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Pu Luong's green paradise is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. Here, you can admire the majestic and pristine mountainous landscapes, while inhaling the fresh air deeply. Everywhere you look, there are terraced fields stretching out and vast primeval forests. To learn more about this place, let's dive into the following article!
Where is Pu Luong's green paradise located?
Pu Luong's green paradise is located in Ba Thoc and Quan Son districts of Thanh Hoa province. Pu Luong is known as the name of the Thai ethnic people. This name means the highest peak of the region. It is about 130 km away from Thanh Hoa city. This natural reserve area covers an area of up to 17,600 hectares. The flora and fauna system here is extremely rich and diverse.
Pu Luong - Where the beauty of heaven and earth converges (Source: Collection)
This area is located about 25 km from Cuc Phuong National Park. It is connected to the tail of the park by two parallel gray limestone ranges. The area in between is a vast rice valley. The scenery here is as beautiful as a painting, captivating countless travelers from near and far.
How to get there
Pu Luong's green paradise is a tourist destination in the northern part of our country. Therefore, if you are in the southern or central provinces, you should take a flight to Hanoi. Then, you will continue your journey to Pu Luong. Although the journey may be somewhat challenging, it is truly worth experiencing.
1. How to Travel to Pu Luong's Green Paradise?
There are various ways to travel to Pu Luong's green paradise. Depending on your preference, you can choose to take a coach bus or use private transportation. Each type of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your personal preference, you can consider and choose the most suitable option.
Traveling by Coach Bus
A commonly chosen method of transportation is traveling by coach bus. There are many bus routes from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa for only about 120,000 VND per ticket. The most popular route is the Hanoi - Ba Thuoc - Thanh Hoa route. You can catch this bus at My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam, or Giap Bat bus stations.
Traveling by coach bus ensures safety (Source: Collection)
The bus will take you to Canh Nang town in Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Pu Luong's green paradise. If possible, Mytour recommends choosing a motorbike taxi because it is much cheaper than taking a taxi.
Self-Guided Transportation Methods
Furthermore, adventure enthusiasts often prefer riding motorbikes on their own. By doing so, you can enjoy the mountainous scenery and natural landscapes. If you choose this method, from Hanoi, you can take National Highway 6 to Hoa Binh. Then, choose one of the two routes through Lung Van Valley or Ban Lac. This route will take you to Mai Chau and finally to Pu Luong's green paradise.
The adventurous journey through Pu Luong is sure to make you fall in love (Source: Collection)
If you're traveling with family, you can rent a car for self-driving or with a driver. This option is very convenient if there are children and elderly people in the group. It allows you to be flexible with time and ensures safety. You can stop and rest anywhere you want.
However, regardless of the method you choose, it's essential to book your vehicle in advance. The driver must have experience in long-distance driving, and a valid driver's license is mandatory. This ensures a safer journey for you.
2. Transportation in Pu Luong's green paradise
Pu Luong's Green Paradise remains quite pristine, so transportation services here are not very developed. Travelers mainly opt for motorbikes or walking. Among them, motorbikes are the most popular choice. To make it more convenient, you should rent a motorbike and drive yourself for easy mobility.
If you don't have a motorbike, you can rent one at your accommodation. Typically, the rental price at resorts is more expensive than at homestays. To rent a bike at the desired price, you can research relevant information beforehand. For some off-road trails, mountain passes, and stream crossings, trekking is the only option.
Best Time to Visit Pu Luong's Green Paradise
Pu Luong's Green Paradise is covered by lush primary forests. As a result, the climate here remains quite pleasant even on scorching summer days. However, to have a comfortable and complete trip, you should check the weather forecast beforehand. Based on that, plan a suitable itinerary for your journey. This is also the time when many travelers book Central Vietnam tours, including Pu Luong.
Visiting Pu Luong, you'll feel that Mother Nature is truly magnificent (Image Source: Collection)
- From late May to June marks the beginning of a new crop season. During this time, the terraced fields adorn themselves in lush greenery. The scenery of Pu Luong's green paradise is incredibly beautiful and peaceful.
- September and October signal the ripening season of Pu Luong. At this time, the terraced fields don a coat of golden yellow. The place captivates travelers with its rich beauty.
Despite the possibility of summer storms, this is an excellent place to escape the heat. With its low-lying terrain, surrounded by forests and sparsely populated areas, the weather here is pleasantly cool. You'll have incredibly relaxing moments when stepping foot into this 'green paradise'.
Must-Visit Places When Traveling to Pu Luong's Green Paradise
Pu Luong's Green Paradise offers numerous landmarks for you to explore. Take the time to learn about this place and plan your itinerary meticulously! Doing so will allow you to discover many places within a very reasonable timeframe. Let's take a look at some of the landmarks below!
1. Ban Kho Muong
Ban Kho Muong is a very primitive and rustic valley. Life here still faces many difficulties but holds tremendous potential for tourism development. This place possesses natural conditions and long-standing cultural values.
Viewed from above, the village presents a captivating beauty. The image of houses nestled closely together at the foot of the mountain resembles a painting. Surrounding them are cornfields, cassava fields, and rice paddies brimming with the colors of the homeland. Enveloping the scene is a lush green mountainous forest full of vitality.
The simple beauty of labor in Ban Kho Muong (Image Source: Collection)
The people in the village mainly make a living by farming corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, etc. The products they make are only for their daily meals. This contributes to enhancing the beauty of Pu Luong's Green Paradise.
Visiting the village, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the cultural beauty, customs, and traditions of the Thai people. Put aside the hustle and bustle of urban life to enjoy the peaceful life in the mountains. Here, you will also enjoy mountainous dishes with rich flavors. For example, corn wine, bamboo-cooked rice, sour salted bamboo shoots, wild banana flower salad, and more.
2. Ban Son Ba Muoi
Son Ba Muoi is one of the three villages in the highlands of Lung Cao commune. The village is located about 130 km from the city center. It is likened to a miniature Sapa due to its mild climate all year round. The average temperature here ranges from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Even in winter, there is snowfall here.
Most tourists visiting Pu Luong's Green Paradise also visit this place. Son Ba Muoi is also known as Cao Son, a core area of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This location also borders the Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong Nature Reserve in Hoa Binh province.
The beauty of Son Ba Muoi will captivate you irresistibly (Image Source: Collection)
Due to its isolation from the outside world, this place still preserves many traditional features. The way of life here still reflects its distinct characteristics. The modern pace of life seems to have not yet infiltrated here. If you are someone who loves exploration and learning, then this destination is perfect for you.
3. Don Village
In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Pu Luong's Green Paradise has been increasing. As a result, the number of people visiting Don Village is also on the rise. This is the home of the Thai ethnic minority. The village has about 80 households with around 285 residents.
Don Village boasts a tranquil and pristine natural landscape. When you step foot here, you will be warmly welcomed. The locals are very hospitable and enthusiastic. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the local specialties. Such as wild duck, bamboo shoots, pumpkin leaves, hill chicken, etc.
Don Village - The striking 'fairy' of the highlands (Image Source: Collection)
Simple yet unforgettable local dishes await you here, leaving a lasting impression with their delightful flavors. The warm hospitality of the locals will make you feel truly cherished. This is truly a wonderful destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
4. Hieu Village
Named after the Hieu Stream that runs through it, starting from the peak of Pu Luong Mountain. You'll see houses nestled closely along both sides of the stream. And where the rapids flow, the roofs of the houses are higher and thicker than elsewhere. This creates a picturesque scene resembling a watercolor painting.
From one end to the other, the village is only about a kilometer long but boasts five waterfalls. Each waterfall has its own unique beauty. That's why all these waterfalls are collectively known as Hieu Waterfall. It's a famous spot in Pu Luong's Green Paradise mentioned below. And the stream itself is called the 'Hieu Stream' by the locals.
5. Hieu Waterfall
Hieu Waterfall lies in the heart of Pu Luong's Green Paradise. From Cành Nàng town to Hieu village, it stretches about 25 kilometers with stunning scenery. On both sides are terraced fields right next to the stream. Hieu Waterfall has a lot of limestone so the flowing water has a beautiful green color. This has caused the branches in the stream to turn into stone.
The waterfall originates from a cave in a mountain range within the landscape area. It's about 800 meters long. If you look from the top of the waterfall, you'll see the water when it reaches halfway down the mountain, it splits into two branches. They flow in different directions and then merge back together at the end of the stream.
The cool, fresh waters at the waterfall flow continuously all year round (Source: Collected)
According to local residents, the waterfall seems to flow all year round without ever drying up. On the outside of the waterfall base, there's also a natural 'pool' that's very popular. The water level here is only about 1 meter. Many tourists come here to cool off and play after hiking to the waterfall. Moreover, a tourist spot has been developed here, including wooden houses for tourists to stay overnight.
6. Pu Luong Peak
If you're an explorer, you can't miss Pu Luong Peak. This seems to be the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Trekking is the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of Pu Luong's Green Paradise. The mountain peak stands at 1,770 meters. Under good weather conditions, it takes about 6 to 8 hours to reach the top.
Conquering Pu Luong Peak is the goal of many trekking enthusiasts (Source: Collected)
Upon arrival, you can set up a tent for resting, dining, and overnight stays. Alternatively, you can also hire a local guide. This option is safer and will save you time. They will also outline a perfect itinerary for your trekking journey.
