The breathtaking scenery of Pu Luong during the golden rice harvest season.

Located in Thanh Hoa province, bordering Hoa Binh, Pu Luong is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated within a national nature reserve, Pu Luong retains its pristine and rustic beauty.

Magnificent rice fields of Pu Luong during harvest season.

For nature lovers, Pu Luong during the rice harvest season is truly an unmissable destination. Compared to Mu Cang Chai, Dien Bien, or Ha Giang, Pu Luong possesses a unique and equally impressive beauty. The gently undulating terraced rice fields, interspersed with the rustic stilt houses of the ethnic people, all create a unique and harmonious blend of nature and humanity.

With her freelance work, Le Thanh Hien (a freelancer in the marketing field) easily manages her time and freely schedules trips to explore new places. Having had the opportunity to visit Pu Luong during the rice harvest season, Thanh Hien shared: “While places like Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, or Ha Giang boast majestic terraced rice fields, Pu Luong offers a gentle, serene beauty of the low mountains in western Thanh Hoa. You can stand far away and admire the golden rice fields nestled against the mountain range of the nature reserve.”

Visiting Pu Luong during the rice harvest season, tourists can enjoy the fresh, cool air, breathe in the fragrant scent of ripening rice, and admire the picturesque scenery. The most beautiful moments to see the ripening rice in Pu Luong are at sunrise and sunset. When the first rays of sunlight pierce through the thin mist covering the golden rice fields, it creates a magnificent and magical scene. Or when the sunset paints the sky red, the rice paddies shimmer in a brilliant golden hue, giving visitors a strangely romantic and peaceful feeling.

The golden hue of ripening rice in Pu Luong not only inspires travel enthusiasts but also becomes a source of pride for the local people. This is because it is the result of countless hours of hard work, cultivation, and care. The image of diligent farmers harvesting rice manually and children accompanying their mothers to the fields to reap the harvest is simple yet beautiful, captivating anyone who witnesses it.

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Pù Luông during the rice harvest season.

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2 days and 1 night to "conquer" Pu Luong

Escaping the sweltering heat of Hanoi, Thanh Hien sought refuge in Pu Luong to enjoy the fresh air and discover peaceful experiences. Although her two days there were short, they created unforgettable memories for her.

Instead of venturing to distant places, Thanh Hien spent her time experiencing activities right at her accommodation. Joining the locals in making bamboo-cooked rice, weaving coconut leaf hats, or trying her hand at archery – seemingly simple activities that held many interesting aspects. Through these experiences, she gained a deeper understanding of the local culture and lifestyle, and also came to appreciate the handcrafted products made with dedication and passion.

In addition, this Gen Z girl also spends time trekking through lush green terraced rice fields and winding through peaceful country roads. These moments of relaxation, reading, and enjoying the fresh air of the Pù Luông mountains help her dispel all worries and recharge her energy for life.

A special experience not to be missed is the weekly market held every Thursday and Sunday. Bustling but not chaotic, vibrant yet retaining its rustic and simple charm, the market appears as a vivid picture of the culture and life of the local people. Strolling around the market, Thanh Hien enjoyed local specialties, found unique souvenirs, and chatted with friendly vendors.

Discover the ideal time to visit Pu Luong.

To have a smooth and memorable trip to Pu Luong, visitors should note the following ideal times:

Late May - early June: At this time, the terraced rice fields in Pu Luong are covered in a lush green color of young rice plants. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the fresh air, and capture stunning photographs.

September or October: This is the season when the rice fields turn a golden yellow, giving Pu Luong a vibrant and abundant beauty. You will be able to admire the shimmering golden rice paddies stretching out like a truly impressive carpet.

Furthermore, you can visit Pu Luong at any time of year. Thanks to its unique location, Pu Luong boasts a mild climate with fresh and cool air. Each season brings its own distinct beauty to Pu Luong, from the lush green of spring and the golden hues of autumn to the majestic scenery of winter.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai