Lang Son is a mountainous border province in Vietnam’s Northeast region, holding a particularly strategic geographical position for socio-economic development and international exchange. Located about 150 km northeast of Hanoi, the province shares a 231.74 km border with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. It also lies along the vital Nanning – Lang Son – Hanoi – Hai Phong economic corridor, serving as a key gateway for trade between Vietnam, China, and neighboring countries.

Visitors to Lang Son can explore a wide variety of tourism experiences, from striking limestone mountains and valleys to unique historical and cultural landmarks. The province is home to many ethnic groups including the Nung, Tay, Kinh, Dao, Hoa, and San Chay, creating a rich cultural tapestry with hundreds of traditional festivals celebrated annually.

A major highlight is the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark, a vast area of high scientific value that reflects hundreds of millions of years of geological history. It offers an ideal setting for sightseeing, research, and discovery, making Lang Son not only a hub of commerce but also a destination of cultural and natural significance.

Lang Son does not have any golf courses yet…stay tuned for future projects in this spectacular province!

Recognized in April 2025 as Vietnam’s fourth UNESCO Global Geopark, Lang Son spans 4,842.58 km² across 45 communes and wards in Lang Son province.

The geopark preserves 182 geological heritage sites and 200 cultural heritage sites, representing over 500 million years of Earth’s history. Once an ancient sea, the region still holds fossil traces of trilobites and coral. Beyond its geological wonders, the park is a biological treasure with lush forests and diverse karst and non-karst ecosystems.

Equally remarkable is its human history, stretching back 500,000 years. The Bac Son mountain range, formed from ancient seabed sediments, contains evidence of Vietnam’s earliest inhabitants through stone tools, pottery, and burial sites. Ancient cultures such as Bac Son (12,000 – 5,000 years ago) and Mai Pha (around 4,000 years ago) mark the transition from cave dwellings to early civilization, making this one of Vietnam’s longest continuous stories of human development. Today, ethnic communities still uphold traditions, beliefs, and festivals – including the Mother Goddess religion – blending nature, culture, and spirituality.

Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark has a special ecosystem on limestone mountains, typically in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, which has recorded 794 species of higher vascular plants belonging to 162 families, with 31 species recorded in Vietnam Red Book; 57 species of mammals, 23 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians. Among them, there are 29 species recorded in Vietnam Red Book.

The region’s unique geology not only creates spectacular landscapes but also profoundly influences local agriculture, with mineral-rich soil nurturing many specialty crops such as custard apple and star anise.

The geopark is also home to vibrant ethnic groups including the Kinh, Nung, Tay, and Dao, each preserving their own languages, crafts, and customs. Together, they create a living cultural mosaic that complements the natural and geological heritage of Lang Son.

The Nhi Thanh Cave, Tam Giao Pagoda, Tam Thanh Cave, Tam Thanh Pagoda, To Thi Mountain, and the Mac Dynasty Citadel together form a renowned complex of historical and scenic sites in “Xứ Lạng.” This area has been recognized as a Vietnam’s National Historical Site since 1962.

Tam Thanh is a cluster of three caves – Nhat Thanh, Nhi Thanh, and Tam Thanh – nestled within Tam Thanh Pagoda. Tam Thanh Cave lies halfway up a mountain shaped like a herd of elephants resting on green grass. Its entrance, about 8 meters high, is reached by 30 stone steps carved into the mountainside. On the right wall of the cave, visitors can find a poem inscribed by Ngo Thi Si (1726 – 1780), the renowned historian, writer, poet, and politician of Vietnam in the 18th century, who once served as the governor of Lang Son.

Tam Thanh Pagoda, built during the Le Dynasty, has long been celebrated in Vietnamese folk songs: “Đồng Đăng có phố Kỳ Lừa/ Có nàng Tô Thị, có chùa Tam Thanh…” Over centuries, the pagoda has preserved its natural charm and remains one of the “Eight Scenic Spots” of Lang Son Province.

Within the Tam Thanh – Nhi Thanh scenic complex stands To Thi Mountain, a site deeply rooted in Vietnamese legend. A natural rock formation here resembles a mother holding her child, waiting faithfully for her husband’s return. This image has become a powerful symbol of the loyalty and devotion of Vietnamese women.

