Pu Luong Nature Reserve Vietnam is located in Thanh Hoa, it's about 175 km from Hanoi. This is an excellent destination if you're seeking stunning mountain views, vast terraced fields, and a glimpse into the lives of Northern Vietnam's ethnic groups. And especially, if you have spent a whole week in the crowded and bustling center of Hanoi, Pu Luong offers a perfect change of pace.
I had long wanted to visit Pu Luong but never managed it until my birthday trip with my best friend two months ago. This trip came quite unexpectedly and was prepared quickly. I chose Autour Asia, a Vietnam travel agency that I know via Reddit and decided to give it a shot. It was my first time using their services, and I must say, everything turned out great! Autour Asia, from planning the tour to its completion, left us thoroughly satisfied. The professional team and their dedication to arranging the program have made the dream of setting foot in Vietnam, specifically Pu Luong, come true.
To begin our journey, we got up early and readied ourselves to leave from Hanoi Opera House at 7:00 am, located at No. 1 Trang Tien. The shuttle bus ride from Hanoi to Pu Luong would take about 4 to 4 and a half hours. A tip: carrying a book along might help pass the time or simply watching the ever-changing scenery while in the bus can be quite enjoyable, giving you a glimpse of Vietnam's beauty! On that day, I finished reading my incomplete book and arrived in Pu Luong by around noon.
What are the best things to do in Pu Luong in 3 days? Well, I've got some great tips from friends who've been there. They shared some must-see spots in Pu Luong, which helped me plan my trip. Before heading out, I did a lot of research and had a chat with Autour Asia about my plans.Their team did their best and created a perfect tour program. Below is my 3-day itinerary for exploring Pu Luong that might be super helpful for you if you're also thinking of visiting Pu Luong, Vietnam!
This is one of the things to do in Pu Luong. Cham stream is the biggest one in Pu Luong and is formed by several smaller streams. Local folks often come here for fishing and bathing. My experience here was really interesting: I hopped onto a bamboo boat for the first time and got to enjoy the scenery from there. Afterward, I took a dip in the clear, blue waters of Cham Stream. The serene moments I spent there stayed with me even after the trip. Also, when you're at this stream, you can spot bamboo water wheels along the banks. The water wheels you see along the stream are a lovely part of the Thai people's way of life. These are not only agricultural production tools but also a highlight for the Pu Luong village scene.
My Pu Luong tour 3 days on the second day started with an exploration of Kho Muong cave, also known as Bat cave. The way to the cave is a bit twisty—a cliff on one side and a deep abyss with green terraced fields and clear pools of water on the other. If you are also an adventure lover and want to explore nature like me, this path will not be difficult, it will only make you more excited for what is about to be discovered. When I stood in front of Kho Muong Cave for the first time, I was amazed by its wild beauty. Kho Muong cave is made up of towering limestone blocks that formed around 250 million years ago. According to the guide, this cave is home to various types of bats, at least four kinds during different times of the year. If you get the chance to visit Pu Luong, make sure to explore this bat cave. The deeper you go into the cave, the more surprises you'll encounter!
In Pu Luong Vietnam, the beauty of nature will always surprise you. After exploring Kho Muong cave, we visited Hieu waterfall which is like a hidden gem amidst the majestic nature of Pu Luong. Surrounded by terraced fields and grand limestone mountains, Hieu Waterfall is a sight to behold. From the top of the waterfall, you can admire the grandeur of the mountains and catch a glimpse of the peaceful life in the Thai ethnic group's stilt houses at the mountain's base. At this picturesque waterfall, the soothing sound of flowing water and nature's melodies enveloped the air, bringing a sense of peace that I was seeking. I vividly remember spending a long time soaking in the refreshing waters at Hieu Waterfall.
