Buzz
Explore Pù Luông with the most comprehensive and concise guide from Mytour.vn! Get all the valuable insights on transportation, attractions, local cuisine, accommodations, and must-try experiences.
An overview of the geographical location and landscape of Pù Luông
Pù Luông is located in the northwest of Thanh Hóa Province, covering an area of 17,662 hectares. It is about 160km from Hanoi. The Pù Luông Nature Reserve is home to the Thai and Mường ethnic communities. Traveling to Pù Luông attracts visitors with its dense forests, waterfalls, caves, and peaceful villages. The serene and picturesque terraced rice fields are particularly enchanting.
The best time to visit Pù Luông
Pù Luông is beautiful year-round. The ideal time to visit Pù Luông depends on your availability and personal preferences. However, if you want to witness the lush, poetic beauty of the terraced rice fields, either in vibrant green or golden hues, plan your trip for mid-May to June or mid-September to October.
Spring (February to April)
Weather: Cool and pleasant. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Activities: This is an excellent time for trekking and exploring the local villages, as the weather is not too hot. Spring flowers begin to bloom, creating stunning landscapes.
Summer (May to August)
Weather: Quite cool and breezy. The surrounding greenery is lush, with temperatures staying below 30°C.
Activities: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the lush mountain landscapes and the vibrant green terraced rice fields. Particularly at the end of May and early June, when the rice fields in Pù Luông begin their new harvest season.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C.
Activities: September and October are the best months to visit. The fields and terraced rice paddies turn a golden yellow, blending with the fragrance of ripening rice. This creates a rich and picturesque beauty, drawing many visitors. It's also a great time for hiking and enjoying nature.
Winter (December to January)
Weather: Cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 10°C at night.
Activities: Winter may not be the peak tourist season, but if you enjoy the cool, crisp air and wish to see mist enveloping the mountains, Pù Luông is a great destination during this time.
Getting There
Transportation to Pù Luông
Pù Luông is about a 4-hour drive from Hanoi. To the north and northeast, Pù Luông borders Mai Châu, Tân Lạc, and Lạc Sơn districts in Hòa Bình Province. Travelers can reach Pù Luông by motorbike, self-driving car, or bus.
*Note:
– If the journey to Pù Luông is too far, consider taking a flight or train to Hanoi, then book a private car or take a bus to Pù Luông.
– If you're traveling from a location near Pù Luông (Thanh Hóa), it's more convenient to use a personal vehicle or taxi.
By Air:
For travelers from distant areas like Saigon or Da Nang, you can choose a flight from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways to Nội Bài Airport (Hanoi). From there, head to Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình bus station to catch a bus to Thanh Hóa. The bus typically stops at the town center, and from there, it's about 20 more kilometers to Pù Luông, where you can take a motorbike taxi directly to your destination. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Thanh Hóa and hire a motorbike taxi from Thọ Xuân Airport to Pù Luông. You can check flight options to Thanh Hóa or Hanoi HERE!
By Train:
You can take a train to Hanoi and then rent a motorbike or take a bus to Pù Luông. If more convenient, you can opt for a train directly to Thanh Hóa station and then take a bus or rent a motorbike to Pù Luông.
By Bus:
Option 1: If traveling by bus from Hanoi, you can catch a bus at Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, or My Dinh bus stations. The bus will take you to Canh Nang town (Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa). From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Pù Luông, which is about 20km away.
Option 2: Take a private bus provided by your accommodation. Simply search for, contact, and book a stay at one of the lodges, homestays, or hotels in Pù Luông. Most accommodations offer packages that include round-trip transportation from Hanoi to Pù Luông, making it very convenient for you.
Motorbike or Private Car:
If traveling from Hanoi to Pù Luông, you can choose between the following two main routes:
Via National Route 6 and continue on National Route 15C:
Route: From Hanoi, take National Route 6 through Hoa Binh, Muong Khuong, Cun Pheo, and Man Duc. Continue to Mai Chau and then turn onto National Route 15C. This route will take you through Ban Lac (Mai Chau) and into the Pù Luông area.
Khoảng cách: Khoảng 160 km.
Thời gian di chuyển: Từ 4 đến 5 giờ lái xe.
Đặc điểm: Đường khá rộng rãi và mượt mà, phù hợp với ô tô cá nhân. Cảnh quan hai bên đường đẹp, đặc biệt là qua khu vực Mai Châu với những thửa ruộng bậc thang.
