Pu Luong Riverside Lodge is a peaceful eco-resort situated in the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, offering clay bungalows with a traditional flair, river views, and authentic hiking tours to Thai villages. Compared to a typical Puluong Hotel, the lodge features sustainable architecture, community-based tourism, and farm-to-table dining using organic ingredients. Managed in partnership with Impress Travel, every stay is a combination of nature experience, cultural interaction, and guided walks across rice fields and waterfalls, the ideal slow-travel experience for adventurers wanting more than the mere act of sleeping somewhere.
Getting There: How to Reach Pu Luong Riverside Lodge
Pu Luong Riverside Lodge is located at Ban Am Hieu, Co Lung commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, within Pu Luong Nature Reserve, amidst rice terraces, limestone peaks, and riverbends. Though located far from metropolitan tourist areas in a remote valley, the lodge remains easily reached from major tourist spots in northern Vietnam.
Distances from Key Travel Hubs
From Hanoi: 178 km — ~4.5 to 5 hours by car
From Ninh Binh: 125 km — ~3.5 to 4 hours by car
From Mai Chau: 30 km — ~1 hour by car
Best Routes to Pu Luong Riverside Lodge
From Hanoi:
By either the Ho Chi Minh Trail (Xuan Mai – Cam Thuy – Canh Nang) for a peaceful drive, or National Highway 6 (Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Co Luong – Ban Don – Ban Am Hieu).
Both of these offer scenery of mountains and rural villages, ideal for nature lovers.
From Ninh Binh:
Route: Ninh Binh → Cuc Phuong → Cam Thuy → Pho Doan → Ban Am Hieu
A great option if you’re going to see nature and culture on the same trip.
From Mai Chau:
Fastest access only 30 km via Co Luong → Ban Don → Ban Am Hieu
Best suited for tourists on multi-day trekking or cultural tours.
This is an independent, private bungalow built in the style of Thai stilt houses. It contains two comfortable twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower facility, and a small porch area where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. There is no TV and no fridge, making this room ideal for a digital detox.
Suitable for: Individual travelers, friends, or couples with simple tastes
Photo concept: Balcony sunrise with misty mountain vista
Deluxe Bungalow (Source: puluongriversidelodge)
Family Cottage
Size: ~45m²
Bed Type: 2 King Beds + 1 Large Twin Bed
Material: Wooden walls, thatched roof
View: Trees, nearby stream
Max Occupancy: Up to 5 people
Ideal for families or small groups, this cottage has ample room to unwind after a hard day of trekking. It features three beds, an ensuite bathroom, and opening windows to serene garden views. Crafted from natural wood and local materials, it naturally stays cool.
Best for: Families, groups of 4–5
Photo idea: Group photo under the high wooden ceiling, morning light filtering in
Family Cottage (Source: puluongriversidelodge)
Mountain View Cottage
Size: ~35–40m²
Bed Type: 2 King Beds
Material: Bamboo and hardwood
View: Direct view of rice terraces and mountains
Max Occupancy: 2–4 adults
This is among Pu Luong Riverside Lodge’s best rooms. The large veranda gives out to breathtaking views of rice field tiers and mountain peaks, the perfect morning sight. Built using natural materials, the cottage insulates itself naturally, and it is minimalist and cozy inside.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, couples, or small groups
Photo idea: Sunrise balcony coffee shot over the rice terraces
Sweet in size but not as roomy, this room offers a secluded king-size bed with clay walls and wooden beams. It’s serene, clean, and ideal for couples who are fond of simplicity and a good night’s sleep in the midst of rural surroundings.
Whatever room you choose at Pu Luong Riverside Lodge, you’ll have:
Air conditioning
Private bathroom with hot water
Eco-friendly body wash, shampoo, and towels
Local tea with an electric kettle
Hair dryer
Fan (ceiling or standing)
Daily housekeeping service
No TV, no refrigerator — by design
The plan is to get you chilled, listen to the outside stream, and have some quiet time, not screens. You may even be greeted by pleasant resort dogs like Mr. Chao Chao on your way back to your room!
