This summer, if backpackers have satisfied themselves with the most popular places in northern Viet Nam, such as Tam Dao National Park and foggy Sa Pa town, they can opt for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a true off-the-beaten-track getaway in western Thanh Hoa province.
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| Photo by Hòa Nguyễn |
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located within Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc district, 200 kilometres from Hanoi. In the north, Pu Luong borders Mai Chau, Tan Lac and Lac Son districts of Hoa Binh province. The south of Pu Luong Nature Reserve is bound by Ma River.
From Ha Noi, you can get to Pu Luong by nearly 150 kilometres of national highway 6 and 15C on bus or motorbike. The road is rather windy, steep and tricky, passing through idyllic villages of ethnic groups and wonderful terraced rice fields and corn fields which spread over the hill’s sides.
There are two times to explore the best of Pu Luong: from late May to early June, when a new cultivation of rice starts, and the harvesting time between September and October.
Since Pu Luong is one of the largest nature reserves in Viet Nam’s northern region, it has been bestowed by Mother Nature with diverse types of forests, interlaced spring and river systems, and assorted fauna and flora. Even in the summer heat, Pu Luong retains its cool atmosphere, making it an ideal place to escape from the busy and crowded cities.
A weekend holiday is perfect with Mai Chau Pu Luong journey for nature lovers. See itinerary detail at: http://vietnamtypicaltours.com/tour/mai-chau-pu-luong-3-days-2-nights/
