A Trip Between Villages and Rice Fields in the Pu Luong Area
Pu Luong
In the village of Pu Luong, in the mountains at an altitude of about one thousand meters above sea level, is located the hotel Pu Luong Retreat, which overlooks a charming mountain landscape with terraced rice fields where, in the morning and afternoon hours, mists partially cover the mountains.
The hotel has a good restaurant and bungalows with mosquito nets over the beds. Each bungalow has a balcony overlooking the impressive view. The bungalows have fans but no air conditioning because the weather in the area is pleasant.
This is the place for those looking for peace and inspiration. To see the best of Northern Vietnam, to hike on foot, and to feel the locals up close. Thai ethnic tribes live in this region, industrious and charming.
The village of Pu Luong is located about 124 km west of the city of Ninh Binh, but reaching this village from Ninh Binh takes about three hours and twenty minutes due to narrow, winding roads between villages where driving speed is 30-40 km/h. From Hanoi, the village is located about 150 km to the southwest (about 4 hours drive).
Hiking Between Villages and Rice Fields
From the hotel, you set out on foot into the rice fields in front of the hotel. Since the area is mountainous, the rice fields here were planted on terraces which impart a special beauty.
♦ Guided tour in Pu Luong (bookable on Viator):
A woman carrying a baby working in a rice field:
On the trek, you pass through the villages of the Thai minority who build their houses on wooden stilts, under which they raise animals and store equipment, and in several homes, women can be seen weaving rugs on hand looms.
The rice fields are surrounded by water channels, and in certain places, there are also fish farming ponds. Women wash their laundry in the water channels.
The entire route is downhill, and at the end, a shuttle vehicle awaits to take you back to the hotel. It is recommended to do the route with a local guide who knows the area well and also tells a lot about the lives and customs of the locals and the flora and fauna in the area.
After lunch (it is best to eat at the hotel's excellent restaurant; other restaurants in the area are very simple and basic), you set out on a hike to a small waterfall. It is actually a small stream with several small waterfalls along it and swimming pools for locals living nearby.
As we walked along the stream, the local companion of Thai origin noticed a snake sunbathing on the bank of the stream with its head inside its burrow hole. The companion immediately went down to the stream and caught the snake with his bare hands with great joy; according to him, he would get a very high price for it because this snake is considered a delicacy. Further along the stream, we saw another such snake that immediately entered its burrow. The local tried to catch it too, but without success.
Travel Destinations on the Way from Pu Luong to Hanoi
Bicycle Tour in Mai Chau City
The city of Mai Chau is located about 140 km southwest of Hanoi (about three hours drive). The city lies in a valley and is surrounded by mountains, villages, and rice fields.
This is a city of a Thai minority around which are several villages known for their handcrafts, mainly fabric weaving and making handmade dolls, bows and arrows, and swords.
On site, you can rent bicycles and go on a tour (highly recommended to be guided) between the villages, rice fields, and city streets. There are also golf carts transporting tourists between the area's hotels and the surrounding stalls and attractions.
Thung Khe Mountain Pass
The road from Mai Chau city to Hanoi passes through the Thung Khe mountain pass. Before the mountain pass, it is recommended to stop along the way at an impressive viewpoint over Mai Chau city.
After passing the summit of the Thung Khe mountain pass, you stop at an impressive viewpoint over the valley.
At the viewpoint, numerous sales stalls have set up, selling orchid plants and various foods including corn, eggs, crabs, as well as full meals on mats spread out at the foot of the magnificent view. The vendors here are members of the Muong tribe who are dressed in their characteristic attire.
4 Short Videos About Pu Luong and the Mountain Pass: