Uoi Village Pu Luong - Tranquility of the ripe rice season in Thanh Hoa

1. Ban Uoi – a hidden gem amidst Pu Luong

1.1. Where is Ban Uoi in the Pu Luong nature reserve

Ban Uoi Pu Luong is located in Ba Thuoc commune (former Lung Cao commune), lying deep within the Pu Luong nature reserve. This special geographical location causes the village to be surrounded by lush green mountains and sprawling rice valleys.

Notably, Ban Uoi Pu Luong is not far from famous tourist spots like Ban Don, creating convenience for tourists who want to explore multiple locations in the same trip. The mountainous terrain mixed with valleys in this area creates a spectacular terraced rice field landscape that few places can match.

1.2. Key features of Ban Uoi

Golden terraced rice fields are the highlight that makes the reputation of Ban Uoi Pu Luong . The layers of fields are tiered on the mountainsides, creating a beautiful natural picture during the rice harvest seasons of May-June and September-October. The afternoon sun shines down, making the entire valley seem covered in a layer of golden metallic sheen, making everyone marvel at the beauty.

The golden terraced fields are the highlight that makes Ban Uoi Pu Luong famous. (Source: Collected)

The Thai people in Ban Uoi Pu Luong still maintain their traditional way of life through generations. The characteristic curved-roof stilt houses are built from local wood and bamboo, creating an architecture in harmony with nature. The brocade weaving craft of Thai women is still taught from mother to daughter, creating unique products with vibrant patterns and colors. Unlike Ban Don, which is often bustling with tourists, this place still retains its tranquility and simplicity in every daily activity.

2. When to visit Ban Uoi to experience the golden rice season

2.1. The vibrant ripe rice season – the most beautiful time of the year

The two main harvests in Ban Uoi Pu Luong offer completely different visual experiences. May-June is the summer harvest season, when ripe golden rice is interspersed with the young green fields of newly planted seedlings. This scene creates a beautiful color contrast, like an oil painting on the hills.

The autumn rice harvest from September-October brings a completely different beauty. The entire terraced fields turn golden yellow simultaneously, creating a unique landscape. At this time, Ban Uoi Pu Luong becomes an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts. The morning and evening sunlight shines down on the golden terraced fields, and visitors can easily find impressive photo opportunities from any location around the village.

2.2. Rare peaceful atmosphere amidst the mountains

The most distinct difference of Ban Uoi Pu Luong compared to other tourist destinations is its peaceful and rustic atmosphere. In the early morning, the sound of roosters crowing echoes throughout the village, mixed with the babbling of streams and the laughter of playing children. The pace of life here is slow, following the natural rhythm of rural mountain life.

Peaceful and rustic atmosphere at Uoi village Pu Luong. (Source: Collected)

Uoi village Pu Luong does not yet have many restaurants, souvenir shops, or tourist services, creating an ideal space for travelers seeking tranquility and connection with nature. In the afternoon, as the sun gradually sets behind the distant mountains, a sense of peace and relaxation spreads throughout the souls of those who have set foot in this place.

3. Attractive experiences at Uoi village

3.1. Trekking to admire the palm forest and wander the village

Trekking activities at Uoi village Pu Luong offer a unique experience of exploring nature and culture. The trail around the village is surrounded by towering giant palm trees, providing natural shade for the walking journey. The palm forest here is hundreds of years old, with wide canopies covering the sky, creating a mystical and poetic scene.

During the village tour, visitors have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the Thai people. Women sit weaving brocade in front of their houses, their skillful hands creating vibrant traditional patterns. The elders in the village are often willing to share about the history and traditions of Uoi village, from the construction of stilt houses to customs passed down through generations. The trekking journey usually lasts 2-3 hours, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

3.2. Stream bathing at Uoi village

The crystal-clear stream flowing through Uoi village Pu Luong is the ideal place to relax after hours of trekking and exploration. The stream water is cool year-round, originating from small streams on the peaks of Pu Luong mountain, clean and safe for bathing. Both sides of the stream are surrounded by lush green vegetation and natural rocks, creating a wild and beautiful landscape.

What's special is that this stream has many different depths, suitable for both adults and children. During the hot summer, immersing yourself in the cool water amidst the fresh natural space of Uoi village Pu Luong brings an indescribable feeling of refreshment. Many tourists often choose to bathe in the stream in the late afternoon, when the sun is no longer harsh and they can relax longer.

3.3. Local cuisine with a mountain forest essence

Co Lung duck is a specialty dish that cannot be missed when visiting Uoi village Pu Luong . This breed of duck is raised freely on rice paddies and natural ponds, resulting in firm, sweet, and distinctively fragrant meat. The duck is often prepared by grilling with banana leaves or steaming with mac mat leaves, preserving the natural flavor of the meat. Each bite of duck offers a chewy texture and a naturally sweet taste.

Co Lung ducks are raised free-range on rice fields and natural lakes. (Source: Collected)

Native hill chicken is also an indispensable culinary experience. These chickens are raised freely on hillsides, resulting in firmer and more delicious meat than caged chickens. Com lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) grilled in fresh bamboo tubes carries the characteristic flavor of the mountains and forests, with a subtle aroma of young bamboo when eaten. Ruou can (traditional fermented rice wine) is a traditional drink of the Thai people in Uoi village, Pu Luong, made from black glutinous rice, drunk through bamboo tubes, creating a sense of connection with the local culture.

