Pu Luong is a small highland not very far from Hanoi. Set in Pu Luong National Park with evergreen rainforests, the weather here is super comfortable even though the real temperature during summer can be extremely high. A striking feature of Pu Luong is breathtaking rice terraces which seem to know no bound. Dotted in the farming areas and the old jungles are stilt houses of the local ethnic minorities. Experiencing the life of the inhabitants in the traditional homestay, enjoying delicious and exotic specialties are what you can expect in Pu Luong.
Weather
As a highland area surrounded by primary forests, the climate in Pu Luong is quite pleasant even in the middle of the hot summer days. The average temperature hovers around 28 degrees with an annual rainfall of more than 1000mm. Pu Luong is within the affected area during the stormy season in the North from June to August. It is also the period with the highest precipitation.
How To Get There
Pu Luong is situated in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province. The distance from Hanoi to Pu Luong is around 150 kilometers, but unfortunately, there is no direct public bus from the city centre. If you take the public bus, you have to catch a bus to Ba Thuoc bus station (Thanh Hoa), about 20 kilometers away from Pu Luong, then transfer to a local taxi or motor drop (xe om). However, you can take the tourist bus from Hanoi directly to Pu Luong or hire a private car that is the most convenient.
Highlights
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
This is the largest nature reserve in the North with evergreen forests and low mountains. Old jungles covering limestone mountain ranges display a unique charm of Pu Luong. Because of the diverse terrain and nature, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the most favorite destination for those who love adventure, conquest, and discovery. From the top of Pu Luong mountain, you can catch the wonderful scenery of the wildlife here.
Pho Don Flea Market
If you have the opportunity to travel to Pu Luong on Thursdays and Sundays, you must definitely attend the Pho Don Flea Market. It is where all the goods exchanging and trading of ethnic communities take place. You will find special items made by local people as well as fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat.
Kho Muong Village
Kho Muong is a valley deep in the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. It is home to 60 Thai ethnic households, with 230 individuals. The village is hardly affected by industrialization. So it retains its wild and poetic features in stilt house architecture with a large garden around.
Pu Luong Mountain Peak
Pu Luong Mountain Peak is at the height of 1700m above sea level. It takes about 6-8 hours in good weather to reach the top of the mountain. From there, you can gain a panoramic view of Pu Luong.
Culture
The Thai community in Pu Luong has gone through hundreds of years of history. They have created unique cultural values of the local hill tribes. In Thai culture, a stilt house is not only a residence but also a place to store the culture of each Thai family. Speaking of Thai culture, it is impossible not to mention the costumes of the Thai community in Pu Luong with black and blue color and silver jewelry.
Best Time To Visit
As a highland area surrounded by primary forests, the climate in Pu Luong is quite pleasant even in the middle of the hot summer days. At the end of May and June is the occasion to start a new rice crop, the fields, and terraced fields will be dressed in a green coat. September and October, these two months is the time when Pu Luong enters the ripening rice season, all terraced fields on the hillside will turn bright yellow.