1. Overview of Pu Luong Tourist Area during Tet
1.1. Why choose Pu Luong Tourist Area for Tet 2026?
Pu Luong Tourist Area during Tet 2026 attracts visitors primarily due to its fresh air and slow pace of life, a stark contrast to crowded urban destinations at the beginning of the year. With an average altitude of 800–1,000 m above sea level, Pu Luong has a cool climate year-round. Tet days are often cool in the early morning and late evening, making it ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation after a busy year.
Pu Luong Thanh Hoa, an ideal destination for resort tourism and nature exploration. (Source: Collected)
Besides the scenery of mountains, terraced fields, and green valleys, Pu Luong also attracts with the cultural identity of the Thai and Muong communities who have lived there for a long time. During Tet, visitors have the opportunity to observe and experience traditional activities, local cuisine, and village spaces imbued with the culture of the highlands. This combination of nature, culture, and a gentle pace of life makes the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet a suitable destination for travelers seeking a green, peaceful, and deeply experiential holiday.
1.2. Where is Pu Luong? Distance and route from Hanoi
Pu Luong is a nature reserve located in Co Luong commune, Thanh Hoa province. This area facilitates tourism connections between the Northwest and North Central regions. From Hanoi to the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet , the travel distance is about 160–170 km, with an average travel time of 4 to 5 hours depending on the vehicle and traffic conditions.
The most popular route is to follow National Highway 6 towards Hoa Binh, then turn onto the road to Mai Chau – Pu Luong, or choose the route via National Highway 1A to the center of Thanh Hoa and then continue to Co Luong. The road to Pu Luong has been significantly improved, suitable for private cars and tourist vehicles, making travel during Tet more convenient and safer for visitors.
2. How to get to Pu Luong tourist area during Tet
2.1. From Hanoi to Pu Luong: Bus, limousine, or self-drive?
From Hanoi, visitors can choose buses or limousines to Thanh Hoa or Mai Chau, and then continue to Pu Luong. Limousines are preferred by many tourists for the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet due to their spaciousness, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and stable travel time, averaging about 4–5 hours. Ticket prices usually range from 250,000–350,000 VND/person, however, during Tet, it is advisable to book 7–10 days in advance to avoid sold-out situations or price increases.
For families or groups of friends of 3–5 people, self-driving a private car offers greater flexibility. The popular route is Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Pu Luong, with beautiful scenery but many steep passes and sharp turns, requiring special attention when traveling early in the morning or late in the evening during Tet. The total driving time is usually about 4 hours if driving continuously, excluding rest stops along the way.
2.2. Intra-area transportation in Pu Luong during Tet 2026
Once you arrive at the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet , transportation between villages, resorts, and attractions mainly relies on motorbikes, local taxis, or electric vehicle services provided by some accommodations. Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for young travelers, with rental prices usually ranging from 150,000–200,000 VND/day, suitable for exploring the routes of terraced fields and villages, but requires a steady hand due to the steep and narrow terrain.
For families with elderly members or large groups, taxis or intra-area electric vehicles are safer and more comfortable options. During Tet 2026, the demand for intra-area transportation usually increases, so visitors should communicate with their accommodation in advance to arrange for vehicle booking, avoiding long waits. Choosing the right means of transport will help the journey to explore the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet be smoother and more complete.
3. Unique experiences at Pu Luong tourist area during Tet
3.1. Exploring Pu Luong's pristine nature at the beginning of the year
In early spring, the landscape at the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet is adorned with the fresh green hues of ancient forests, terraced fields, and sprawling valleys. The average temperature ranges from about 15–20°C, with fresh and pleasant air, very suitable for nature trekking activities. Trekking routes through forests, across villages, and terraced fields offer an intimate experience with the diverse ecosystem of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of plant and animal species characteristic of the North Central limestone mountains.
Pristine Pù Luông nature winds through villages, lush green terraced fields amidst the Thanh Hoa mountains and forests. (Source: Collected)
Suoi Nang is a stopover point chosen by many tourists for their early year journeys, with its clear and cool stream, peaceful scenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Strolling amidst Pù Luông's nature during Tết allows tourists to clearly feel the relaxation, detached from the usual hurried pace of life.