Qua quốc lộ 1A và tiếp tục theo quốc lộ 47:
Lộ trình: Từ Hà Nội đi theo quốc lộ 1A hướng về Thanh Hóa. Sau đó, bạn chuyển sang quốc lộ 47 ở Thanh Hóa và tiếp tục di chuyển tới Cẩm Thủy, rồi rẽ vào đường dẫn tới Pù Luông.
Khoảng cách: Khoảng 190 km.
Thời gian di chuyển: Khoảng 5 đến 6 giờ lái xe.
Đặc điểm: Đường đi có thể hơi vòng vèo hơn và qua nhiều khu vực đông dân cư, nhưng cũng là một lựa chọn nếu bạn muốn trải nghiệm một tuyến đường khác.
Taxi:
Tùy từng khu vực bạn ở mà có thể gọi taxi ven đường hoặc gọi trực tiếp các hãng taxi ở đó. Di chuyển bằng taxi sẽ nhanh và tiện lợi cho bạn. Đặc biệt là không lo bị lạc đường.
Phương tiện di chuyển tại Pù Luông
Du khách đến các điểm tham quan, các bản làng bằng xe máy, xe đạp hoặc trekking. Bên cạnh đó, có nhiều điểm lưu trú cũng cung cấp những dịch vụ này kèm hướng dẫn viên.
Địa điểm tham quan tại Pù Luông
Du lịch Pù Luông hấp dẫn du khách với khung cảnh thiên nhiên tuyệt đẹp và gây ấn tượng với văn hóa độc đáo của các dân tộc thiểu số.
Bản Đôn (xã Thành Lâm)
Bản Đôn là nơi cư trú chủ yếu của đồng bào dân tộc Thái, thuộc xã Thành Lâm, huyện miền núi Bá Thước (Thanh Hóa). Bản Đôn thu hút du khách với cảnh đẹp hoang sơ, những thửa ruộng bậc thang và nếp nhà sàn ven chân đồi thanh bình. Đến đây, bạn được trải nghiệm cách dệt vải, thưởng thức nhiều món ăn đặc sản vùng cao. Người dân địa phương luôn chân thành và nồng nhiệt chào đón du khách.
Ngoài ra, khi đến bản Đôn, bạn có thể đi bộ hoặc thuê xe máy để di chuyển đến các điểm du lịch khác trên địa bàn huyện Bá Thước như bản Hiêu (có thác Hiêu), bản Kho Mường (có hang Dơi)…
Đỉnh Pù Luông
In Thai, Pù Luông translates to the highest mountain peak in the region. Standing at approximately 1,700 meters, it is a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts, who come to challenge its steep, rugged slopes. From the summit of Pù Luông, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape—majestic mountains, vast fields, and tranquil valleys stretching below. At the top, one can set up camp, dine, and rest for the night before descending the next day.
Bản Kho Mường – Hang Dơi
Bản Kho Mường is nestled deep within the core of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve. Isolated from other villages in the area, it has largely been untouched by human activity, preserving its original pristine beauty. This village is home to the White Thai ethnic group.
A prominent feature of Bản Kho Mường is the Kho Mường Cave, also known as the Bat Cave. This mysterious and often forgotten cavern lies hidden in the remote wilderness. The entrance to the cave is a narrow dirt path, steep and overgrown with forest vegetation. The cave itself extends just over 100 meters from its entrance, but its vast interior stretches more than 2.5 kilometers deep, with numerous winding passages extending deep into the earth.
Bản Son – Bá – Mười
Son – Bá – Mười are three highland villages in Lũng Cao commune, located within the core of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve. Often likened to a miniature version of Sapa due to its cool, temperate climate year-round, these villages sit at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. The rugged roads leading to the villages make them almost completely isolated from the lower settlements, creating an untouched, raw landscape. The area is a haven for those who love adventure tourism.
Chợ phiên Phố Đòn (Phố Đoàn)
Chợ phiên Phố Đòn diễn ra vào thứ 5 hay chủ nhật hàng tuần, tại xã Lũng Niêm, huyện Bá Thước, tỉnh Thanh Hóa. Đây là nơi diễn ra các hoạt động trao đổi, mua bán những sản vật của người dân tộc Kinh, Mường, Thái.
Chợ phiên này mang nét đặc trưng của phiên chợ vùng cao. Với hàng hóa khá phong phú như trang phục thổ cẩm, rượu cần, các loại rau rừng, côn trùng, hoa quả tươi. Điểm đặc biệt là chợ vẫn còn hoạt động theo cách trao đổi hàng hóa ngang giá trị, ít khi thấy đòi thách, trả giá.
