Lang Son borders Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen provinces, and Chongzuo city (Guangxi province, China). The province has one city and 10 districts.
Lang Son has many scenic spots, beautiful mountains and rivers, historical relics and customs imbued with national identity such as Bac Son archaeological culture, Mai Pha culture. The province's tourist attractions are concentrated in Lang Son city, Bac Son district, Huu Lung district, Binh Gia, Loc Binh. The province also has hundreds of folk cultural festivals.
Climate
Lang Son's climate clearly shows the characteristics of a subtropical climate in the North, with distinct winter and summer seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature in winter, especially at the top of Mau Son, can drop below 0 degrees Celsius, with ice and snow appearing. The highest temperature in summer is approximately 30 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season in Lang Son mainly focuses on the summer months, from June to August. Therefore, although winter is cold, it is a suitable time for tourism because it is dry.
Move
The road from Hanoi to Lang Son is convenient. The distance is about 160 km and takes less than 3 hours because most of it is highway. From the center of Hanoi, visitors go in the direction of Long Bien to Bac Giang highway, continue on CT01 to go straight to Lang Son.
There are many limousine companies going to Lang Son such as Duy Quang, Hoang Ha, Quynh Thanh, Van Ha, with prices ranging from 250,000 VND to 350,000 VND per ticket. Passenger vans with 26 seats or more cost 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND per ticket. The vans depart from My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Gia Lam stations.
Tourists from other provinces come to Hanoi and travel in the above way.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Lang Son is quite diverse, from budget motels to luxury hotels.
In the city, visitors can choose 4-5 star hotels such as Sheraton Lang Son or Muong Thanh Luxury, with room rates ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 million VND per night. 3-star hotels include Sojo, Long Vu, Tra Linh, Dong Phuong, A1, Phu Quy with prices ranging from 400,000 VND to 700,000 VND per night. Motels or budget hotels have prices ranging from 150,000 VND to about 300,000 VND.
Outside the city, places with many tourist attractions are Bac Son district, Binh Gia district, Huu Lung district, Loc Binh district. Here, there are motels and homestays recommended by the Provincial Tourism Promotion Center such as Rung Xanh, Yen Nhi, Binh Minh, Thang Lien (Huu Lung); Canh Dong Vang, Thuy Tien, Ban Chang stilt house (Bac Son), Hong Son, Van Quang, Van Tuyen (Binh Gia); Chan May, Cong Doan, Hoa Qua Son, Huong Son, May (in Mau Son, Loc Binh district).
Where to play
Ky Lua Walking Street
Ky Lua walking street started operating from October 16, 2020 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Lang Son city, opened every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The walking street is located on the streets surrounding Ky Lua market such as Bac Son, Le Lai, Tran Quoc Toan, Luong Van Tri. Activities on the walking street include folk games, cultural and artistic performances, enjoying cuisine, shopping for consumer goods, and souvenirs typical of Lang Son.
Dong Dang Station
Dong Dang International Railway Station is located in the north of Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, about 15 km from Lang Son city. Along with its outstanding activities in the transportation business, in recent years, Dong Dang station has also been one of the destinations attracting domestic and foreign tourists. Notably, on February 25, 2019, the station was the first destination in the trip of North Korean President Kim Jong Un to Vietnam to attend the US-North Korea Summit.
Tam Thanh Pagoda - Tam Thanh Cave
Located in Lang Son city, Tam Thanh cave belongs to the Nhi - Tam Thanh - To Thi Mountain - Mac Dynasty Citadel relic complex. This is a famous historical, cultural and scenic relic of Lang Son. Tam Thanh cave has layers of stalactites with diverse and vivid shapes such as Ngo Dong and Tien Ong trees with high, airy domes. Deeper in the cave is Am Ty lake, where visitors can admire the natural beauty of the clear, never-dry lake.
In the cave there is Tam Thanh Pagoda (Thanh Thien Pagoda). This is an old pagoda, formerly a place of Taoist worship, worshiping the Three Thanh (Ngoc Thanh, Thuong Thanh, Thai Thanh), so it is called Tam Thanh Pagoda. Later, due to the influence of many factors, Taoism faded in the local people's consciousness, people brought elements of Buddhist worship, worshiping Saints into the relic. Every year on holidays, the pagoda welcomes a large number of visitors from all over to visit and pray for luck.
Lang Son Citadel
The ancient citadel is located in Chi Lang ward, one of the national historical relics. This place used to be the political, economic and cultural center of Lang Son with bustling trading activities. Lang Son ancient citadel was built in a rectangular shape with 4 gates corresponding to 4 directions, called "tu tran", with hinges and large elaborately carved stones. Currently, only the 2 west and south gates remain intact.
