Best of Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Pu Luong Nature Reserve
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a verdant realm of tropical rainforests and rice paddies, along with tiny villages where ethnic Muong and Thai have lived for centuries. Established in 1999, the reserve encompasses some 68 square miles (176 sq. km) and is an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rugged natural beauty while experiencing local culture. It’s about a four-hour drive to the reserve from Hanoi, so to make the most of the region, it’s best to budget a few days here. 

Pa Luong is a great destination for guided multi-day treks, staying in small villages along the way. You can hike amid limestone mountains and densely forested valleys, stop to peer inside hidden caves and cool off in gurgling streams. By evening, you can bunk in eco-lodges or overnight with friendly local families in homestays. You’ll also eat well in the region, enjoying freshly harvested vegetables, locally raised pork and foraged ingredients like grilled mountain snails.
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Float down the Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh province
Map of Explore Northern Vietnam - 9 Days
Explore Northern Vietnam - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure celebrates the history and culture of Vietnam's north while taking you to the most beautiful areas in the region. First, tour the highlights of ancient Hanoi and ride bicycles through the countryside. The excitement kicks into high gear with trekking through the highlands, riding sampans down rivers in Ninh Binh, and cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay.

Observe the local way of life during an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay
Map of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Vietnam typically plan a trip for 14 to 15 days when combining Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve with Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho. If you're not interested in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho, eight to nine days are enough for your trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in one week for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve trips below.

 The bridge to West Lake in Hanoi
Map of Vietnam Cities & Nature Tour  - 11 Days
Vietnam Cities & Nature Tour - 11 Days

Experience the best of Vietnam from the south to the north as you tour highlights and off-the-beaten-path gems. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll embark on day trips to the famous Mekong Delta where you'll visit nature reserves and the famous floating markets. Then fly north to Hanoi for city tours plus excursions to the remote mountain villages of Pu Luong and a cruise on the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay.

Take a scenic hike in northern Vietnam's Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas
Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 12 days is a great length for a Vietnam trip, with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region, like Hue, Ninh Binh, and Can Tho. See more ideas for Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve itineraries below.

Vietnam tour
Map of Impressions of Vietnam - 14 Days
Impressions of Vietnam - 14 Days

This tour takes you around the major highlights of Vietnam, but along the lesser-traveled paths. Visit the coastal regions of Northern Vietnam that still remain unknown to many visitors. Get immersed in Vietnamese history in Hue, and experience a different side of popular Hoi An by being a local for one day. And of course, visit bustling Hanoi—the capital of Vietnam—which seamlessly blends the old and new.

Scenic landscape of Trang An, Vietnam
Map of Discover Northern Vietnam & Cambodia - 15 Days
Discover Northern Vietnam & Cambodia - 15 Days

In just over two weeks, you'll visit the most scenic parts of northern Vietnam, plus hop the border for the highlights of Cambodia. The adventure starts with cycling in the country outside Hanoi, a trip to unspoiled nature reserves, and a ride down the Red River Delta. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll fly to Cambodia to explore the ruins of Angkor and dive into the nation's culture on a tour of Phnom Penh.

Ha Long Bay
Map of Highlights of Vietnam - 9 Days
Highlights of Vietnam - 9 Days

See all the classic highlights on this nine-day trip to magical Vietnam. Roam around the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise on the azure waters of Ha Long Bay, and hike to villages and terraced rice paddies in the countryside. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded showcase of Vietnam's history, charm, and natural beauty.

Vietnam's ancient city of Hoi An
Map of Impressions of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & More - 10 Days
Impressions of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & More - 10 Days

On this 10-day adventure, you'll visit the major cities of Vietnam, plus national parks and UNESCO landmarks. It begins in Hanoi, where you'll tour the historic Old Quarter and take day trips to country villages. Then, after cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll fly to the coast to visit the ancient port city of Hoi An and see the historic sights in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ha Long Bay
Map of Vietnam Panorama: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh - 11 Days
Vietnam Panorama: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure covers the highlights of Vietnam from north to south. In the former, you'll tour the historic streets of Hanoi, visit rural mountain villages, and cruise the jade waters of Ha Long Bay. Then, spend time on the central coast enjoying the culture of ancient Hoi An before finishing the trip in Ho Chi Minh City and a boat ride down the famous Mekong Delta.

Explore Hoi An to learn about Vietnam's cultural influences
Map of Vietnam Culture & Heritage: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh  - 12 Days
Vietnam Culture & Heritage: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh - 12 Days

Vietnam's cultures unfold on this journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, traveling by car, boat, and air. Experience the sights and sounds of the country's busiest markets in Hanoi. Learn about Cham River life at an overnight homestay and ride through rice fields and open spaces. Spend time relaxing while sailing along calm Ha Long Bay. Discover the art of paper lantern-making and get fitted for a custom outfit in Hoi An. End the tour in Ho Chi Minh with one last bowl of pho.

Terraced hillsides in Pu Luong
Map of Vietnam Panorama: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh - 12 Days
Vietnam Panorama: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh - 12 Days

Discover frenetic cities, striking natural beauty, significant history, both ancient and contemporary, and the warm, welcoming culture of Vietnam on this expansive 12-day adventure. Cycle through rural villages, cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay's towering limestone islands, catch a water puppet show in Hanoi and visit the Viet Cong's Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Terraced hillsides near Sapa, Vietnam
Map of Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days
Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days

Go off the beaten path in Vietnam as you tour Hanoi like a local, visit traditional villages in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and hike amid terraced rice paddies in the highlands of Sapa. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll stroll amid ancient history in cities like Hoi An before ending the trip with street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City and adventures down the Mekong River.

The Red River Valley of Nin Binh, Tam Coc
Map of Ultimate Vietnam: Cities, Countryside & Waterways - 15 Days
Ultimate Vietnam: Cities, Countryside & Waterways - 15 Days

This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River.

Discover underground wonders in Vietnam
Map of Vietnam Trekking & Caving Adventure - 15 Days
Vietnam Trekking & Caving Adventure - 15 Days

Get ready for 15 days of nature adventures and cultural excursions throughout Vietnam. In the north, you'll go off the beaten track in Hanoi, hike along terraced rice fields, cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, and explore the spectacular Phong Nha Cave. Finish the trip in Ho Chi Minh City where one last adventure awaits: a trip to the famous Mekong Delta.

Other popular travel destinations in Vietnam
Hanoi · Ha Long Bay · Ho Chi Minh City · Hoi An · Hue · Sapa · Ninh Binh · Can Tho · Phu Quoc