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Pù Mát National Park spans three districts Anh Sơn, Con Cuông, and Tương Dương (Nghệ An) and is part of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve, about 150–160 km from Vinh City via National Highway 7. The park covers a core area of approximately 94,804 ha and a buffer zone of ~86,000 ha, with coordinates ranging from 18°46′–19°12′N and 104°24′–104°56′E. The tropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 23–24°C and rainfall around 1,800 mm, makes it ideal for year-round ecotourism.
With features like Explore, Route Logging, Offline Mode, and TrackMate on the ExoTrails app, you can enjoy a fuller experience in Pù Mát National Park, whether traveling solo or with friends and family.
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Introduction to Pù Mát National Park
Pù Mát National Park is part of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve, covering Con Cuông, Anh Sơn, and Tương Dương districts. From Vinh City, a 150 km drive along National Highway 7 brings visitors to lush forests, cool streams, and a rich array of flora and fauna typical of the Northern Truong Son range. The mild tropical monsoon climate allows for smooth exploration almost all year.
Beyond nature, Pù Mát is culturally captivating, home to the Thai ethnic group and the Đan Lai community, where visitors can experience stilt houses, local cuisine, and traditional folk performances.
Săng Lẻ Forest
Săng Lẻ Forest, located along National Highway 7A in Tam Đình Commune (Tương Dương District), about 40 km from the Pù Mát National Park headquarters, spans roughly 100 ha, with trees reaching 50 m in height, offering shade year-round and particularly lush in autumn. Since 2014, the Nghệ An People’s Committee has placed Săng Lẻ Forest under strict protection.
At the forest edge, several check-in spots attract visitors and offer local food and dining experiences.
Ticket & Services Reference:
- Park office entrance (includes museum, rescue center, and botanical garden): 10,000 VND/person.
- Accommodation within the park includes 19 rooms with amenities such as hot water, air conditioning, TV, and refrigerator. Room rates: 350,000 VND/night for two beds, 300,000 VND/night for one bed. Extra person surcharge: 50,000 VND.
Find detailed information and location of Pù Mát National Park on the ExoTrails app.
Khe Kèm Waterfall
The highlight of Pù Mát National Park is Khe Kèm Waterfall (also called Kèm Waterfall), approximately 150 m high, cascading over rocky tiers like a white silk ribbon through the ancient forest. In summer, the mist cools the air instantly; during the rainy season, the waterfall is impressively majestic and very photogenic. Visitors can hike along trails down to the base, rest by the stream, or enjoy a light picnic. For safety, wear grippy shoes, avoid swimming in high water, and always carry out your trash.
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/child.
Details and location of Khe Kèm Waterfall on the ExoTrails app.
Nearby attractions around Pù Mát
Bản Xiềng (Môn Sơn Commune) – Experience Thai & Đan Lai Life
From Pù Mát National Park, Bản Xiềng is an ideal spot to immerse in local culture. Stay in stilt house homestays, taste cơm lam (bamboo rice), grilled stream fish, and canh lá lồm soup, watch traditional bamboo pole dance, and explore handwoven textiles. More than just a “forest stay,” Bản Xiềng serves as a convenient base for river excursions or easy one-day forest treks.
Details and location of Bản Xiềng, Môn Sơn on the ExoTrails app.
Bản Khe Rạn (Bồng Khê Commune) – Warm Stilt House Nights
Khe Rạn, a peaceful Thai village near Pù Mát National Park, is surrounded by fields and forest. The experience focuses on relaxation and cultural exchange: dine with the host family, sip herbal rice wine, listen to traditional instruments, and join a campfire. Wake up to rooster crows, stroll across the suspension bridge into the village, and buy small handicrafts as souvenirs — simple yet memorable moments.
Details and location of Bản Khe Rạn on the ExoTrails app.
Ma Nhai Stele Site (Chi Khê Commune) – Historical Engravings
Not far from Con Cuông town and within the cultural landscape of Pù Mát National Park, the Ma Nhai Stele is an ancient stone inscription carved directly onto a cliff, recording events from the Trần Dynasty (14th century). The combination of scenic mountains and rivers with historical layers makes this an interesting stop for researchers and photographers. Visiting Ma Nhai on the way back to the city is convenient and enriches the journey.
Details and location of Ma Nhai Stele Site on the ExoTrails app.
Khe Nước Mọc (Yên Khê Commune) – A Spring “Rising” from the Earth
Khe Nước Mọc, located within the buffer zone of Pù Mát National Park, intrigues visitors with crystal-clear water that seems to rise from the rocks, cool in summer and warmer than the surrounding air in winter. It’s perfect for relaxation after a light forest trek: soak your feet, breathe fresh air, and listen to the forest. Visitors should bring a quick-dry towel, water shoes, and never use soap or detergents in natural water areas.
Details and location of Khe Nước Mọc can be found on the ExoTrails app.
Tips for a sustainable trip
Pù Mát is a precious forest, so visitors should minimize single-use plastics, avoid picking branches or flowers, ask permission before photographing locals, and respect local customs. During the rainy season, forest paths can be slippery — bring a light raincoat, wear grippy shoes, and prioritize safety.
Pù Mát National Park offers everything nature lovers seek in western Nghệ An: pristine old-growth forests, majestic waterfalls, clear streams, and welcoming villages. By combining Khe Kèm Waterfall with Bản Xiềng, Khe Rạn, Ma Nhai Stele, and Khe Nước Mọc, your journey balances exploration and relaxation — embodying the sustainable travel spirit that ExoTrails promotes.
Conclusion
Tucked away in the heart of Western Nghệ An, Pù Mát National Park is more than a destination, it’s a living symphony of nature, culture, and discovery. From thundering waterfalls to tranquil villages, every path invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the earth.
Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, sharing stories with Thai families by a campfire, or tracing the whispers of history at Ma Nhai Stele, each moment deepens your bond with this land. Let Pù Mát National Park remind you that true adventure lies not just in reaching new places, but in rediscovering the beauty of balance between humans and nature.
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