The lush green terraced rice fields in the Pu Luong valley (Thanh Hoa Province) have earned the nickname “paradise in the mountains,” attracting both domestic and international tourists seeking scenic beauty and cultural experiences.

Visiting Pu Luong in mid-May offers travelers a refreshing climate interspersed with sudden forest rains, providing a chance to immerse themselves in pristine nature, admire the majestic landscape, and explore the cultural life of ethnic minorities in this mountainous region of Thanh Hoa.

Located in the districts of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains. It is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic groups. In the Thai language, “Pu Luong” means “big mountain.”

Pu Luong is often referred to as the “paradise in the mountains” of Thanh Hoa.

About 160 kilometers from Hanoi, the reserve lies in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province and spans 17,662 hectares. It features primary forests, streams, waterfalls, caves, mountains, peaceful villages, and vibrant rice terraces that turn green in early summer.

During May, visitors can enjoy the sight of layered rice terraces curling around the hillsides. These cascading green fields fill the valleys, often leading travelers to mistake the region for Vietnam’s far northern highlands.

Pu Luong is ideal for eco-tourism and nature retreats. Visitors are also encouraged to return in June and October for the golden harvest season when the ripened rice fields glow in the sunlight.

Nguyen Thu Ha, a 38-year-old visitor from Hanoi, shared: “I’ve visited many terraced field destinations, but Pu Luong stands out. Its landscapes are pristine, rustic, and tranquil. I’ve been here during harvest season before, but this time I came to see the fresh green fields and enjoy nature’s renewal.”

According to locals in Don Village, Thanh Lam Commune, Ba Thuoc District - home to many terraced fields - the rice is currently green but will ripen into a golden carpet in about 15 days, drawing photographers and tourists looking for memorable snapshots.

A trip to Pu Luong is not complete without savoring local specialties such as Co Lung duck, hill chicken, wild boar, stream-caught shrimp and fish, and a variety of forest vegetables, all while engaging in the cultural life of the region’s highland communities.

According to the Culture and Information Office of Ba Thuoc District, the area has welcomed approximately 186,000 visitors so far this year, including around 35,800 international tourists and over 150,000 domestic travelers. Tourism and service revenues are estimated to have exceeded 300 billion VND (approximately 11.8 million USD).