Lang Son Province, nestled within the northern mountains of Vietnam, shares its borders with Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and the town of Sung Ta in Guangxi Province, China. The province is 123 kilometers from Hanoi.
Lang Son boasts an array of enchanting mountains, historic relics, and traditions that resonate with Vietnamese nationwide identification. The province’s vacationer hotspots are concentrated in Lang Son Metropolis, its capital of the identical identify, and the districts of Bac Son, Huu Lung, Binh Gia, and Loc Binh. Moreover, Lang Son performs host to quite a few conventional people festivals.
WHEN TO VISIT
Local weather-wise, Lang Son experiences a subtropical local weather typical of northern Vietnam. It contains a distinct separation between winter and summer time. The annual common temperature spans from 17 to 23 levels Celsius. Winters, particularly within the excessive Mau Son peak space, can plummet beneath freezing, leading to icy circumstances and snowfall. Summers see temperatures hovering round 30 levels Celsius.
The province’s wet season predominantly falls through the summer time months, spanning from June to August. Because of this, the dry winter season proves best for tourism regardless of the chilly.
Within the winter, a pure blanket of white snow adorns the summit of Mau Son. Picture by Luu Minh Dan
WHAT TO EXPLORE
Ky Lua Strolling Road
Ky Lua Strolling Road opened on October 16, 2020, coinciding with the celebration of the seventieth anniversary of Lang Son Metropolis’s liberation. This strolling avenue welcomes guests each Friday and Saturday between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Located within the neighborhood of the Ky Lua Market, encompassing Bac Son, Le Lai, Tran Quoc Toan, and Luong Van Tri streets, the promenade presents a myriad of actions. These embody conventional people video games, cultural and creative performances, the chance to savor numerous native delicacies, store for on a regular basis gadgets, and gather Lang Son souvenirs.
Dong Dang Worldwide Railway Station
Located to the north of Dong Dang City in Cao Loc District, roughly 15 kilometers from Lang Son Metropolis, you can find the Dong Dang Worldwide Railway Station. This station has gained prominence not just for its pivotal function within the transportation trade but in addition as a vacation spot for each native and worldwide vacationers in recent times.
A standout second occurred on Feb. 25, 2019 when it turned the inaugural cease on North Korean President Kim Jong Un’s historic go to to Vietnam, the place he participated within the U.S.-North Korea Summit.
Tam Thanh Pagoda and Tam Thanh Cave
Tam Thanh Collapse Lang Son Metropolis varieties a part of the scenic relic complicated comprising Nhi, Tham Thanh and To Thi mountains, and the Mac Dynasty Citadel. The cave options intricate formations and spacious, ethereal domes. Deeper contained in the cave lies the gorgeous and pristine Am Ty Lake.
The cave additionally homes Tam Thanh Pagoda, a spot that was as soon as devoted to Taoist worship and the Three Pure Ones, often called “Tam Thanh” in Vietnamese, from which it derives its identify.
Over time, because of varied influences, Taoism steadily waned within the hearts and minds of the native populace. Consequently, parts of Buddhist worship and the veneration of Saints had been built-in into this sacred web site. Yearly, throughout festive events, the pagoda turns into a magnet for guests hailing from close to and much, who come to discover its grounds and search blessings for luck.
Lang Son Historic Citadel
The Lang Son historic citadel retains its timeless look. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Positioned in Chi Lang Ward, this historic web site is a nationwide treasure. Up to now, it was the guts of Lang Son, serving as the middle for politics, economics, and tradition, bustling with commerce. The citadel was designed in an oblong structure with 4 gates, every representing a cardinal route, that includes intricately carved giant stones and hinged blocks. Immediately, solely the west and south metropolis gates have survived.
To Thi Mountain
Perched on the coronary heart of Tam Thanh Commune, To Thi Mountain, often known as Vong Phu Mountain, holds a poignant legend. The story is of the love of To Thi, who held her youngster and waited patiently for her husband’s return from the battlefield. As time handed with none signal of her husband, each mom and youngster reworked into stone.
The rock formation that resembles a girl cradling a baby has gained fame as a well-liked vacationer vacation spot at To Thi Mountain. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Immediately, atop To Thi Mountain, a pure rock formation remarkably resembles a girl cradling a baby, giving rise to its identify as Vong Phu’ Mountain, symbolizing the unwavering devotion of Vietnamese girls. “Vong phu” (ready for husband) describes a girl who has misplaced her husband and is now dwelling as a widow. This mountain is just not solely probably the most well-known scenic attraction in Lang Son but in addition a wellspring of inspiration for varied creative works.
