Possessing the majestic mountain scenery and the vast terraced fields, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has long been a promised land of backpackers. This is a great natural destination in Thanh Hoa Province for those in need of relaxation or trekking.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in Ba Thuoc District and Quan Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province. It is about 130 kilometers from the northwest of Thanh Hoa and 25 kilometers from Cuc Phuong National Park. It is bordered by three districts of Hoa Binh Province including Mai Chau, Tan Lac, and Lac Son. The natural reserve was established in 1999 with the total area of 17,662 hectares, including 13,320 hectares of strictly protected zone and 4,343 hectares of ecological restoration zone. It is lying between two parallel mountain ranges running from the northwest to the southeast. In the language of Thai’s ethnic groups, Pu Luong means the highest peak in the region.

Be endowed with the high biodiversity, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has the great potentials for ecological tourism. Not far from Cuc Phuong National Park, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has many similarities in terms of flora and fauna. In fact, its flora and fauna is quite diverse and closely associated with Cuc Phuong National Park. It is estimated that there are around 598 species of animals, including 53 rare species (26 species of mammals, five species of bats, 6 species of birds, 5 species of freshwater fishes, and 6 species of reptiles). With regards to vertebrates, there are 84 species of mammals (including 24 bat species), 162 species of birds, 55 species of fishes, 28 species of reptiles, and 13 species of amphibians. This is also home of clouded leopard, spotted deer, Asian black bears, chamois, and Delacour’s langur.
The best time to visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve is from May to October. Late-May and early-June is the time that villagers in Pu Luong start a new crop, therefore, terraced fields will be put on a new shirt of green color. Meanwhile, in September and October, Pu Luong enters into the ripen rice season, all terraced fields on a hillside will turn into the bright yellow. Visiting this nature reserve, tourists can take part in a great deal of activities such as conquering the summit of Pu Luong Nature Reserve at the height of 1,700 meters (for adventurous travelers), trekking at Kho Muong Village, visiting the majestic May Waterfall, or simply enjoying the peaceful and picturesque beauty of terraced fields.