For history enthusiasts, the remnants of the Mac Dynasty Citadel are a must-see. Once a strategic military base in the 16th – 17th centuries used to resist the Le – Trinh forces, the citadel today retains about 300 meters of fortified walls. Located in Tam Thanh Ward, Lang Son City, it stands as a significant relic of Vietnam’s feudal military architecture from the late 16th to mid-17th century.

Mau Son Mountain lies about 30 km east of Lang Son city, close to the Vietnam – China border. It has long been home to the Dao, Nung, and Tay ethnic groups, creating a vibrant and distinctive cultural landscape. As early as 1935, the French developed the area by building guesthouses on the mountaintop. Today, Mau Son continues to be invested in, with modern facilities designed for resorts and tourism.

One of Mau Son’s most remarkable features is its cool climate year-round, with an average temperature of just 15.5°C. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, bringing frost and even snowfall – a rare spectacle in Vietnam. Rising between 1,200m and 1,541m above sea level, the peaks are often veiled in clouds, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

The Mau Son tourist area offers a wealth of unique attractions: diverse terrain and geomorphology, breathtaking natural scenery, fresh air, rich vegetation, and the distinctive spiritual and cultural traditions of local ethnic communities. Together, these elements make Mau Son an ideal destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation amidst nature.

Quynh Son offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the cultural traditions of the Tay people. In 2025, it was proudly recognized by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as one of the “Best Tourist Villages.”

The village is home to around 400 ancient stilt houses, many of which are centuries old. Guests can stroll or cycle through lush rice fields, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the majestic scenery. Rising over 600 meters, Na Lay Mountain is a highlight for sunrise watching, cloud hunting, and panoramic views of the entire village. Reaching the summit requires conquering 1,200 stone steps and rugged trails, making the journey both challenging and rewarding.

Every November, the Golden Harvest Festival brings the village to life with traditional activities such as rice harvesting contests, rice pounding, and black sticky rice cake making. Evenings are filled with campfires, Then singing, and the melodic sounds of the Tinh lute – cultural treasures of the Tay people. Visitors can also explore Quynh Son communal house, try paddleboarding on the river, or experience paragliding for breathtaking views of the valley.

Nestled in Huu Lung district, Huu Lien spans more than 6,000 hectares and is home to about 3,000 residents from five ethnic groups: Nung, Dao, Mong, Tay, and Kinh. Its most remarkable feature is the Huu Lien Special Use Forest, covering 8,293 hectares across Van Quan, Chi Lang, and Huu Lung districts. This forest boasts a rich ecosystem and dramatic limestone ranges that create a striking natural landscape.

Dong Lam grassland is a must-visit, with its pristine beauty and herds of horses and cattle grazing freely, offering a rare sense of tranquility. Nong Dung Lake invites visitors to kayak on its crystal-clear waters, while the nearby stream in the Dao village is perfect for families with children. Deep within the forest lies the enchanting Khe Dau waterfall, often called the “Valley of Absolute Serenity,” a favorite spot for nature lovers.

In Huu Lien, guests can stay in traditional wooden stilt houses with yin-yang tiled roofs, savor local specialties, enjoy corn wine brewed by the Dao people, bathe in herbal waters for relaxation and healing, or join locals in weaving and broom-making – timeless crafts passed down through generations.

Bac Le Temple (Temple of the Goddess of the Upper Mountains) is located in Bac Le village, Tan Thanh commune, Huu Lung district, about 80 km South of Lang Son city.

The ancient Bac Le Temple is nestled among the foliage of centuries-old trees. From the temple gate, one can see a vast expanse of hills and mountains in front. The Temple was built around the 16th-17th centuries. Over the years, the temple has been renovated and restored many times, but it still retains its architectural beauty and valuable ancient artifacts, such as 19 large and small statues made from jackfruit wood, or exquisitely carved horizontal plaques and couplets.

The most unique feature of Bac Le Temple is the worship of the Goddess of the Upper Mountains – one of the three Holy Mothers in the Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship tradition: Mother of Heaven (Mẫu Thượng Thiên) who governs the heavens, Mother of the Upper Mountains (Mẫu Thượng Ngàn) who governs the forests and mountains, and Mother of Water (Mẫu Thoải) who governs the rivers and waters. Besides the main deity worshipped, the Goddess of the Mountains, the temple also venerates Chau Be. According to folklore, Chau Be is a figure who once lived in the area and can act on behalf of the Holy Mother to fulfill and answer the prayers of the people.

