Pu Luong: What to Do, Things to See & Is It Worth Visiting?

What to Do and Best Things to See in Pu Luong: Pu Luong Nature Reserve is amazing landscape, that the ethnic Thai people made this enchanting valley their home long ago. The slow pace in Pu Luong Area is a striking contrast to life in the capital just a few hours away. Endless mountains, fertile valleys and pristine jungle are just a few good reasons to visit. Here are some of the best Things to Do and What to See to make the most of your time in this beautiful destination.

- Trekking to the Top of Pu Luong: Trekking is the best way to soak up the amazing natural splendour of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Access to maps and marked trails are limited throughout the park, so hiring an experienced local guide will save you time and help you with the perfect route. You may like to hike to the Pu Luong ‘s Peak, or do a multi-day trek and hike through the entire reserve.

- Discover Amazing Caves: There are a few caves in Nature Reserve of Pu Luong. Doi Cave or Bat Cave (Vietnamese: Hang Dơi) is the biggest one and you can make a trekking to the cave. The cave itself is not very spectacular compared with the caves in Halong Bay or Phong Nha National Park, but the way to get there is amazing. It is close to Kho Muong village, of the White Thai People. A short trekking through the village and the rice fields, where you can witness how the local minorities work on the fields, takes you to Hang Doi Cave. There are many thousands of bats living inside the cave with 5 different species.

- Join Bamboo Rafting: Rafting will bring you unique experience, and is done on a quiet fresh water river on a bamboo raft. You travel like a local fishermen down a river and whatch local farming life on both sides and pass a couple of bamboo water wheels from up close. It is a very peaceful way of seeing the real local life along the Cham River.

- Take a swim in Thác Hiêu Waterfall: From the top of the Hieu village, it’s only a short hike through the rice fields before you will see a series of dreamy waterfalls cascading down the hillside. Climb down and follow along to where the two streams meet and the natural pools become larger. This is the perfect spot to cool down with a quick dip, relax in nature, and explore different sections of the falls. 

- Visitting to an ethnic Thai Village: Pu Luong Nature Reserve is dotted with quaint hamlets and villages throughout the park, each with its own unique beauty and history. Most of the communities in the reserve are the Thai people, an ethnic group with two local branches, White Thai and Black Thai. The Thai people are highly skilled at wet rice cultivation and their homes are built in a raised stilt style. Staying at one of these homestays is a fantastic way to experience local customs and see what life is like for this Vietnamese minority.

- Immerse yourself in beautiful nature: Pu Luong’s mountains are covered with tropical rainforest, while the valley is a series of local cultivated rice terraces. Take a walk along the valley floor or in the foothills to get up close with the area’s flora and fauna. Listen to the waterwheels and forest sounds, wave at farmers and grazing water buffalo, and snap pictures of the greenery and wildlife. Simply being in Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a breath of fresh air.

- Learning about local crafts: Long-established ways of living have been passed down from generations to generations in Pu Luong. The Thai people have kept the habits of their ancestors as an important part of their life. Weaving, embroidery, basket making and bamboo furniture are all key skills of the Thai people. Take the opportunity to learn about any these traditions with a craft workshop during your stay. You’ll not only learn something new but also support local enterprise and help them to preserve these timeless traditions.

- Enjoy dine on farm-to-table home cooking: There’s nothing more delightful than authentic food made from ingredients grown right in the area. Pu Luong Area is home to an amazing array of fresh vegetables such as baby pumpkin leaf, green beans and bamboo shoots. With so many local freshly harvested options, you’re likely to find a few new favourites on the dining table. For a authentic Pu Luong lunch or dinner, try the locally raised pork and grilled mountain snails dipped in Vietnamese fish sauce.

Compare to Sa Pa and Mai Chau, Pu Luong might not be an ideal destination for everyone, as this area is pretty remote. However, it is worth it when you can admire the outstanding landscape of mountains and forests together with local culture of Thai Hilltribe Group, one of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Adventure Journey

See Related Articles:

• Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Location, Weather, Best Time to Visit
• List of 10 Best National Parks for Wildlife Discovery in Viet Nam