The Pu Mat National Park Travel Guide And Things To Do

Pu Mat Park, Nghe An Province, Vietnam: The Pu Mat National Park Travel Guide and Things to Do.

 

Pù Mát National Park in Vietnam's Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is now the most significant site in the country for the protection of endemic mammals.

 

There are five different kinds of animals living in the park. The rarest inhabitants of Pu Mat are the white-cheeked crested gibbons, which are unique to this region.

 

 

Pù Mát National Park overview 

 

Address: Chi Khê village, Con Cuông District, Nghệ An Province
Điện thoại/Fax: 0238.3873374
Email: pumat@nghean.gov.vn
Website:https://pumat.vn/

 

The Indochinese tiger and the Indian elephant are two of the many endangered species that call Pù Mát home.

 

Because of its unusual inhabitants, the park has attracted scientists and tourists interested in learning more about its ecosystem. Visitors interested in homestays, trekking, and ecotourism will enjoy their time in Pù Mát.

 

 

Pù Mát National Park is situated on the north-central coast of Vietnam, close to the international border with Laos. Southwest of Hanoi, in the province of Nghe An, is where you'll find the park. Those interested in making the 6- to 12-hour drive to Pù Mát National Park should base themselves in Vinh.

 

 

Vinh, located in the center of Vietnam, has developed into a significant economic trading hub for the neighboring countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

 

After spending the night in Vinh, most tourists travel about 2.5 hours to Pù Mát National Park, where they hire local guides and camp out for the day. Visitors to Con Cuông Village could also enjoy staying in a local's home.

 

 

History

 

 

Pù Mát was a Vietnam Preservation Zone before it became a national park.  The Prime Minister of Vietnam designated it a national park in late 2001, saving 221 acres of land and thousands of plant and animal species. Pù Mát's "spirit forests," literally "high slope," hold religious significance for the local population.

 

 

This national park lives up to its moniker with impressive mountain ranges, lush forests, and picturesque waterways. Unfortunately, poaching has become a severe concern, so conservationists are always on the lookout—even warning visitors to be vigilant.

 

 

Optimal Course of Action?

 

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The Kem Waterfall, the Giang River, and several ethnic communities are just a few attractions in Pu Mat National Park. Long treks into the forest are often required to escape the tourist traps, and while they are challenging, the experiences they provide are well worth the effort.

 

 

Many visitors opt for private tours run by a local expert to avoid the crowds of tourists. With the help of local guides, tourists can also go on activities like trekking to the park's more remote sections.

 

 

Pù Mát, like many national parks, is home to a network of hiking routes that connect to unique places. There's a path here, from strolling on the sidewalks to hiking silently. Travelers who want to see the best of a city can do so with the help of tours and local guides.

 

 

Day trips will use the quickest routes, but overnight adventures could require days of hiking through the jungle. Many visitors spend the night in Pù Mát, choosing between homestays in ethnic villages and camping in the woods. 

 

 

Destinations in Traditional Towns

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Thais, Thos, Hmongs, and Dan Lais call Pù Mát National Park home. Most tourists visit a Thai village to experience the villagers' one-of-a-kind traditions and handiwork. Visiting a local home and learning about the culture and customs of the people there are also top-rated options.

 

 

Travel Itineraries and Advice from Natives

 

Having a guide show you around is the best way to take in the stunning scenery of Pù Mát. If you book a trip, you'll likely end up with a group of other tourists coming from larger towns like Vinh, and your itinerary will include all of the park's must-sees.

 

 

The traditional sticky rice dish, com lam, cooked in bamboo, is often offered at communal meals during a visit to a community. Guests interested in more than just a dinner can find accommodations in the city. If you give communities enough notice, they should be able to accommodate your visit.

 

Kem Waterfall

 

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If you visit Pù Mát National Park, check out the Kem Waterfall. Nearly 500 feet (150 meters) in height, the Kem Waterfall can be found around 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from Con Cuong Village.

 

 

The waterfall is only accessible by making a long journey through the woods. The waterfall is worth the risk of driving on the muddy, narrow roads after a rainstorm.

 

Views of the falls and a refreshing dip in the alpine stream await visitors. Visitors can enjoy boat tours and fishing just a short distance from the falls.

 

Dubbed "The Giang"

 

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The Giang River is the park's primary draw for locals and visitors. The river is conveniently located and open to swimmers, boaters, and anglers. Taking a tour typically involves a boat ride along the river.

 

Those who have more time can swim or learn to fish from the locals along the riverbanks. Green hills and limestone mountains rise dramatically over the Giang, creating a magnificent backdrop.

 

The river is relatively level and tranquil, so tourists can relax and enjoy the sights instead of braving terrifying rapids.

 

 

Animals and Flora

 

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Thousands of plant and animal species have made Pù Mát National Park their home. Scientists are currently engaged in taxonomical study to discover new kinds of vegetation, and each year brings the discovery of new variants among the over 2,500 plant species. In addition to the varied flora, there are countless animal species.

 

Important species include the northern white-cheeked gibbon, saola, shanked douc, Truong Son muntjac, Assam macaque, Ussuri dhole, Indian elephant,

 

Owston's civet, Sunda pangolin, Indochinese tiger, and Annamite striped rabbit—the northern white-cheeked crested gibbon—is the most endangered primate in Pù Mát, with only 455 individuals left in the wild.

 

 

Routes to Take

 

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Pù Mát National Park is inconvenient because it is far from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (about a day's drive).

 

Seeing Pù Mát requires travelers to make other plans, as day trips are impossible from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Most visitors, however, opt to stay in Vinh, a city located about 2.5 hours from the park.

 

The park is in the same province as Vinh, a major city in central Vietnam. From Hanoi and HCMC, visitors can book a flight to Vinh and then arrange a tour or hire a private driver to transport them to the national park.

 

 

If you must travel, when is the best time to do so?

 

Three distinct climate patterns occur at Pù Mát National Park every year. Temperatures drop throughout the winter months of December through March, but the park is typically drenched in sunlight from April through July. These are the driest months of the year, with some rain to be expected here and there.

 

 

Pù Mát sees its highest volume of visitors during these months because they coincide with school breaks. Hikers who prefer to avoid mud will appreciate the dry conditions.

 

Finally, August through November are the wettest months of the year in Pù Mát. Hiking around the park in the rain during the muggy month of August can be a real drag.

 

The weather can also be a problem for boat trips. Although some tourists will brave the wet weather, most choose to stay away.

 

 

Safe Haven in Nature

 

Pù Mát National Park is one of the few places on Earth where people can see nature in its pristine form. The government of Vietnam is taking measures to protect the area, which is home to numerous elusive animal species. Located in Nghe An Province, Pù Mát National Park is a real find that shouldn't be missed.