Bac Le Temple is one of the two famous and sacred temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess in Northern Vietnam, attracting numerous visitors from all over to visit and worship. The temple’s festival is held annually on the 20th day of the 9th lunar month with rituals and activities deeply rooted in spirituality, reflecting the beliefs and cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.

Lang Son is a border province renowned not only for its trade gateways but also for its many sacred temples and pagodas. In addition to the famous Bac Le Temple, the province is home to other notable places of worship such as Thanh Pagoda, Mau Dong Dang Temple, Ta Phu Temple, and Tam Giao Pagoda, all of which contribute to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Dang Mo Waterfall (also known as Mui Bo Waterfall or Tien Nu Waterfall) is a famous scenic spot located on National Highway 279, in Hoang Van Thu commune, about 80-90km from Lang Son province center. The waterfall is notable for its clear blue water flowing over three tiers of rocks amidst a pristine forest, creating a majestic and romantic landscape, especially attracting tourists to visit, swim, and go on picnics during the summer.

Lang Son possesses a network of important border crossings with China, including 2 international border gates, 1 main border gate, and 9 sub-border gates. Of these, customs clearance of goods takes place regularly at approximately 5-6 key border gates: Huu Nghi, Tan Thanh, Chi Ma, Coc Nam, Na Hinh, and the Dong Dang international railway station. This is a vital trade route connecting China with Vietnam and ASEAN countries.

Huu Nghi International Border Gate is one of the busiest and most important border gates in Vietnam. Located amidst the majestic mountains of the North, Huu Nghi Quan plays the role of a border gateway between Vietnam and China.

The border gate is located in Huu Nghi village (Lang Son province), opposite Bang Tuong in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China). The border gate complex includes an exhibition center showcasing the history of its formation, important milestones, and the role of the border gate in the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Located near the Chinese border, Lang Son boasts bustling wholesale markets, with Dong Kinh Market standing out as a must-visit destination for avid shoppers.

Dong Kinh Market is the largest trading center in Lang Son, offering a wide variety of goods such as electronics, groceries, and fashion items, catering to the shopping needs of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Dong Kinh Market is famous for its food items like roast duck and fresh sausages. Complementing this is the lively Ky Lua Night Market, where shoppers can find affordable household goods ranging from clothing and furniture to home appliances.

Trung tâm Thương mại Chợ Đồng Đăng là trung tâm mua bán lớn gần biên giới, cách cửa khẩu quốc tế Hữu Nghị 5 km, cách cửa khẩu Tân Thanh 15 km. Chợ Đồng Đăng sầm uất, tấp nập với rất nhiều hàng hóa Việt Nam và Trung Quốc. Tất cả tạo nên một hệ thống chợ phong phú, vừa phục vụ nhu cầu mua sắm, vừa phản ánh nét đặc trưng của vùng đất biên giới Lạng Sơn.

Lang Son is home to a rich tradition of folk music and dance. Among the Tay and Nung communities, performances include Then, Sli, Luon, Quan Lang, Vi, Phong Slu, and Co Lau singing. The Dao people are known for Pao Dung singing, while the Cao Lan preserve Sinh Ca singing. The Mong contribute with Hu Nhau and narrative singing, each reflecting the unique identity of their ethnic heritage.

Then singing is a distinctive folk art deeply tied to the spiritual life of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. With its profound humanistic values, Then singing was recognized by UNESCO in 2019 as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its cultural significance on a global scale.

The Lion Cat Dance is a unique traditional performance of the Tay and Nung people, often seen during festivals and Lunar New Year celebrations. Beyond its lively movements, the dance embodies martial spirit and serves as a symbol of luck, happiness, and prosperity.

Lang Son cuisine is renowned for its richness and diversity, featuring many famous dishes such as roast pork, roast duck, sour pho, and khau nhuc, each carrying the distinctive flavor of “Xu Lang.” Alongside these specialties, the province is also well known in the Northeast for its agricultural products, including Van Quan star anise, Bac Son tangerines, and Chi Lang custard apples. Together, these dishes and local products not only delight visitors but also serve as meaningful gifts, making every trip to Lang Son an experience of both taste and tradition.

