Discover Pu Luong Nature Reserve: A Quiet Alternative to Sapa

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Pu Luong?

Where to Stay: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing accommodations. Here are the top hotels and homestays in Pu Luong.

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Mid-Range

Tai Dam Homestay

High-End

Pu Luong Boutique Garden

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Pu Luong Tours: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Pu Luong. Here are some of the most popular tours to explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve and beyond.

1. Explore Pu Luong in One Day
2. Private 2-Day Tour of Pu Luong‍
3. 2-Day Tour of Pu Luong and Mai Chau‍

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Looking for a hassle-free trip from Hanoi? Book this comfortable van and arrive in Pu Luong in no time.

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Pu Luong Nature Reserve Overview

Nestled in northern Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a lesser-known ecotourism destination near Hanoi. It's primarily known for trekking, with numerous hiking trails winding through lush forests and rice terraces.

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Pu Luong is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities, where traditional stilt houses are scattered across the landscape. Here, you can find local handcrafts and enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine. In recent years, new accommodations have begun to appear in some villages, but you’ll still find family-run homestays that uphold local traditions, allowing you to experience its authentic charm.

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As Pu Luong gains popularity among both local and international visitors, we recommend going soon to experience its unique atmosphere before it undergoes significant changes. After five years in Vietnam, we can confidently say Pu Luong is one of the most beautiful places we've had the pleasure of visiting.

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Pu Luong Map

Here is a map of Pu Luong to help you get around. We’ve also added our favorite spots including some of the most beautiful viewpoints we’ve discovered.

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Discovering Pu Luong Nature Reserve

While Pu Luong is perfect for relaxation, it also offers exciting adventures if you’re looking to explore more. Here are our top things to do in Pu Luong during your visit:

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Ethnic Minority Villages

Pu Luong is home to numerous ethnic villages, including Kho Muong and Hieu, as well as several smaller areas nestled in the valleys and along the mountainsides.

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Start your day early, as life in Pu Luong begins before daylight. Head out around 6am to visit local villages and catch the farmers at work in the fields.

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Read: Best Villages to Visit and Stay in Pu Luong

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During our visit in late May, most villages were in the midst of harvesting season. Many locals were already hard at work in the rice fields by sunrise, taking advantage of the cooler morning hours. By 8am, they all returned for breakfast, and the fields were noticeably quieter from 10am until late afternoon.

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Pu Luong has two harvest seasons: late May to early June and September to October. Plan your trip during these months to experience the breathtaking scenery and the rice terraces turn a golden hue.

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Doi Cave

Nestled in the limestone mountains of Kho Muong village, Doi Cave, also known as Bat Cave, offers an inviting entrance lined with impressive stalactites. Stepping inside, you'll find steep steps leading deeper into the cave. As you descend, keep an eye out for the purple flowers scattered on the ground, softly lit by the light from above.

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The entrance fee is about $1, and if you’re planning to explore inside, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the climb down. There’s also a toilet and a small shop selling drinks and snacks near the entrance. It’s a good spot to grab a cold water or sugarcane juice to refresh after exploring the cave.

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You can drive your motorbike up to the cave entrance, though the road is steep and narrow, so take it slow. Alternatively, you can find a xe om (motorbike taxi) at the entrance of Kho Muong Village offering rides to the cave and back for about $4.

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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!

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Hieu Waterfall

There’s no better way to cool off after exploring Pu Luong than by taking a dip in the Hieu Waterfalls.

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Situated in Hieu village, this cascading waterfall is about 800 meters high and has several natural pools where you can swim. The best pool is near the homestays and a few restaurants, where you can relax and enjoy a snack.

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Getting to the waterfall is easy if you have a motorbike. You can park close to the falls for less than $1. If you have a car, the narrow road means you’ll need to park near the entrance and walk about 10 minutes. To skip the walk, hire a xe om (motorbike taxi) at the entrance for a reasonable price.

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Want to experience one of Vietnam’s most stunning waterfalls? Check out our guide to Ban Gioc Waterfalls in Cao Bang!

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Pho Doan Market

Held every Thursday and Sunday morning, Pho Doan Market is a lively gathering place in Pu Luong for local ethnic minorities like the Muong and Thai to buy and trade goods.

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Read about our favorite ethnic markets in Vietnam, the Pho Cao Market and Meo Vac Market located in the Ha Giang Region.

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Like many markets in Vietnam, Pho Doan Market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts, clothing, and region-specific items like spices and herbs.

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Tip: Visit early in the morning (before 9am) to see the market at its busiest.

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Cultural Activities in Pu Luong

Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities in Pu Luong by participating in activities like cooking, weaving, and embroidery.

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Tip: The best place to join in on these activities is at your homestay, where cultural experiences are often arranged during your stay.

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We stayed at Tai Dam Homestay, where our host spent her free time weaving, allowing us to observe the traditional process up close. A variety of woven products, including scarves, were on display and available for purchase.

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Read: Discovering Lao Xa, a Hmong village in Ha Giang

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Trekking in Pu Luong

Known as a trekking destination, Pu Luong features numerous trails, from discovering remote villages to walking along scenic rice terraces. For the best experience, we recommend going with a local guide from your homestay.

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Want to skip the planning? Book this 2-day trekking in Pu Luong tour, complete with a guide, lodging, and round-trip transport from Hanoi.

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If trekking through remote villages and terraced fields isn't enough, consider climbing Pu Luong's highest peak, which stands at 1,700 meters. Join a full-day tour with an experienced guide, as it's a challenging hike, and most tours include camping at the summit. Organize your trek through your homestay, so they can recommend a reputable local guide.

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For more challenging hikes, make your way to Phong Nha National Park, where you can explore Vietnam's incredible caves.

