Top things to do in Lang Son

1. Lang Son, a land of sacred mountains and rivers, with its customs preserved.

Located in the far north of Vietnam, Lang Son is a place where lush green mountains meet crystal-clear waters and unique ethnic cultures. The province borders Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, and Chongzuo City (China). Tourism in Lang Son attracts many visitors with its rolling mountains, historical sites, and hundreds of folk festivals. The Bac Son archaeological culture and Mai Pha customs reflect the deep, long-standing traditions of the Tay and Nung people. Notable destinations stretch from Lang Son city to Bac Son, Huu Lung, Binh Gia, and Loc Binh.

2. Useful Lang Son travel guide

2.1 The best time to travel to Lang Son.

Lang Son is located in a subtropical climate zone, with distinct summer and winter seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius. Each season in Lang Son offers its own unique beauty and special experiences. However, when traveling to Lang Son, it's advisable to avoid the months of May to July as these are the rainy and stormy seasons. Other times to visit Lang Son include:

• January (Lunar Calendar): This is the festival season in Lang Son, rich in local culture and traditional beauty. Here, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of unique festivals such as the Tam Thanh Pagoda Festival and the Ky Lua Firecracker Festival.
• Late July to late November: The golden rice fields of Bac Son color the vast landscape. Plum and peach blossoms blanket the mountains and forests. Mau Son peak is shrouded in mist. This is the time when many young people come to take photos and check in, enjoying the fragrant scent of flowers and ripening rice fields everywhere.
• Late August to early September: There will be the specialty "vine-grown custard apple" of Chi Lang. This is a type of custard apple grown on rocky mountains, with large, fleshy, and very sweet fruits.
• Winter: Winter can be below 0 degrees Celsius at Mau Son peak, creating a rare snow-covered landscape in Vietnam. Therefore, winter tourism in Lang Son becomes special and attractive to those who love nature and the cold of the North.

2.2 Getting around when traveling in Lang Son

How to Get to Lang Son

Lang Son is located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, about 180 km from Hanoi and connected by the Hanoi-Lang Son expressway, making travel quite convenient. Therefore, you can easily travel to Lang Son by the following three means of transport:

• Bus: From Hanoi, according to travel experience, it takes less than 3 hours to reach Lang Son via the Bac Giang-Lang Son expressway. You can choose a limousine with prices starting from 250,000 VND, or a bus from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam bus stations with prices ranging from 120,000 to 180,000 VND.
• Train: You can choose to travel to Lang Son from Hanoi on train number DD5, a distance of 149 km by rail with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 13 minutes. You can choose to buy tickets depending on the type of seat and carriage, with prices ranging from approximately 134,000 VND per ticket.
• Private transportation: If traveling by motorbike, you can follow the route from Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Bac Giang - Lang Son or take National Highway 5 and then onto Highway 1A. If traveling by car, you can easily reach Lang Son via the Hanoi - Lang Son expressway.

Transportation in Lang Son

• Taxis: Taxis are always a popular mode of transportation for tourists in Lang Son. You can easily catch a taxi everywhere, especially at tourist destinations.
• Motorbike rental:  This option is suitable for those who want to be flexible with their time, save money, and fully enjoy the beauty of Lang Son. You can ask the staff at your accommodation for information on the cheapest and most reasonably priced places to rent motorbikes.

Tourists visiting Lang Son can choose to stay at high-end hotels such as Sheraton or Muong Thanh, with prices starting from 1.2 million VND. Mid-range options like Sojo, Long Vu, and A1 are available from just 400,000 VND. Outside the city, homestays in Bac Son, Huu Lung, Binh Gia, and Loc Binh, such as Canh Dong Vang, Ban Chang, and Rung Xanh, offer a closer experience to nature and the local people.

3. 18 tourist destinations in Lang Son: From the border region to the cloud-covered peaks.

3.1 Lang Son Ancient Citadel - A must-visit tourist destination in Lang Son.

Address: Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Luong Van Tri Ward (formerly Chi Lang Ward, Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

Lang Son Ancient Citadel is one of Vietnam's most distinctive historical and military architectural relics. Built during the Le Dynasty, it underwent numerous renovations in subsequent dynasties. This Lang Son tourist attraction features a rectangular architecture with four gates facing East, West, South, and North, and 19 watchtowers. Surrounding the citadel are towering limestone mountains, creating a majestic and picturesque landscape.

