If you’re looking to escape the city’s heat and stress without venturing too far, consider Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa Province. Here, you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of mountains and forests, enjoy fresh breezes, and take in the picturesque scenery. Located about 160 km southwest of Hanoi, Pu Luong is a popular weekend retreat, known for its lush rice fields, palm groves, traditional waterwheels, and cascading waterfalls.
When is the Best Time to Visit Pu Luong
The ideal time to visit Pu Luong is from late May to early June, when the young rice fields are lush and vibrant, offering a serene experience for both mind and soul. Even during the hot summer months, Pu Luong enjoys a comfortable climate due to its location in a low limestone mountain area, surrounded by tropical rainforests and a sparse population. September and October mark the harvest season, transforming the terraced fields into a stunning golden landscape that feels both opulent and dreamlike. However, any time of year is perfect for a visit, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
How to get to Pu Luong
The most common way to reach Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa is by motorbike or car, both of which can be easily rented in Hanoi. Alternatively, you can take a limousine from Giap Bat or My Dinh stations, with the journey taking approximately 4.5 hours. It’s highly recommended to stop in Ninh Binh or Mai Chau along the way to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam.
Things to do in Pu Luong
Hiking
In Pu Luong, you’ll find picturesque country roads leading up to hilltops. Along the journey, you can explore quaint villages and stroll through local plantations. The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are truly stunning. Early risers will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise atop the hills, where they can witness the sun dispelling the thick mist enveloping the mountains—a breathtaking experience that makes the hike worthwhile.
Biking
In contrast to the busy streets of the city center, visitors to Pu Luong may spot a local on a motorbike now and then. Here, bicycles are the primary mode of transportation. Riding along the scenic roads of Pu Luong allows for fresh air and a sense of tranquility. Some mountain trails present a challenge for adventurous cyclists. Many homestays in Pu Luong offer free bicycle rentals to their guests.
Explore the ethnic villages within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of Vietnam’s hidden gems for ecotourism and trekking, was established in 1999 to safeguard its rich biodiversity. Spanning over 17,600 hectares, this area boasts a stunning blend of untouched forests, terraced rice fields, and charming ethnic villages. It is home to the Thai and Muong communities, where visitors can admire traditional stilt houses, witness local harvests, and savor authentic regional cuisine. Notable attractions within the reserve include Pu Luong Peak, Don Village, and the villages of Son, Ba, and Muoi, each offering unique experiences for explorers.
Discover the Pho Doan market.
Visitors can explore Pho Doan Market to immerse themselves in the local culture of ethnic communities. Situated in Lung Niem Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province, the market features vibrant trading activities where you can find local products from the Kinh, Muong, and Thai minorities, sourced from nearby areas like Tan Lac and Lac Son Districts in Hoa Binh Province. The offerings are simple yet diverse, including traditional silk garments, tube wine, mountain vegetables, and fresh fruits.
Take in the breathtaking views from the peak of Pu Luong Mountain.
Adventure seekers will delight in conquering the 1,700-meter peak. At the summit, clouds drift lazily among stilt houses and terraced fields below, creating a picturesque scene that feels almost dreamlike. Everything seems to pause—time stands still, leaving only the tranquil beauty of the landscape.
Discover the beauty of Hieu Waterfall.
Hieu Waterfall, located in Hieu Village within Co Long Commune, is a charming community-based ecotourism spot. This picturesque waterfall features five smaller cascades, with crystal-clear blue-green waters that can be enjoyed throughout the year, making it a lovely place for occasional swimming.
In addition to the waterfall, you’ll find bamboo water wheels scattered throughout Pu Luong. These iconic structures are emblematic of the region and its Thai ethnic community. They play a vital role in agriculture by drawing water from nearby streams and rivers to irrigate the lush terraced rice fields that surround the area.
Start planning your trip to Vietnam today by getting your visa at vietnamvisapro.net. As a trusted and reliable visa service, we’re here to help you turn your travel dreams into reality from the very first step.
The large island consists of 8 islets, 20 km off the coast from Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Binh Province. Cu Lao Cham Island has wonderful sand beaches, forested hills, a nature reserve and the sea. With primitive landscapes, the island is ideal for camping, swimming and scuba diving to enjoy the corals and beautiful marine life.
Location: Tan Hiep, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province
I. History of Cu Lao Cham Islands
Cham islands are supposed to be the first place where Cham people landed, coming to Quang Nam Province from Indonesia (small monuments, dikes, and basin to grow rice on terraces are hidden in the forest, the 17th-century pagodas and small temples in the two villages).
