Pu Luong 1 day tour is a great option for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and terraced fields. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in the southwest of Hanoi, approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) away, which is about a 4-hour drive from Hanoi and a 3-hour drive from Ninh Binh.

Known as a serene alternative to the touristy Sapa, Pu Luong offers a remote, rustic, and beautiful experience. The area is famous for its lush green rice fields, friendly locals, waterwheels, bamboo trees, and more. Hidden within the heart of a primeval rainforest and connected to modernity only by small, dusty roads, this secret retreat remains relatively unknown to domestic tourists.

Despite its challenging accessibility, the true beauty of the nature reserve, its awe-inspiring landscapes, and the unique culture of the ethnic groups will undoubtedly captivate you as soon as you arrive

1.RICE TERRACE IN BAM VILLAGE (From 18$/person)

Located atop a hill amidst lush terrace rice fields, Bầm village offers travelers an incredibly pleasant sightseeing experience. Starting from Pù Luông Natura, our car will take you along the national road to the starting point of a gentle trek on a narrow concrete path to visit Bầm village.

Time: 01 – 02 hour(s)
Classification: Easy walking

Included:
– English speaking local guide
– Transportation from and to your hotel to Bam village
– 01 bottle of water per person

2. COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE IN DON VILLAGE

Being the largest Thai ethnic village within the Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Đôn village comprises 162 households nestled amidst the picturesque mountainous landscape.
Starting from Pù Luông Natura, our local tour guide will lead you on a trek through magnificent terrace fields and beautiful rice paddies, deep into Đôn village. Here, you'll have the chance to meet and learn about the lives of the residents, capturing memorable photographs.

Stop on this exploration of Đôn village is at the home of Mr. Nhàn, owner of the oldest stilt house in the village, built in the 1950s. You’ll be explained about the house, talk to Mr. Nhan and his family, and learn to make unique palm-leaf hand fan

Continuing the journey, you'll visit a family specializing in traditional weaving techniques, gaining insight into the
art of ”thread – picking,” used to create patterns on scarves or traditional Thai women’s belts. At the conclusion of the excursion, your guide will accompany you back to Pù Luông Natura for rest

Time: 02 hours
Classification: Easy walking
Included:
– English speaking tour guide
– Visiting fee and workshop as mentioned in the itinerary.
– 01 bottle of water per person

Not included:
Moto taxi in case you cannot finish your walk

3. HALF DAY TREKKING PÙ LUÔNG NATURA – ƯƠI VILLAGE – LẶN TRADITIONAL WEAVING VILLAGE

The 3 – hour trekking journey directly from Natura will take you to visit Ươi and Lặn villages. Quietly nestled in the
valley, visible from the Natura's infinity pool, Ươi and Lặn villages are connected by a small path that winds through
lush green rice fields.

The walking route will lead you directly from Natura, through terraced fields, to Ươi village – a Thai village situated along the mountain range and hidden within a palm forest

Continuing through the rice fields, you'll reach Lặn village, known as one of the traditional villages where you can learn about a traditional weaving technique called “thread picking”, creating incredibly rich patterns that convey the stories of the local Thai people: crabs, elephants, dragons, and more.

You'll have the opportunity to visit and enjoy tea at the house of an elderly woman who is also a thread – picker – the storyteller of the village. You'll walk back to the village's main road, where a car will be waiting to take you back to Pù Luông Natura

Time: 03 hours
Classification: Easy trekking (short walk with some moderate slope in various terrain but mostly cement road)
Included:
– English speaking local guide
– Transportation from Lặn village to your hotel
– 01 bottle of water per person
– Visit of a local’s house

Not included: Moto taxi in case you cannot finish your walk

4. FULLDAY TREKKING PÙ LUÔNG NATURA – ƯƠI VILLAGE (2KM) – KHO MƯỜNG VILLAGE (6KM) – KHO MUONG CAVE (2KM)

This is one of the most diverse trekking routes in Pù Luông, where visitors can experience terraced rice fields, explore Thai villages, trek through forests, and learn about the Pù Luông Nature Reserve with its abundant and diverse flora and fauna.

Starting from Natura, our local guide will lead you on a walk down to Ươi village – a Thai village nestled in the valley, hidden within the natural palm forest along the hillside. Continuing the trek through the forest along a roughly 6 km trail, you will arrive at Kho Mường, famous for its majestic Kho Mường Cave.

Pause at the orange orchard to enjoy the refreshing green atmosphere (if in season, you might pick oranges from the orchard), before having lunch at a villager's home. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the expansive Kho Mường Cave, adorned with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, habitat for at least 4 species of bat..

You'll continue walking for approximately 2km along a concrete path, reaching the village's exit where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Natura for relaxation. This concludes the journey.

Time: 06 hours
Classification: Medium trekking (average length trekking route in various terrain. Shoes are required)
Included:
– English speaking local guide
– Transportation from Kho Muong village to your hotel
– 01 bottle of water per person
– Fees for visit and tea/water drinking at the mandarin orchard in Kho Muong village
– Visit Kho Muong cave
– Vietnamese lunch at a local’s house including water and green tea

Not included:
– Moto taxi from Kho Muong village to the main road where our car waits.
– Shopping expenses
– Canned beverages, other beverages that aren’t listed in “Included”
– VAT is not included and might be changed according to Vietnamese’s law
– Tips for local guide if satisfied

How to Get to Pu Luong

Pu Luong is situated approximately 160km from Hanoi. To reach it, follow National Highway No. 6 and then turn onto Route 15C, passing through Mai Chau before finally arriving at Pu Luong. Despite having a clear route, accessing Pu Luong can be challenging due to its remote location and the winding, steep roads that connect it to the main highway.

Therefore, a skilled local driver and a reliable minivan are essential for the journey. We can easily arrange these upon request. Feel free to contact us if you want to ensure a wonderful time in Pu Luong.

For travelers coming from Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces, especially in southern Vietnam, it is recommended to take a flight to Thanh Hoa and then transfer to a minivan to reach Pu Luong.

Best Time to Visit Pu Luong

Nestled in the highlands of Thanh Hoa, near Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh and Mai Chau in Hoa Binh, Pu Luong enjoys a tropical rainforest climate. This makes it cooler and more pleasant than the nearby cities and towns, even during hot summer days.

Pu Luong is renowned for its stunning rice terraces, with two ideal periods to admire their beauty:

May – June

During this time, local people start a new crop. The rice terraces are filled with water, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, majestic mountain ranges, and surrounding green trees. The landscapes become even more breathtaking during sunrise and sunset.

September – October

This is the harvest season in Pu Luong, offering a spectacular view of the golden rice terraces covering every corner of the multi-layered fields. It's also a time for local festivals and special events, celebrating the harvest with joy and cultural activities.