Pu Luong Riverside Lodge: Full 3-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Village Discovery (Easy Hike)
Morning:
07:30 AM: Private transfer (arranged by Impress Travel or the Lodge) pick-up in Hanoi
12:00 – 12:30 PM: Arrive at Pu Luong Riverside Lodge in Ban Am Hieu, check in, and relax
Welcome tea and short orientation
Afternoon:
01:00 PM: Enjoy local specialties for lunch, a traditional meal
02:30 PM: Start a 3-hour soft trek with a local guide
Explore Uoi and Lan Villages – ethnic Thai villages nestled in terraced rice fields
Hike palm forests, earth roads, and pass by local families drying herbs, weaving, and cooking
Shoot photos of old stilt houses and historic bamboo water wheels
05:30 PM: Return to the lodge, have time at leisure to rest or watch the sunset at the stream
Evening:
06:30 PM: Dinner at the lodge’s open-air restaurant
Optional: Participate in a night cultural exchange (folk songs, ethnic tale, or get an experience with ruou can)
Lan Villages (Source: puluongretreat)
Day 2 – Kho Muong Trek & Bat Cave Adventure (Full-Day Trek)
Morning:
07:00 AM: Have breakfast with fresh fruits, tea, and traditional rice cakes
08:00 AM: Leave by lodge vehicle to trekking starting point (about 25 minutes away)
Start a guided 6-hour round trek along secret valleys and tropical forests
Cross tiny streams and rice paddies to arrive at Kho Muong Village, a remote Thai village in a valley of limestone hills
Discover the mythical Bat Cave (Hang Doi) — hike through sparkly rock formations with a flashlight
Meet with local villagers, have tea, and learn about local life
Midday:
12:00 PM: Lunch at a stilt house with the local people (bamboo chicken, sticky rice, locally grown greens)
Afternoon:
Return on a different path: the trail passes through cornfields, water buffalo farms, and rice terraces high up above
04:00 PM: Return to the drop-off and transfer back to Pu Luong Riverside Lodge
Evening:
06:30 PM: Dinner at the lodge – vegetarian options available
Relax by the stream, write about your experience, or take a nap under the stars
Kho Muong Trek (Source: kimlientravel)
Day 3 – Morning at Leisure & Return to Hanoi
Morning
07:30 AM: Breakfast at Pu Luong Riverside Lodge – hot coffee, pancakes, sticky rice, and tropical fruits
08:30 – 09:30 AM: Leisure time to relax, grab last-minute photos, or walk to the local craft shop
Buy souvenirs made by the local Thai families: brocade scarves, rattan baskets, herbal teas
Optional: short walk to the natural stream or rice terrace for some final photos
Midday
10:30 AM: Checkout, settle bills, and say goodbye to the warm lodge staff
11:00 AM: Depart by private car or shared transfer to Hanoi
Buy Local Thai Family-Made Souvenirs (Source: vietnamairlines)
Facilities & Onsite Comfort at Pu Luong Riverside Lodge
Natural Pools for Summer Relaxation
A few minutes’ stroll from your room is one of Pu Luong Riverside Lodge’s coolest assets: a natural stream-fed swimming pool. In the warmer months (May to September), visitors can swim in these shallow pools in the shade of the forest and surrounded by mountain air. No ordinary hotel swimming pools, this is swimming the way nature meant it to be, no chlorine, no din, just water sound and bird song.
Natural Pools (Source: puluongriversidelodge)
Shared Lounge Areas & Reception Comfort
The main lodge has comfortable, easy places to sit, read, or meet fellow travelers. Having herbal tea outside in the lounge or charging your phone at the reception desk, it’s all designed to unwind.
