Escape to the Serene Beauty of Pu Luong: A 3-Day Trekking Tour with Golden Holiday Travel
My friend & I recently went on a 3-day trekking tour to Pu Luong Nature Reserve with Golden Holiday Travel and it was an unforgettable experience. The trip was from 29th to 31st March 2026, and it was just what I needed to take a break from my busy life in Japan. I had a great time, and I would love to share my experience with other visitors doing trip to Pu Luong, Vietnam…
Picnic lunch in the middle of forest while doing Pu Luong Trekking tour
We decided on this trip after consulting with Mr. Ban, the sales executive at Golden Holiday Travel, who provided us with the updated information about the current weather and landscapes in different areas of Northern Vietnam, which was helpful in deciding on the destination.We were excited to choose the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and booked 3 day Pu Luong trekking tour just a few days before departure.
Pristine rice fields in Don village – Pu Luong
On the first day of this exciting journey, we were picked up by our tour guide and driver at 8h00 a.m from our hotel & headed to Pu Luong national park. The weather was rainy and misty as we departed from Hanoi, but as we drove through the mountain passes, the sun started to come out and we were treated with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys in Northwest Vietnam.
After a delicious lunch of local Vietnamese dishes in Canh Nang town, we started our 1.5 hour Pu Luong trekking tour along small roads in Ban Cong commune of some local Thai villages. We were fascinated by the many water-wheels, a unique cultural feature of the Thai and Muong people living in the nature reserve of Pu Luong.
We got up close to each wheel and discovered how water is moved from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Along the way, we also had the chance to do a wonderful rafting tour along Cham stream, quietly paddling along mountain views and water – wheels, really a wonderful activity you must try when doing trip to Pu Luong nature reserve.
Rafting area along Cham stream
Later in the day, we arrived at Pu Luong Retreat – the resort located in the heart of the nature reserve, where we checked in and were free to enjoy the stunning beauty of the rice terraces around the area. It was the perfect place to relax and take in the natural surroundings.
Day 2 was a full day of hiking and exploring the Pu Luong nature reserve. We started with a hearty breakfast and checked out of our rooms before embarking on our Pu Luong Trekking Adventure across Don village to Doan town.The trek was on buffalo trails and took us across forested mountains where we were able to take in the pristine rice terrace fields and local villages that dotted the landscape.
Rice terraces along the trekking trails
We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest before continuing on to Co Lung village and finally reaching Hieu village, where we stayed in a local homestay of the Black Thai Ethnic. The village was nestled on a high mountain slope with a peaceful Hieu waterfall running day and night. We then checked into a local homestay of Black Thai Ethnic, had a cozy dinner with the family, and spent a peaceful night there
Dinner with local host of Black Thai in Hieu village
On the third day, we woke up early to enjoy the typical life of a rural village with rooster songs, fresh air, and a nice view of surrounding mountains. After breakfast, we embarked on a 4.5-hour scenic Pu Luong trekking expedition down the mountains and along the valley, passing different hamlets in Co Lung commune, and up the trails from Uoi village across the forest to Kho Muong village. This beautiful hamlet is nested in the wild valley in the core zone of Pu Luong forest and is home to 60 households with three hundred inhabitants of Black Thai hill tribe.
After lunch with a local family, our guide took us for a walk around the village, including a visit to Kho Muong cave. We then trekked up to NR15C, where we met our driver for a 4.5-hour drive back to Hanoi.
Overall, the 3-day Pu Luong Trekking Tour with Golden Holiday Travel was an unforgettable experience. The moderate to hard hiking routes allowed us to visit scenic Thai villages, capture pristine scenery of mountains, jungle, and rice terraces, and interact with friendly locals.The tour was well-organized, and our tour guide was knowledgeable and professional. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Pu Luong is one of the premier trekking destinations in Northern Vietnam, offering a more serene and less crowded alternative to Sapa. It features a stunning mix of lush tropical forests, limestone karsts, and tiered rice terraces. A trekking tour here allows you to immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities while exploring hidden waterfalls and remote hamlets.
A 3-day tour is the ideal duration for Pu Luong. This timeframe allows you to travel comfortably from Hanoi, trek through the core zones of the nature reserve—such as Kho Muong village and the Hieu Waterfall area—and still have time to relax at a mountain retreat. It provides a perfect balance of physical activity and cultural immersion without feeling rushed.
The best time to visit is during the harvest seasons, either in late May to June or late September to October, when the rice terraces turn a vibrant golden yellow. However, for trekking, the months from October to April are also excellent due to the cooler, drier weather, which makes hiking through the jungle and valleys much more comfortable.
Since the terrain includes forest paths and village trails, you should pack sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, lightweight breathable clothing, and a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip in the natural pools of Hieu Waterfall. A small daypack is also essential for carrying water and your camera during daily hikes.
Pu Luong is located about 160km from Hanoi, roughly a 4 to 4.5-hour drive. For the most comfortable experience, Golden Holiday Travel provides private car transfers or luxury limousine shuttles. Many travelers choose a guided tour package that includes door-to-door transport, ensuring a seamless transition from the busy city to the tranquil mountains.
Yes, Pu Luong offers various trails ranging from easy walks through rice paddies to more challenging climbs up Pu Luong Peak. A professional tour operator like Golden Holiday Travel can customize the trekking routes based on your fitness level, ensuring you see the most beautiful viewpoints and traditional stilt houses at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Write Comment