Guide to Pu Luong’s Villages: Best Area to Stay and Visit

Plan Your Trip to Pu Luong

Are you planning your Pu Luong trip last minute and don’t have time to read the whole article? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top rated accommodations you can book right away. 

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Budget

Inh La Home

Mid-Range

Pu Luong Eco Graden

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Want a hassle-free transfer from Hanoi? Book this comfortable van to Pu Luong that will take you to your accommodation in no time. 

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Overview of Pu Luong Nature Reserve

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is approximately a four-hour drive from Hanoi. Also known as ‘little Sapa,' Pu Luong boasts amazing views of rice fields, local villages, and trekking opportunities.

However, because it is not as popular or developed as Sapa, you can still expect some authentic homestays to immerse yourself in the local culture. In addition, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is quiet and does not attract many foreign visitors—at least not yet!

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Pu Luong Map

Here is a map of Pu Luong Nature Reserve to help you navigate the villages better. We’ve marked the best places to stay and visit. 

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Where to Stay in Pu Luong

One of the highlights of Pu Luong Nature Reserve is its many small villages scattered throughout the area. Each village offers a range of accommodations to suit different travel styles, from simple homestays to luxurious bungalows, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place that fits your needs.

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Tip: Most homestays serve delicious farm-to-table meals, so you can enjoy all your food right where you’re staying.

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Among the many villages in Pu Luong, there are three areas that are concentrated with homestays and are developed for tourism. These are Hieu village, Don Village, and along the main road (QL15C).

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Hieu Village

The Hieu Village is known for the Hieu waterfall, one of the best places to visit in Pu Luong, and has two main areas.

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One area sits right beside the waterfalls, reached by a narrow, unpaved road and accessible only on foot or by motorbike. The village has a few homestays and restaurants, and although it gets its fair share of visitors, it rarely feels overcrowded. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the waterfalls and enjoy daily swims, especially during the hot summer months!

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Read: Visit one of Vietnam’s largest and most impressive waterfalls at Ban Gioc in Cao Bang, around 335 km north of Hanoi.

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The other part of Hieu village sits higher up the mountain, with a small cluster of stilt houses surrounded by terraced rice fields. Reaching this area requires a short but steep 10-minute drive along a winding mountain road.

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We stayed at Thai House during our visit and found that it is the quietest and peaceful village in Pu Luong. If you rent a motorbike, you can easily go around the area and even hike down to reach the Hieu waterfalls.

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Here are the most highly rated homestays in Hieu village:

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Budget

Thai House

Budget

Duy Phuong Homestay

Don Village

Don Village is the most developed area in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with numerous homestays and bungalows spread across the foothills and surrounded by rice fields.

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Most homestays offer breathtaking views of rice terraces and mountains, and several newer ones feature infinity pools, perfect for cooling off in the summer months!

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We stayed at Inh La Home on our most recent visit and found it a great base for getting around. Our host was also incredibly helpful throughout our stay.

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For one of the best viewpoints in Pu Luong, head to Culture Pu Luong Restaurant. Stop for drinks around sunset, then take a slow drive along the paved road winding through the rice fields for an unforgettable experience.

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Here are the most highly rated accommodations you can book in Don Village:

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Mid-Range

Inh La Home

Mid-Range

Pu Luong Aroma

Main Road - QL15C

Many homestays and restaurants are scattered along the main road in Pu Luong (CT02), just before the road to Kho Muong and Don Village. This area is convenient for staying because it provides direct access to the main road, making it easy to reach most of Pu Luong’s attractions.

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Although the road can get busy with passing cars during the day, most homestays are set along the mountain road, offering guaranteed stunning views of the mountains and rice terraces below.

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Here are the most highly rated accommodations to stay by the main road in Pu Luong: 

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Mid-Range

Pu Luong Jungle Lodge

High-End

Pu Luong Eco Garden

Pu Luong Villages to Visit

During our visit, we drove through the villages of Pu Luong and discovered some of the most beautiful views and scenic roads in the area. Here are the top villages to explore in Pu Luong Nature Reserve!