Therefore, being well-known since earlier Cham domination (from 4th to 14th century), the island became one of the main ports of Champa Kingdom. Situated some eight miles offshore Hoi An, it was also part of Hoi An historical international trading. From the 15th century till the beginning of 20th century, the old city was a meeting point for international vessels and junks.
According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th and 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao.
Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a three-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.
II. Topography of Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve
The topography of Cu Lao Cham Island is dominated by two peaks: a 517m peak in the centre of the island and a 326m peak at the western end. Natural forest here covers 532 ha of the nature reserve, equivalent to 35% of the total area, while plantation forest covers a further 30 ha.
Cham island comprises an archipelago of one large island and seven smaller islands: Hon Dai, Hon Lao, Hon Kho Me, Hon La, Hon Kho Con, Hon Ong, Hon Tai, Hon Mo. The largest island of them is Hon Lao, which covers 1,317 ha and has a circular shape at the height of 500m. There are nice beaches at Bim and Ong beach.
Bai Bim: Nice beaches and rock reefs, free swimming and taking photographs
Bai Ong: White sandy stretch, beautiful view, clear water, lots of restaurants serving specialties of Cu Lao Cham, many entertaining services for Cu Lao Cham tour
Bai Lang: High population with amazing tourist destinations like Champa Kingdom, suitable for understanding more about the locals’ life.
Bai Bac: The northern beach, peaceful and isolated place that is used to make way for exorbitant resorts and villas in the future.
Bai Xep: beautiful and pristine with colorful coral reefs, great place for swimming and snorkeling.
Bai Chong: longer than Bai Ong, beautiful rock reefs and bridge for taking photographs, tranquil water to swim.
Bai Huong: tasty seafood, lots of ships and boat docking, not for swimming
III. Biodiversity Values
The island is a place where shelter for value swallow birds. The natural vegetation of the islands is a lowland evergreen forest, that is natural with a lot of woods and rare animals.
Scientists report the occurrence of macaques Macaca sp., monitor lizards Varanus sp. and pythons Python sp. To date, 265 vascular plant species have been reported from Cu Lao Cham nature reserve. Furthermore, a species of swiftlet Collocalia sp. is reported to nest on Hon Kho within the nature reserve.
Cu Lao Cham is also home to salanganes, birds whose nests have long been considered a delicacy by aristocrats and the wealthy. The nests may cost as much as US $4,000 per kilogram. On a beautiful day, tourists are able to see cliffs where salanganes build their nests and talk with salangane-nest takers.
Around the island has a lot of color corals under the water. Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear freshwater all year round. Visiting Cu Lao Cham, tourists have a chance to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliffs. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, bird’s nests) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conchs, tortoise-shells).
IV. What to See in Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve?
1. Hai Tang Pagoda
Built in 1758, this pagoda worshipped Bodhisattva, Buddha, sea god and local god. In the past, there was a storm attacking the pagoda so in 1848, local people decided to reconstruct and redecorate it. Now, it is 200 m away from its original location.
Hai Tang Pagoda lies on the foot of Hon Lao Island’s west mountain and is opposite a small valley in Cham Island. Hai means the sea and Tang means Tipitaka, which is a Buddhisst holy books containing Buddha’s words.
Location: Hon Lao Island, Cham Island
2. Cham people’s Ancient Well
This well was dug 2 hundreds years ago by Cham people but until now, it still works well and the locals can use its fresh water. Its architecture is not different from other Cham wells with a pipe shape, annular bricks management, a square pillar, and a surrounding square base. Even during the dry season, people can still use water from this well for different purposes.
Location: Xom Cam Village, Cham Island
3. Temple of Bird’s Nest Business Founders
Erected in the early 19th century, this temple is used to worship the bird’s nest business’s founders. The gods of the sea are also worshipped here, which is similar to Hai Tang Pagoda. Each year, following the Chinese calendar, on the 9th and 10th of March, local people often come here to pray for a new year with better harvests.
Location: Huong Beach, Cham Island
4. Cham Island Marine Museum
This museum gives you an insight of Cham’s history, traditions, customs, festivals as well as special sea creatures. In addition, you can also have a chance to know more about the lifestyle of people living on the island.
5. Tan Hiep Market
This local market is an ideal place for you to buy seafood and souvenirs. The most popular things that tourists often purchase is half-dried cuttlefish. It is because the seafood here is super cheap and fresh.
