Pu Luong

Pu Luong is a nature reserve in Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts (Thanh Hoa), with forested mountain ranges, terraced fields, streams and water wheels belonging to the Thai and Muong peoples. It is an ideal place to rest, take easy walks and get away from the city.

Top sights

• Don, Hieu and Kho Muong villages – villages with beautiful terraces and many stilt-house homestays.

• Hieu Waterfall and Son Ba Muoi Stream – swim in the streams and take easy walks in the forest.

• Hoi Xuan water wheels – giant wheels on the bank of the Ma River.

• Pu Luong summit and sunrise viewpoints – for trekking lovers.

• Local markets and brocade-weaving villages – learn about Thai and Muong culture.

Local food

Grilled free-range chicken, stream fish, five-colour sticky rice, bamboo-tube rice, sour fermented pork, wild vegetables and corn wine.

Best time to visit

May – June (flooding season) and September – October (harvest) are best. In the rainy season (July – August) the streams run strong, so take care when trekking.

Getting there

From Hanoi it is about 160 km, 4 – 4.5 hours via Hoa Binh, Hoi Xuan or Cau Che. A car is recommended; some roads are narrow and steep, so drive slowly and carefully.