Bản Hiêu – thác Hiêu
Bản Hiêu và thác Hiêu thuộc xã Cổ Lũng, huyện Bá Thước, Thanh Hóa. Cung đường dài 25 km từ thị trấn Cành Nàng đến bản Hiêu rất đẹp bởi hai bên đường là những cánh đồng ruộng bậc thang nằm hai bên bờ suối. Qua khỏi cầu treo bằng gỗ là vào làng. Thác Hiêu và dòng suối Hiêu bắt nguồn từ hang đá thuộc dãy núi đá vôi của khu sinh cảnh đá vôi Pù Luông, tạo nên dòng nước đặc biệt trong xanh.
Khu làng Tôm và suối Chàm
Tôm Village and Chàm Stream are renowned for their enormous water wheels and the chance to drift along the river on a bamboo raft. Visitors can enjoy a scenic trek through terraced rice fields, and for a unique adventure, try cycling or taking a bamboo raft ride along the river.
Pù Luông Cuisine
Traveling to Pù Luông offers a delightful culinary journey. The region's food culture is deeply influenced by the ethnic minorities: Thai and Mường. As a result, the local cuisine is diverse and distinctive. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting Pù Luông:
Cổ Lũng Duck
When in Pù Luông, Thanh Hóa, you cannot miss the delectable dishes made with Cổ Lũng duck. This local specialty is known for its small bones and firm meat. The duck is prepared in various ways, but the most delicious is the roasted duck, which is fragrant, crispy, and rich in flavor.
Mán Pork
Mán pigs, which are allowed to roam freely in the forest, develop naturally sweet meat. They are often cooked in various delicious dishes such as roasting or stir-frying.
Wild Greens
Wild greens are an indispensable part of the local diet. These greens are usually freshly picked and simply prepared by boiling or stir-frying. Despite the basic preparation, their flavor is incredibly tasty.
Bitter Bamboo Shoots
Bitter bamboo shoots can be an acquired taste for those who aren't familiar with them. However, they are loved by many for their wild and natural flavor. The best way to enjoy these shoots is by dipping them in a salt mixture with mắc khén, a local spice. If mắc khén is unavailable, shrimp paste or fish sauce can be used instead, mixed with a little sugar, chili, and garlic. In the misty spring days, the Thai people of Pù Luông often go into the forest to collect these bamboo shoots for their daily meals.
Grilled Stream Fish
Grilled stream fish is a traditional dish of the Thai ethnic group. The fish, once caught, is cleaned and marinated with spices. These spices are typically ingredients found in the mountains and forests, such as: mắc khén, wild herbs, chili, lemongrass, and salt. The fish’s body is then scored with a knife and rubbed with the spice mix for a few minutes. Afterward, the fish is wrapped with herbs, secured with bamboo sticks, and roasted over hot charcoal until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma, indicating it's cooked.
Banana Blossom Salad
When visiting Pù Luông, you must try the banana blossom salad. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a local favorite. To prepare the banana blossom, the young petals are selected, thinly sliced, and soaked in vinegar to prevent browning. Then, a bit of sugar and chili are added for extra flavor. Despite the simplicity of its preparation, the result is a truly delicious treat.
Hill Chicken
The hill chickens in Pù Luông are usually raised free-range and fed on rice, giving the meat a distinct aroma and sweetness. These chickens are cooked in a variety of ways, such as boiling, frying, or stir-frying, with each method offering a unique taste. However, the most delicious version is the boiled chicken, served hot and paired with local seasonings, creating an unforgettable flavor. The grilled chicken, marinated with traditional Thai spices, is equally irresistible.
Stone Mountain Snails
When visiting Pù Luông, don’t miss the opportunity to try the rare mountain snail dish. This particular snail thrives in rocky crevices and is usually prepared by steaming with fish sauce or lemongrass and lime. It’s commonly dipped in ginger fish sauce, chili lime, or a locally made garlic-ginger paste. The meat of the mountain snail is chewy, crunchy, and sweet, providing an unforgettable taste experience for many visitors.