To Thi Mountain
To Thi Mountain (Vong Phu) is located in Tam Thanh commune. According to legend, there was a woman named To Thi who was holding her child while waiting for her husband to return from war. Waiting for a long time without seeing her husband, the mother and child turned to stone. Today, on the top of To Thi Mountain, there is a natural rock with a shape quite similar to a woman holding her child, so it was named Vong Phu Mountain as a symbol of the steadfast loyalty of Vietnamese women. To Thi Mountain is the most famous beautiful landscape in Lang Son and is also a source of inspiration for many works of art.
Mac Dynasty Citadel
Next to Nang To Thi mountain is a valley with two stone walls blocking it, which is the Mac Dynasty Citadel relic. The citadel is a military architectural complex built in the 16th century, used to block the only road from North to South. Currently, the Mac Dynasty Citadel has a remaining wall section 300 m long and 1 m thick. Standing at the citadel gate, visitors can see the whole view of Lang Son city. Going through the path of many steps from the foot of the hill to the top, you will admire the majestic mountains and enjoy the fresh air.
Dong Dang Mother Temple
Dong Dang Mau Temple is one of the famous places of worship, located in the center of Dong Dang town, with special value in terms of architecture, religious beliefs and history. The temple consists of 5 worshiping rooms: the innermost room is Tam Bao, where Buddha Chuẩn Đề and Buddha Quan Âm are worshiped, the outer room is Tam Toa Thanh Mau, followed by the worshiping room of Son Trang; the middle room is the outermost main hall worshiping Lord Lieu, on both sides are Chau Bo and Chau Luc; the left room worships Chau De Tu Kham Sai. On the 10th of January every year, there is the Long Tong festival at Mau Temple with games such as lion dance and traditional martial arts.
Friendship International Border Gate
Huu Nghi International Border Gate is located on National Highway 1A, 17 km north of Lang Son city. Huu Nghi is the international border gate between Vietnam and China, an important bridge in economic development as well as trade between the two countries, and is also the connecting point of the Nanning - Hanoi expressway. At Huu Nghi International Border Gate, the Vietnamese side has landmark 1116 and the Chinese side has landmark 1117.
The markets
One of the tourist destinations in Lang Son that many tourists love is the market. Lang Son is famous for Dong Kinh, Ky Lua, Dong Dang markets and Tan Thanh border gate market. This is a commercial complex - supermarket with hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of goods. You can find a series of products of all kinds, quality and affordable prices. Just walking around the market, you may spend all the money you bring. One thing to note, be bold to bargain, you will buy your favorite item at a bargain price. These markets are not as bustling as they were about ten years ago, but are still a destination not to be missed by tourists.
Bac Son flower valley
Bac Son Flower Valley is located in Lan Khoang village, Tran Yen commune with an area of over 20 hectares. This is a Lang Son tourist destination suitable for young people because of its ideal location and "beautiful landscape". Not only can visitors enjoy the fresh air, they can also admire and inhale the fragrance of flowers. The valley has many eye-catching photo corners, seasonal flowers and endless rice fields.
Mau Son National Tourist Area
Mau Son National Tourist Area is 30 km northeast of Lang Son city, following National Highway 4B. Since the 1930s, along with Da Lat, Sa Pa, Ba Na, Tam Dao, the French have surveyed, researched and chosen Mau Son as the place to build luxurious villas for French officials to relax. Located at an altitude of 1,200 m - 1,541 m above sea level, the climate here has many characteristics of the tropical and temperate zones, so the summer is cool and the winter is cold. In particular, Mau Son peak is one of two mountain peaks in the North that often snows in winter.
Coming to Mau Son, visitors can trek through the primeval forest to see ancient rhododendron flowers; go to Linh Dia Mau Son area, where there are many vestiges of a religious center that once existed and developed; enjoy unique cultural features; taste specialties of Mau Son mountains and forests.
Trekking on top of Phia Po
Cha Mountain (Phia Po) is located in Mau Son Commune, Loc Binh District, with an altitude of 1,541 m above sea level, and is considered the "Roof of Lang". From Lang Son City, visitors follow National Highway 4B to Loc Binh District, continue for about 6 km and there will be an inter-village road leading to the foot of the mountain. Cha Mountain is characterized by wide green grass slopes in the summer. In winter, the grass gradually turns yellow. This is a place with fresh air and beautiful natural scenery, rich and pristine flora, and the most diverse primeval forests in the North.
The journey to conquer Phia Po is usually divided into 2 stages. The first day is trekking 3.5 km from the foot of the mountain to the campsite, setting up tents, eating and resting overnight. The second day continues to move to the highest peak with a similar length. The total trekking distance for two days is about 14 km.
