In the words of the local Thai ethnic people, Pu Luong means the "highest peak".Its loftiest zenith towering 1,700m above the valleys of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuocdistricts, in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, about 250km south of Hanoi.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is close to several other favoured tourismattractions, including Cuc Phuong National Park in the neighbouring province ofNinh Binh and Mai Chau tourist area in Hoa Binh. The close location combinedwith lush wildlife make Pu Luong an ideal destination.
Thai and Muongethnic people in the hamlets surrounding Pu Luong lead lives steeped intradition and customs, and they remain largely uninfluenced by modern means.
Their cultural observances are celebrated in every season of every yearand the natural setting inspires musical performances particular to the area.
When travellers come to visit Pu Luong, they don't expect high standardaccommodation, but certainly can expect the famous hospitality of Thai and Muongpeople and homestays in ethnic village.
From the moment you arrive in PuLuong, you are treated as a guest of honour, and a jar of local rice wine willbe on hand to celebrate. A few drams of rice wine are sure to enhance thecollective spirit, and are an important observance for local people.
KhoMuong Village nestles in a scenic valley, and greets its visitors with views ofstilt houses. Drawn on the valley with brisk strokes, springs gush from theearth, and rice paddies puddle at the foot of mountains, shrouded in cloud.
A brisk walk leads to Hang Doi, the Bat Cave . Just one of many cavesthat riddle Pu Luong, Bat Cave is a roost for several of the 24 species of batsthat live in the area.
Several thousand individuals roost here, fillingits nooks and crannies, the bats giving a deliciously mysterious and eeriecharacter. Pu Luong is a universe of experiences and sights, with the coolwaterfalls of Hin Village , the spectacular views from Son Ba Muoi Village, andthe water wheels of Cong and Co Lung villages.
Visiting a Thai village,you should sample the local delicacies and drink, as these aspects run deep inlocal culture. Com lam (sticky rice, steamed in a bamboo tube) has long been astaple in the area, and makes for a satisfying meal.
Simply put the riceinto a hollow bamboo or reed tube heat over a fire. Rotate the tube to cookevenly, and the rice will soon be ready to eat. Simply crack the tube open, andpeel it like a banana. Proper, well-mannered and dextrous, Thai girls know howto prepare a delicious meal in a flash.
Every evening the Thai peoplewill welcome you to join their party. The local wild tree symbolises a longingfor spring. So when the tree begins to bud and fruit fills the garden, it's timeto celebrate the abundance of food once again. The flower folk dance isparticular to the Thai of Pu Luong. They dance to thank heaven and earth for theseasonal return of their prosperity.
When invited to dance, it is hardto refuse the offer to jump into the traditional bamboo pole dance. There as youmake friends, and learn the dance, you may get more than your ankles caught.Long-lasting memories are forged for guests, as they are welcomed into the foldwith open arms.
Local villages lie hidden in the clouds, where peoplelive simply, unaffected but excited and fond of meeting strangers. These rusticfolk are enthusiastic and genuinely wish to please their guests. They are happyto receive you and hope you will come again.
There are a bevy ofinteresting things to see in Pu Luong, and its future tourism potential is easyto see.
Promotion of tourism and raising living standards in thecommunity are synonymous with increased efforts to protect the forest. In orderto continue attracting visitors, the forest itself must be as protected as apriceless resource.
In 1999, the Government set aside Pu Luong as anature reserve, thereby preserving and protecting the lush forests andtraditional way of life in the area.
Experts discovered that this uniquelimestone area is one of the last resorts for some very rare animals like thedotted leopard, muntjac, Asian black bear and serow. The area is also famous forits butterflies and orchids.
Pu Luong was picked for preservation as itlays claim to a rich ecosystem, in which a multitude of plant and animal speciesthrive among Limestone Mountains . More than 1,000 plant species thrive in PuLuong, in a lush floral cascade, and providing refuge for 39 endangered plantspecies.