Top Experiences to Try in Pù Luông
Trekking to the Peak of Pù Luông
Trekking is the best way to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Pù Luông. Hiring a local guide will not only save you time but also help map out the perfect route for your adventure. Whether you choose to hike to the peak of Pù Luông or opt for a multi-day trek through the entire reserve, you’re guaranteed to have a unique and enriching experience.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
The mountains of Pù Luông are covered by lush tropical rainforests, while the valleys are lined with terraced rice fields cultivated annually. Take a leisurely walk along the valley or the base of the hills to get closer to the region's diverse flora and fauna. Listen to the soothing sounds of water wheels and the forest, capture the beauty of nature in photographs, and breathe in the fresh air — all delightful activities for visitors.
Visit a Thai Ethnic Village
Scattered throughout Pù Luông are ancient villages, each with its own unique history. The majority of the communities in the reserve are from the Thai ethnic group, which is divided into two local branches: the White Thai and Black Thai. The Thai people have a long history of rice cultivation, and their homes are typically built in the traditional stilt-house style. Visiting one of these homes provides a great opportunity to experience the local customs firsthand.
Participate in a Craft Workshop
The traditional way of life in Pù Luông has been passed down through generations. The Thai people have preserved the customs of their ancestors as a central part of their culture and community. Weaving, embroidery, basket making, and crafting bamboo furniture are essential skills of the Thai people. Take the chance to learn about these traditions during your exploration of the area.
Dine with the Locals
There’s nothing quite like tasting dishes made from locally grown ingredients. Pù Luông is home to a variety of fresh vegetables such as young pumpkin vines, green beans, and bamboo shoots. For an authentic Pù Luông meal, try the grilled pork and mountain snails served with fish sauce for a delicious and memorable experience.
Resorts in Pù Luông
Pù Luông Retreat Thanh Hóa
Pù Luông Retreat Thanh Hóa is the perfect getaway for nature lovers who want to disconnect from the modern world and get closer to the mountains and forests. The retreat is designed to immerse guests in nature, providing a deeper connection with the environment. This resort is unique in that it does not feature TVs, refrigerators, air conditioning, or other entertainment services, which may seem unusual to some. However, it does provide free Wi-Fi. The rooms are constructed from wood, with fireplaces and large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding terraced rice fields and gardens.
Pù Luông Jungle Lodge Thanh Hóa
Pù Luông Jungle Lodge is a resort that perfectly blends unspoiled nature with the unique local culture. Located 180 km northwest of Hanoi, it is the ideal destination for those looking to escape the noise of city life and immerse themselves in fresh, natural surroundings.
Built in the traditional Thai stilt-house style, Pù Luông Jungle Lodge offers visitors a range of exciting activities, such as trekking through pristine natural trails, cycling, and thrilling rafting adventures on the Ma River. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy the rich flavors of local mountain cuisine, and take part in unique cultural activities of the Thai people.
Ebino Pù Luông Resort & Spa Thanh Hóa
Nestled within the beautiful Pù Luông valley, Ebino Pù Luông Resort is designed in harmony with its natural surroundings. It blends simplicity with the use of local materials, while incorporating unique and innovative touches. Each bungalow offers a breathtaking view that captures the entire valley, providing guests with a sense of tranquility and peace. Here, you can enjoy top-tier amenities, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, and savor the local culture, while exploring the vibrant life and nature of Pù Luông.
Pù Luông Natura Bungalow Thanh Hóa
Tucked away in the untouched wilderness of Pù Luông, surrounded by stunning terraced rice fields, Pù Luông Natura Bungalow Thanh Hóa is the perfect retreat to reconnect with nature. It’s a place where you can listen to the peaceful rhythm of your own breath, allowing your soul to unwind with each step.
With its prime location in the heart of the most pristine conservation area in Northern Vietnam, Pù Luông Natura Bungalow Thanh Hóa offers an unforgettable experience. The unique architecture, coupled with professional and warm service, ensures that your family will leave with sweet and cherished memories.
Important Tips for Traveling to Pù Luông
Ideal Timing: Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. The best time to visit Pù Luông is between September and November.
Clothing Preparation: Pack clothes suitable for the weather and outdoor activities. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes is a must, as you will be walking extensively on trails and hills.
Accommodation: Pù Luông offers a variety of lodging options, from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Learn About Local Culture and Traditions: Pù Luông is home to ethnic minority groups such as the Thai and Muong people. Show respect for local customs and culture. Joining a community tour can offer deeper insight into their lifestyle and traditions.
Environmental Protection: Always maintain cleanliness when exploring nature. Carry a trash bag to collect waste and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Essential Items: Don’t forget to pack water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Additionally, having basic medication and a first-aid kit is crucial for your trip.
Source: Mytour.vn
***
Reference: Travel Guide Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnJune 21, 2024
