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Pù Luông – Thanh Hóa is the perfect retreat for those seeking serene moments, immersing themselves in nature. Check out the detailed 2-day itinerary for Pù Luông, Thanh Hóa right here.
Discover the intricacies of a 2-day escapade to Pù Luông, Thanh Hóa with a thoughtfully crafted schedule.
Where is Pù Luông located?
Pù Luông, also known as the Pù Luông National Nature Reserve, is situated in the Bá Thước and Quan Hoá districts of Thanh Hoá province. A trip to Pù Luông offers a blend of landscapes, culture, lifestyle, and cuisine reminiscent of the Northwest region.
Best time to visit Pù Luông?
Thanks to its consistently cool and lush climate throughout the year, Pù Luông travel is a delight in any season. However, planning your visit during the rice harvesting season adds a special charm. There are two rice crops annually, from early May to late June and from early August to late September.
How to get to Pù Luông?
While it may sound like a distant and challenging forest adventure, it's not as tough as it seems, especially for first-timers. There are various routes to reach here, and you can choose from the following modes of transportation:
By Bus:
Option 1: If traveling by bus from Hanoi, you can catch one at Giáp Bát, Nước Ngầm, or Mỹ Đình. A popular bus route to Pù Luông is Hanoi – Bá Thước – Thanh Hóa, with ticket prices around 120,000 VND/person. The bus will take you to Cành Nàng town (Bá Thước, Thanh Hóa). From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Pù Luông, approximately 20km away (remember to negotiate the fare beforehand).
Option 2: Use the resort's private bus service, which is probably the easiest. Simply find, contact, and book a room at a resort in Pù Luông. Most resorts now provide buses that pick up and drop off guests in Hanoi, making it incredibly convenient.
Private Car: Starting from Hanoi, you can choose from the following routes:
Route 1:
Hanoi – Xuân Mai - Ho Chi Minh Trail – Cẩm Thuỷ District (Thanh Hoá Province) – Cành Nàng Town, Bá Thước – Pù Luông. It's an easy route, just follow Google Maps.
Route 2:
Hanoi – Xuân Mai – Hoà Bình - National Highway 6 – at the Chợ Lồ intersection in Tân Lạc district, turn right towards Lũng Vân, Lũng Cẩm – Continue to Lũng Cao – Son Bá Mười – Pù Luông. This route is not suitable for inexperienced drivers.
Where to Stay?
Pù Luông boasts only a handful of renowned resorts that stand out, such as Pù Luông Retreat, Pù Luông Eco Garden, Pù Luông Nature Home... most of which offer captivating mountain views and swimming pools. However, during peak seasons, they tend to fill up quickly. This time, I decided to book a room at Pù Luông Retreat in Thanh Hoá. The quality is exceptional, and the rooms are perfectly aligned with nature. The prices for these resorts range from 1.8 million to 3.2 million VND per room.
What to Eat?
In Pù Luông, your dining options are limited to eating at the resort or homestay where you're staying. Prices here are reasonable depending on the dishes you order. Don't miss trying the Cổ Lũng duck, a local specialty. Enjoy ethnic dishes like snails, mountain fish, and wild bamboo shoots.
What to Do in Pù Luông?
If you have time, explore the following spots:
Bản Kho Mường – Hang Dơi:
Nestled within the untamed valley of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Kho Muong stands as a haven where the White Thai people have settled and thrived for generations. A standout destination here is Kho Muong Cave, also known as Bat Cave – a mysteriously abandoned underground cavern. The entrance to the cave is a winding dirt path embraced by a canopy of lush trees. Despite its exterior spanning just over 100m, the cave's interior unfolds to over 2.5 km, featuring numerous nooks and crannies delving deep into the earth. From here, you can venture to four other Mường villages: Bản Bốn, Thành Công, Cao Hoong, and Bản Kịt, each offering distinct cultural traits.
Bản Đôn – Cọn Nước: This is the locale boasting the most picturesque terraced fields in the region, providing abundant accommodation options.
Bản Hiêu – Thác Hiêu: Situated in Cổ Lũng commune, this is a haven for those who relish waterfall baths.
Pù Luông Peak: Standing as the highest summit in the area, Pù Luông Peak rises above 1,700m and is reserved for adventurous travelers keen on exploration.
Phố Đòn Market
When embarking on a Pù Luông exploration, travelers should seize the opportunity to participate in the Phố Đòn Market, held every Thursday and Sunday. This market serves not only as a trading hub for various goods but also as a cultural rendezvous for diverse ethnic communities, including the Kinh, Thai, and Mường. The items available primarily come from self-production, and during transactions, locals may even use goods of equivalent value for exchange.
Total Expenses:
Generally, Pù Luông travel is surprisingly budget-friendly compared to other destinations. I spent around 1700k per person for a 2D1N trip at a resort, inclusive of round-trip transportation from Hanoi, a complimentary breakfast + lunch on the arrival day. This cost covers dinner, lunch on the next day, and expenses for renting a vehicle to explore the villages, along with miscellaneous snacks, totaling around 2500k per person.
Note: You can bring a Bluetooth speaker and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing evening, engaging in lively conversations together.
By Nguyễn Hồng Thu Trang
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourSeptember 21, 2020