Location: Cham Island Pier
V. What to Do in Cu Lao Cham Island?
1. Camping
With the variety of nature, Cham Island is a wonderful place to go camping. You just need to prepare everything well before going. The best choices for you are Bai Xep and Bai Bim where nature is wild and the spaces are open. Moreover, in Bai Huong and Bai Ong, you will be provided the necessary tools for an outside camp by local people.
2. Sea trekking
This is a new type of entertainment here. You just need a functional hat and you can walk under the sea by yourself. This service is an interesting experience for every person, even those are at the age of 80. Let’s imagine yourself walking into the sea seeing beautiful schools of fish as well as coral reefs, what is better than this?
3. Snorkeling
Another great activity that allows you to see the beauty of the sea is snorkeling. The price for a snorkeling ticket with a guide and full equipment is around 200,000 VND. But remember to protect the biodiversity of the sea when going snorkeling.
4. Swimming
Cu Lao Cham has a lot of beautiful beaches that are suitable for swimming. Almost all of them are 20 m in width and 100 to 300 m in length. The waves are gentle and the water is clear and cool. So, you will definitely have a lot of fun here.
VI. Best Time to Visit Cu Lao Cham Archipelago
The tropical monsoon climate put a huge impact on Cu Lao Cham’s weather.
So, the best time for you to visit Cu Lao Cham is between March and August.
This is the time when the weather is sunny and the water condition is great. In the remaining months, there will be heavy rain and sometimes even big storms.
If you want to snorkel or dive, you should come in June, July and August. There are a wide range of tour companies and dive centers providing trips for you during this time.
Check out the seawater temperature in Cham Islands in months of the year in the table below:
Month
Avg. Temp.
Warmest Temp.
Coldest Temp.
Ideal Activity?
January
23.1°C/73.6°F
26°C/78.8°F
21°C/69.8°F
x
February
22.8°C/73°F
25.1°C/77.2°F
20°C/68°F
x
March
23.7°C/74.7°F
26.4°C/79.5°F
21°C/69.8°F
x
April
24.8°C/76.6°F
27.1°C/80.8°F
22°C/71.6°F
x
May
26.9°C/80.4°F
29°C/84.2°F
25°C/77°F
x
June
28.4°C/83.1°F
30°C/86°F
26°C/78.8°F
x
July
28.9°C/84°F
31°C/87.8°F
27°C/80.6°F
x
August
29.4°C/84.9°F
31°C/87.8°F
28°C/82.4°F
x
September
29.2°C/84.6°F
30.9°C/87.6°F
27°C/80.6°F
x
October
27.8°C/82°F
30°C/86°F
26°C/78.8°F
x
November
26.3°C/79.3°F
28.3°C/82.9°F
24.6°C/76.3°F
x
December
24.6°C/76.3°F
27°C/80.6°F
22°C/71.6°F
x
VII. Where to Stay in Cham Islands?
On Cu Lao Cham, there aren’t any five-star hotels or resorts, you will only find homestays and hostels. But don’t worry, the service here is very good while the price is not expensive. Here are some suggested accommodations for you.
1. Tam Hien’s Homestay
Location: Bai Ong Beach, Cham Island
Tel: 0120 618 3516
2. Hiep’s Homestay
Location: Huong Beach, Cham Island
Tel: 0986 651 448
3. Thu Trang’s Homestay
Location: Lang Beach, Cham Island
Tel: 0985 237 941
VIII. How to Get to Cu Lao Cham Islands?
To get to Cu Lao Cham, you need to arrive in Hoi An, Da Nang first. There are numerous flights from big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. When you are here, you will have to choose 1 kind of transportation to get to Cham Island.
1. Private canoe
This is the quickest and most expensive way to get to Cham Island. The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A private canoe can hold up to 35 people and the price varies from the size of the canoe.
2. Standard canoe
This one is cheaper than the private canoe. The price is about 300,000 VND and you have to go with other strange people in the same canoe. You will not be able to travel freely because you need to follow the company’s route.
3. Wooden Boat
The wooden boat is the cheapest way of transportation but the time you have to wait is also the longest. Normally, the boat leaves at 8 am and you will reach Cham Island at around 10 am. And you are recommended to stay one night on Cu Lao Cham if you choose this kind of traveling.
Once arriving in Cham Island, you can rent a motorbike to go to discover every corner of this place. Almost all homestays, hotels and hostels provide motorcycles for rent with a reasonable price so you do not need to worry about transportation on the island.
Close to Hoi An town, Cu Lao Cham really cherishes high potential for tourism development. There is no reason for you to not experience the beauty of this beautiful offshore land.
Make your plan to Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net. We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step