Roasted pork with mac mat leaves is a renowned specialty of Lang Son, considered both a traditional dish and a culinary symbol of the region. Locals often say that anyone who loves roasted pork must visit Lang Son to taste its authentic flavor.

The uniqueness of this dish lies in the use of mac mat leaves – a fragrant herb native to the area and commonly used in Tay and Nung cuisine. “Mac mat” means sweet fruit in the local language; its fruit resembles a kumquat but is smaller, smoother, and sweeter. Both the leaves and fruit impart a distinctive aroma and flavor that elevate the dish.

A perfect roasted pork requires skillful preparation. During roasting, honey mixed with warm water is brushed evenly over the meat, creating a glossy golden skin. The finished dish reveals layers of tender pink meat and thin ivory fat, all infused with the rich fragrance of mac mat leaves and honey. The result is a visually stunning and irresistibly aromatic delicacy that embodies the culinary artistry of Lang Son.

When visiting Lang Son, one cannot miss the famous dish Roasted Duck with Mac Mat Leaves, honored among the Top 100 Vietnamese Specialties (2020–2021). Its distinctive flavor is unmatched anywhere else. Diners often describe it vividly: “The duck meat is golden yellow, tender yet chewy, and especially delicious when dipped in the rich sauce from the belly of the roasted duck.”

The dish is prepared using That Khe duck, prized for its thick, firm meat, small bones, and moderate size. After cleaning, the duck is carefully processed – its skin inflated with papaya leaves and washed with alcohol to ensure crispness. Each household has its own secret marinade, but fresh mac mat leaves and dried mac mat fruit are indispensable. These ingredients impart a unique aroma and sweetness, defining the soul of the dish.

A perfect roasted duck must have lightly crispy, dark brown skin, tender yet juicy meat, and a fragrance that awakens the senses. During roasting, honey mixed with warm water is brushed evenly over the duck, creating a glossy finish and enhancing the flavor.

To enjoy it fully, locals prepare a special dipping sauce – golden brown, thick, and rich – or use the savory juices from the duck’s belly. Hot slices of duck dipped in this sauce release a harmony of natural sweetness, spices, and aroma that captivates every palate, even the most discerning visitors to Xu Lang.

Khau Nhục, also known as Nam Khau, is a dish with origins in China that was introduced to Vietnam by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. Over time, it has become a renowned specialty of Lang Son, often prepared for festive family occasions such as Tet and weddings.

This is a highly elaborate dish that requires a precise combination of spices – missing even one means it is no longer authentic Khau Nhục. Pork belly is washed, cut into large pieces of about half a kilogram, briefly boiled, then pierced with bamboo toothpicks before being roasted. During roasting, honey is brushed onto the skin to achieve a golden crisp. If roasting tools are unavailable, the skin can be fried in hot oil until golden and crunchy. The meat is then sliced into thick pieces, each with skin, fat, and lean layers. Taro, cut into chunks and fried until golden, is added to the dish.

The spice mixture includes onion, garlic, ginger, basil, sugar, pepper, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, and a splash of white wine. Essential to the recipe is pickled taro leaves, a traditional ingredient of the Tay and Nung people. The meat and spices are marinated together, then carefully arranged in a bowl: taro leaves at the bottom, taro in the middle, and pork pieces on top with the skin facing upward. The dish is then steamed for 4 – 5 hours until the meat becomes tender and infused with flavor.

When served, the bowl is inverted onto a plate, revealing the fragrant aroma and golden color of the dish. The combination of soft, flavorful pork, taro, and spices makes Khau Nhục not only a culinary highlight of Lang Son but also a symbol of the meticulous artistry in traditional ethnic cuisine.

Pho is widely recognized as Vietnam’s most iconic dish, but sour pho offers a surprising and exotic variation that is unique to Lang Son. This specialty captivates not only with its unusual name but also with its distinctive flavor and presentation.

To prepare Lang Son sour pho, cooks combine a wide range of ingredients to balance the flavors of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. The highlight of the dish lies in its sauce, made from a special blend of vinegar and sugar – a recipe found only in Lang Son – mixed with fried onions, garlic, fish sauce, and ginger.

Traditionally, sour pho is served on a large plate. At the base are chewy white pho noodles, topped with char siu pork, cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, fried sweet potatoes, and crispy dried onions. The colorful arrangement is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, enticing diners at first sight.

