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Discover Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Things to Do, Where to Stay & More!

June 2, 2023
13 Min Read
Vietnam
Rice fields with mountains in the background in Pu Luong, Vietnam
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Discover Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Things to Do, Where to Stay & More!
Written by 
Karla
Updated On 
October 20, 2023
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Are you looking for an alternative to the ever-developing and touristic Sapa but still want to witness amazing terraced rice-fields? Then look no further than Pu Luong Nature Reserve! 

 

Pu Luong is only 4 hours from Hanoi and offers breathtaking views, authentic homestay experiences, friendly locals, and plenty of activities - minus the crowds!

Here is our comprehensive guide to visiting Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Vietnam. We’ve included our 13 best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, when to visit, and many local tips you won’t want to miss.

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Plan Your Trip to Pu Luong

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Don’t worry. Here are the top things you need to book and start planning your trip to Pu Luong today!

How to Get There: Book a comfortable van to Pu Luong 

Where to Stay: Tai Dam Homestay (Highly Rated)

Tour to Book: One Day Trekking with a Local (Excellent Value)

A woman walking in the middle of rice fields with views of the mountains in Pu Luong.

About Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Vietnam

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in the Northern Region of Vietnam and is one of the lesser known ecotourism destinations close to Hanoi. It is mostly known for being a trekking spot because of its numerous hiking trails through lush forests and rice terraces.  

It is also home to the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities with traditional stilt houses, handicrafts, and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. After 4 years of living in Vietnam, we're proud to say that the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places we've seen in the country. 

Three local huts in the middle of the rice fields in Pu Luong

Although there are currently limited accommodations catering to tourists in some villages, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has been able to keep its cultural heritage well preserved, so you can still enjoy its authentic charm. 

But this will change soon as Pu Luong continues to become more popular among both local and international tourists. So, we highly recommend visiting Pu Luong soon to experience its unique atmosphere before it undergoes significant changes.

A woman with a bamboo basket walking in the middle of the rice fields in Pu Luong
A woman pointing at the man burning dried leaves in Vietnam.

How to Get from Hanoi to Pu Luong 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located around 170km away from Hanoi and takes about 4 hours to drive. There are many ways on how to get to Pu Luong and most leave in the morning around 7am. 

A man sitting on a red motorbike looking out into the mountains of Vietnam.

Mini Bus: A great way to reach Pu Luong and can seat up to 16 people. What makes this a great option is that the seats are comfortable and tickets are affordable, which costs around 17 USD per person. Book your mini bus here!

Van: One of the best ways to travel to Pu Luong from Hanoi as the seats are comfortable. Most vans are marketed as limousines and can seat up to 8 people. A ticket costs around 21 USD. Book your van here!

A woman wearing a Nonla and bamboo basket on her back as she walks down the road in the middle of the rice fields.

Private Car: The most convenient way to travel to Pu Luong is to hire a private car with a local driver. This is the best option for families and groups of friends traveling together. Renting a private car starts at 100 USD. Book your car here!

Motorbike: If you’re looking to see more of the countryside, consider renting a motorbike from Hanoi to Pu Luong. It’ll give you more freedom and you can stop at viewpoints along the way. Rent your motorbike with Rentabike here!

Tip: Make sure you’re insured! Get your travel insurance at Heymondo now and get 5% off for being our reader

A motorbike park on the road with views of the yellow rice fields and lush mountains in Pu Luong

Tours in Pu Luong 

Looking to experience a stress-free visit to Pu Luong? Consider booking a tour that will take care of everything so all you have to do is relax and make the most of your visit! 

Here are the most popular tours to book in Pu Luong which also includes other destinations, such as Ninh Binh and Mai Chau. 

Where to Stay 

There are few villages within Pu Luong that you can stay at including the Don village and Kho Muong village. During our visit, we stayed at Tai Dam Homestay quietly tucked in the mountain in Hieu village. It is very peaceful and quiet with amazing views of the rice-fields. Find all Pu Luong accommodations here.

Best Time to Visit Pu Luong

You can visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve all year round but for the best weather conditions, visit from March to May or September to November

 

We went to Pu Luong at the end of May, and the midday heat was harsh and very humid due to a heat wave. Despite that, we had great conditions with plenty of sunshine. The rice fields were also at their best, as they carpeted the whole area in green and were surrounded by lush forests. 

Tip: If you visit in May, simply avoid going out after lunch and the nights will usually cool down.

Locals harvesting rice fields in Pu Luong, Vietnam

You can also visit Pu Luong during the main harvest season, from May to June or from September to November, to see the rice fields turn yellow. Read our comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Vietnam to help you plan your trip further.  

13 Best Things to Do in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

There are plenty of things to do in Pu Luong if you want to explore the countryside of Vietnam, learn about the cultures of the ethnic minorities, or simply relax.

A woman wearing a traditional hat harvesting rice in Pu Luong

1. Enjoy a Relaxing Stay a Local Homestay

With the incredible natural beauty that surrounds Pu Luong, staying at a local homestay and taking in the scenery is an experience in and of itself. Relaxing at a local homestay in Pu Luong, nestled between rice fields and hills, is a wonderful alternative for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi

A traditional stilt home of Tai Dam Homestay in Hieu Village in Pu Luong.

2. Join the Cultural Activity in Pu Luong

Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities residing in Pu Luong Nature Reserve by participating in activities such as cooking, weaving, and embroidery. Learn about their way of life and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich heritage. 

Tip: Ask your homestay for cultural activities during your stay. 
Arial view of Hieu Village in Pu Luong with stilt houses and rice fields.

We stayed at Tai Dam Homestay, and the elderly woman wove during her free time. You can purchase the scarves on display at the homestay, and you can observe how they are woven traditionally. 

A busy Pho Doan Market in Pu Luong with women selling vegetables.

3. Visit the Ethnic Minority Villages

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is dotted with many Thai and Muong ethnic villages, such as Kho Muong, Hieu, and many other smaller areas located along the valley and mountainside. 

One of the best things to do is visit the local villages and immerse yourself in the local culture of the minorities. 

Arial view of Lan Village in Pu Luong with views of mountains and rice fields.

Some villages in Pu Luong were harvesting by the end of May. We found many locals in the rice fields early in the morning before the sun became too strong. 

Two women in the middle of the rice fields harvesting in the early morning.
A happy woman smiling at the camera as she holds rice.

4. Take a Closer Look at the Water Wheels 

The water wheels along the river are the symbol of Pu Luong and seeing it in person is one of the unique things to see during your visit. The water wheels are a common sight to see everywhere in Pu Luong and are a great way for locals to irrigate their rice fields. 

We saw a couple on the way to Hieu village and you can easily walk to some narrow paths to see the water wheels up close. 

Three waterwheels with rice view in Pu Luong Vietnam

5. Swim at Hieu Waterfall

Swimming at Hieu waterfalls is an excellent way to cool off after exploring the villages in Pu Luong. Located in Hieu village, the waterfall is about 800m high with a couple of pools you can swim to. The best one is where most of the homestays are located and some restaurants nearby if you want to have some snacks.

Two children swimming in Hieu waterfalls in Pu Luong

It’s easy to get there if you have a motorbike. Drive to the entrance and park your bike on the right for less than 1 USD. If you’re taking a car, the road is very narrow so you’ll have to park near the entrance and walk for about 10 minutes. It’s a bit of a walk, so we recommend hiring a motorbike taxi at the front to take you to the falls for a reasonable price.


Looking to visit one of the most popular waterfalls in Vietnam? Read our guide to the Ban Gioc Waterfalls in Cao Bang!

Cascading Hieu waterfall in Pu Luong Vietnam

6. Trekking in Pu Luong

Pu Luong offers numerous trekking opportunities during your visit. Explore remote villages and walk along the rice paddies. We recommend going with a local guide from your homestay for the best experience. Alternatively, you can book your Pu Luong trekking tours in advance online.

7. Hike to Pu Luong Mountain Peak

If trekking through remote villages and terraced fields isn't enough, consider climbing Pu Luong's highest peak, which stands at 1700 meters. We recommend joining a full day tour with an experienced guide as it’s a challenging hike with most tours camping at the summit. Organize your trek with your homestay so they can recommend you with a local guide. 

A woman carrying a bamboo basket full of plants on her back.

8. Explore Doi Cave

Doi Cave, also known as Kho Muong cave, is a magnificent cave you can visit in Pu Luong. There's no entrance fee, but you are asked to pay a small amount to use the toilet. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if you decide to explore the cave and climb down. 

Inside the Doi Cave in Pu Luong, Vietnam

You can find a toilet by the entrance and a small shop that sells drinks and chips for snacks. It’s a nice place to stop after the cave and get some cold water and sugarcane juice for refreshments. 

A bamboo bridge to get to the entrance of Doi Cave

You can drive your motorbike all the way to the cave's entrance but be careful as the road is very steep and narrow. So narrow even that cars cannot pass. There are many motorbike drivers waiting at the entrance of Kho Muong Village who can drive you to the cave and back for around 4 USD. 

Looking for more cave tours in Vietnam? Check out our guide to visiting Phong Nha’s Tu Lan cave system, one of the biggest cave systems in Vietnam! 