>> See more: Trekking 'the roof of Lang Son'
Dang Mo Waterfall
Chi Lang Pass
Chi Lang Pass is a typical historical pass of Lang Son, located in Chi Lang commune. In the past, this area was considered the wall of Thang Long to prevent northern expeditions. Chi Lang Pass is 20 km long, connecting Chi Lang and Huu Lung of Lang Son province. Chi Lang Pass is a historical witness of many wars in the history of the Vietnamese people. The west is surrounded by Kai Kinh mountain, the two ends of the pass are high rocky mountains, creating a dangerous position, contributing to the victory against the Ming army and defeating the Qing invaders.
Huu Lung Grassland
Dong Lam grassland in Huu Lien commune, Huu Lung district has an area of 100 hectares, famous for its lush green grass, clear lake, located between majestic cliffs. The grassland is most beautiful before the rainy season, usually from March to May when the water has not yet risen, revealing green peninsulas. During this season, trees also sprout, full of vitality, the weather is cool, suitable for camping, outdoor activities, horse riding. To protect the ecosystem of the area, visitors do not drive into the valley, instead walk about 500 m or hire locals to take them in.
What to eat
Roasted pig - roasted duck
Roasted pork and duck with mac mat leaves is a specialty dish of Lang Son. The taste of the dish, besides the delicious meat, also lies in the flavor of mac mat leaves. This is a type of tree that produces fragrant leaves and fruits with a strange aroma, often used in dishes of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
After being seasoned, the mac mat leaves are stuffed into the belly of the cleaned pig and duck, sewn tightly, left to absorb the seasoning, and then roasted. The quality of the roasted meat depends on the chef, who spreads honey mixed with warm water evenly over the pig while roasting. Honey not only helps to keep the skin of the pig and duck from cracking, but also gives the skin a shiny golden color and makes it crispy. The dish is considered good when the meat is not mushy, but chewy and soft.
Locals mix a special sauce that is yellow and thick for roast pork and duck. From roast duck, visitors to Lang Son can enjoy duck pho.
Sour Pho
Lang Son sour pho is usually served on a large plate, with rice noodles at the bottom, followed by char siu, cucumber, roasted peanuts, fried sweet potatoes, and dried onions. Sour pho has a full range of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. The most important ingredient of the sauce is vinegar and sugar, mixed with fragrant fried onions and garlic, fish sauce, and ginger.
Lang Son sour pho is cool, suitable to enjoy on hot days. But you can still eat sour pho in winter when the sauce and pho noodles are heated up. Depending on your preference, when eating sour pho, you can add a few slices of fresh chili or squeeze a lemon or sprinkle some pepper, for a light, non-greasy flavor.
Egg roll
Egg rolls are made from finely ground rice mixed with water so that the dough is not too dry or too runny. The rolls are spread on a steamer with a thin layer of cloth stretched over it so that the rolls are completely cooked by the hot steam. Unlike regular rolls, Lang Son people use eggs as the filling. In addition, authentic rolls must be eaten with a dipping sauce made from a type of ripe banana in Lang Son, a special type of vinegar that can only be found in Lang Son.
Stitching
Khau nhuc, also known as Nam khau, originated from China and was introduced to Vietnam by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. This is a dish used during holidays, weddings, and is elaborately prepared. The main ingredients of the dish include pork belly, taro, and a mixture of spices including onions, garlic, ginger, minced basil, sugar, pepper, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, a little white wine, and tau soi leaves - a salty pickled vegetable of the Tay and Nung people, chopped. Through many stages such as boiling, roasting (frying), and then steaming. Khau nhuc is eaten with rice, bread, and vegetables for breakfast or main meals. The meat is tender, soaked in the flavor of taro and spices, the skin is slightly sweet, the fat is rich but not greasy.
Huu Lung grilled spring rolls
If you want to buy Lang Son specialties as gifts, Huu Lung grilled spring rolls are the choice. The dish is made from the main ingredients of chopped pork and pork skin, combined with rice powder, wrapped in fresh banana leaves. After a short time, the spring rolls will ferment and have a sour taste, when eaten, they need to be placed on the grill.
Wormwood cake
Mugwort cake is made from young mugwort leaves, boiled with clean ash water until soft, then washed, removed the fibers, and pounded in a mortar. Steamed sticky rice, pounded evenly with previously pounded mugwort leaves until a smooth and elastic dough is obtained, then transferred to making the cake. This cake is usually made with two types of filling: sesame filling with finely crushed sugar or black sesame filling.
>> See more: Food in Lang Son
Note
It is advisable to bring your passport and all personal documents as you may want to cross the border to China on your short trip.
When shopping at markets in Lang Son, you should ask carefully to avoid poor quality goods and high prices.
Tam Anh
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