Wi-Fi is available at the reception desk and restaurant area, fast enough for emails or uploading your day’s photos
Power sockets are available in common spaces
Reception staff are available to assist with local tips, booking hikes, or calling transport
Daily Comfort Services
At Pu Luong Riverside Lodge, your well-being is cared for through practical, consistent services:
Daily cleaning of rooms
A 24/7 security team ensures guest safety day and night
Free bottled water is provided in each room
Guided support is available for tours, emergencies, and translation help
Fans, hot showers, hair dryers, and basic amenities in every room
It is this thoughtfulness and this modesty that induce many a guest to come back or recommend the lodge to friends.
Pu Luong Riverside Lodge – Is It Right for You?
Pros
Cons
Authentic Thai cultural experience
Remote location (4.5 hours from Hanoi)
Quiet, peaceful environment
No TV, minibar, or spa
Great for trekking, slow travel, and nature walks
No nightlife or entertainment options
Eco-friendly rooms built from clay, bamboo, and wood
Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area
Guided hikes and meals are included in the stay
Not ideal for remote work or business travelers
Who Should Stay?
Trekkers and nature adventurers
Couples looking for peace and scenery, romance
Digital detoxers
Culture buffs and photographers
Conclusion
Looking to unwind, breathe, and connect with something real? Pu Luong Riverside Lodge is a stay, not an overnight, a chance to hike through valley terracing, experience real adventures with Thai villages, and really rest in a place far removed from city noise. Here, every meal is prepared to order, every view serene, and every day leads you closer to the ground and yourself.
Whether you’re embarking on a digital detox, a cultural retreat, or simply a peaceful respite, let your journey begin here. Reserve directly, speak with our local experts, or explore other Pu Luong hotel experiences curated by Impress Travel. Pu Luong is calling, and it could just be the refuge you’ve been looking for.
FAQ
Is Pu Luong worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes. Pu Luong is one of Vietnam’s hidden treasures, a peaceful nature reserve filled with terraced rice fields, ethnic Thai villages, and jungle-lined valleys. It offers a more authentic, quieter alternative to places like Sapa. If you’re seeking real local culture, nature walks, and slow travel, Pu Luong is worth visiting.
Who owns the Riverside Lodge Hotel?
Pu Luong Riverside Lodge is owned and operated by a community group belonging to neighboring Thai ethnic villages, with Impress Travel as a partner. The lodge is a community-based tourism venture aimed at facilitating sustainable travel and conserving cultural heritage through authentic experiences.
How long should you stay in Pu Luong?
The ideal stay is 2 to 3 nights, especially if staying at Pu Luong Riverside Lodge. This will give you enough time to take a complete hiking tour, explore Thai villages like Kho Muong and Hieu, swim in natural streams, and relax amidst nature. For even deeper cultural experiences, some tourists prefer to stay for as long as 4 nights.
What to do at Pu Luong?
There is much to visit and experience in Pu Luong, all courtesy of Pu Luong Riverside Lodge’s tours:
Take a walk to remote Thai villages like Kho Muong and Lan
Swim at Hieu Waterfall and natural rock pools
Shop in local markets and hike through bamboo forests
Stay in eco-lodges like Pu Luong hotel, options chosen by Impress Travel
Dine on traditional food, listen to traditional music, and purchase ethnic crafts
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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This eco way travel route to bring you via the 3 provinces in the north of Vietnam: Hoa Binh - Thanh Hoa - Ninh Binh and It is one of the most wonderful combinations between Pu Luong Tours, Mai Chau Tours, and Ninh Binh Tours.
We escape from Hanoi bristling city then explore Mai Chau by trekking and riding a bike around Poong Coong Thai Village, transfer to visit Pu Luong trekking and experience of homestay at Muong – Thai Ethnic people.
It is one of the most wonderful combinations between Ba Khan in Mai Chau Trekking Tour & Hoa Binh lake boat Trip. Then day tour to Ninh Binh with amazing landscapes and experiences of biking and rowing boat.
Mai Chau has become one of the 10 friendliest destinations in Vietnam selected by Traveller Review Awards 2023. The highlights captivate international visitors by its natural charm and national cultural identity.