About 160 km from Hanoi, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the habitat of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities. In the Thai language, “Pù Luông” means the highest peak of the village. Pu Luong is located in the northwest of Thanh Hoa province, covering an area of 17,662 hectares, including dense forests, small and large waterfalls, caves, and hills with peaceful villages and terraced fields here and there that turn lush green every summer.

Approximately 12 km from Pu Luong, Suối Chàm or Cham stream is situated in Chieng Lau hamlet, Ban Cong commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province. The Black Thai ethnic people in the region discovered this stream because it is the largest in the area, formed by the merging of smaller streams flowing into the Ma River. The local residents often go to Cham stream to catch fish and bathe. Having been invested in tourism these recent years, Cham Stream in Pu Luong is a charming destination for tourists visiting the Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa.

What to do in Cham stream in Pu Luong

Bamboo rafting and bathing

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve boasts a diverse forest ecosystem, gentle rivers and streams flowing peacefully throughout the year. One of the most exciting experiences you can have here is bamboo rafting at Cham Stream in Pu Luong, allowing you to admire the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Bamboo rafts are the daily means of transportation for the Thai ethnic community to fish on the Chàm stream. With the growth of tourism, many tourists, especially foreigners, have come to appreciate this special and traditional means of transportation. Bamboo rafts are very common in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and now you can experience it in Vietnam at Cham Stream.

A bamboo rafting tour lasts for 1 hour, and each raft can carry 8 to 14 people, priced at 50,000 VND per person.

The water at Cham Stream is almost crystal clear, so clear that you can see the playful schools of fish at the bottom. After bamboo rafting, you can immerse yourself in the cool and refreshing water. Cham Stream is also the chosen bathing spot for the Black Thai ethnic people.

Admiring water wheels

In addition to bamboo rafting and bathing in Cham Stream in Pu Luong, you can also admire a cultural symbol along the water streams in the Pu Luong region - water wheels. When visiting Cham Stream, you will come across the picturesque water wheels that bring a rustic charm to the region. These giant wheels transport water from the stream to irrigate fields or serve the daily lives of the local people. Besides the water wheels at Cham Stream, you can also visit other water wheels near Gia stream, on the way to Ban Hieu, or the water wheels in the village of Tom.

When to visiting Cham stream in Pu Luong

The ideal time to experience bamboo rafting and bathing at Cham Stream in Pu Luong is late autumn, around August and September. During this period, there is minimal rainfall, and the water is exceptionally clear, reflecting the surrounding mountains and hills, creating a stunning landscape.

For a Cham Stream Pu Luong excursion, it is advisable to avoid the months of May and June. During this time, water levels are high, making it not as ideal for bamboo rafting and stream bathing. However, a visit during this period allows travelers to witness the golden ripening rice fields on the terraced slopes, adding to the allure of Pu Luong.

How to get to Cham stream in Pu Luong

When traveling to Cham Stream in Pu Luong, tourists can choose between taking a bus or riding a motorbike. However, it's important to note that there is currently no direct bus route to Pu Luong, and motorbike transportation may be necessary. Here are the details:

By Bus: Depart from Hanoi by taking a bus from Gia Lam Bus Station or Giap Bat Bus Station heading to Thanh Hoa. Once you reach Canh Nang town, you can then take a taxi, motorbike, or motorbike taxi (xe om) to Pu Luong, which is approximately 20 km away.

By Motorbike: The most convenient option is to travel by motorbike following National Highway QL6 towards Hoa Binh. Pass through the scenic Lung Van Valley (or Ban Lac, Mai Chau) en route to Pu Luong. The total distance is around 200 km, and the travel time is approximately 4-5 hours.

Other things to do in Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa

Trekking to Pu Luong mountain peak

Pu Luong mountain peak stands at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters and is one of the most cherished destinations for trekking enthusiasts. The ascent to the summit is favored for its steep and challenging terrain, featuring winding and rugged sections. It takes around 6 hours under favorable weather conditions to trek to the peak of Pu Luong. Standing at the Pu Luong peak, trekkers can fully appreciate the poetic landscape of the mountains, fields, and valleys below.