Mac Dynasty Citadel
Ascending the steps from backside to high of Mac Dynasty Citadel presents a peaceable mountain expertise stuffed with contemporary air. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Subsequent to To Thi Mountain is a valley protected by two stone partitions, that are the remnants of the Mac Dynasty Citadel, constructed within the sixteenth century as a key protection level alongside Vietnam’s major North-South route. Immediately, the Mac Dynasty Citadel retains a well-preserved wall that is 300 meters lengthy and one meter thick. From the citadel entrance, guests can even take pleasure in a panoramic view of Lang Son Metropolis.
Mau Dong Dang Temple
Within the heart of Dong Dang City, the Mau Dong Dang Temple is a revered place of worship celebrated for its structure, historic worth, and non secular that means. The temple has 5 sacred areas, together with the innermost part devoted to Cundī Buddha and Guanyin, in addition to the Three Temples of Mom Goddesses.
The temple is a sacred place surrounded by quite a few bushes. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
One of many annual highlights is the Lengthy Tong Pageant, held at Mau Temple on the tenth of the primary lunar month, that includes charming actions like lion dances and conventional martial arts.
Huu Nghi Worldwide Border Gate
The Huu Nghi worldwide border gate’s trendy design. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Located 17 kilometers north of Lang Son Metropolis on Nationwide Freeway 1A, the Huu Nghi Worldwide Border Gate serves as a significant crossroads for financial growth and commerce between Vietnam and China. It additionally marks the junction of the Nanning-Hanoi expressway. The border gate is marked by milestone 1116 on the Vietnamese aspect and milestone 1117 on the Chinese language aspect.
Markets
Lang Son is famend for its bustling markets, drawing the love of many vacationers. Notable markets embody Dong Kinh, Ky Lua, Dong Dang, and Tan Thanh border gate markets. These industrial complexes provide a whole bunch of stalls promoting an enormous array of products. Right here, consumers can discover merchandise of varied varieties, qualities, and costs.
Wandering by means of these markets, one could discover themselves spending extra money than deliberate. Bargaining is a ability price honing, as it could possibly assist safe your required gadgets at favorable costs. Whereas these markets is probably not as vibrant as they had been a decade in the past, they continue to be in style locations for vacationers.
Bac Son Flower Valley
Positioned in Lan Khoang Village, Tran Yen Commune, Bac Son Flower Valley spans over 20 hectares and beckons younger guests with its charming ambiance. The valley presents a perfect setting to relish contemporary air whereas indulging within the aromatic embrace of blooming flowers. Ornamental photograph corners, seasonal flowers, and seemingly limitless rice fields intensify the valley’s attraction.
Mau Son Nationwide Vacationer Space
Mau Son Nationwide Vacationer Space is 30 kilometers northeast of Lang Son Metropolis and accessible by way of Nationwide Freeway 4B. Within the Nineteen Thirties, alongside famend locations like Da Lat, Sa Pa, Ba Na, and Tam Dao, Mau Son caught the eye of the French who selected it as a web site to assemble lavish villas for his or her officers to unwind. Perched at an elevation of 1,200 – 1,541 meters above sea degree, the realm boasts a mix of tropical and temperate climates, providing refreshing coolness in the summertime and chilly winters. Notably, Mau Son peak is without doubt one of the two peaks within the northern area that continuously experiences snowfall throughout winter.
Mau Son Peak is characterised by a winding highway that meanders by means of the pure environment. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Guests to Mau Son can embark on treks by means of the traditional forest to witness the fantastic thing about azalea flowers, discover the Linh Dia Mau Son space with its remnants of a as soon as thriving spiritual heart, immerse themselves in distinctive cultural traditions, and savor uncommon and beautiful native delicacies.
Trekking on Phia Po Peak
Phia Po, often known as Cha Mountain Peak, is in Mau Son Commune, Loc Binh District, standing tall at an elevation of 1,541 meters above sea degree. To achieve Phia Po, guests can take Freeway 4B from Lang Son Metropolis in direction of Loc Binh District, after which proceed for roughly 6 kilometers to succeed in an inter-village highway resulting in the bottom of the mountain.
Cha Mountain showcases expansive inexperienced grass slopes through the summer time, which steadily flip yellow within the winter. The realm boasts contemporary air, gorgeous pure surroundings, plentiful and unspoiled flora, and one of the numerous primeval forests within the northern area.
