Pu Luong Riverside Lodge

We spent three nights here, which felt like enough time to see Pu Luong's highlights. The staff were lovely, helped us find our way around, and offered cooking classes. They even taught my girlfriend and me a traditional Vietnamese card game. The clay huts are beautiful and have air conditioning, and there’s a huge waterfall nearby where you can swim. At night you hear the forest. The cabins aren't fully closed off, so a gecko may wander in, but the mosquito net around the bed keeps you well protected. If you really hate bugs, it may not be the right place for you.

The views were incredible, and the local team were friendly and easy to communicate with. They picked us up right from our hotel in Hanoi and handled everything for the smooth trip to Pu Luong. One of Vietnam’s top eco-tourism experiences.

I liked how clean and convenient the place was, and the quiet atmosphere makes it a good fit if you want to relax. The host and staff were especially friendly. The food was delicious, and being able to eat while enjoying the scenery was lovely. For me, this was the most wonderful eco-tour in Vietnam. I hope to return, and I highly recommend it.

Vic was great at pointing us in the right direction and arranging transfers from Ninh Binh and back to Hanoi. The drivers took me a few times, and all were alert, which I appreciated after reading about sleepy drivers. I rented a bike at Holiday pu luong, a 35 minute walk toward town, and rode all over. I also visited the market the next day and explored the trails in the opposite direction. The hotel sits on a hill in the most beautiful town I’ve ever seen. It felt more intimate and personally beautiful than Sa Pa, and the weather was better too. The town isn't built up for tourists, which I think can be a plus. There was a dance performance at the hotel that was interesting, though I would have preferred more local instruments instead of loud speakers. The rooms are basic but nice, and the staff greeted me when I arrived and left. They were incredibly kind. The one thing I’d improve is the food. I eat low carb and not much fried food, so it was hard to find something to eat. The place was so gorgeous, though, I almost didn’t notice.