Pu Luong: Rice Terraces and Quiet Valleys

Pu Luong is a nature reserve with steep rice terraces, small villages and almost no traffic. It is the closest real mountain area to Ninh Binh, so you can go there without a long drive.

What you can do

• Walk between the terraces Paths run from village to village. You can walk for an hour or a full day."
• See the water wheels Big bamboo wheels lift water from the river into the fields. They still work.
• Stay in a stilt house Many families rent out rooms. Simple, clean, and you eat with the family.
• Swim in the river There are quiet spots along the Cham river.

Good to know

• Best light on the terraces is early morning.
• Green season is June and July. Golden rice is late September and early October.
• Roads are narrow and winding. Do not plan to arrive after dark.

Where it is

• Region: Thanh Hoa province
• From Ninh Binh: about 2.5 hours
• From Hanoi: about 3.5 hours
• From Mai Chau: about 2 hours
• Coordinates: 20.49896, 105.20130
• Map: Open in Google Maps

How to fit it into your trip

Pu Luong works well as an overnight trip from Ninh Binh. One night is enough to see it, two nights if you want to walk properly. It also fits neatly between Ninh Binh and Mai Chau.

Travelling around North Vietnam is easiest with your own driver. We arrange cars and drivers for trips like this.

Getting there: see Ninh Binh to Pu Luong, or let us plan your whole trip, airport to airport.

Photo: NKSTTSSHNVN, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.