The Best 3D2N Pu Luong Tour Itinerary – All-in-one Guide

Over the past five years, Pu Luong has become a top destination for nature enthusiasts. Known for its lush green rice terraces, towering limestone peaks, refreshing air, and distinct ethnic culture, this destination offers a serene escape for those seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion. 

I had the opportunity to visit Pu Luong just two weeks ago and fell in love with the place. This comprehensive 3D2N Pu Luong tour itinerary covers everything you need to know about Pu Luong, including the latest information on transportation, the best places to stay, exciting activities, delicious food options, and other tour packages and activities that may interest you. 

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Where is Pu Luong? 

Pù Luông, meaning “the highest peak in the area” in the local language, is located in Thanh Hóa Province, approximately 160 km southwest of Hanoi. It is part of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve, established in 1999 and spanning 17,662 hectares, to conserve its diverse fauna and flora. 

Pu Luong boasts a serene yet majestic landscape. Verdant paddies and pristine brooks meander through palm-studded hills, while cascading waterfalls and hidden valleys nestle amid imposing mountain ranges. 

Pu Luong is home to the Muong and Thai ethnic groups, with the Black Thai being the predominant group. 

How to Get to Pu Luong

Despite being a mountainous area, Pu Luong is easily accessible by car. From Hanoi, I booked a round-trip shared minivan run daily to Pu Luong and vice versa. You can reserve seats directly here. 

The driver picked us up from the Hanoi Opera House at 7:00 a.m. After a two-hour drive, we made a thirty-minute stop at a local eatery in Hoa Binh, where we were able to use the restroom and purchase snacks. 

Continuing on for another two hours from Pu Luong, we opted to stay awake to enjoy the incredible scenery of rice fields, limestone mountains, and rivers. We finally arrived in Pu Luong at 11:30 a.m. Overall, it was a pleasant journey with comfortable seats and air-conditioning

If you’re in Mai Chau, you’re in luck! Pu Luong is just 40 km away. Since Mai Chau is relatively close to Pu Luong, you can easily combine a visit to both destinations. If you’re travelling with a group, renting a private car is a great option, giving you more flexibility in time and activities.  Alternatively, booking a Mai Chau – Pu Luong tour is highly recommended if you want a local guide, homestay, and private car included!

Pu Luong Weather – Best Time to Visit

Pu Luong weather is most beautiful in March – April (springtime) and October – November (harvest season). 

During March and April, the temperature rises to around 25°C during the day, although there may also be occasional drops to 15°C, which is perfect for outdoor activities. However, you may get ready for foggy and rainy weather just right after a sunny week. 

• Tips: Bring a raincoat/ ponchos and sturdy shoes/boots when trekking outside.

Regarding the rice terrace, I’m afraid you can’t see much of the golden rice paddies since they will be full of water. But no worries, you’ll enjoy a magical and magnificent picture where each rice terrace is turned into a massive mirror, reflecting the clear blue sky and green mountains. 

October and November are the best times to visit Pu Luong, making them the peak seasons for Pu Luong tours among locals. The weather remains consistent at a comfortable 25°C while you can enjoy ‌clear blue skies every day. Now is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the vibrant yellow rice fields and observe the farmers as they harvest.

How about the rest of the year? 

I visited Pu Luong at the end of May. It was quite hot and humid during the day when the temperature got very high – 30°C with 70% ‌humidity. In the afternoon, the sun was taken over by grey clouds and massive storms, hindering us from exploring the Pho Doan market on our scooters. 

We discovered a charming coffee shop near the rice fields. We sat there, chatting with the owner and learning a few Thai words, while the rain danced upon the leaves of the trees and grass. Smoke from post-harvest burning fields and Thai people’s stilt houses lingers in the air. It was such a peaceful atmosphere.  

Where to Stay in Pu Luong

Accommodations in Pu Luong vary in scale and amenities to suit your preferences, whether you choose a luxurious resort, a cosy homestay, or a budget-friendly option. 

I booked Pu Luong Happy Home for our Pu Luong tour and I can’t recommend it enough. The location is conveniently situated on the main road, and the minivan dropped us off right at its doorstep. There is a swimming pool, styled private bungalows with a view of the rice terrace, as well as single rooms and a dormitory for budget-conscious travelers. 

We were greeted by a friendly Thai family who prepared tasty meals for us and provided helpful tips on renting a scooter and places to explore, making our stay incredibly pleasant. This place definitely stood out as one of the highlights of our trip. 

Other than that, some hotels below are also worth checking in: 

Recommendations for Pu Luong Accommodations

• Pu Luong Retreat. The very first accommodation in Pu Luong. These beautiful Thai-inspired bungalows exude traditional charm and offer breathtaking vistas of the rice fields. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the on-site pool. Rates for standard rooms begin at 35 USD per night.

•  Pu Luong Natura. Nestled in the center of Don village, this luxurious resort boasts stunning views of rice fields and a verdant valley. In addition, it features three infinity pools where guests can swim and admire the breathtaking cloud ocean between 6 and 8 am. Standard room rates start at 45 USD per night.

• Pu Luong Treehouse. This location is known for its one-of-a-kind treehouse accommodations. Each treehouse can accommodate two guests with bathrooms and private entrances. These treehouses provide the perfect vantage point to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding rice fields. Besides, there are also bungalows, family rooms, and single rooms available with shared bathrooms. Reach out to this property for pricing and availability.

