While Pu Dao is still a brand new name to Vietnamese travel agencies, it was already regarded as ideal trekking place for international travellers.
Pu Dao is a mountainous commune in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province, located 13 km far from Muong Lay and more than 560 km from Hanoi to the Northwest. In spite of the small population and remote area, Pu Dao is still attractive alluring anyone desire to explore the new lands and try new things. That is why British Gecko Travel Agency listed Pu Dao as one of five most attractive destinations in Southeast in 2006.
Pu Dao in Mong language means “the top”. In order to reach Pu Dao, you have to cross Lai Ha bridge spanning a tributary of Da River. At the other side of the river is Thai stilt house hiding behind towering coconut trees.
From Lai Ha bridge to Pu Dao, you have to trek more winding 24 km trail with dangerous turning and dense forests. However, situated about 5 km from the bridge is Deo Van Long palace, historical ruins of a splendid palace in the past. Stopping over at the house of Deo nobility family, you will acquire more information about Thai specific culture.
Pu Dao is really a perfect view to admire Da River. From here, you could see spectacular valleys, the intersection of Da and Nam Na River and green warp. After a long trek, Pu Dao appears in front of you as an amazing landscape with villages on the peak and meandering paths in the middle, one side is verticle cliff and the other is an abyss.
Pu Dao commune comprises 4 villages of Mong people namely Hong Ngai, Nam Doong, Nam Dac and Hong Ty. You may mistake Hong Ngai village, the center of Pu Dao commune for Hong Ngai commune in Bac Yen, Son La or a village with the same name in Y Ty, Bat Xat, Lao Cai. Pu Dao has not only French field airport but also solid clean concrete roads convenient for transport.
Unlike Hong Ngai, Nam Dong is available for motorcycle only. Situated at the highest and nicest location in Pu Dao, Nam Dong is a perfect place for trekking because track to the village is very stunning with wildflowers, green paddy fields and cloudy valleys.
Nam Doong greets guests with an innocent smile, pure eyes of kids and warms you up with colourful skirts of Mong girls. Continue moving about several kilometres, you will reach Nam Dac and Hungary. Whichever ways you go, you will enjoy unspoiled beauty and experience the risky feeling when passing incredibly snaking track of Pu Dao. Spend at least one night in the most beautiful village in Southeast because only when sitting near the charcoal stove, feeling cold wind of Northwestern region, holding grilled-corn in your hand and chatting to midnight, you will realize why this place is the favourite destination of almost foreign travellers.