Pu Luong, valuable nature reserve

A sightseeing in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

The Pu Luong, belonging to Cuc Phuong mountain range, the largest remaining area of lowland limestone forest in northern Vietnam, is an important example of Limestone Karst, ecosystems renowned for their complexity, richness and beauty.

The nature reserve is home to endangered animals, including Langur of which less than 300 remain in the world, the mountain's underground rivers, caves and caverns.

There are 36 species of animals listed in Vietnam and World Red Books, including 13 species endangered. The park also contains underground mountain rivers and caves that harbour countless unique invertebrates.

Its chalky slopes, too steep for cultivation, remain covered in rich forests with rare orchids. Close to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, Cuc Phuong is a favoured destination for sight-seeing while Pu Luong and its traditional Thai and Muong communities are beginning to attract tourists and trekkers.

Outside of the rich forest, tourists can view limestone panoramas and picturesque rice terraces. Based on its variety of offerings, Pu Luong should be a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure tours.

Pu Luong discovery tour has opened for tourists. The tour, starting from Hanoi, takes tourists to view scenery of the whole Pu Luong nature reserve.

Coming to Pu Luong, tourists can have a rest in nearly 20 stilt houses built based on the architecture of the Muong and Thai ethnic minority people. It is very cool in summer and warm in winter when tourists sit by the fire.

Tourists have a chance to enjoy speciality food such as bamboo-tube rice, wild banana flower sweet and sour grated salad, and traditional dance performances by the locals.

Source: Nhandan