The best time for a visit is between October and November orbetween February and March when the paddy fields ripen./.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is close to several other favoured tourismattractions, including Cuc Phuong National Park in the neighbouring province ofNinh Binh and Mai Chau tourist area in Hoa Binh. The close location combinedwith lush wildlife make Pu Luong an ideal destination.
Thai and Muongethnic people in the hamlets surrounding Pu Luong lead lives steeped intradition and customs, and they remain largely uninfluenced by modern means.
Their cultural observances are celebrated in every season of every yearand the natural setting inspires musical performances particular to the area.
When travellers come to visit Pu Luong, they don't expect high standardaccommodation, but certainly can expect the famous hospitality of Thai and Muongpeople and homestays in ethnic village.
From the moment you arrive in PuLuong, you are treated as a guest of honour, and a jar of local rice wine willbe on hand to celebrate. A few drams of rice wine are sure to enhance thecollective spirit, and are an important observance for local people.
KhoMuong Village nestles in a scenic valley, and greets its visitors with views ofstilt houses. Drawn on the valley with brisk strokes, springs gush from theearth, and rice paddies puddle at the foot of mountains, shrouded in cloud.
A brisk walk leads to Hang Doi, the Bat Cave . Just one of many cavesthat riddle Pu Luong, Bat Cave is a roost for several of the 24 species of batsthat live in the area.
Several thousand individuals roost here, fillingits nooks and crannies, the bats giving a deliciously mysterious and eeriecharacter. Pu Luong is a universe of experiences and sights, with the coolwaterfalls of Hin Village , the spectacular views from Son Ba Muoi Village, andthe water wheels of Cong and Co Lung villages.
Visiting a Thai village,you should sample the local delicacies and drink, as these aspects run deep inlocal culture. Com lam (sticky rice, steamed in a bamboo tube) has long been astaple in the area, and makes for a satisfying meal.
Simply put the riceinto a hollow bamboo or reed tube heat over a fire. Rotate the tube to cookevenly, and the rice will soon be ready to eat. Simply crack the tube open, andpeel it like a banana. Proper, well-mannered and dextrous, Thai girls know howto prepare a delicious meal in a flash.
Every evening the Thai peoplewill welcome you to join their party. The local wild tree symbolises a longingfor spring. So when the tree begins to bud and fruit fills the garden, it's timeto celebrate the abundance of food once again. The flower folk dance isparticular to the Thai of Pu Luong. They dance to thank heaven and earth for theseasonal return of their prosperity.
When invited to dance, it is hardto refuse the offer to jump into the traditional bamboo pole dance. There as youmake friends, and learn the dance, you may get more than your ankles caught.Long-lasting memories are forged for guests, as they are welcomed into the foldwith open arms.
Local villages lie hidden in the clouds, where peoplelive simply, unaffected but excited and fond of meeting strangers. These rusticfolk are enthusiastic and genuinely wish to please their guests. They are happyto receive you and hope you will come again.
There are a bevy ofinteresting things to see in Pu Luong, and its future tourism potential is easyto see.
Promotion of tourism and raising living standards in thecommunity are synonymous with increased efforts to protect the forest. In orderto continue attracting visitors, the forest itself must be as protected as apriceless resource.
In 1999, the Government set aside Pu Luong as anature reserve, thereby preserving and protecting the lush forests andtraditional way of life in the area.
Experts discovered that this uniquelimestone area is one of the last resorts for some very rare animals like thedotted leopard, muntjac, Asian black bear and serow. The area is also famous forits butterflies and orchids.
Pu Luong was picked for preservation as itlays claim to a rich ecosystem, in which a multitude of plant and animal speciesthrive among Limestone Mountains . More than 1,000 plant species thrive in PuLuong, in a lush floral cascade, and providing refuge for 39 endangered plantspecies.
The best time for a visit is between October and November orbetween February and March when the paddy fields ripen./.