A red motorbike park on a road with views of green rice fields.

9. Lunch at Pù Luông 0 Km Restaurant

Located in Don Village, Pù Luông 0 Km Restaurant or also known as Pu Luong Auberge is a great spot for lunch. They serve traditional Vietnamese cuisine and if you’re craving for some western food, they also serve pizzas. 

Though we didn’t get to try their pizza, we can recommend the chicken with passion fruit sauce and the vegetable curry with potatoes. 

Farm-to-table cuisine of the Pu Luong Restaurant

The prices are slightly higher than in most homestay restaurants, but they are still reasonable. We liked the restaurant's decor and atmosphere, but the views were the most spectacular! 

Lush rice terraced fields of Pu Luong, Vietnam

10. Discover Pho Doan Market

Pho Doan Market is a place where local ethnic minorities like Muong and Thai can buy and trade their goods. It is only held on Thursdays and Sundays and is an interesting place to visit in Pu Luong if you’re in the area. You'll find a variety of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing. 

Read about our favorite ethnic market in Vietnam, the Pho Cao market located in the Ha Giang Region. 

Tip: Visit early in the morning before 9am to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market. 

A woman selling clothes in Pho Doan Market, Pu Luong
Local residents of Pu Luong buying fresh vegetables at the Pho Doan Market

11. Have a Drink at Coffee View

If you’re looking for a place to relax and have a drink, then head to Coffee View located in Don Village. We recommend coming here towards sunset and sitting outside. 

A motorbike driving through the rice fields of Pu Luong

There are few tables across the street from the main coffee shop that overlook the terraced rice fields, which are some of the best we’ve seen in Pu Luong. If you visit during the right season, you’ll witness the entire area carpeted in green. 

Vast yellow rice fields and mountains of Pu Luong Nature Reserve

12. Drive around Pu Luong 

Probably one of the best things you can do is rent a motorbike and drive around, discovering the whole Pu Luong. There are just so many small streets that lead you to some of the most picturesque views. 

 

A woman sitting down on a cart carrying a wooden basket full of harvested rice.

The road leading to Hieu Village is one of our favorites. Driving down this street in the morning, we saw hundreds of white butterflies, which added to the dreamy atmosphere. 

A woman catches butterflies with a net
Two women walking on the road with white butterflies fluttering in the air.

13. Day Trip to Mai Chau

Drive about 50km from Pu Luong to Mai Chau and explore the peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields. You can walk around two tourist villages in Mai Chau: Lac and Poom Coong, which are home to the White Thai ethnic minority. If you have the time, Mai Chau has plenty of accommodations you can stay at and enjoy. 

Tip: We recommend trying out the roasted chicken for lunch at any of the homestays in Lac Village.

How to Get Around 

Driving around on a motorcycle is the best way to get around Pu Luong. You can explore more of the area and further villages and can get around quite easily. Just be careful as some of the roads are rough and narrow. 

Two women crunching down carrying bamboo baskets in Pu Luong

You can rent a bicycle, but some parts of Pu Luong are so hilly that driving may be difficult. Walking around the small villages and terraced fields is also a great way to interact with the locals. 

A narrow paved wall in between yellow rice fields in Pu Luong

Pu Luong Top Travel Tips

1. Stay Longer. We recommend staying at least 2 full days in Pu Luong to get the most out of your stay and to fully immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes, authentic culture and relaxing atmosphere.

2. Book your accommodation in advance. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from but the best ones get booked fast, especially during weekends and holidays. 

A woman walking in the middle of the rice fields with  bamboo basket on her back.

3. Check the weather forecast. So you can prepare yourself and pack the necessary clothes and your activities accordingly. 

4. Bring mosquito repellent. Because most homestays are located in rice fields, bugs and mosquitoes are to be expected.

Women wearing traditional hat walking on the street.

5.  Start your day early. Life in Pu Luong starts really early. Head out as early as 6am to catch locals on the fields. By 8, they’ll be heading back for breakfast, and you’ll see fewer people working from 10 until late in the afternoon. 

Looking for more tips to help you make the most out of your trip? Read our 17 things you need to know before visiting Vietnam!

Where to Next?
Hanoi
Famous Hanoi Train Street
Ninh Binh
Boats on a river in Tam Coc, Vietnam
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And that’s the ultimate guide to visiting Pu Luong!  

From the authentic homestays to the amazing landscapes, a visit to Pu Luong is a must. If you found this guide helpful, you can read more of our comprehensive Vietnam articles to help you plan your trip. Find inspiration for your Vietnam itineraries and check out our inspiring stories!


Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

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