7. Don Market
Visiting Pu Luong's Green Paradise cannot be complete without visiting Don Market. This market has been established since the French colonial period and has existed until now. It's a major trading and exchange hub in the region. It's also where people from various ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Thai, and Muong meet.
The bustling scene of the market when viewed from above (Source: Collected)
What makes the market stand out is the practice of exchanging goods of equal value. Sometimes they don't trade in money like us. They'll exchange items of equivalent value. For example, a chicken might be exchanged for twenty eggs and a bunch of vegetables. As long as it makes both parties feel comfortable and happy.
What to Eat at Pu Luong's Green Paradise?
Although located in the Central region, Pu Luong's Green Paradise boasts Northern cuisine. The dishes here are the clearest evidence of that. These are delicious dishes that you can enjoy on your journey.
1. Grilled Wild Boar
Grilled wild boar, also known as armpit-stealing pig, is a famous specialty of the Muong people. To preserve the sweetness of the meat, the pig's internal organs are cleaned thoroughly before slaughter. Then, the meat is chopped into pieces and steamed over a wood fire along with liver and intestines. The bones are taken to cook with wild banana flowers.
Pork belly is marinated with onions and fish sauce. Then it's wrapped in grapefruit leaves and skewered on bamboo sticks to grill over charcoal. During grilling, the aroma of grapefruit leaves infuses into the meat. Under the heat of the charcoal, the meat firms up and emits a fragrant smell. When it's just done, the meat is thinly sliced and arranged on banana leaves.
When eating, you dip it with roasted salt and minced grilled intestines. This is a dish with the rich flavor of the mountains. Travelers to Pu Luong's Green Paradise cannot resist the allure of this dish. If you're a food enthusiast, grilled wild boar will surely make you 'addicted.'
2. Duck of Co Lung
Once you've arrived at Pu Luong's Green Paradise, you can't miss out on the Co Lung Duck dish. This is a purebred duck carefully preserved by the locals here. Thanks to that, the duck meat here always maintains its delicious flavor. The duck can be prepared into various exquisite dishes.
This is a dish you must indulge in when visiting Pu Luong (Source: Collection)
Among them, roasted duck is the most favored dish by many diners. Its delicious taste is incomparable. When cooked, the duck's skin will turn reddish-brown, and when you taste it, you'll feel the subtle sweetness. And that irresistible aroma will linger in your memory.
3. Hill Chicken
Don't miss out on the hill chicken dish when visiting Pu Luong's Green Paradise! Hill chickens are raised in a free-range environment, allowing them to roam and exercise freely. What's more special is that they are fed with rice instead of bran. As a result, the chicken here is very firm and fragrant. There are many ways to prepare it, such as steaming with forest leaves, roasting, boiling, grilling... No matter how it's cooked, it's always delicious.
Hill chicken meat is delicious, just one bite is enough to leave a lasting impression (Source: Collection)
4. Bitter Melon Soup
Bitter melon soup is a very unique dish in Pu Luong's Green Paradise. For those who enjoy experiencing or traveling to highland areas, this dish will not be too unfamiliar. Bitter melon soup is made from a type of bitter leaf found in the forest along with chicken innards and giblets.
The first taste will give you a tingling sensation in the throat. If you're not used to it, it may feel challenging to eat. However, behind that, there's a unique sweet and refreshing taste lingering at the tip of your tongue. This distinctive flavor will make you remember it forever after just one try.
5. Rice Wine
Rice wine is a specialty of the Thai people in Pu Luong's Green Paradise. It seems to be an indispensable dish in meals filled with affection. The wine is made from fermented cassava yeast and spring water. After the fermentation process, the wine has a rich and intense flavor.
Things to Note When Traveling to Pu Luong's Green Paradise
There are some things you need to pay attention to when traveling to Pu Luong's Green Paradise. These will greatly help your trip. If you're a first-time traveler, you need to pay even more attention. Let's go over some of the experiences that Mytour has gathered!
The scenery of Pu Luong is so beautiful that it leaves us in awe (Source: Collection)
- Before your trip, make sure to check the weather forecast to have the trip you expect. This will help you avoid rain showers.
- Make sure your car is full of gas when entering Pu Luong's Green Paradise. Because the lifestyle here is not too developed, it will be very difficult for you to find gas stations.
- Remember to book homestays in advance to ensure there are still rooms available. In case they are fully booked, you can ask to stay at the locals' houses. Rest assured that the people here are extremely friendly and hospitable.
- Tourist attractions in Pu Luong are quite far apart. Therefore, moving between these points will be a bit difficult and time-consuming. So, you should plan and schedule your trip accordingly!
With these sharing, hopefully, you will have a fun and smooth trip. Pu Luong's Green Paradise is truly a wonderful destination. If you're a nature lover, you can't miss this place. It will surely be beautiful memories in your journey. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book a tour to Pu Luong's Green Paradise!
