15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is situated in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts of Thanh Hoa Province, North Central Coast region of Vietnam. It is bordered by Mai Chau, Tan Lac and Lac Son districts of Hoa Binh Province.
This is our complete travel guide about trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We also provide in this page lots of practical and useful information you might need for planning your upcoming trip to Pu Luong Vietnam.
Trekking in Pu Luong is the best way to discover the fauna and flora system of Pu Luong nature reserve as well as to experience the rich culture and traditions of Vietnamese ethnic groups living in the area. Keep reading this page if you look for anything related Pu Luong trekking, Puluong trek Vietnam, Pu Luong nature reserve trekking, Pu Luong trek, Pu Luong nature reserve hiking.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve, also called Pu Luong National Park 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.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is endowed with great biodiversity, its flora and fauna is closely associated with the Cuc Phuong National Park, the largest remaining area of lowland limestone forest in northern Vietnam. It is an important example of Limestone Karst, ecosystems renowned for their complexity, richness and beauty.
How to get to Pu Luong nature reserve?
Getting to Pu Luong from Hanoi
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in the South West of Hanoi, and easily reached overland. The shortest way is 160 km and a 4 hour drive from Hanoi. This road takes you up to high undiscovered areas in Pu Luong. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and views while driving through small authentic villages. The road passes through two provinces: Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. Along the way there are many worthwhile stops for a panoramic view of the valley of Pu Luong, ethereal foggy forests of bamboo and the stone valley that might remind you of Halong Bay.
Another way from Hanoi is 180 km and a 4 hour drive. The first 120 km you follow the legend Ho Chi Minh Trail. The next 50 km takes you along the famous Ma and through beautiful rice fields.
The last way from Hanoi is via Mai Chau. This road is 190 km and a 4,5 hour drive. This road is to be advised when combining Mau Chau with Pu Luong.
Getting to Pu Luong Nature Reserve from Ninh Binh
Travel from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong? The best way to get to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh is to rent a private car with driver. The service is provided by Ninh Binh Transport Company or at any hotel in Tam Coc. We recommend you to rent a private car with driver for Pu Luong loop that includes Mai Chau, Pu Luong and Ninh Binh.
When to go trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve?
The best weather for trekking in Pu Luong extends from late September to early May with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Late September, October, early November, February, March, April, and early May are the best months to trek in Pu Luong.
In December, January and sometimes February, the weather can get pretty chilly. The stilt houses have no shortage of fluffy blankets to keep you warm at night; staying cool in the summer, however, is more of an issue. The stilt houses usually have fans but even then so they can get uncomfortably hot between June and September. In addition, these months are the rainiest, which makes trekking in Pu Luong more problematic.
It can be cold in the winter from November to the end of February. But the weather is good for trekking in Pu Luong nature reserve. We recommend multi-day Pu Luong hiking tour.
From June to September, it is hot with stronger breezes and higher humidity (60 – 90%). The temperatures are warmer in this time, varying between 28°C and 38°C. We recommend Pu Luong short breaks with day hike from Ban Don or Kho Muong village.
What to explore on your Pu Luong hike?
Ban Hang village
Ban Hang village is nestled in a small valley which also belongs to Pu Luong nature reserve. This small village is inhabited by the Thai ethnic group and can be reached via road 15A that connects Mai Chau and Pu Luong. Ban Hang village is the starting point of many Pu Luong trekking tours.
Kho Muong village
Kho Muong village is nestled at the base of a steep valley. Its remote nature means you can still witness life has it has been over the centuries, revolving around rice fields, vegetable gardens and livestock. A short walk through the hamlet and the rice fields, where you can witness how the people of Kho Muong work in the rice fields.
Ban Hieu village
The scenic Hieu hamlet sits above a hill of tumbling rice terraces and straddles two gushing waterfalls whose easy-grip limestone rocks allow the adventurous to climb up the falls. You can simply relax in refreshing natural pools and afterwards enjoy traditional family meal cooked with produce direct from the land – including home-raised chicken and fish and wild leaves and vegetables from the garden.
Ban Don Village
Ban Don village is located in Thanh Son commune in the area of Pu Luong nature reserve. The village is situated about 30 minute walk from the main road. Ban Don village is one the most beautiful village in Pu Luong Vietnam. From the main road, you can see the Thai traditional stilt houses in the middle of beautiful rice terraces.