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Drive Around Pu Luong 

Renting a motorbike to explore Pu Luong is one of the best experiences you can have. The reserve stretches across multiple valleys, connected by a network of narrow roads that reveal breathtaking views around every corner, with each valley seemingly more beautiful than the last.

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A highlight for us was the road to Hieu Village; driving down this route in the morning, we saw thousands of white butterflies, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere.

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Note: Butterfly season in Pu Luong usually lasts from April to May.

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As you drive around the nature reserve, keep an eye out for the bamboo water wheels, a common sight throughout Pu Luong. These wheels not only symbolize the reserve but also play a vital role in helping locals irrigate their rice fields.

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Looking for more road trips in the area? Our northwest motorbike itinerary takes you through remote villages, towering mountain peaks, and scenic winding roads.

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Beyond Pu Luong

If you have more time and want to venture beyond Pu Luong, here are some nearby villages that are definitely worth a visit.

Mai Chau Valley

Located about 50 kilometers north of Pu Luong, Mai Chau is a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields and lush mountains. You can visit the two villages of Lac and Poom Coong, home to the White Thai ethnic minority. Mai Chau also offers plenty of places to stay, making it a great spot to spend the night. (Don't miss the traditional roasted chicken served at many homestays.)

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If you have more time, head just north of Mai Chau to the rarely visited Go Lao Waterfall for a refreshing dip. Read more about this route in our 1-Week Northwest Motorbike Route.

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Pu Bin Village

Just south of Mai Chau Valley, Pu Bin is a secluded village nestled in the remote mountains of Mai Chau District. Since it can be challenging to access without your own transportation, we recommend spending at least one night in Pu Bin rather than attempting a day trip. This way, you can fully enjoy its tranquil surroundings and authentic atmosphere.

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Read More: Plan your trip to Pu Bin Village.

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Eating and Drinking in Pu Luong

During our visit, the homemade meals served at our homestay were a highlight—prepared with the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. Most homestays serve set meals, typically featuring rice or noodle dishes alongside fresh vegetables and some type of protein.

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Beyond the homestays, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes dotted throughout the valleys. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Pu Luong.

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Pu Luong 0 Km: Also known as Pu Luong Auberge, this spot in Don Village is a fantastic choice for lunch with amazing views. The menu offers a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes and great pizzas. Be sure to try the chicken with passion fruit sauce and the vegetable curry with potatoes. 6am-10pm

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Na Co Nhan Oi: This spot is perfect for relaxing with a drink in hand. Head over around sunset, and sit outside to take in sweeping views of terraced rice fields—some of the best we’ve seen in Pu Luong, especially during harvest season. 6-11pm

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Nha Hang Gateway: Set in traditional stilt houses of the local Thai ethnic minority, this restaurant in Don Village offers stunning views of the lush valley. It serves a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including some of Pu Luong’s local specialties. Some popular meals include duck dishes and braised pork belly. 7am-11pm

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Where to Stay

Pu Luong has several villages with a range of accommodations, from homestays to resorts, tucked among rice fields and rolling hills. Be prepared for bugs and mosquitoes—don’t forget to pack your repellent!

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Tip: 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.

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During our visit, we stayed at Tai Dam Homestay in Hieu village, a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the paddy fields. Find all Pu Luong accommodations here.

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Mid-Range

Tai Dam Homestay

High-End

Pu Luong Boutique Garden

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 were in 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.

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To witness the rice fields turning golden, plan your visit to Pu Luong during the main harvest season, which occurs from May to June and September to October.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How Long to Spend in Pu Luong

Pu Luong offers a wide range of activities if you’re looking for adventure, as well as a great setting for relaxation. To get the most out of your stay, we recommend spending at least two full days.

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Visiting for two days gives you plenty of time to explore the villages, caves, and waterfalls, with enough time left to relax at your homestay and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes.

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How to Get from Hanoi to Pu Luong

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located around 170 kilometers, or about a 4-hour drive, from Hanoi. Most shared transport options depart from the Old Quarter around 7am.

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Here are the best ways to reach Pu Luong from Hanoi:

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Mini Bus: A convenient way to reach Pu Luong, seating up to 16 passengers with reasonably comfortable seats and affordable tickets priced around $17 per person.

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‍Book your mini bus here!

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Limousine Van: For a comfortable trip from Hanoi to Pu Luong, limousine vans offer cozy seating for up to 8 passengers, with tickets priced around $21 per person.

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Book your van here!

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Private Car: For the most convenient way to reach Pu Luong, consider hiring a car with a private driver—ideal for families or groups. Prices start at around $100.

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Book your car here!

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Motorbike: For a more scenic journey, consider renting a motorbike from Hanoi to Pu Luong. It offers the freedom to explore the countryside and pause at various viewpoints along the route. Rent your motorbike with Rentabike here!

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Join a Tour: For a hassle-free visit to Pu Luong, consider booking a tour that handles all the logistics, so you can simply relax and enjoy your trip.

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Here are some popular tour options that combine Pu Luong with other destinations like Ninh Binh and Mai Chau.

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Getting Around Pu Luong

Riding a motorbike is the best way to get around Pu Luong, allowing you to explore the area and reach more remote villages. Just be cautious, as some roads can be rough and narrow.

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Bicycles are available for rent, but keep in mind that some parts of Pu Luong are quite hilly, making biking challenging. Walking through the small villages and terraced fields is also a wonderful way to interact with the locals.

From the stunning rice terraces and mountain views, head southeast to the majestic karst mountains of Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land”. Take in the scenery from a boat gliding through the Trang An Complex or Tam Coc, or soak up the sweeping views from Hang Mua viewpoint.

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Looking for more tips on exploring Pu Luong? Drop your questions in the comments below!