Sour pho is typically enjoyed cold, making it especially refreshing on hot summer days. In winter, however, locals warm the noodles and sauce for a comforting variation. Depending on taste, diners may add fresh chili, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the flavor. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend – the chewiness of noodles, the sweetness of the sauce, the nuttiness of peanuts, the crispiness of sweet potatoes, and a gentle kick of spice – creating a dish that is both balanced and unforgettable.

Black Bánh Chưng is crafted from the same core ingredients as traditional bánh chưng, but what sets it apart is the addition of ash made from sticky rice straw.

Beginning in the 10th lunar month, after the rice harvest, the Tay people of Bắc Sơn select large sticky rice stalks, dry them, and burn them into ash. The finest, smoothest part of this ash is then used in the cake-making process.

The rice chosen must be fragrant sticky rice with plump, unbroken grains. After being thoroughly washed and mixed with salt, the rice is blended with sticky rice ash. The cake maker carefully rubs the mixture so the ash fully permeates the grains, enhancing their aroma and flavor. Black Bánh Chưng is hand-wrapped, typically measuring 28 – 30 cm in length. Once prepared, the cakes are soaked in cold water, placed in a pot, covered with water, and boiled for 4 – 5 hours.

When ready to serve, the bamboo strings are cut, and the cake is sliced into portions, revealing its distinctive dark hue and fragrant aroma.

Chi Lăng District in Lạng Sơn Province may be known for its rugged rocky terrain, but nature has blessed this land with favorable weather and climate, creating ideal conditions for the famous Chi Lăng custard apple. Recognized among the Top 50 specialty fruits of Vietnam, this variety stands out with its light green skin, pink-white “eyes,” thick creamy flesh, few seeds, and a sweet, fragrant flavor unlike custard apples from other regions.

Custard apple trees are cultivated by the Tay and Nùng people, reaching heights of nearly 800 meters and spreading into valleys. During harvest season in August, visitors can witness farmers climbing steep mountainsides to pick ripe fruit, or see baskets of custard apples lowered by pulleys from the cliffs to waiting traders below – a striking image of local ingenuity and hard work.

Loved by consumers nationwide, Chi Lăng custard apples are prized for their large size, delicate aroma, and rich sweetness. With their unique taste and cultural significance, they have become not only a specialty of Lạng Sơn but also a symbol of the province’s natural abundance and the resilience of its people.

Mau Sơn wine is a distinctive specialty of the Dao ethnic group living in the high mountains of Mau Sơn, Lạng Sơn. With a history of more than a thousand years, this traditional distilled wine is renowned for its unique aroma and is often praised as the “fairy wine of Lạng Sơn.”

The Dao Lu Gang people have passed down the art of brewing through generations. The water used comes from pure mountain streams at the peak of Mau Sơn, while the yeast is made from over 30 rare herbs, prepared according to traditional methods. For centuries, Mau Sơn wine has been an essential part of village life, served at festivals and community gatherings, embodying the cultural identity of the region.

When poured, the wine appears crystal clear. Its taste is smooth, not harsh or burning, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that surprises first-time drinkers. Today, Mau Sơn wine is no longer confined to the mountain villages – it has spread to other localities, becoming a sought-after specialty. Visitors to Lạng Sơn often wish to taste it at least once or bring bottles home as meaningful gifts.

Lạng Sơn is the land of star anise in Vietnam, with about 40,000 hectares of forest producing over 16,000 tons annually. Among these, Văn Quan District is considered the “capital of star anise,” boasting the largest cultivation area – around 14,000 hectares – and recognized by researchers as one of the world’s finest regions for growing high-quality anise.

Every August, as autumn arrives, the vast anise forests surrounding Văn Quan villages release a captivating fragrance. Locals flock to the hillsides to harvest the blossoms, often using pulleys to collect the fruit from steep mountain slopes. The sight of winding roads lined with blooming anise trees creates a poetic, lyrical landscape, while the aroma carried by the wind enchants travelers passing through.

The warm, passionate scent of star anise reflects the soul of the mountains and forests. Producing high-quality essential oil requires meticulous selection of raw materials – choosing naturally golden, unblemished dried fruits, especially the eight-petal star anise, which contains the richest oil and delivers the best quality. This careful process ensures that Văn Quan star anise essential oils remain a prized product, representing both the natural abundance and cultural heritage of Lạng Sơn.