At an elevation of 1,700 meters, Pu Luong Peak in Thanh Hoa province is often dubbed the “roof of Thanh Hoa.” This legendary summit has recently become more accessible thanks to the launch of a new adventure tourism route unveiled by the provincial government.

Le Dinh Phuong, Director of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board, shared that the Pu Luong eco-tourism site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

While the peak has long been admired as a prime “cloud-hunting” spot, it was never developed for tourism - until now. The new trekking route aims to change that.

The route, titled “Conquer Pu Luong Peak,” is part of an eco-tourism, resort, and forest recreation plan for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, approved by Thanh Hoa’s People’s Committee under Decision No. 4513 dated November 29, 2023. The vision extends through 2030, with strategic goals set for 2045.

The full trail spans about 11 kilometers, starting from Pu Luong village and ending in Bang village. A particularly daring stretch of nearly 2 kilometers, with inclines over 35 degrees, pushes both physical and mental limits - making it ideal for those who love a challenge and raw nature.

“This is a trekking journey through a special-use forest with a rich ecosystem and untouched landscape, where visitors can literally reach for the clouds and feel the mountain wind,” said Phuong.

The two-day itinerary begins at 7 a.m. on day one, when trekkers arrive at the starting point in Pu Luong village for orientation, safety guidance, and gear preparation.

The trek leads first through the Hoang Dan forest, home to a cluster of rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. At 9:40 a.m., hikers pause to rest at Khoai Cave before continuing deeper into the jungle. Around 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at Tham Mo Cave, a site rich in endemic flora within a preserved natural forest.

The afternoon presents the trail’s most intense challenge: steep slopes with inclines exceeding 35 degrees. Trekkers then reach Tiger Tongue Rock, a dramatic resting point perfect for photos and panoramic views of the majestic Pu Luong range. From there, only the final 2 kilometers of rugged terrain remain before the summit.

At around 3:30 p.m., after a full day of trekking, hikers reach the summit - the symbolic “roof of Thanh Hoa.” Here, they can pitch tents and enjoy a mountain-top dinner featuring traditional dishes from the local Thai ethnic group, such as grilled chicken, sticky rice, and banana or corn wine.

The following morning, beginning at 6 a.m., comes the most anticipated moment: cloud-hunting at sunrise on Pu Luong’s peak. The sea of white mist drifting across the valleys creates a surreal and dreamlike landscape that many say is the highlight of the journey.

Phuong emphasized that the entire trail is designed with “controlled eco-tourism” in mind. The number of visitors per trip is limited, with strict rules against littering or harming the forest’s environment and ecosystem.

“Our goal is to turn Pu Luong into a model of sustainable eco-tourism - a place where travelers can both experience and help preserve nature. Each journey is not only a personal adventure, but also a chance to deepen one’s appreciation for the forest and its unique biodiversity,” Phuong concluded.