Slow Travel in Pu Luong, Vietnam

When I first heard about Pu Luong, I had to Google it! I’m always curious to learn about new places. A quick map search revealed it was just four hours from Hanoi, so we added it to our list. What caught my attention were the lush rice fields and the surrounding mountains. It looked magical, something we’d never experienced before. There was also a cave, which definitely piqued my interest.

Booking was easy!
We secured our VIP sleeper bus tickets on 12GoAsia and got an instant confirmation email with all the details (contact info, meeting point & drop-off location, etc.).
Our accommodation, Pu Luong Boutique Hotel, was booked through Booking.com.

The weather was pleasantly cool and cloudy, as we were in August. We usually like to take some time to unwind once we settle in, but this time, the view had us grabbing our cameras right away. From our large cabin balcony, we could see locals working in the tea fields. The next day, we rented a motorbike from the hotel and set out for the cave. After a basic breakfast (eggs, toast, fruit, coffee), we hit the road. The ride was about 25 minutes through winding mountain roads, passing local vendors selling corn and offering a fresh breath of air.

Bat Cave

At one point, we had to navigate a steep, tight curve with motorbikes speeding past. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but we made it through. We passed a village before reaching the cave, though it wasn’t well-marked. We missed the entrance at first, but eventually, we spotted a couple by the road who let us park our bike for 10,000 VND each. A short walk brought us to a small snack stand where we grabbed some refreshments. Then, just a few more steps, we found the entrance to the cave. It was huge! Stepping into the cave felt like entering another world, one where time slowed down and everything around you felt both ancient and untouched.

There were two cave entrances: one was steep and rocky, while the other was larger and more accessible, so we took the easier path on the right.
As we descended, the cave was alive with sound: screeching bats, water droplets falling from the ceilings, and insects. The floor was slippery from moisture and cool atmosphere, but our hiking shoes helped, though we had to tread carefully especially with expensive cameras in our hand!

Every step was a discovery, and we couldn’t help but gasp at the beauty. It felt like something straight out of Game of Thrones, with massive rock formations and an empty, eerie space. The sense of peaceful isolation was unreal. There were no other visitors, just us and the cave. We spent over three hours there, taking it all in, marvelling at the glistening limestone formations, and reflecting on how the ecosystem had developed in the cave over 250 million years (approximate age of the cave).

After the cave, we were muddy and tired but decided to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, just a five-minute bike ride from our hotel. It had an incredible view of the mountains and tea fields. We went for pizza, but what really stood out was the atmosphere as the place was beautifully decorated with local cultural patterns, making it feel like a warm and inviting retreat.

Leisure Time

The next day, we took a leisurely bike ride and stumbled upon a hidden mountain stream that wasn’t even marked on the map. We tried to visit another spot for a boat ride, but it was closed for construction—sometimes, that's just part of the adventure. The hotel’s pool was a perfect spot to unwind afterward, surrounded by trees and nature, just a short walk from the restaurant.

Our time in Pu Luong was a mix of relaxation and adventure. Watching the tea field workers, who start their day at 6 AM and work until dusk, was humbling. It reminded us of the constant cycle of life, always moving forward. We were just momentarily part of that rhythm, witnessing it firsthand.

If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path with nature, adventure, and culture, Pu Luong is highly recommended. It’s less touristy, but that’s what makes it special.

If you’re planning a trip here, reach out! I’d be happy to give you tips :)