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Kho Muong Village

Kho Muong Village sits at the foot of Pu Luong’s towering mountains, surrounded by expansive rice fields. A highlight of the village is Doi Cave, also known as Bat Cave.

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Looking to explore more of Vietnam’s underground world? Phong Nha–Ke Bang offers countless caves, from easy walks to multi-day expeditions.

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Reaching Kho Muong Village is an adventure in itself. The road winds along steep, narrow mountain paths accessible only on foot or by motorbike. If you’re driving a car, you’ll need to park at the top near the arch entrance, where motorbike taxis are available for hire.

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The village has a few traditional homestays, while most residents belong to the White Thai ethnic minority. After exploring the cave, you’ll find a handful of local restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.

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Several local homestays are available in the area. You can book a stay at Mr. Nech’s Homestay by contacting +84 917252041.

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Ui Village

Ui Village sits at the heart of one of Pu Luong’s most beautiful valleys, tucked between mountains and wide sweeps of lush rice terraces.

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To get to the village, you'll have to drive down a narrow road that cuts through the rice fields, with a lone karst peak prominently positioned in the middle.

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Tip: The mountain road connecting Don and Ui villages is steep and winding, so drive carefully and avoid driving at night.

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Lan Village

The beautiful countryside of Lan Village lies just next to Ui Village. Its scenery is defined by vast rice fields and stretches of purple wildflowers that line the road leading into the village.

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It was harvest season during our visit, and the entire village was bustling with locals working in the fields from early morning. Driving through the area and interacting with the farmers was a truly delightful experience.

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Planning a stay in Pu Luong? See all homestays here.

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Pho Doan Village

Pho Doan is the main hub for locals in Pu Luong, featuring rows of restaurants, cafes, and small shops. The Doan Market opens only on Thursdays and Sundays. So, if you’re in the area on these days, don’t miss it!

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Locals come to the market to buy and sell fresh produce, livestock, handmade goods, and more. For the liveliest experience, we recommend arriving before 8 am.

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Make your way to northern Vietnam and explore its vibrant ethnic markets, including the Bac Ha Sunday Market in Lao Cai and the Meo Vac Market in Ha Giang.

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Lang Long Village

Just next to Pho Doan, you’ll pass through Lang Long, a small village surrounded by expansive rice fields. One of our favorite spots here is a narrow road winding through the fields that leads to a local preschool. In the morning, you might see parents riding with their children on the way to school.

If you visit during harvest season, you will see many locals working in these fields in the early morning.

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Planning a stay in Pu Luong? See all homestays here

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Lac Village

Just before reaching Hieu Village is Lac Village. Beyond its stunning rice terraces, the village is known for the white butterflies that flutter through the fields and roads in the morning.

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It’s common to see locals with nets catching these butterflies, which, we were told, are sometimes cooked with local vegetables as a traditional dish.

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Pu Luong FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Read our comprehensive guide to visiting Pu Luong complete with everything you need to know to help you plan your trip.

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How to Reach Pu Luong From Hanoi

The best way to get from Hanoi to Pu Luong is by van. Departing daily from the Old Quarter, these vans offer comfortable seats at affordable prices.

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Book your van to Pu Luong here!

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Best Time to Visit Pu Luong 

For the best weather conditions, the best time to visit Pu Luong is from March to May or September to November.

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Read More: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How Long Should You Visit

Pu Luong is a great place to relax and enjoy some trekking. So the more time you have, the better. However, we recommend staying in Pu Luong for at least two full days.

How to Get Around

Renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to get around. The distances between the villages are significant, and driving around will allow you to see and experience more of Pu Luong.

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Coming from Hanoi? Drive the scenic route to Pu Luong and rent a quality motorbike at Rentabike.

And that’s the most comprehensive guide you’ll read about the villages in Pu Luong! 

We hope this article has helped you choose the most suitable area to stay and visit in Pu Luong. Read our ultimate guide to Pu Luong to further plan your trip to one of our favorite places in Vietnam!

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Let us know in the comments below if we’ve missed anything.