Pu Luong cave (hang doi)
Hang Doi cave is located in Kho Muong village. The cave is known for the 5 species of bats that live here in their thousands. The brave can also climb into the cave for an up close view. This walk will amaze you by the greatness of the cave. Try to find rocks who are totally transformed by the water drips coming from the upside of the cave.
Pu Luong hiking trails
Pu Luong trekking route: Ban Cong – Ma River
Pu Luong hiking route: Ban Hang – Ban Sai – Eo Ken – Duom – Kho Muong village
Pu Luong trail: Kho Muong village – Lang Tom
Puluong hiking trail: Kho Muong village – Pho Doan town
Trekking in Pu Luong without a guide?
Travel solo in Vietnam and got the idea of trekking in Pu Luong without a guide? Is it possible to trek Pu Luong independently?
You would better book an all-inclusive Pu Luong nature reserve hiking tour which includes car transfer, English-speaking guide, local porter, accommodation, and meals. Those who are on budget would better take a public bus from Hanoi to Tong Dau junction. From Tong Dau junction, they rent a car or motor-taxi to get to Pu Luong nature reserve. We can help to book a local guide who speaks only Vietnamese, or may be a little bit English.
Pu Luong trekking tours
Pu Luong nature reserve offers a wide selection of trekking tours in the northwest region of Vietnam. It ranges from easy day walks to multi-day trekking homestay tours.
The shortest Pu Luong trek we provide in the area is the two day trip starting from Hanoi, taking you through Mai Chau to Pu Luong nature reserve where you have two half day walking near Ban Don or Kho Muong or Ban Hieu village.
The 3 day Pu Luong hiking tour is our most recommended trip since the itinerary offers you the chance to discover more the region including both the beautiful nature, rice terrace, and the authentic culture. You will have contact with different local Muong and Thai people on your Pu Luong Vietnam trek, and to experience their real, slow life.
If you take a multi-day hike in Puluong, staying at homestay is proposed in almost every Puluong Vietnam hiking tours. You will sleep in the houses of the local people. The houses are simple and each day you will sleep in one kind of house, depending on the origin (ethnology) of the family. The guide will tell you why the houses are different from each others.
You will sleep on the floor, sharing the house with other people (the host, tour guide, other guests). But they put a mattress for you, and make a kind of private room with the mosquito’s´s protector. The bathroom is on another place, outside the house. So don´t forget to take a comfortable sandal to walk outside. It is very comfortable. But maybe you will not find before the end of the trek, so you can take a shoe like Crocs.
In case you join us on a Pu Luong car tour, you have the choice to be either lodged at homestay or Pu Luong lodge. There are several lodges in Pu Luong nature reserve such as Pu Luong retreat, Pu Luong hillside lodge, Pu Luong home, Pu Luong garden, Pu Luong nature lodge…
There are several fantastic hiking trails in Pu Luong. Some popular ones include the Pu Luong Nature Reserve trek, Ban Hieu village trek, and the Pho Doan loop. Each offers unique scenery and experiences, so choose one that suits your preferences.
The best time for hiking in Pu Luong is during the cool, dry season from October to April. The weather is pleasant, and you’ll have clear views of the lush landscapes. However, even the rainy season (May to September) can be enjoyable for trekking if you don’t mind occasional showers.
While it’s not mandatory, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience significantly. They are knowledgeable about the area, can navigate the trails, and provide insights into the culture and wildlife. Plus, it supports the local community.
Essentials include comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing suitable for the season, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a backpack. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery!
Yes, respecting local customs is important. When passing through villages, it’s polite to ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property. Also, dress modestly and be mindful of your noise levels to avoid disturbing the tranquil atmosphere.
Do you have any questions about trekking in Pu Luong that you want to ask us? Is there anything you think I should discuss about Pu Luong Vietnam hiking that we left out… that we should include in future updates to this article?
Leave a comment with your questions and we’ll write you back with a response just as soon as we possibly can.
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In the twenty-first century, Vietnam has become a popular place to go trekking and hiking. It is endowed with a plethora of natural resources, including lush and infinite national parks, colorful hill tribal people, different ecosystems and species, lively and magnificent green jungles, isolated and distant hill paths, rustic villages, nature reserves, and welcoming eco homestay families.
Trekking in Vietnam will satiate the part of you that yearns for an adventure that allows you to fully experience the natural spirit of Vietnam and offers a variety of outdoor sports.