3.2. Check-in at villages, community cultural exchange
One of the memorable experiences when visiting the Pù Luông tourist area during Tết is exploring the daily life of the Thái and Mường ethnic groups in villages like Lan Ngoai and Tan Thanh. The traditional stilt houses nestled in the valley, on the hillsides, create the characteristic scenery of Pù Luông in early spring.
Experience community life and traditional activities amidst the mountains of Pu Luong. (Source: Collected)
During Tet, visitors can observe and participate in traditional cultural activities such as brocade weaving, preparing Tet feasts, or enjoying fermented rice wine in a communal living space. The friendliness and simplicity of the local people bring a sense of closeness, making the trip not just a sightseeing tour but also a journey to authentically understand the highland culture.
3.3. Traditional Tet Cuisine in Pu Luong
Cuisine is an indispensable highlight in the journey to explore the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet. Signature dishes such as Co Lung duck – a famous local duck breed from Thanh Hoa, stream fish, dried forest bamboo shoots, or leaf-fermented wine are prepared traditionally, preserving the authentic mountain flavors.
Traditional Pù Luông culinary feast rich with mountain and forest flavors, connecting local cultural experiences. (Source: Collected)
During Tet, many tourists choose to experience a reunion meal with the locals, where the meal not only contains food but also holds stories of culture, customs, and hospitality. That cozy, rustic space contributes to creating an unforgettable impression during a spring trip to Pù Luông.
3.4. Actual Tourist Feedback on Pù Luông During Tet
According to feedback from many tourists who have visited the Pù Luông tourist area during Tet, the biggest plus points are the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and nature-integrated accommodation services. Resorts and homestays in Pù Luông are rated as suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples seeking a gentle relaxation space at the beginning of the year.
Besides that, the friendliness of the local people, the feeling of safety when traveling, and the experience of local culture are mentioned by many tourists as factors that make them want to return to Pù Luông on subsequent holidays. These positive feedbacks contribute to affirming the sustainable attraction of the Pù Luông tourist area during Tet for domestic and international tourists.
4. Outstanding Homestays and Resorts in Pù Luông During Tet
4.1. Top Homestays, Resorts "Sold Out" During Tet 2026
Among the accommodations frequently chosen by tourists when visiting the Pù Luông tourist area during Tet, Pù Luông Retreat is a prominent name thanks to its location amidst the terraced rice valley, nature-integrated design, and all-inclusive resort services. This resort often has high occupancy rates during Tet, especially for bungalow and mountain-view room categories. Room prices during the holiday usually range from about 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND/night, depending on the room type and booking time.
Pu Luong Eco Garden homestay, an ideal resort space amidst mountains and forests in the Pu Luong tourist area. (Source: Collected)
Pu Luong Eco Garden is also a familiar choice for tourists who love a quiet space, architecture harmonizing with the mountain and forest landscape, and health care services. During Tet, Eco Garden often fills up quickly due to limited room availability, with reference prices ranging from VND 2,000,000 – 3,500,000/night. Additionally, homestays in Don village, Lang Ngoai, or Tan Thanh are also chosen by many tourists due to their more accessible prices, usually from VND 500,000 – 1,200,000/night, suitable for groups of friends or family trips.
4.2. Tips for booking rooms in Pu Luong during Tet: Things to note
To have a good stay experience when visiting the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet, visitors should proactively book rooms early, ideally 4–6 weeks before the Lunar New Year, especially if they wish to stay in a resort or a room with a nice view. During the holiday, many establishments apply deposit and non-refundable cancellation policies, so it is necessary to check the terms carefully before confirming the booking.
In addition, visitors should communicate directly with their accommodation about accompanying services such as Tet holiday meals, transportation, and internal activity schedules to proactively arrange their itinerary. Following the fanpage or official website of homestays and resorts also helps to quickly update information on room prices, promotions, and holiday policies, thereby ensuring the holiday at the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet proceeds smoothly and as expected.
5. Suggested Pu Luong Tet holiday itinerary 2 days 1 night
5.1. Day 1: Village trekking – check-in rice terraces – culinary experience
In the morning, visitors travel from Hanoi or the old Thanh Hoa city to Pu Luong, usually arriving around noon. After checking in and a short rest, the exploration of the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet can begin with a light trekking activity through villages and terraced rice fields. The walking paths around Lang Ngoai, Don, or Tan Thanh villages offer expansive views of the lush green valley, perfect for early spring photos.
