Explore Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An, Vietnam! Discover trekking, waterfalls, and eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable adventure in nature’s haven.
Pu Mat National Park, nestled in Nghe An Province, 130 km from Vinh Ward and 290 km from Hanoi, is a biodiversity hotspot spanning 91,113 hectares across Tra Lan, Anh Son, and Tuong Duong communes. Renowned for its lush forests, rare wildlife like the saola, and cultural Thai and Dan Lai villages, it attracts over 10,000 eco-tourists annually. With activities costing $5–$35 (125,000–875,000 VND), Pu Mat offers an immersive escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and sustainable travelers.
Set in a tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F), Pu Mat supports eco-tourism through community-led homestays, guided trails, and conservation efforts. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours provide authentic experiences, blending nature and culture. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for a seamless adventure.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Vinh City is now Vinh Ward. Use “Pu Mat National Park, Nghe An” or “Tra Lan Commune, Nghe An” for precise navigation.
With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Pu Mat, combining adventure with environmental care. Our tours use electric vehicles, support local communities, and feature English-speaking guides sharing insights into the park’s ecosystems and cultures. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we ensure low-impact experiences. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible journey.
Pu Mat, named after its 1,841-meter peak, is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve with over 2,494 plant species and 132 animal species, including endangered saola, tigers, and Truong Son muntjacs. Its 100-hectare ancient forest, Khe Kem Waterfall, and Giang River offer stunning landscapes for trekking, boating, and cultural immersion. Home to Thai and Dan Lai ethnic groups, the park features traditional stilt houses and brocade weaving. Sustainable practices, like restricted trails and solar-powered homestays, preserve its pristine environment, making Pu Mat a top eco-tourism destination in Central Vietnam.
These budget-friendly activities ($5–$35) highlight Pu Mat’s natural and cultural wonders:
Hike guided trails through ancient forests, best at 7:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), spotting rare wildlife and towering trees.
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on designated trails; supports local rangers.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Cruise the serene Giang River, best at 8:00 AM, for $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), passing fish shoals and lush scenery.
Cost: $10–$15.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses low-impact boats; supports local boatmen.
Tip: Bring a camera; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Explore the majestic Khe Kem Waterfall, best at 9:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), perfect for photos and cooling off.
Cost: $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal environmental impact; supports park maintenance.
Tip: Bring a swimsuit; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Engage with Thai and Dan Lai communities, best at 10:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), learning brocade weaving and tasting cơm lam (bamboo rice).
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local artisans; low-impact activity.
Tip: Buy handmade brocades; included in Pu Mat Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Camp in the scenic Sang Le Forest, 40 km from park headquarters, best at 3:00 PM, for $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND), surrounded by white-stemmed trees.
Cost: $15–$20.
Hours: Daily, overnight with permits.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-friendly campsites; supports conservation.
Tip: Book permits in advance; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for trekking and boating, with clear trails and mild weather. Moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Perfect for lush greenery and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors), but trails may be slippery. Last-minute bookings often available.
Spring (March–April): Catch spring rains and vibrant flora; ideal for waterfall visits and photography.
Timing Tip: Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for cool weather and wildlife spotting; avoid hiking after 4:30 PM for safety.
Pu Mat, 130 km from Vinh Ward and 350 km from Hanoi, is reachable in 3–7 hours:
From Hanoi (5–7 hours):
Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station, then private car to Pu Mat ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND, 2.5–3 hours).
Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours to Vinh, then private car ($30–$40).
Private Car: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours direct to Pu Mat.
Xanh SM Taxi: $160–$200 (4,000,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City (5–33 hours):
Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), then private car to Pu Mat ($30–$40).
Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours to Vinh, then private car ($30–$40).
Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours to Vinh, then private car ($30–$40).
From Vinh Ward (2.5–3 hours): Private car ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND) or taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND) via Highway 1A and Route 7.
Navigation Tip: Save “Pu Mat National Park, Tra Lan Commune, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Safety: Confirm fares; avoid remote routes after dark.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy hiking boots; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.
Outdoor Gear: Reusable water bottle, insect repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen, hat.
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Extras: Binoculars for wildlife; small backpack for hikes.
Trekking: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Giang River Boating: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Khe Kem Waterfall: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Village Cultural Visit: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Sang Le Forest Camping: $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Nature Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Brocades, Cơm Lam): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60 + car ($60–$80); Bus: $16–$30 + car ($60–$80); Private Car: $100–$130; Xanh SM Taxi: $160–$200.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + car ($60–$80); Train: $50–$100 + car ($60–$80); Bus: $50–$80 + car ($60–$80).
From Vinh Ward: Private Car: $60–$80; Taxi: $70–$90.
Budget: $15–$30 (bus, trekking, homestay).
Mid-range: $40–$60 (train, guided tour, homestay).
Luxury: $90–$140 (private car, camping, premium homestay).
Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($3–$20) and transport ($16–$200).
Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry trails. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–150 vs. 100–300 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays and permits on-site or via park offices.
Sustainability: Stay on trails to protect ecosystems; support local artisans with brocade purchases ($2–$7). Use reusable bottles.
Navigation: Save “Pu Mat National Park, Tra Lan Commune” in offline maps; follow Route 7 from Vinh. Avoid hiking after 4:30 PM.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes for slippery trails; carry insect repellent. Avoid solo hikes in remote areas.
Weather: Dry season for trekking; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) and waterproof bags ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; respect Thai and Dan Lai traditions during village visits.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Pu Mat’s highlights:
Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Trek jungle trails, boat on Giang River, visit Khe Kem Waterfall, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes guide, eco-transport.
Pu Mat Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Explore Thai villages, learn brocade weaving, taste cơm lam. Includes meals, guide.
North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Visit Pu Mat, Cua Lo Beach, Thanh Hoa, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province, a pristine wilderness spanning 94,804 hectares, captivates eco-tourists with trekking, river boating on the Giang River, and cultural immersion with Thai and Dan Lai communities, located 120 km from Vinh City and 350 km from Hanoi. As part of the UNESCO-recognized Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, its rich biodiversity, including rare saola, Truong Son muntjac, and ancient Sang Le Forest, is preserved through sustainable practices like eco-friendly homestays and community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours guide you through this North-Central gem, ensuring a sustainable Nghe An Travel experience with hikes to Khe Kem Waterfall and camping under starry skies. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Pu Mat National Park? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into an authentic wilderness adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Pu Mat National Park Information: vinpearl.com, rewild.org, localvietnam.com, fauna-flora.org, vietnamtourism.org.vn, dongdu-village.com
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