Discover - Pu luong Retreat

Sightseeings

An area of 17,662 ha of primary forest with diversity of biology, elevations from 300-1700m with a mild climate and rich cultures of Thai and Muong people, Puluong offers multiple options of sightseeings.

Rice time in terrace paddies

Puluong is one of the few places in Northern Mountain of Vietnam having 2 crops per year in terrace rice fields, due to its high density of rainforest keeping good water sources and mild climate. The first crop is from Mar to June and the second is from August to Oct. The magnificent rice terrace fields turn from green of cultivation to yellow of harvesting crops. Between them is watering time in July and Feb, each terrace transforms into a small lake, reflecting 7 colors of the rainbow, the transparent shadows of mountains and sky. This is a winning time for cloud hunting. Early morning, travellers can contemplate a sea of clouds bobbing hillside, pour into the valley, then climb up to the mountain. The sun slowly rises beyond those clouds creating a lifetime picture of nature.

Kho Mường village and Bat cave

Only 10km from Pu Luong Retreat, accessible by car/motorbike or a scenic trek, lies the pretty Kho Muong hamlet at the base of a steep valley. Its remote nature means you can still witness life as it has been over centuries, revolving around rice fields, vegetable gardens, and livestock. A short walk through the hamlet and the rice fields, where you can witness how the people of Kho Muong work in the rice fields, takes you to Bat Cave. This massive cave suddenly appears and will leave you speechless for a while. The cave is known for the 5 species of bats that have lived here for thousands of years. Brave travellers can also climb down to the cave for an interesting adventure. Try to find stalactite rocks, which are totally transformed from limestone in water drips coming from the upside of the cave.

Hiêu Hamlet and waterfall

Scenic Hieu hamlet sits above a hill of tumbling rice terraces and straddles two gushing waterfalls whose easy-grip limestone rocks allow the adventurous to climb up the falls – a must-try experience. Alternatively, you can relax in refreshing natural pools and afterward enjoy a traditional family meal cooked with local products including home-raised chicken and fish and wild leaves and vegetables from the garden. Hieu Hamlet is a 20 km transfer by road from Pu Luong Retreat, or a 12 km trek through a beautiful valley of rice fields and scenic villages.

Phố Đoàn kermis (Market)

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings, villagers from the surroundings gather at Pho Doan farmer’s market to sell and buy something. Decades ago, with poor connection to urban areas, the kermis was the only way for seller and buyer to meet. It was not only the market but also the place for fun, chatting and party. Recently, with new roads constructed and better infrastructure, the market has partially lost its character, though it is still worth visiting. Visitors can see the bustling fair with numerous products from mini farms in the region. It could be fresh vegetables and fruits, stem liquors, colorful embroidery and special Co Lung ducks. Those are nice add-on options to any trekking or cycling tours.

The villages of Ươi and Lặn

2 km from Puluong Retreat, descending to the valley, are the villages of Ươi and Lặn. While Ươi is an unique village alternating within palm hills that offer bird-eyes view from top of the pass, Lặn is tranquil and famous for its embroidery craft job where local women still use old-fashion wooden loom creating tablecloths and skirts. A small stream with water from the farmost mountains winds the houses creating a bunch of outdoor nature bathing places for villagers after a long farming day.

Đôn village

Đôn is the capital of the eco-tourism area of Puluong, with the best time to visit in May -June and Sep – Oct, 2 harvesting crops of yellow rice fields. All terrace paddies coat colorful costumes, turning from green to yellow, and spread out to the horizon. Đôn in the local language means inhabitance, and in hundreds of years, the hill tribal people have gathered here, creating populous current Đôn villages. Authentic lifestyle, breathtaking view and nice infrastructure are reasons for travellers and investors choosing Đôn, also the place where Puluong Retreat located.

Rivers and Water wheels

7kms from Puluong Retreat are the Nua and Cham rivers, two scenic waterways that cut through the Pu Luong valleys. These abundant water sources feed the extensive rice fields as well as personal usage of locals (washing, cleaning…). Visiting the river, you can spot locals fishing with traditional weaved fish baskets or fishing nets dropped from their bamboo rafts.

The most distinction in this region is the beautiful bamboo water wheels that dot the riverside. Based on power of water flow, the waterwheel studiously carries water to higher lands. The waterwheel sizes are numerous, from baby one to 10m-diameter colossal wheels. Sometimes 50-60 wheels queue along the riverbanks, creating a wonderful setup harmoniously between nature and humankind’s hand. These centuries-old water-supplying devices are still in active use, feeding fertile rice fields and local households.

Puluong Retreat, in cooperation with locals, creates an unique experience: Bamboo rafting. Within a distance of 1 km, guests can have the floating experience and different viewpoints of the nature.