Lang Son Ancient Citadel is not only a unique architectural masterpiece but also considered a symbol of the Vietnamese people's resistance against foreign invaders. It is a source of pride for the people of Lang Son and an attractive destination for anyone who loves history and culture.

3.2 To Thi Mountain is a symbol.

Address: Tam Thanh Ward (formerly Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

To Thi Mountain is a famous mountain and considered one of the most worthwhile tourist destinations in Lang Son. Approximately 200 meters high, To Thi Mountain is located within the Nhi-Tam Thanh historical site, part of the Mac Dynasty citadel. This destination is known for the Vong Phu Rock, a natural rock formation depicting a woman holding a child and looking north. This rock symbolizes the undying loyalty and love of To Thi, a character in folk legend.

According to legend, To Thi was the wife of the hero Truong Cong Dinh, who went to fight in the North and never returned. To Thi stood on the mountain with her child, waiting for her husband for many years until both turned into stone. The Vong Phu Rock has become a symbol of sacrifice and loyalty in love. Many famous poets, such as Nguyen Du and Nguyen Trai, have written poems praising this rock.

3.3 Ancient Mạc Dynasty Citadel

Address: Tam Thanh Ward (formerly Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

The Mac Dynasty Citadel is a historical and cultural relic of Vietnam, related to the Le-Mac War period. The citadel was built to serve as a military base against the restored Le Dynasty and foreign invaders. This Lang Son tourist site was constructed according to the natural terrain using rubble stone and lime-sand mortar, featuring gates, loopholes, entrances, and other auxiliary structures.

The Mac Dynasty Citadel is now an attractive tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. Here, you can admire the pristine beauty of the mountains and forests, enjoy panoramic views of Lang Son city from above, and explore historical and cultural relics related to the Mac Dynasty. This is a valuable heritage of the Vietnamese people, contributing to the richness of Vietnamese cultural identity. The Mac Dynasty Citadel needs to be effectively preserved and restored to maintain its historical and tourism value.

3.4 Chi Lang Pass bears the indelible marks of time.

Address: Chi Lang Commune, Lang Son Province

Chi Lang Pass is a famous historical site and once a formidable stronghold of the Northern invaders, where many heroic battles of the Vietnamese people took place. Chi Lang Pass boasts majestic mountains, the winding Thuong River, and many preserved historical relics. Visiting Chi Lang Pass, you will not only admire the natural beauty but also feel the heroic spirit of our ancestors.

Chi Lang Pass is nearly 20 km long, stretching from Quan Am Bridge over Hoa River to Ho Lai Temple. To the east of the pass is the Thai Hoa - Bao Dai mountain range, and to the west is the Cai Kinh mountain range. Between the two mountain ranges is a wide valley with the Thuong River flowing through it. On the Cai Kinh mountain range are two high points: Quy Mon Quan and Nui Mat Quy (Demon Gate Mountain). Chi Lang Pass is an ideal tourist destination in Lang Son for those who love exploring history and nature. This place not only provides you with useful knowledge but also offers many interesting and meaningful experiences.

3.5 The Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple is rich in spiritual significance.

Address: Dong Dang Commune (formerly Dong Dang Town, Cao Loc District), Lang Son Province (approximately 4km from Huu Nghi Border Gate)

Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple is a famous spiritual tourist destination in Lang Son, dedicated to Buddha and the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh. It is an ancient, majestic, and sacred temple, built in ancient times. The temple has a unique architecture, consisting of five main worship halls with many intricately carved patterns. Within the temple grounds, there are also two stone elephants near the entrance and a stupa behind.

This is a destination for many tourists and locals from within and outside the province to offer incense, pray, and admire the temple's beauty. The 10th day of the first lunar month is the occasion for the spring festival at Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple. The festival is an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere of Lang Son and learn more about the beliefs, culture, and cuisine of the local ethnic groups. If you want to explore a new land, rich in national identity and sacred, visit the Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple when you have the chance to come to Lang Son. MIA.vn travel guide is confident that you will not regret choosing this destination.

