Pu Mat National Park

Pu Mat is recognized as the core area of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2007. The total area of Pu Mat is nearly 95,000 hectares, with a buffer zone covering 86,000 hectares. In Thai language, "Pu" means mountain peak, and Pu Mat is the highest peak in the region (1,841 m), from which the park derives its name. The terrain is complex, steep, and rugged, with the southwest featuring lower and flatter areas inhabited by some ethnic communities.

Pu Mat has a tropical monsoon climate, with an average annual rainfall of 1,800 mm and an average temperature of 23.5°C.

Visitors can visit Pu Mat at any time of the year, but the ideal period is from June to August when the weather is dry and suitable for recreational and exploratory activities.

Transportation

Pu Mat National Park is about 120 km from Vinh city and 340 km from Hanoi.

From Hanoi: The journey takes about 5 hours by car via CT01 and National Highway 7A or National Highway 15 (Ho Chi Minh Road).

By air: The nearest airport is Vinh. From there, visitors can continue by car, which takes about 2 hours.

By bus: Sleeper buses to Con Cuong district depart from Nuoc Ngam Bus Station (Hanoi), with a travel time of about 8 hours and a ticket price of 270,000 VND per ticket. It is recommended to depart in the evening, sleep on the bus, and start the journey fresh the next morning.

Accommodation

Inside Pu Mat National Park, there is a lodging area with 19 rooms equipped with basic amenities such as water heaters, air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, and other facilities. Room rates:

- Double room (two beds): 350,000 VND per night

- Single room (one bed): 300,000 VND per night

- Extra guest fee: 50,000 VND per person

Alternatively, visitors can stay in community-based homestays in local villages such as Nua, Xieng, Yen Thanh, and Khe Ran. Additionally, Con Cuong town, about 2 km from Pu Mat, offers some guesthouses and hotels, including Muong Thanh, Muong Long, and Hoa Binh.

Attractions

Nature and Cultural Sites

Pu Mat National Park is known for its pristine nature, primary forests, and scenic spots, including:

- Khe Thoi, Khe Bu, Khe Choang, and Cao Veu primary forests

- Khe Kem Waterfall

- Suoi Moc Stream

- Giang River

- Sang Le Forest

Traditional culture of Thai, H’Mong, and Dan Lai ethnic groups

Exhibitions and Museums

The park features various conservation and research facilities, such as:

- Botanical gardens

- Nurseries

- Wildlife rescue center

- Environmental education center

- Genetic museum housing rare plant and animal specimens

Sang Le Forest

Located about 40 km from the park’s administrative area, this 100-hectare ancient forest lies along National Highway 7A in Tam Dinh commune, Tuong Duong district. The forest features towering trees (around 50 m tall), offering shade year-round and turning especially lush in autumn. In 2014, it was classified as a strictly protected area by the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee.

Near the forest entrance, visitors can find check-in spots, local food stalls, and resting areas.

Khe Kem Waterfall (Thac Kem)

Located about 20 km south of Con Cuong town at an altitude of 150 m, Khe Kem Waterfall is called "Bo Bo" in the Thai language, meaning "white silk ribbon." The waterfall cascades through lush rainforest, creating a stunning natural setting. At the base of the waterfall are clear pools with clean, fresh water.

The road to the waterfall is winding and rugged, but the reward is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. The park provides electric shuttles from the parking area to the waterfall. Nearby, restaurants and cafes cater to visitors, and event spaces are available.

Suoi Moc Stream

Located about 3 km from the Khe Diem Bridge intersection on National Highway 7, near the Mon Son and Luc Da areas of Con Cuong district, Suoi Moc is unique as its water seems to spring from underground. It remains cool in summer, mild in autumn, and warm in winter.

Pha Lai Dam

On the way to Khe Kem Waterfall, visitors pass by Pha Lai Dam, a scenic spot famous for its tranquil landscape. Built in 2000 to support local irrigation and daily needs, the name "Pha Lai" means "flower rock" in the Thai language, reflecting the area's natural beauty.

This is one of the largest irrigation projects in western Nghe An. The site occasionally closes for maintenance, so visitors should check for updates before visiting.

Activities

• Boat Trips and Fishing

• The Giang River, known for its clear waters and abundant fish species, is ideal for a boat tour. Visitors can join locals in net fishing and then grill their fresh catch by the riverbank.

• The park organizes guided tours, including:

• Upstream Giang River to Co Phat and Bung villages

• Sang Le Forest exploration

• Eco-cultural tours of Thai ethnic community villages

• Pu Luong mountain trekking (7-hour round trip)

• Trekking and Adventure River Crossing

• A 3-day, 2-night adventure tour involves a 10 km trek and a 19 km stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) journey upstream on the Giang River, reaching the park’s core zone. This extreme adventure includes thrilling moments navigating rapids.

For safety, participants must wear helmets, protective gear, specialized life vests, and have strong SUP paddling skills. Along the way, travelers can interact with the Dan Lai ethnic community in Co Phat village.

Local Cuisine

Visitors can enjoy various specialties from western Nghe An, including:

Ke Qua bamboo sticky rice

Giang River fish

River shrimp, eels, and frogs stir-fried with vegetables

Wild vegetables like rau sang, bo khai, and forest bamboo shoots

After fishing on the Giang River, visitors can savor their fresh catch, such as grilled catfish. A local meal paired with purple sticky rice and herbal liquor offers a complete regional culinary experience.

Some local vegetables, such as bo khai and rau sang, can be purchased as souvenirs.

Notice

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Entrance fees:

Children: 5,000 VND per entry

Adults: 10,000 VND per entry

Khe Kem Waterfall entrance fees:

Children: 10,000 VND per entry

Adults: 30,000 VND per entry