Chau will complete your ethnic holiday to mountainous Northern Vietnam. You will have a chance to get to know some brocade villages and skillful weaving techniques of ethnic women in this beautiful town.

Read More: 2 or 3 days in Mai Chau

Best time to travel to Pu Luong

Basically, you can visit Pu Luong anytime a year. However, if you wish to take beautiful photos of lush rice terraces, February – May and September – November are the best times to travel to this town. The weather is also pleasant at these time with the average temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius.

What to bring for your Pu Luong trip?

• Appropriate clothing: light clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter.
• A high-quality pair of shoes
• Sun protection items: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, etc.
• Mosquito repellent spray
• Trekking gears
• Camera