3.6 The sacred Tien Linh Pagoda relic

Address: Inside Dai Tuong Mountain, Luong Van Tri Ward (formerly Chi Lang Ward, Lang Son City), Lang Son Province

Tien Pagoda is an ancient and sacred temple located inside Dai Tuong Mountain, built during the Le Trung Hung period. With a history of over 350 years, Tien Pagoda is chosen by many as a unique tourist destination and is one of the eight scenic spots of Lang Son. Tien Pagoda has a unique architecture; the outer part is the main hall for worshipping Buddha, while the inner part is the hall for worshipping the Mother Goddess and Saint Tran. Tien Pagoda also preserves many ancient steles, ancient statues, and folk tales. Most notable is the story of Tien Well, a small well behind Elephant Mountain with a clear, year-round flowing spring.

Tien Pagoda is not only an attractive tourist destination in Lang Son but also a quintessential cultural heritage of Lang Son. In 1992, this Lang Son tourist site was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument. Every year, on the 18th day of the first lunar month, Tien Pagoda holds a festival to welcome thousands of tourists and Buddhists who come to visit and pray. The Tien Pagoda festival is a traditional cultural event of the people of Lang Son province, deeply rooted in national identity and spirituality.

3.7 Ky Cung Temple has high cultural value.

Address: Ky Cung Riverbank, Tran Dang Ninh Street, Dong Kinh Ward (formerly Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

Ky Cung Temple has a very long history. Initially, it was just a small temple dedicated to Giao Long, the water deity who governed the entire region. Later, due to historical changes, the temple was rebuilt many times, becoming a beautiful and impressive architectural work. The temple has a "Dinh" shaped design, consisting of three arched doorways, two square brick pillars, and a red tiled roof. Inside the temple are many horizontal plaques, couplets, stone steles, and bronze religious artifacts of high cultural value. Besides Quan Lon Tuan Tranh, the temple also houses the statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am and the Three Holy Mothers.

Ky Cung Temple is also associated with one of the eight scenic spots of Lang Son, Ky Cung Thach Do. This is a rocky wharf located on the Ky Cung River, considered a place of exchange between Vietnam and China. According to legend, in the past, envoys traveling between the two countries had to stop at this stone wharf to prepare offerings and offer incense at the Ky Cung temple. Today, the stone wharf has been transformed into an art flower park, attracting many visitors.

3.8 Tam Thanh Pagoda and Cave are impressive.

Address: Located within a rocky cave in Tam Thanh Ward (formerly Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

Tam Thanh Pagoda and Caves is the next Lang Son tourist destination that MIA.vn suggests to you. This place is situated within a mountain range shaped like an elephant herd, only about 2km west of Lang Son city center. It's a complex of three caves: Nhat Thanh, Nhi Thanh, and Tam Thanh, with Tam Thanh being the largest and housing an ancient pagoda dedicated to Amitabha Buddha.

Tam Thanh Pagoda dates back to the Le Dynasty and was formerly a Taoist temple. The name Tam Thanh means Jade Thanh, Upper Thanh, and Supreme Thanh (these are the three highest realms, considered three celestial realms, each ruled by a different deity). Later, due to various influences causing Taoism to fade in the local people's consciousness, it was replaced by Buddhist elements. Tam Thanh Pagoda houses a white Amitabha Buddha statue carved into the rock face in the 15th century. This statue, in the style of the Le-Mac period (16th-17th centuries), depicts a standing figure within the shape of a Bodhi leaf.

Next to the pagoda is Tam Thanh Cave. The cave has an 8-meter-high entrance halfway up the mountain, facing east. Visiting Tam Thanh Cave, you'll be amazed by the countless naturally formed stalactites and stalagmites of all colors and sizes.

3.9 Climb Na Lay mountain

Address: Bac Son Commune, Lang Son Province.

Na Lay Mountain is one of Lang Son's attractive tourist destinations, famous for its stunning and pristine natural landscape. Located in Bac Son town, about 70km from the center of Lang Son city, Na Lay Mountain is approximately 600m above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Bac Son valley – home to golden terraced rice fields during the harvest season.

