Explore Pu Luong, a hidden gem

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Pu Luong is a gorgeous nature reserve located about 160km from Hanoi and home to the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities, with their iconic traditional stilt houses, handicrafts and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. It is currently relatively untouched by mass tourism because of its remoteness with little tourist facilities. Pu Luong is an ideal destination for nature lovers and for adventurous activities such as trekking, cycling, kayaking and bamboo rafting. For keen walkers, guided multi-day treks are possible along lesser-known trails passing through rural ethnic villages. Not only can one explore the area’s natural beauty, but also the culture. Spend a morning at the weekly Pho Doan market to sample local dishes and visit artisans’ stalls. Come with an open heart and ready to engage with the friendly locals, and depending on when one visits there may be a chance to attend one of the traditional ceremonies which will give a sense of true Thai culture.