4. Accommodation when visiting Uoi village

4.1. Community homestays in the conservation area

Homestay experience in Uoi village, Pu Luong offers the opportunity to live with Thai families in traditional stilt houses. Families here usually have 3-5 guest rooms, neatly and cleanly arranged with mattresses, bedding, and warm blankets. Each homestay has its own private toilet and bathroom area, ensuring guest comfort.

The special feature of homestays here is that guests will have the experience of eating meals with the host family. Meals typically include sticky rice, wild vegetables, smoked meat, and simple stir-fried dishes that are rich in flavor. In the evening, guests can gather around the fireplace and listen to the host family share stories about the village life and traditions. Homestay room prices range from 150,000 VND/person/night, including breakfast and dinner.

4.2. Combine with resort stays near Uoi village

Nestled amidst the lush green mountains of Uoi village, Pu Luong, Puluong Retreat offers a peaceful resort space where people can fully immerse themselves in nature. The resort features an infinity pool overlooking the rice valley, a cozy restaurant, and a garden dotted with unique natural stone formations. From here, guests can fully admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and terraced rice fields. The rooms and suites all have private balconies, spacious living areas, and expansive views of the valley.

Puluong Retreat offers a peaceful retreat. (Source: Collected)

Pu Luong Natura Bungalow is a suitable choice for couples who want privacy near Uoi Village Pu Luong . The bungalows are built with local materials, scattered within the natural landscape, with room rates ranging from 1,200,000-3,000,000 VND/night. This resort has a restaurant serving both Vietnamese and European cuisine, along with relaxing spa services after days of exploration. Additionally, the resort organizes trekking and cycling tours to surrounding attractions.

5. Must-know experiences when visiting Uoi Village

Preparing suitable clothing will make your trip to Uoi Village Pu Luong more comfortable. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are the best choice to avoid mosquitoes and insects, especially in the evening. During the dry season, nighttime temperatures are quite cold, so it's advisable to bring a light jacket. Non-slip trekking shoes are essential, as many dirt paths around the village can become slippery after rain.

Experiences to note when exploring Uoi village in Pu Luong. (Source: Collected)

Additionally, visitors should prepare a small backpack, a sun hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Bottled water is also necessary as Uoi village does not yet have many convenience stores. When participating in community tourism, respecting local culture is very important. Visitors should not take photos arbitrarily into private homes or when locals are performing traditional rituals. Maintaining environmental hygiene by not littering indiscriminately and limiting noise will help preserve the pristine beauty of this place.

6. Destinations near Uoi village to combine in the itinerary

6.1. Explore Ban Don – the tourism center of Pu Luong

Ban Don is not far from Uoi village in Pu Luong, and it is the most vibrant tourist center in the Pu Luong area with many homestays and high-class resorts. The most outstanding activity here is bamboo rafting on the Cham stream, allowing visitors to admire the terraced fields from a completely new perspective. Hieu waterfall, with water cascading down steep cliffs, creates a majestic scene, especially beautiful during the high water season.

Discover the beautiful Ban Don Pu Luong amidst mountains and forests. (Source: Collected)

Giant bamboo and wooden water wheels are unique structures used for irrigating rice fields of the Thai people. Visitors can observe how the water wheels operate and learn about traditional irrigation systems. Compared to Ban Uoi Pu Luong, Ban Don offers more dining and shopping options, suitable for those who want to combine a tranquil experience with diverse entertainment activities.

6.2. Sun World Sam Son

Sun World Sam Son is about 140km from Ban Uoi Pu Luong, making it an ideal destination to combine mountain and sea experiences. Sun World Sam Son is an international-class coastal entertainment complex located right in the center of Thanh Hoa coastal city. The outstanding highlight is the most modern water park in the North Central region with dozens of exciting games: giant TornadoWAVE, high-speed Flying Saucer, multi-lane slides, a vibrant wave pool, and a separate water play area for children.

Especially, the diverse culinary system from fresh seafood to European and Asian dishes at Sun World Sam Son will be a wonderful experience after days of enjoying simple cuisine in Ban Uoi Pu Luong.

6.3. Nui Nua – Den Am Tien (Trieu Son)

Nui Nua is located in Trieu Son commune (former Tan Ninh commune), Thanh Hoa province. Den Am Tien on the mountaintop is where Lady Trieu Thi Trinh - a famous national heroine of the Eastern Wu period - is worshipped. The architectural complex consists of 3 temples built in a traditional style, located amidst a sacred mountainous and forested space with many natural caves and crystal-clear streams.

The journey to climb Nui Nua from the foot of the mountain requires passing through a trail paved with natural stones. From the summit, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the vast North Central plains stretching far into the distance. Sun World is implementing a project to develop a spiritual-ecological tourist area at Nui Nua, expected to be completed in early 2026. This project promises to create a linked tourist route connecting Thanh Hoa - Pu Luong - Sam Son, allowing tourists to easily explore diverse experiences from mountains, spirituality to the sea in a single trip.

Ban Uoi Pu Luong is a place that fully converges the beauty of pristine nature and unique local culture. Amidst the golden ripening rice valley, visitors can not only admire the majestic scenery but also feel the peaceful rhythm of life of the Thai people through stilt houses, the traditional brocade weaving craft, and simple meals full of human warmth. This is an ideal destination for those seeking a balance between relaxation and cultural experience.

The journey to Ban Uoi will be even more complete when combined with nearby attractions such as the vibrant Ban Don, the sacred Nui Nua, or the bustling Sun World Sam Son. From the terraced rice fields to the cool streams, from the tranquil villages to the vibrant beach squares, all create a colorful picture of the Thanh Hoa region. If you want a trip that combines exploration and relaxation, then Ban Uoi Pu Luong is definitely a must-visit stop.