The verdant terraced rice paddies of Pu Luong Valley in Thanh Hoa Province are often called “heaven in the mountains,” drawing in both local and global visitors keen on experiencing breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

A trip to Pu Luong in mid-May presents travelers with a refreshing atmosphere, occasionally enhanced by light forest rain, allowing them to connect with untouched nature, appreciate the striking scenery, and delve into the cultural practices of the region’s ethnic groups in the mountainous area of Thanh Hoa.

Situated within Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is enveloped by lush forests and steep hills. It is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic communities, with “Pu Luong” translating to “big mountain” in Thai.

This location is frequently celebrated as Thanh Hoa’s “heaven in the mountains.”

Located about 160 kilometers from Hanoi, the reserve spreads across 17,662 hectares in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province. It boasts untouched forests, rivers, waterfalls, caves, hills, tranquil villages, and striking rice terraces that turn a vibrant green in the early summer months.

In May, visitors can marvel at the terraced rice fields gracefully wrapping around the hillsides. These lush green expanses blanket the valleys and often lead newcomers to liken the scenery to Vietnam’s high northern regions.

Pu Luong is perfect for eco-tourism and nature getaways. Tourists are also encouraged to visit again in June and October for the golden harvest season, when the rice fields shine under the sun.

Nguyen Thu Ha, a 38-year-old from Hanoi, remarked: “I’ve seen numerous terraced field sites, but Pu Luong is exceptional. Its scenery is pure, charming, and peaceful. I visited during the harvest last time, but this trip is all about enjoying the lush, fresh fields and experiencing nature’s revival.”

According to residents of Don Village in Thanh Lam Commune, Ba Thuoc District, where many terraced fields exist, the rice is currently vibrant green and will soon transform into a golden expanse in roughly 15 days, attracting photographers and tourists eager for unforgettable captures.

No visit to Pu Luong would be complete without indulging in local delicacies like Co Lung duck, mountain chicken, wild boar, river-caught shrimp and fish, along with an assortment of forest vegetables, while engaging with the customs of the region’s highland communities.

The Culture and Information Office of Ba Thuoc District reports that this area has welcomed around 186,000 visitors this year, including approximately 35,800 international tourists and over 150,000 locals, with tourism and service revenues predicted to surpass 300 billion VND (roughly 11.8 million USD).