February 04, 2026 | 23:28 (GMT+7)
Pu Mat National Park - Tourism “treasure” of Nghe An
PANO - Thanks to the improved transport infrastructure, the once remote and isolated western region of Nghe An province has become much more accessible to travelers with a passion for exploration. Among its highlights, the pristine and mysterious Pu Mat National Park is increasingly drawing visitors from near and far who wish to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature.
In the Thai language, Pu Mat means “high mountain,” a name reflecting simple pride. The route to Pu Mat National Park winds through serpentine passes and Thai or Kho Mu villages, where stilt houses cling to hillsides and kitchen smoke drifts through evening mist. Venturing deeper, urban bustle fades into a world of sighing forest canopies and murmuring streams.
    |
 |
|
A corner of Pu Mat National Park |
Spanning over 90,000 hectares within the Truong Son Range, Pu Mat National Park is a biological “gene bank” home to thousands of species, including rare elephants, tigers, and the endemic saola, or “Asian unicorn.” Visitors trekking through its ancient forests encounter the majestic Khe Kem Waterfall, which plunges 100 meters in a mist local communities believe carries the spiritual essence of heaven and earth.
Beyond its natural grandeur, the park offers a glimpse into the lives of ethnic minorities like the Thai and the Dan Lai. The Dan Lai are known for ancient forest legends and the unique custom of sleeping seated, a survival tactic from an era of frequent migration and wild animal threats. Whether sharing communal jars of “ruou can” or exploring untamed trails, travelers leave Pu Mat with a lingering sense of having touched a mysterious, primordial world.
Translated by Tran Hoai