The Hidden Corner of Pù Luông

Pù Luông reveals its utmost beauty during the ripe rice season, from June to October each year. However, its charm isn't limited to this time alone. Venture forth and feel the serene hideaway that lies within Pù Luông.

The Hidden Corner of Pù Luông

In the summer of 2016, the buzz among Hanoi residents was about a retreat (the hidden corner) nestled amidst the Pù Luông Nature Reserve (Thanh Hóa). Initially, it was just a few photos of an infinity pool amidst misty clouds, distant valleys, and overlapping mountain ranges... Then came the thatched-roof houses with wooden railings, and a corner with a water table on the porch...

Pù Luông is familiar to us, yet that's precisely why everyone wants to plan a trip there.

To reach Pù Luông Retreat, there are three access routes. The easiest but longest route is via the Ho Chi Minh Road through Cẩm Thủy, Cành Nàng (Bá Thước), turning right across the La Hán Bridge onto National Highway 15C to the Làng Tôm junction, then turning left for another 7km.

If you take the reverse route to Hoa Binh and then through Mai Chau via National Highway 15C heading south, it's just a few dozen meters closer.

The nearest and also the most rugged road, challenging due to high passes and the risk of landslides, is the road through Hoa Binh to the Lồ market intersection, then turning into Lũng Vân through the villages of Son Bá Mười to Đôn hamlet, Thành Lâm commune, Bá Thước district.

The road through Lũng Vân has actually been widened and paved with concrete. In case of dry weather and skilled driving, drivers can completely conquer this pass to reach the secluded corner of Pù Luông.

Perched rather discreetly on the slope of the valley along National Highway 15C, Pù Luông Retreat greets guests with a decorative waterfall along the footpath, a characteristic image deeply intertwined with the lives of ethnic communities along the Mã River.

With a philosophy of creating a destination close to nature and meeting the basic needs of people, the accommodation consists of 1 communal stilt house area and 9 separate bungalows arranged side by side against the mountain backdrop, with lush fields at their feet beneath the majestic Pù Luông range.

No air conditioning, no refrigerator, no internet, and isolated from residential areas. The interior furnishings and decorations follow a simple, rustic, and natural style, creating a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

A spring-fed swimming pool lies beneath the communal stilt house area, jokingly dubbed by us as the 'infinity pool' amidst the great mountains.

On scorching summer days, immersing oneself in the cool water, sipping a cold beer right in the pool, gazing at the towering peaks, drifting clouds, playful winds through the trees, fields, and paddies. Can you imagine a more romantic and delightful moment?

In addition to the serene and insightful hidden corners, the resort also offers other amenities to meet the needs of travelers keen on exploring the cultural activities of the Muong and Thai ethnic communities in the area, such as trekking, hiking, water rafting, kayaking, and cycling.

For me personally, perhaps just a book and a pen would suffice for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle, a perfect way to unwind.

Speaking of food, it's impossible not to mention the specialty of Cổ Lũng duck, a local delicacy not far from Pù Luông Retreat.

This breed of duck is precious, characterized by small bones, tender meat, and a fragrant aroma unlike ducks raised elsewhere, probably because they thrive on the pristine streams of Nủa, abundant with snails and various microorganisms, making it a natural food source like no other.

Steamed duck is a simple dish yet it encapsulates the authentic flavor of the renowned poultry breed from Thanh province.

The downside of Pù Luông lies in the heat from Laotian winds at the western border during the summer, occasionally accompanied by mosquitoes and tropical forest insects. However, the fresh mountain air and profound experiences will create unforgettable moments for everyone.

Pù Luông is most beautiful during the ripe rice season, from June to October every year. But its beauty transcends the ripening of the rice fields.

That mountain girl, she always embodies many typical beauties of the Northern mountains, with a touch of Mai Châu village style, a hint of Dong Van rocky plateau, a sprinkle of Cao Bang mountains, and a dash of Mu Cang Chai terraced fields...

Go and feel it, there's a hidden corner like that in Pù Luông.

According to Tuổi Trẻ

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour