Unlocking ecotourism potential of Pu Luong

From its lush primary forests, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is steadily developing ecotourism associated with forest conservation and the preservation of indigenous cultural heritage, positioning itself as an attractive destination on Viet Nam’s tourism map.

With an area of more than 17,662 hectares, including 13,320 hectares designated as a strictly protected zone and 4,343 hectares allocated for ecological restoration, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is often likened to the “green lung” of Western Thanh Hoa. Beyond its diverse primary forest ecosystems, this place also preserves many unique cultural values of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities.

Trekking through vast forests of Pu Luong

Located at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, Pu Luong Peak attracts tourists with its year-round cool climate, natural waterfalls and streams, and primary forests rich in biodiversity. In recent years, this place has gradually become an ideal destination for trekking—an adventure that combines nature exploration, physical endurance, and the thrill of conquering challenging terrain.

The "Conquering Pu Luong Peak" forest trekking route is a new ecotourism product developed under the Ecotourism, Resort and Recreation Development Plan for the Special-use Forests of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve through 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board has established an approximately 11-kilometer trekking route, beginning at Pu Luong Village and ending at Bang Village in Pu Luong Commune. Several sections feature gradients of over 35 degrees, offering an attractive journey for adventure enthusiasts.

Along the route, tourists pass through terraced rice fields and Cupressus tonkinensis forests with numerous rare tree species listed in the Viet Nam Red Data Book. The journey also includes a series of unique destinations, such as Khoai Cave, Tham Mo Cave, Tiger Tongue Rock, a nearly 800-hectare bamboo forest park, and Pu Dia grassy hills.

Upon reaching the "Pu Luong Peak – 1,700 m" marker, tourists can hunt for clouds and admire either sunrise or sunset from the "roof of Thanh Land," enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests of western Thanh Hoa. Those joining the two-day, one-night tour can also camp amid vast forests and savor a variety of traditional dishes of the Thai ethnic community, such as grilled chicken, grilled duck, steamed sticky rice, corn wine, and banana wine.

According to Mr. Le Dinh Phuong, Director of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board, the forest trekking route is the unit's first pilot ecotourism activity, opening up a new approach that combines forest protection with sustainable tourism development.

"All activities along the route have been designed toward controlled ecotourism, with limits on tourist numbers, a no-littering policy, and measures to prevent adverse impacts on the forest ecosystem. At the same time, local residents are involved as tour guides, porters, and providers of traditional culinary services, helping to create additional green livelihoods for the community," Mr. Phuong said.

Integrating nature conservation with the preservation of indigenous culture

Beyond its pristine tropical forest landscapes, Pu Luong also attracts tourists with its stretching terraced rice fields, tranquil villages nestled along streams, majestic limestone ranges, and a network of mysterious caves.

Adding to its appeal is the distinctive cultural traditions of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities, together with a wide range of traditional dishes that reflect the authentic flavors of the mountain forests. These assets are regarded as valuable resources for developing ecotourism, resort tourism, adventure travel, and research tourism.

According to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board, tourism development in the area is always pursued in harmony with conservation efforts. Any tourism activities must ensure that they do not adversely affect the forests, ecosystems, biodiversity, or the livelihoods of local communities.

The eserve is currently focusing on upgrading transport infrastructure while inviting businesses to conduct surveys and invest in functional zones, including resorts, wildlife conservation areas, and tourism routes linking Pu Luong with many of Thanh Hoa's well-known attractions. At the same time, models such as "forest trekking," "community-based tourism," and "research tourism" are also being studied and developed, with the participation of numerous professional travel agencies.

Ms. Ha Thi Luyen, owner of a homestay in Don Village, Pu Luong Commune, said that her family's livelihood had previously depended mainly on agriculture, making life financially challenging. Since participating in community-based tourism, the family has secured additional employment and a stable source of income through accommodation services, local cuisine, and guiding tourists in experiencing indigenous culture.

"Tourism not only helps local people improve their incomes but also motivates us to preserve our traditional stilt houses, protect the surrounding environment, and safeguard the cultural values of our ethnic community. International tourists are especially interested in learning about the daily lives of local people, which makes us even more aware of the importance of preserving our cultural identity for long-term tourism development," Ms. Luyen shared.

In the first five months of 2026 alone, Pu Luong Commune welcomed approximately 100,000 tourists, including more than 42,500 international arrivals. These figures demonstrate that Pu Luong's approach to developing ecotourism associated with nature conservation and the preservation of community culture is proving effective.

Under Thanh Hoa Province's orientations, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is expected to become one of Viet Nam's leading professional ecotourism hubs by 2045, featuring modern and synchronous infrastructure alongside a range of distinctive tourism products that reflect the unique cultural identity of Thanh Hoa's mountainous region.

According to statistics from the Pu Luong Commune People's Committee, the locality  currently has 67 accommodation establishments and homestays, with a capacity of around 2,800 guests/day. Tourism activities provide stable employment for approximately 500 local workers while also generating indirect jobs for many others.