Trekking in Vietnam offers countless chances for those seeking a more personal connection and exchange of feelings with the natural world and other people. From Sapa Hill Station, one can see Fansipan (3143 m), also referred to as the "roof of Indochina," as well as the bottom of the Sapa valley. It provides stunning views and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
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Hanoi – Quang Binh – Tan Nam – Phieng Lang – Pa Duc – QuangThuong – Nam Choong – Quang Nguyen – Coc Cang – Coc Dong – Coc Re – Coc Pai – Bac Ha – Coc Ly – Lao Cai – Hanoi
Magnificent, stunning scenery and the untamed wilderness of Quang Binh and Xin Man Districts in the far north of Ha Giang Province. learning about and experiencing the distinct cultures and ways of life of the local tribal ethnic people. Highlight: Bac Ha, Xin Man, and Quang Binh.
tucked away at the base of the towering Tay Con Linh Mountain chains. Eastern Vietnam's province of Ha Giang. The remarkable natural landscape of the Hoang Su district is being preserved, as is the unique cultural legacy of the ethnic minority population.
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One of the best "hill tribe" treks available is this one. An unmatched chance to experience the local way of life and hike mountain paths that go far into the northeastern Vietnamese highlands.
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The charming hamlet of Sapa is situated in the isolated Northwest Mountains of Vietnam. Sapa is well-known for its diverse range of cultures as well as its untamed landscape. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Sapa is a town in northwest Vietnam situated in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, close to the Chinese border.
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Active travelers have the chance to enjoy and explore the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of Ngoc Son Ngo Luong Nature Reserve, the picturesque rice terrace paddy, the magnificent limestone mountain ranges of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and one of the largest National Parks, Cuc Phuong, during a 14-day trekking adventure that offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in North Vietnam.
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tucked away at the base of the commanding Tay Con Linh Mountain chains. Vietnam's Ha Giang province is in the northeast. The remarkable natural landscape of the Hoang Su district is being preserved, as is the unique cultural legacy of the ethnic minority population.inhabited by 13 ethnic minorities who have coexisted for ages. As typical as H mong, San Diu, Tay, Nung, and Dao... These peoples have come together to create and maintain both material and immaterial cultural values.
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This trip offers some of the best natural scenery in all of North Vietnam. Adventuresome travelers can enjoy and discover the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Mai Chau, as well as the stunning limestone mountain ranges of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. hiking in Hang Kia-Paco's unspoiled areas to take in the stunning views and unspoiled wildlife. Additionally, visitors get to connect with and stay with Muang, Thai homestay tribes, partake in live music performances, and consume traditional cuisine. Trekking on a combination of excellent single-track pathways and rough, rolling Jeep trails, we saw beautiful scenery as we passed through villages and over verdant rice paddies.
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With the notable exception of the region around Dong Van and Meo Vac, the provinces of northeastern Vietnam, which arc eastward from Ha Giang to Lang Son, lack the magnificence of their counterparts west of the Red River Valley. Here, the peaks are generally lower, the views are more intimate and have a gentler character overall, and there are less minority people dressed traditionally. Although it's still not as easy to see everything as it is in the northwest, the recently upgraded route between Meo Vac and Cao Bang makes it possible to visit the breathtaking scenery of Ha Giang Province, Ba Be Lake, and the area surrounding Cao Bang without having to go back.
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You can select from a variety of trekking excursions that we provide, all of which are tailored to give you the opportunity to take in some of the most breathtaking landscapes and scenery that Vietnam has to offer. You will be able to spend the night in a local family home or a tent beneath the stars while on the treks.
The majority of our hikes begin with a jeep trip that gets us outside of town and into the true experience. Your Vietnamese guide, who speaks English, will be able to respond your inquiries concerning the local ethnic minority cultures and customs as well as the landscape. You will just need to bring a modest daypack with your personal items and, of course, your camera on the treks. The remaining luggage will be carried by porters from the Black H'Mong ethnic minority hill tribe in specially made waterproof sacks.
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For clients who are physically healthy, have decent mobility, and have some trekking experience, this is a challenging trek excursion. At several points during the hike, heavy rain may create problems and make the pathways treacherous.The vacation can be planned for any time of year. Rice and corn farming provide the most beautiful environment, which is observed from May to September. Regretfully, July and August see particularly excessive rains during this hot and humid period. October, November, and the early part of December had pleasant weather. Although it is chilly and cloudy in January and February, things do improve in March and April.