The journey to beat Phia Po is often divided into two phases. On the primary day, trekkers cowl a distance of three.5 kilometers from the bottom of the mountain to the campsite, the place they’ll arrange tents for in a single day relaxation. On the second day, they proceed the trek in direction of the summit, protecting an analogous distance. The overall distance coated through the two-day trek is roughly 14 kilometers.
Dang Mo Waterfall
Dang Mo (Cow Nostril) Waterfall is in Binh Gia District. The identify of the waterfall is claimed to originate from the Tay ethnic folks, who named it after two upstream streams that merge to type the waterfall, resembling the form of a cow nostril.
The water at Dang Mo Waterfall flows in three layers. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Dang Mo Waterfall maintains a steady move all year long and is surrounded by untouched mountains and forests. Alongside the waterfall, guests can admire rocks of varied shapes adorned with inexperienced moss. Historic bushes stretch out in direction of the center of the waterfall, including to the mysterious fantastic thing about the place.
Chi Lang Go
Chi Lang Go is a traditionally important go in Lang Son, positioned in Chi Lang Commune. Up to now, this space served as a defensive barrier defending Thang Lengthy (present-day Hanoi) from northern invasions. Stretching for 20 kilometers, the go connects Chi Lang and Huu Lung in Lang Son Province.
Chi Lang Go bears witness to quite a few wars in Vietnamese historical past and is flanked by the Kai Kinh mountain to the west, with excessive rocky mountains at each ends of the go, making a strategically advantageous place. These geographical options performed a vital function within the victories towards the Ming military and the defeat of the Qing invaders.
Huu Lung Steppe
The Huu Lung Steppe, often known as Dong Lam Steppe, is in Huu Lien Commune, Huu Lung District. It spans an space of 100 hectares and is famend for its lush inexperienced grass and clear lake, nestled amidst majestic cliffs.
The steppe is most charming earlier than the wet season, sometimes from March to Could when the water degree is low, revealing verdant peninsulas. Throughout this season, the bushes flourish, exuding vitality, and the climate is cool, making it a perfect time for tenting, outside actions, and horseback driving.
To protect the ecosystem of the realm, guests will not be permitted to drive into the valley. As a substitute, they’ll stroll roughly 500 meters or rent transportation providers to succeed in the vacation spot.
WHAT TO EAT
Roast pig and duck
Roast pig and duck with mac mat (clausena indica) leaves are famend specialties that showcase the distinct flavors of Lang Son. Aside from the meat, the distinctive style of mac mat leaves provides an additional dimension to the dish. These leaves, identified for his or her aromatic aroma and peculiar taste, are sometimes used within the delicacies of the Tay and Nung ethnic teams.
To arrange the dish, the leaves are soaked in spices after which stuffed into cleaned pork and duck bellies. The openings are sewn closed, permitting the meat to soak up the flavors earlier than being roasted.
The key lies within the ability of the chef, who evenly spreads a combination of honey and heat water on the pig. The honey not solely prevents cracking but in addition imparts a shiny, crispy yellow coloration to the pores and skin. The dish is taken into account good when the meat is tender, moist, and chewy.
Guests to Lang Son can even take pleasure in duck pho, a variation of the favored Vietnamese noodle soup.
Bitter pho
Lang Son bitter pho is served on a big plate, that includes a mattress of pho noodles topped with char siu meat, cucumbers, roasted peanuts, fried candy potatoes, and fried shallots. Bitter pho antalizes the style buds with its good steadiness of bitter, spicy, salty, and candy flavors. The important thing ingredient within the sauce is sugar vinegar, blended with fried shallots, garlic, fish sauce, and ginger.
Bitter pho captivates diners with its assortment of elements and refreshing taste. Picture courtesy of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Data Heart
Bitter pho has a cooling nature, making it a perfect alternative for warm days. Nevertheless, it could possibly nonetheless be loved throughout winter by warming up the sauce and noodles. To customise the flavour, add a couple of slices of contemporary chili, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of pepper for a lighter, extra nuanced style.
Egg rice rolls
Lang Son’s egg rice rolls are constituted of a combination of rice and water, leading to a batter that’s neither too dry nor too skinny. The batter is positioned in a steamer lined with a skinny fabric, permitting it to cook dinner completely as the new steam permeates by means of the material.
Distinct from common rice rolls, Lang Son’s model incorporates eggs into the filling. Moreover, genuine rice rolls have to be savored with a dipping sauce that mixes a particular vinegar that may solely be present in Lang Son.