Travelers have the option to set up camp at the summit for an overnight stay, enjoying meals and rest, or they can bring packed lunches and return to spend the night in Ban Don. When trekking, it's advisable to wear long sleeved shirts, hats, trekking shoes and bring bug repellent, water and snacks. For those with less mountain climbing experience, local accommodations also offer guided day trips or 2-day-1-night tours to explore the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Visiting local villages

Stretching from one mountain to another, the villages in Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa are where you can witness traditional culture and the simple, rustic lives of the local people. Embarking on a trek along the interconnected village paths is a unique experience that any visitor should have at least once.

Starting with Kho Muong village, nestled within the deep mountains and valleys of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, this area remains secluded from other villages, preserving its authentic charm with minimal human impact. Although the path to Kho Muong is challenging due to its winding slopes along the mountain cliffs and deep valleys, it is guaranteed to be a fulfilling experience once you witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the village. Even from a distance, one can see traditional stilt houses, expansive rice fields, and cornfields surrounded by the undulating mountain ranges enveloping the village.

Ban Don is a community predominantly inhabited by the Thai ethnic group. In recent years, an increasing number of domestic and international tourists have been drawn to Ban Don. The village offers a serene ambiance and pristine natural landscapes, showcasing various enticing local specialties such as stone snails, hilltop chicken, grilled stream duck, roasted wild boar, sour bamboo shoots, bitter bamboo shoots, forest spinach soup, bamboo-cooked rice, banana blossom salad, and more.

Visiting the Pu Luong Bat Cave

Part of the cave system within Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Kho Muong Cave, also known as Bat Cave, is a must-visit destination that is formed with limestone blocks dating back approximately 250 million years. The path into Bat Cave is steep and slippery, featuring protruding rocks that appear as challenging and threatening obstacles. The limestone formations within the cave, carved over countless generations, create a multitude of peculiar shapes that, at a certain angle, resemble human figures, trees, or even mythical creatures.

As visitors navigate through the smooth and slippery rock walls deeper into the cave, they are treated to a visual feast of multicolored stone formations, accompanied by the soothing sound of water dripping from the limestone formations.

Kho Muong Cave also serves as a habitat for various bat species. At different times of the year, at least four different bat species inhabit Kho Muong Cave. Among them are carnivores that consume insects and those that feed on fruits.

Stop by Pho Doan market

Pho Doan Market or Pho Don Market, located in Lung Niem commune, Ba Thuoc district, have been open since the French colonial era and continue to operate twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday mornings. The goods displayed at these markets are not extravagant nor exotic; they consist entirely of local products and traditional items such as brocade, wild vegetables, chickens, ducks, rice, meat, and more. However, exploring these markets is an essential part of the travel experience in Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa, and should not be missed out on.

The renowned Pho Doan market in Thanh Hoa provides a glimpse into the unique culture of the Kinh, Thai, and Muong ethnic communities. You might even be surprised to witness exchanges where people swap items without the need for money. Explore the local goods, admire the young women dressed in vibrant traditional ethnic costumes, learn more about the fascinating culture, indulge in delicious local specialties and purchase unique items as souvenirs. What could be more interesting?

Visiting Hieu Waterfall

Hieu Waterfall is nestled within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located in Co Lung commune, Ba Thuoc district. Surrounding Hieu Waterfall is a system of limestone mountains concealed within pristine old-growth forests, interspersed with ethnic villages and picturesque terraced fields. The waterfall spans about 800 meters, starting from the rocky mountain top, with the water flowing down to the midway point before branching into two streams that converge at the end.

At the base of the waterfall, there is a natural pool at just over 1 meter deep. Visitors can have refreshing swims in the pool while admiring the majestic waterfall and the surrounding mountains. The water is clear, cool, and refreshing in the summer and warmer in the winter. Throughout the year, tourists can visit Hieu Waterfall to witness its unique beauty.

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