Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa

Pu Luong is a large nature reserve just 160km South West of Hanoi. Covering over 17,000 hectares, the nature reserve has many sights and attractions including dense forest, great mountain passes, small ethnic villages, waterfalls and more. Pu Luong can be visited at any time of year but thanks to the large number of rice fields it is good to visit when these are also in season, which is late September to October and April to June. 

Getting to Pu Luong with Motorbike

At just 160km from Hanoi, you can easily reach Pu Luong from Hanoi in about 4 hours making it a good first or last stop of a trip. But there are also many places nearby which you can continue to after or before making Pu Luong in the middle of your journey. 

Mai Chau is the closest at about 50km, while Ninh Binh is just 125km to the East. Heading further North you have Moc Chau at 110km away and Ta Xua further still at just over 200km. 

If you are heading South to eventually finish in HCM, or the centre of the country, then Pu Luong could be your final stop in the North before heading south on the QL16. 

Depending on which of these places you are heading from or to you could be entering or leaving Pu Luong from the North, South, East or West. 

Where to Stay

Pu Luong has a very large number of homestays. Most of these are found along the QL15C facing North into the mountain range creating the border between Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh. But there are also more hidden deeper inside the nature reserve. 

The prices for the homestays here vary greatly, while you can find a cheap dorm room for just 150k vnd, you can also stay in a luxury resort with an infinity pool for 1mil vnd per night.

The small road to the North of Pu Luong passes over the mountains you can see from the homestays is a stunning ride. At the top there is a spectacular view of the reserve where you can take in the rice fields, villages and with the right weather get above the clouds. 

A few sharp cut backs and then you start your descent into the Pu Luong with a long road hugging the mountain side.

Dan Waterfall

Located in the South East of Pu Luong is the Dan Waterfall, a small waterfall although quite tall. At the base is a small pool where you can relax and take in the views. 

When visiting with a motorbike you can ride right up to the waterfall and park at the base. Due to the location of the falls you will often get it all to yourself.

Unique Wooden Bridge

On the way to Dan Waterfall is a unique wooden bridge. About 100m long bridge stretching over the Nam Ma River made from bamboo and old oil drums to keep it afloat. 

The bridge is easily strong enough to take bikes but you might not feel that when you first see it.

Hieu Waterfall

Another waterfall in Pu Luong is the Hieu Waterfall. This is located much more central in the reserve with homestays very close by and more infrastructure here. You can enjoy drinks and food here, and if staying nearby can walk to the falls. 

This does mean that the waterfall will be busier and has less of a natural feel when compared to Dan Waterfall but the location makes it much easier to visit.

Bamboo Rafts & Waterwheels

The small river towards the South of Pu Luong has 2 highlights, the bamboo rafts and bamboo waterwheels. These are just 3km apart. 

The bamboo rafts are just 50k vnd per person and lasts 1 hour as they take you on a relaxing ride up the river to enjoy the peaceful scenery. 

The water wheels just further south down the river. A series of bamboo waterwheels that supply water to the surrounding rice fields and farming land. The bamboo water wheel as well as the bamboo walk ways create a unique sight and a peaceful feeling with the flowing water.

Kho Muong Village & Cave

Kho Muong village is nestled in a small valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. Descending into the valley there are some shops and houses at the base of the village as well as rice fields making a beautiful picture opportunity. 

Next to the rice fields is the Kho Muong Cave, or the bat cave. For a small fee you can climb down into the cave and explore. In the cave there are not any pathways or structures inside to help you navigate so the cave still keeps a natural feel. 

Summary

Pu Luong Nature Reserve has so much to offer but is often overlooked by travellers. Easily connected to routes in just the north of Vietnam or for those heading between the centre and the north. At least 1 night here is good but with so many places to explore 2 nights is recommended. 

Given the large number of options for homestays, Pu Luong has something to offer for everyone. If you are looking for a budget trip then the cheap homestays and the free activities make it suitable. While the luxury resorts provide those wanting a high end stay to find something suitable. 

Related Routes

If you are sticking to the north then you can find routes here.

For those heading between HCMC and Hanoi then Pu Luong can also be included with the routes here.