Pu Luong Nature Reserve
"We did a 4 days trek to Puluong nature reserve with Ethnic Voyage, it was springtime here so all flowers blooming along the trails. We enjoyed our stay with local tribe, they were really friendly and welcomed. Our guide was very helpful and helped us to translate all time. It was a nice experience."
Pu Luong
Pu Luong Nature Reserve - is a hidden gem. It is a limestone landscape in an area of outstanding beauty in nature, culture and great biodiversity, which stretches from Mai Chau inNorth West to Cuc Phuong National Park in the southeast.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve was founded in 1999. From the nature reserve is 3/4 primary tropical forest. It is also the home of the ethnic Muong and Thai. Pu Luong means "the highest peak of the village" in the language of the Thai.
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Nowadays you can make a day trip from Hanoi to Pu Luong. Hiking through the woods and long rice fields, cycling through the reserve and visit many beautiful small villages belong to the activities of visitors. Pu Luong is a destination where you can say that it is "off the beaten track."
The landscape is beautiful with two mountain ranges on both sides. Between them is a green valley dotted with traditional villages. The local people here is one of the most friendly in Vietnam.
You should not be surprised if you are invited by Thai to drink a cup of tea in their home. Their local culture is rich and authentic. Feel free inside for a cup of tea. |
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The locals live in small settlements nestled in valleys in their traditional houses on stilts. If you're invited to dinner, you will be invited after dinner to dance. That is always a memorable experience.
The best time to visit Pu Luong during the season of rice harvest from September to November or February to May. Then rice terraces are lush and the weather is pleasant. Pu Luong can best be visited through Mai Chau or NinhBinh. Extended tours through villages such as Ban Sai, Ban Hang Ban Kho Muong or Ban Hieu and stay in one of the authentic homestays is the best thing you can do here. There are options for everyone including families with small children.
The Watermill
In the villages near the town of Mai Chau, you'll be able to view the popular dance "Xoe" of Thai minority. The "Xoe" dance has a long history and is dated around the year 1000 AD. In the beginning, dancing boys and girls from villages holding hands and forming a circle. This dance has become a tradition in the Northwest of Vietnam and is performed at many festivals. This dance is also performed, as a welcome, to tourists who come to this area. This dance has grown to 36 different dances and is a symbol of unity between ethnic groups in the northwestern region.
The Trekking
Pu Luong Natuurreservaat is suitable for hiking.
On the outskirts of Mai Chau town is already a starting point to explore the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This vast Nature Reserve is ideal for walking and get acquainted with the life of ethnic minorities. The reserve is home to a number of protected and endangered species - for example, leopards and bears.
