Explore Pù Luông nature reserve

Pù Luông Nature Reserve is a peaceful haven located just 150 km from the bustling capital, Hanoi. Off the beaten tourist paths, this place is ideal for disconnecting, relaxing... and walking! Hikers, lace up your shoes and discover a breathtaking natural landscape that will leave you in awe.

What to Do in Pù Luông?

To truly enjoy the surroundings, the best way is to put on your walking shoes and set off on a hike. Here's a glimpse of a weekend filled with greenery.

Day 1

Leaving Hanoi early in the morning by private car with a guide, you arrive around noon at Don Village. We choose this village for its tranquility, the quality of its hosts, and the surrounding landscapes. Welcomed by your hosts, you'll share a local meal with them, as if part of the family.

After lunch, take a walk with your guide along the Chieng Lau trail to meet the locals and appreciate their way of life. You'll discover the region’s agricultural structures like the bamboo waterwheels, large wheels used for irrigating rice fields. After this immersive walk in the remote northern parts of Vietnam, it's time to relax with a traditional boat excursion on the river.

Your day ends at your host’s home with a delicious meal, great conversation, a short evening stroll, and a good book... The evening is yours to enjoy!

Day 2

After breakfast, put on your shoes for a nature-filled trek! After leaving your hosts and gathering your belongings, you descend into the valley to follow a trail surrounded by terraced rice fields, where you’ll witness the locals’ daily agricultural tasks. Then, you’ll enter a forest with an impressive landscape that will make you feel as though you've stepped into the jungle. Continue your journey to the villages of Uoi, Lan Ngoia, Du, and Leo, where the villagers share a piece of their daily lives with you, naturally and joyfully.

Every Sunday, a weekly market is held, allowing you to deepen the connection with the place and its people.

Upon arrival at the end of your adventure, your driver will be waiting with your belongings to take you back to Hanoi. On the way, we suggest stopping by Cam Thuy to visit the Sacred Fish River, the cradle of many regional myths.

Practical Guide

Transportation and Guide

Located about 4 to 5 hours away from Hanoi, we recommend traveling by private car with a guide. Since the area is not very touristy, it can be difficult to organize an expedition without local knowledge.

However, you can also reach Pù Luông by bus. Hoang Phuong operates routes between Hanoi and Pù Luông, while Eco Travel offers trips from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a town located near Pù Luông.

Accommodation

Off the beaten path, Pù Luông has limited accommodation options. The most common way to stay is in homestays. The local ethnic groups are the Thai and Muong, who will warmly welcome you into their traditional stilt houses and serve you hearty meals. If you prefer more comfort, you can find better-equipped homestays, although these are rarer.

Weather

The rainy season in Pù Luông lasts from June to September, so don’t forget your rain jacket if you plan to visit during this period. Suitable footwear is also recommended, as the ground can become muddy and sometimes slippery.

The dry season lasts from October to May. This is undoubtedly the best time for hiking, as the temperatures are cooler than in other regions of the North due to the altitude.

However, whether it’s sunny or rainy, the landscapes remain stunning. The vastness of the valley and the variety of colors surround the place with a magical atmosphere.

Planning Your Trip

A visit to Pù Luông is the perfect opportunity to discover the cultural identity of Vietnam’s countryside. Though presented here as a weekend getaway, this excursion can easily be included as part of a longer travel itinerary throughout the country.