Pu Luong Nature Reserve is famous for its mountainous landscapes with peaceful Thai ethnic people villages and daily life.
Ideal for trips to northern Vietnam, Pu Luong (Vietnamese name: Pù Luông) is located in the northwest of Thanh Hoa province, about 160 km from Hanoi. Inhabited by the Thai and Muong ethnic groups, this region offers a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, streams and waterfalls, caves, majestic mountains, peaceful villages, and lush terraced rice fields.
At an altitude of 1,700 meters, Pu Luong enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all year round, with pure and extremely invigorating air. Explore in this article the 12 must-see places to discover during your visit to Pu Luong in Vietnam.
1. Kho Muong Village
Kho Muong Village is about 150 km from Thanh Hoa city, situated in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This village retains its wild natural beauty with little human influence.
Visit Kho Muong in Pu Luong, Vietnam
Thanks to its cool climate and unique landscape, Kho Muong can be visited year-round. From May to September, the golden rice fields are especially beautiful.
The village is inhabited by the White Thai people. Visitors can stay in traditional stilt houses and observe the locals farming rice, corn, and cassava, gaining insight into their cultural life.
Kho Muong also offers special dishes like duck, corn wine, and salads made from wild vegetables. In the evenings, you can join campfires, enjoy traditional drinks, and engage in cultural activities with the residents.
2. Kho Muong Cave (Bat Cave)
A must-visit destination in Pu Luong, Vietnam, is Kho Muong Cave, renowned for its fascinating limestone structure formed 250 million years ago. This cave is connected to an underground river system about 2.5 km long that flows through Kho Muong village.
Kho Muong Cave in Pu Luong
Upon entering the cave, you will have the opportunity to see uniquely shaped rock formations that resemble human figures, trees, or fierce beasts, all in various colors.
The cave also features a deep passage leading to a vast clearing where visitors can fully appreciate the stunning interior landscape of Kho Muong Cave.
3. Son – Ba – Muoi Village
Known as the “little Sapa of Thanh Hoa”, Son – Ba – Muoi is high up in Lung Cao commune, around 1,180 meters above sea level.
The village is divided into three main areas and keeps many traditional customs of the Thai people. It’s a favorite spot for tourists visiting Vietnam. Here, you can see beautiful natural sights like large terraced rice fields and houses overlooking a sea of clouds, and enjoy the friendly welcome from the local people.
4. Don Village
Don Village is in Thanh Lam commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province, in the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. It’s known for its ethnic culture and unique stilt houses, making a peaceful village scene in the valley.
Don Village in Pu Luong, Vietnam
Don Village has the largest terraced rice fields in Pu Luong. The best times to visit are:
- Late May to early June
- Late September to early October
During these times, you can see the rice fields turn a bright golden color and enjoy the sweet smell of ripe rice.
5. Hieu Waterfall
When discovering Vietnam, you should take a look at the Hieu Waterfall, which is in the middle of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. It’s located in Hieu village, in the Co Lung commune, and is a must-see when visiting Pu Luong in Vietnam.
Hieu Waterfall stretches for about 800 meters and splits into two branches that flow in different directions before joining again at the end. Around the waterfall, you’ll find limestone mountains hidden in an ancient, untouched forest, along with ethnic villages and beautiful terraced rice fields.
Hieu Waterfall
The stream at Hieu Waterfall never runs dry and always has clear blue water. It’s a perfect spot for visitors wanting to escape the city’s smoke and noise, relax, and enjoy the fresh air by the always-whispering waterfall.
6. Village of Hieu
The village of Hieu, inhabited by Thai people, is located along the Hieu stream, which flows from the peak of Pu Luong. With over a hundred traditional houses, this place offers a stunning landscape with charming homes scattered on either side of the stream.
The climate in Hieu village is cool all year round. Therefore, even if you visit in summer, it is advisable to bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Another important note: this village is situated amidst the mountains and forests of Pu Luong, so there are many insects. Remember to bring mosquito repellent, either in spray or cream form.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring a pair of sports shoes to make it easier to get around.