Khau nhuc (steamed pork stomach)
Khau nhuc, often known as nam khau, originated from China and was launched to Vietnam by the Tay and Nung ethnic teams. This dish is often reserved for particular events, weddings, and elaborate feasts.
The principle elements embody pork stomach, taro, and a mix of spices similar to onions, garlic, ginger, minced basil, sugar, pepper, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, a contact of white wine, and chopped tau soi – a salty fermented vegetable favored by the Tay and Nung folks. The dish undergoes a number of cooking phases, together with boiling, roasting (frying), and steaming.
Khau nhuc is often loved with rice, bread, and greens for breakfast or as a major meal. The meat turns tender, absorbing the flavors of taro and spices, whereas the pores and skin acquires a refined sweetness with out feeling greasy.
Magenta sticky rice
Magenta sticky rice is crafted from sticky rice infused with magenta leaves. In some areas, ash from straw and dried banana leaves can also be used. The method entails mixing crushed leaves and ash, washing it with clear water, and filtering out any residue. The sticky rice is then soaked for about 6 hours. After this, it is cooked in a sticky rice pot, usually with a splash of white wine, for roughly an hour. The result’s a pleasant dish – sticky and fragrant, with an exquisite purple hue. It pairs splendidly with rooster or salted peanuts.
Huu Lung grilled pork rolls
If you happen to’re looking for Lang Son specialties as presents, Huu Lung grilled spring rolls are a wonderful alternative. These pork rolls are constituted of finely chopped meat, pork pores and skin, and mushrooms, wrapped in contemporary banana leaves. After a brief fermentation interval, the pork rolls develop a tangy taste. When able to eat, they are often grilled for added smokiness.
Mugwort cake
Mugwort cake is constituted of contemporary mugwort leaves boiled in clear ash water till mushy. The leaves are then washed, fibers eliminated, and crushed in a mortar. The cooked elements are finely pounded with the crushed mugwort leaves to create a easy and versatile dough, which is then used to make the truffles. Mugwort truffles sometimes include two sorts of fillings: sesame paste with finely crushed sugar or black sesame paste.
HOW TO GET THERE
Touring to Lang Son is handy, with a well-maintained highway community connecting it to Hanoi. Overlaying roughly 160 km, the journey takes lower than three hours, totally on well-constructed highways. Vacationers departing from central Hanoi ought to head in direction of the Lengthy Bien District, transition to the Bac Giang Freeway, and proceed straight to Lang Son.
Varied passenger bus firms present transport to Lang Son, similar to Duy Quang, Hoang Ha, Quynh Thanh, and Van Ha, providing ticket costs starting from VND250,000 to VND350,000 ($10 to $14) per ticket.
Passenger buses with 26 seats sometimes price between VND120,000 and VND180,000 per ticket. These buses depart from varied places in Hanoi, together with My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Gia Lam terminals. Guests from different provinces can journey to Hanoi after which proceed to Lang Son utilizing these choices.
WHERE TO STAY
Lang Son presents a variety of lodging choices, catering to totally different price range preferences. Within the metropolis, guests can select from 4 to five star accommodations like Sheraton Lang Son and Muong Thanh Luxurious, with nightly room charges starting from VND1.2 million to VND1.4 million ($49 to $57).
3-star accommodations like Sojo, Lengthy Vu, Tra Linh, Dong Phuong, A1, and Phu Quy present lodging at costs between VND400,000 and VND700,000 per evening.
Reasonably priced motels and accommodations are additionally obtainable, with charges starting from VND150,000 to round VND300,000 per evening.
Exterior the town, areas with plentiful vacationer sights embody Bac Son District, Binh Gia District, Huu Lung District, and Loc Binh District. The Provincial Tourism Promotion Heart recommends varied motels and homestays in these areas:
– In Huu Lung District: Rung Xanh, Yen Nhi, Binh Minh, Thang Lien.
– In Bac Son District: Golden Discipline, Thuy Tien, stilt homes in Ban Chan.
– In Binh Gia District: Hong Son, Van Quang, Van Tuyen.
– In Loc Binh District (Mau Son space): Chan Could, Cong Doan, Hoa Qua Son, Huong Son, Could.
When visiting Lang Son, it’s advisable to hold your passport and all mandatory private paperwork, as chances are you’ll think about a brief journey throughout the border to China.
Whereas procuring on the markets in Lang Son, train warning and inquire completely to keep away from buying low-quality items at inflated costs.
Story by Tam Anh, Phuc Trinh