• Gateway Inn Pu Luong. Although I did not spend the night, I did have the opportunity to have lunch and chat with the owner. This establishment offers a range of room options, including single, double, family rooms, and dormitories, all accompanied by a lovely restaurant.
  Prices for a single room start at 15 USD, while a bed in a shared dormitory is only 10 USD per night. The food was delicious and the staff were very kind and accommodating, which was a huge bonus. Highly recommend this one for your Pu Luong tour. 

There are numerous guest houses and homestays available in Hieu Village or Kho Muong Village. However, due to their distance from the main road, you and your luggage may need to be transferred on a motorbike. You can find better rates by booking through Booking or Agoda. 

Pu Luong Things to Do 

Wander around Endless Lush Rice Terraces

This is a must. From our homestay, we embarked on a scenic journey along the tranquil valley. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of rice paddies, and we marvelled at the sight of traditional water wheels dotting the landscape.

Farmers diligently harvested their crops, while water buffaloes enjoyed a refreshing bath, or kids chased each other after school. Whenever we spotted an interesting angle, we stopped and snapped pictures of the greenery and wildlife. 

• Tip: There are a few ways to explore the area from your homestay: walking or renting a bike or a motorbike. Personally, I recommend getting a motorbike or scooter as it allows for easier exploration of places like Pho Doan weekend market or Hieu Waterfall.
• Tip: Ensure to thoroughly check your vehicle’s condition, i.e. brake, engine, helmet, etc before using. The typical cost for a one-day rental is around 300,000 VND. 

Trek through Ethnic Villages with Local Pu Luong Tour Guides

The following day, we woke up early to hike through Kho Muong Village and visit Hang Doi. This trek was the most memorable part of our Pu Luong tour, as it allowed us to both get some exercise and admire the breathtaking scenery. 

Be sure not to overlook Hang Doi (Bat Cave) as it will leave you in awe. This unspoiled limestone cave boasts a natural huge open mouth and cascading water from above. It wasn’t until we descended and saw ourselves as tiny ants did we grasp its immense size. Watch your steps since the path into the cave is steep and slippery.  

Being Vietnamese, we had no trouble navigating and communicating with the locals. However, for non-locals, I strongly suggest hiring a local guide. 

The journey downhill to the village is relatively easy, but going uphill is not as enjoyable due to its winding slopes. If you have any physical limitations, you can book a porter near Hang Doi to bring you back on a motorbike for around 100,000 VND. Besides, it’s also advisable for trekkers to rent a bamboo stick, which can be very helpful.

Visit Hieu Waterfall 

Hieu Waterfall is in Co Lung Commune and is approximately an hour’s motorbike ride away from our homestay. Tucked away in the forest, this waterfall has multiple tiers and can be easily reached on foot. The first level boasts a natural swimming pool that is 1 meter deep, perfect for a refreshing dip. In the summer, the water is crystal clear and pleasantly cool.   

Look at who guided us to the Hieu Waterfall! These fur babies were the cutest and most enthusiastic local guides ever! ^^

Enjoy Authentic Local Cuisines 

During our three-day visit to Pu Luong, the food constantly impressed us. The region’s favorable weather and fertile land provide a wide variety of vegetables, including bamboo shoots, chayote, pumpkin stems, fig leaves, etc. 

After 2 meals eating out, we ordered ‌dinner from our homestay to support our host. I particularly enjoyed the delectable and fulfilling traditional Thai dishes. 

For those who share a love for local cuisine, I highly recommend trying the succulent Co Lung duck, steamed mountain snails with fish sauce, stir-fried prawns and fresh fish caught from the nearby stream, grilled fish wrapped in fig leaves, and stir-fried bitter bamboo shoots served with steamed rice.  

A Suggested 3D2N Pu Luong Tour Itinerary

This itinerary is designed based on my personal experience. Hope you find it useful and feel free to adjust it to fit your schedule and likings. 

1st Day: 

• 7 am, bus pickup from Ha Noi to Pu Luong 
• Upon arrival, check into the hotel – rent motorbikes and go out for lunch at Epic Puluong restaurant.  
• After lunch, visit Don Village and stop by Pho Doan market.
• Enjoy dinner in the homestay 

2nd Day: 

• Trek through Kho Muong village and Hang Doi in the morning. 
• Enjoy lunch at Gateway Inn Pu Luong.
• Visit Hieu waterfall after lunch. 
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

3rd Day:

• Enjoy a free and easy morning or you can take bamboo rafting down the Cham river
• Check out and enjoy lunch with the family before saying goodbye to Pu Luong
• Bus pickup at 1 pm to take you back to Hanoi. 

Advanced Tips from Phoebe and Besties for a Perfect Pu Luong Tour 

• Book both-way transportation
• Renting a motorbike is a great choice if you are an experienced biker. However, it’s strongly advised that you have a local guide accompany you.
• Put on insect spray while you’re trekking.
• Close windows and toilet doors at night to prevent mosquitos.
• Don’t miss out on Epic Pu Luong Restaurant and Gateway Inn Pu Luong. They offer extensive menus, delicious dishes, and stunning views. The staff is exceptionally helpful and gives excellent recommendations. You can choose from set menus or order à la carte. I highly recommend reserving a table and pre-ordering your dishes in advance. 
• Pu Luong is home to many domesticated dogs. While they may be adorable, not all of them are friendly. 
• Try local wines
• Board games are a great way to enjoy evenings in Pu Luong. 

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