7. Mount Pu Luong in Vietnam
If you are a trekking and adventure enthusiast, Mount Pu Luong is an ideal destination to challenge yourself. Standing at an altitude of 1,700 meters, the ascent to the summit can take about 5 to 6 hours in good weather.
From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Vietnam and breathe in the fresh air. You can also camp on the mountain and watch the sunrise the next morning.
Mount Pu Luong
8. Pho Doan Ethnical Market
If you’re into exploring Vietnam’s ethnic markets and immersing yourself in local culture, you can’t miss out on the Pho Doan market in the Lung Niem commune.
This market operates only on Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings each week. It’s a place where the Thai, Muong, and Kinh ethnic groups come together to trade goods and share their cultures.
What draws visitors to this market is the cultural and commercial exchanges on an equal footing. Sometimes, transactions don’t just involve money but also bartering goods.
For instance, a chicken might be exchanged for two dozen eggs and some vegetables, leaving both parties feeling satisfied and happy. Shopping at the market usually doesn’t require price negotiation. There’s rarely haggling or bidding; you simply feel comfortable and satisfied to buy the product immediately.
9. Cham Stream
Pu Luong is a natural reserve, so its ecosystem is incredibly diverse and rich. Among the treasures of this region, the Cham Stream stands out as a beautiful feature that adds to Pu Luong’s splendor in Vietnam.
You can experience bamboo rafting on the Cham Stream, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the mountains and forests as you glide gently on the water.
Cham Stream
10. Water Wheels in Pu Luong, Vietnam
In the villages of Xat and Chieng Lau, you’ll find the highest concentration of water wheels along the Cham River. To reach these villages, you’ll cross suspended bridges.
The water wheels are crafted from bamboo, rattan, wood, reed, among other materials. Their creation is the result of accumulated knowledge passed down through generations, marking a significant advancement in rice farming civilization.
This area offers an ideal setting to admire the charming sight of spinning water wheels. Best times to enjoy this spectacle are between 6 am and 9 am, or in the late afternoon from 4 pm to 6 pm, when you can capture the most romantic lighting and atmosphere along the river.
Water Wheels in Pu Luong
11. Muon Waterfall
The Muon Waterfall, also known as Mo Cascade in Pu Luong, Vietnam, sits roughly 500 meters above sea level.
Water trickles from crevices in the rocks atop the mountain, spreading into a wide valley spanning several hectares, then cascading down the mountainside to form multiple levels of successive waterfalls.
Flowing through 43 levels of cascades of varying sizes, amidst landscapes of rocks, water, and dense forests, the waterfall stream winds its way to the Đại Lãnh River, eventually joining the majestic Mã Giang River.
What makes visiting Muon Waterfall particularly captivating is the ability to climb the levels without needing to remove your shoes, thanks to the smooth yet non-slippery rock type here, making it easy to stroll and admire the waterfall from above.
12. Uoi Village
Uoi Village is also recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Pu Luong, Vietnam. Seen from above, the village resembles a stunning painting. The limestone mountains appear as limestone islands in Ha Long Bay, stretching at the foot of the mountain.
The village is adorned with vast undulating terraced rice fields, behind which lies a lush palm forest. In the center, a clear, cool stream serves as the focal point, creating a peaceful and breathtaking landscape worthy of a canvas of this village.
To reach Pu Luong, it’s advisable to take a car from Hanoi or other northern provinces of Vietnam. Hence, it’s best to rent a car in Vietnam with a driver who can guide you through the famous tourist sites of Pu Luong, Vietnam. With its rich natural landscapes and unique local culture, Pu Luong is an ideal destination for your Vietnam Eco-Tourism tour.
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How is the weather in Pu Luong in February and March?
Is the Pu Luong Retreat a good place to stay?
Hi Ken Slater,
February and March will be spring in Vietnam. The weather features mild conditions, and the temperatures is from 18-25°C. This will be the festive season, as the Thai and Muong gather to celebrate new year. You can participate in their traditional celebrations as well as visit the vibrant local markets. In my opinion, Pu Luong Retreat is a great place to stay: a vintage vibe, delicious food, friendly staff, good spa service and very reasonable prices.
If you need help with planning the trip, don’t hesitate to let us know!
Have a good day,
Mi Nguyen