About 160 kilometers from Hanoi, Pu Luong is recently a new off-the-beaten-track retreat which is chosen by foreign travelers when customizing private tours to discover Vietnam. Located in Thanh Hoa province, this town is famous for imposing mountain peaks, winding rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and stunning rice terraces. There are many interesting things to do in Pu Luong and nearby attractions. If you don’t have time for a tour to Sapa, Pu Luong is the place for you to enjoy pleasant weather in mountainous regions.

1. Cycling around ethnic villages

With many biking trails, Pu Luong enables travelers to discover the town in its most authentic way. Idyllic valleys, unique terraced rice fields, and romantic mountains are the rewards for eager cyclists. Moreover, you can see Thai and Muong farmers plowing with their water buffalos when you are on a bike.

Travelers will be thrilled at spectacular waterwheels which are used to move water to the rice fields. Cycling is a perfect activity for your family holiday in Vietnam.

2. Taking photos of emerald rice terraces

Northern Vietnam is an ideal place for a photography tour. Photographers will be thrilled since they can capture the unique landscape that they cannot find anywhere else.

Pu Luong will never disappoint you with blue sky, pristine nature, and colorful ethnic culture. Don’t just focus on natural landscapes; ingenuous ethnic people will make your photos more soulful.

3. Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong is a brand new place for an adventure and ecotourism tour in Vietnam that overtakes Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang recently.

For an adventurous tourist, you can spend a multi-day trip to trek around lesser-known trails and explore rustic ethnic villages: Don Village, Uoi Village, Kho Muong Village, and Hieu Village.

4. Kayaking and rafting in Cham River

The rainy season is the best time for kayaking and rafting in Cham River.

You can appreciate wonderful landscapes in a slow rhythm and understand local farming life along the river’s banks.

5. Experiencing homestay in local stilt houses

Staying in a homestay to interact with our hospitable local hosts is the best way to sink yourself into the rich culture of Vietnam. For a high-end option, Pu Luong Retreat is an eco-resort with an affordable price at around the US $20.

Located on the highest mountain in Pu Luong, Pu Luong Retreat offers you a stunning view of luminous-green rice terraces.

6. Visiting Mai Chau

If you travel to Pu Luong for 2 days or more, we recommend that you take a short cycling tour to Mai Chau as well. Only 40 kilometers from Pu Luong, Mai Chau will complete your ethnic holiday to mountainous Northern Vietnam. You will have a chance to get to know some brocade villages and skillful weaving techniques of ethnic women in this beautiful town.

Best time to travel to Pu Luong?

Basically, you can visit Pu Luong anytime a year. However, if you wish to take beautiful photos of lush rice terraces, February – May, and September – November are the best times to travel to this town. The weather is also pleasant at this time with the average temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius.

What to bring for your Pu Luong trip?

– Appropriate clothing: light clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter

– A high-quality pair of shoes

– Sun protection items: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, etc

– Mosquito repellent spray

– Trekking gears

– Camera