As the farthest border commune of Son La province, nearly 200km from the provincial administrative center, Muong Leo commune possesses many pristine natural landscapes and unique cultural features of the Thai and Mong ethnic groups.
In recent years, this land has become an attractive destination for tourists who love to explore nature and experience highland life.
The journey to Muong Leo begins from the 5-story Pù Sâng slope - one of the most impressive roads in the border region. The road winds along the mountainside, through the deep green old forests.
Looking down from above, valleys, villages and fields appear like a landscape in the great Northwest forest.
Passing through the Pu Sang range, Muong Leo opens up with lush green rice fields stretching at the foot of the mountain. More than 150 hectares of wet rice create a peaceful and prosperous scene rarely seen in the border area.
In the green rice season, the whole valley seems to be covered in a cool jade color, dotted with traditional stilt houses of the Thai people.
Leaving the rice fields, visitors come to Pung Hon hot spring in Lieng village. The natural mineral water source has a temperature of 35-40 degrees Celsius all year round, located in the space of peaceful fields and mountains.
Mr. Luong Van Thi, Chairman of Muong Leo Commune People's Committee, said: "Muong Leo has great potential for developing ecotourism and experiential tourism. The locality wishes to invest in infrastructure and services to effectively exploit destinations and create livelihoods for people.
The next stop is Sam Quang meadow. In the vast space, green lawns stretch as far as the eye can see, surrounded by overlapping mountain ranges. The meadow is like a miniature steppe in the Northwest mountains and forests, bringing a feeling of peace and spaciousness.
From Sam Quang meadow, visitors can continue their journey to explore Nam Pừn stream in Huổi Phúc village. Located in the middle of a green primeval forest, the stream is made up of many headwater streams, weaving through rocky rapids, creating a multi-layered waterfall system that still retains its pristine beauty.
After a short journey across the forest and lush green rice fields, Nam Pừn waterfall appears with white water flowing from above into the natural blue lake.
Along the stream are many small waterfalls connecting each other between large rocks and the shade of ancient trees.
Cool air, the sound of water flowing in harmony with the sound of mountains and forests create a peaceful scene, suitable for sightseeing, picnics and nature experiences.
Mr. Le Minh Hai, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "I am quite surprised that Muong Leo still retains its pristine beauty. From Pu Sang slope, Sam Quang meadow to Pung Hon hot spring and Nam Pừn waterfall are all very attractive. This is a suitable destination for those who love nature and want to find new experiences in the Northwest".
With the pristine beauty of mountains and forests, rice fields, hot springs and waterfalls, Muong Leo is becoming an attractive destination, bringing visitors unique Northwest experiences.