Pù Luông stream, clear and green amidst the old forest, a cool resting spot when exploring the Pù Luông tourist area. (Source: Collected)
In the afternoon, visitors can visit Nàng stream or sunset viewing spots on the hillsides, where the late day sun covers the terraced fields, creating the characteristic peaceful scenery of Pù Luông. The evening is the ideal time to enjoy a traditional meal with specialty dishes such as Co Lung duck, dried bamboo shoots, and stream fish, combined with rest in the quiet space of the mountains and forests, helping the body relax after a day of travel.
5.2. Day 2: Cultural exchange – experience traditional crafts – buy Tet specialty gifts from Pù Luông
Early on the second day, visitors should take time to wander around the villages to feel the peaceful rhythm of local ethnic groups in the early days of the New Year. During the Pù Luông tourist area's Tet holiday, some homestays and villages organize cultural exchange activities such as learning about the brocade weaving craft, participating in preparing traditional meals, or experiencing making leaf-fermented wine – a characteristic activity of the Thai and Muong people.
Cultural exchange in Pu Luong, unique local cultural experience in the mountain and forest space. (Source: Collected)
Before leaving Pu Luong, visitors can visit local product introduction points to buy Tet gifts to bring home, including dried forest bamboo shoots, leaf yeast wine, Thanh Hoa OCOP products packaged suitable for gifts. Around noon, the journey ends and travelers move back to Hanoi or nearby locations, concluding a short but rich Tet holiday trip at Pu Luong tourist area during Tet .
6. Tips and notes for traveling to Pu Luong during Tet 2026
6.1. What to bring and wear when traveling to Pu Luong during Tet?
The weather at Pu Luong tourist area during Tet is usually chilly, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Visitors should prepare a light jacket, thermal shirt, or windbreaker to easily adapt when moving outdoors. For trekking activities through villages, forests, and terraced fields, sports shoes or hiking boots with good grip are suitable choices, helping to move safely on steep and wet paths.
Lightweight, brightly colored outfits mark the journey amidst the vast forest. (Source: Collected)
Additionally, visitors should bring some personal items such as cold medicine, muscle pain relief, insect repellent, and a power bank, as mountainous areas may have limited services compared to urban areas. If you plan to take check-in photos, outfits in a minimalist style, neutral tones, or traditional attire will harmonize with the natural scenery of the mountains and forests and the Pu Luong villages in early spring.
6.2. Notes on customs and culture when staying in villages
When staying at homestays or stilt houses of local people in the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet, visitors should pay attention to their behavior to show respect for the local culture. Tet is an important time of year for the Thai and Muong ethnic groups, so visitors should maintain a polite attitude, avoid making noise early in the morning or in the evening, especially in common living areas.
Maintain a polite attitude, respect the village, immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of life amidst the lush green nature. (Source: Collected)
When participating in experiential activities such as dining, cultural exchange, or taking photos in the village, visitors should ask for permission beforehand, avoid entering private areas without permission. Maintaining hygiene, not littering, and following the homestay owner's instructions also contribute to protecting the natural landscape and the tourism image of Pù Luông at the beginning of the year. Civilized behavior and respect for local customs will make the trip to Pù Luông tourist area during Tết meaningful and leave a good impression on both visitors and the local community.
Sam Son Sea Square at night is brilliant, a vibrant check-in spot attracting tourists every evening. (Source: Collected)
Before ending the journey to explore the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet holiday, tourists can combine a visit to Sam Son Sea Square to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of tourism in Thanh Hoa province. The vast, modern square space is a check-in spot loved by many tourists, especially in the evening when the area becomes bustling with entertainment activities and water music performances combined with light shows. Strolling along the beach, taking photos, and immersing yourself in the bustling nightly life at Sam Son Sea Square will make the spring trip more complete, balancing mountain forest resort with modern sea space experience.
With lush green nature, peaceful villages, and cultural experiences typical of the highlands, the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet holiday is an ideal choice for a gentle spring trip, away from the noisy life at the beginning of the year. From trekking, relaxing, enjoying traditional cuisine to interacting with the local community, each experience in Pu Luong brings a feeling of relaxation and completeness. If you are looking for a destination that is both close to nature and rich in identity for the Tet 2026 holiday, the Pu Luong tourist area during Tet holiday is definitely a suggestion worth considering.