One of the best things to do in Pu Luong is to visit ethnic villages. On the last day of our trip to Pu Luong, we had the opportunity to explore Don Pu Luong village. In this village, weaving is a traditional profession of the Thai people. During this visit, I learned more about the traditional culture of the Thai people and met and talked with kind and friendly people. If you have the time, you can learn weaving techniques from the locals themselves. This will definitely be one of the experiences not to be missed when coming to Pu Luong Vietnam.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Vietnam has amazing homestays and bungalows. On this trip, I stayed at Pu Luong Natura Bungalow, and it was an ideal place to stay and the best decision for this trip. PuLuong Natura Bungalow offer various rooms at different prices. I had a room with a stunning view of the valley. Regarding Natura Puluong's service, I am completely satisfied. They always take care of customers thoughtfully and bring me maximum comfort. Moreover, what I really like about this hotel is the infinity pool – it's a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery around. Overall, I'm really happy with my choice!
What did I eat during the 3 days 2 nights Pu Luong tour? Since attractions and restaurants are far apart in Pu Luong, we mostly ate at the hotel for convenience. Sometimes, we had meals in the villages while exploring. At the hotel I stayed at, the restaurant menu offered both traditional and Western dishes. They also had a morning buffet at the restaurant. Some Pu Luong specialties to try are Co Lung duck, grilled stream fish, and steamed mountain snails. All these dishes were delicious and really satisfied my taste buds!
The best time to visit Pu Luong 3-day trip depends on weather and rice field conditions:
🌿 Best Time (Cool & Green Landscape): March – May & September – November
Best for trekking, rice terraces, and local village experiences
Comfortable temperatures (18°C - 25°C)
🌾 Golden Rice Harvest Season: Late September – Early October
The best time to see golden rice terraces in full bloom
🌧 Rainy Season (Lush Green but Muddy Trails): June – August
The rice fields are at their greenest, but rain may affect trekking routes
👉 Recommendation: Visit in September – November or March – May for cool weather, stunning landscapes, and the best trekking conditions.
Here’s a suggested PuLuong 3-day itinerary to make the most of Pu Luong’s landscapes and cultural experiences:
🌄 Day 1: Hanoi → Pu Luong – Trekking & Ethnic Villages
07:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi to Pu Luong (~4-hour drive)
11:30 AM: Arrive, check in at a homestay or eco-lodge
12:30 PM: Enjoy a local lunch with mountain specialties
02:00 PM: Short trek to Kho Muong Village & Bat Cave (hidden gem of Pu Luong)
04:00 PM: Explore Uoi Village & Lan Village, surrounded by stunning rice terraces
06:30 PM: Dinner at the homestay, try grilled chicken & bamboo-tube rice
07:30 PM: Optional: Join a Thai ethnic dance & cultural performance
🥾 Day 2: Hieu Waterfall & Scenic Trekking Routes
07:00 AM: Traditional Vietnamese breakfast with local coffee
08:00 AM: Start a long trek to Hieu Waterfall (~2-3 hours)
10:30 AM: Arrive at Hieu Waterfall, enjoy swimming and relaxation
12:30 PM: Have lunch in Hieu Village, try local grilled fish
02:00 PM: Visit a local Thai ethnic family, learn about their traditions
04:00 PM: Trek back or return by motorbike taxi (xe ôm)
06:30 PM: Sunset dinner at the homestay
🌾 Day 3: Don Village, Bamboo Water Wheels & Return to Hanoi
07:00 AM: Breakfast at the homestay
08:00 AM: Visit Don Village, famous for bamboo water wheels & traditional farming
10:00 AM: Light trek through rice terraces & stilt-house villages
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant with mountain specialties
02:00 PM: Depart for Hanoi
06:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi
🏡 Best Homestays & Eco-Lodges in Pu Luong:
🌿 Budget Homestays ($20 - $25 per night)
Pu Luong Nature Homestay – Family-run, simple but scenic views
Pu Luong Eco Homestay – Traditional stilt house experience
🌿 Mid-range Homestays ($50 - $70 per night)
Pu Luong Retreat – Comfortable bungalows, infinity pool with rice field views
Pu Luong Eco Garden – Cozy rooms with great nature views
🌿 Luxury Eco-Lodges ($90 - $150 per night)
Pu Luong Boutique Garden – Private bungalows, high-end amenities
Pu Luong Riverside Lodge – Ideal for a peaceful, scenic retreat
👉 Recommendation: Stay at Pu Luong Retreat or Pu Luong Eco Garden for the best mix of comfort, nature, and cultural experiences.
Would you like transport recommendations or trekking route details? 😊
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