To conquer the summit of Na Lay Mountain, you must climb approximately 1200 steep stone steps, taking from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your fitness level. Along the way, you can admire the lush green scenery of the towering limestone mountains and the breathtakingly beautiful winding river. At the summit of Na Lay Mountain, there is a microwave relay station with a caretaker. You can ask permission to rest there or bring a tent to camp overnight and enjoy the starry sky and brilliant sunrise over Bac Son. Na Lay Mountain is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and want to experience living close to nature.

3.10 The unique Cong Dong Bac Le Temple

Address: Tan Thanh Commune, Lang Son Province.

Cong Dong Bac Le Temple is a famous spiritual tourist destination in Lang Son Province, located about 80 km from the city center. The temple sits on a lush green hill, surrounded by ancient trees and vast fields. It is a place of worship for Mau Thuong Ngan, the goddess of the mountains and forests, as well as other deities associated with the local area.

The temple boasts a unique architecture, a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese styles with exquisite and colorful carvings. The temple covers an area of ​​approximately 125 square meters, comprising three main halls: the First, Second, and Third (forbidden) halls. In addition, the temple has several smaller worship halls and a majestic three-arched gate. Cong Dong Bac Le Temple was built in the 16th-17th centuries but has undergone numerous renovations and restorations. According to the two remaining inscriptions (1919 and 1932), the temple has been renovated at least five times from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. Despite this, the temple still retains the ancient and sacred character of a long-standing temple. The temple also houses many ancient relics and newly donated artifacts such as 19 large and small wooden statues, many hanging curtains along the walkways, two stone inscriptions, and numerous horizontal and vertical couplets.

3.11 Ky Lua pedestrian street: where streets and memories meet.

Address: Tran Dang Ninh Street (formerly Lang Son City), Lang Son Province.

Ky Lua Walking Street has become a meeting place for locals and tourists every weekend evening. There, Lang Son culture is showcased through folk games, traditional music, and rich culinary flavors.

Extending from 6 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the walking street winds through the streets around Ky Lua Market, such as Bac Son, Le Lai, Tran Quoc Toan, and Luong Van Tri. A trip to Lang Son wouldn't be complete without a night stroll, listening to the traditional flute, enjoying local snacks, and bringing home some handcrafted souvenirs.

3.12 Dong Dang Station is the intersection of history and the present.

Address: Dong Dang Commune, Lang Son Province

Located approximately 15 km from the city center, Dong Dang Station is not only a vital transportation hub but also a place bearing international historical significance. It hosted North Korean President Kim Jong Un in February 2019, making the station famous worldwide. For tourists who enjoy exploring contemporary historical landmarks, Dong Dang Station is a memorable stop on their Lang Son travel itinerary.

3.13 The Huu Nghi International Border Gate plays the role of a gateway opening to two worlds.

Address: Dong Dang Commune, Lang Son Province

Located on National Highway 1A, 17 km from the city, Huu Nghi Border Gate is an important link between Vietnam and China. Not only is it a bustling trading hub, but it's also an interesting geographical location for those who love experiencing border regions. Stopping at border marker 1116 and looking across to border marker 1117 on the other side, you'll clearly feel the rhythm of this land where "forests meet forests, rivers meet rivers".

Dong Kinh Market, Ky Lua Market, Dong Dang Market, Tan Thanh Border Gate Market… are all must-see destinations on a trip to Lang Son. Not only do these markets offer a wide variety of goods, but they also embody the spirit of border traders: quick, friendly, and always willing to lower prices if you know how to bargain. Although not as bustling as they were ten years ago, these markets still hold a special place in the hearts of tourists.

3.15 Bac Son Flower Valley: Where colors captivate visitors.

Location: Hung Vu Commune (formerly Tran Yen Commune), Lang Son Province

Located in Lan Khoang village, Bac Son Flower Valley is a carpet of flowers amidst magnificent nature. Spanning over 20 hectares with countless seasonal flowers, interspersed with golden rice fields and creative photo opportunities, it's a paradise for those who love beauty and tranquility. If you're traveling to Lang Son during holidays or the rice harvest season, don't miss this flower valley!

3.16 Mau Son: Paradise in the Mist

Location: Ba Son commune (formerly Mau Son commune, Cao Loc district), Lang Son province

From the city, travel 30 km along National Highway 4B to reach Mau Son, a mountainous area with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,541 meters. Once a resort villa destination chosen by the French, Mau Son has now become a national tourist area with a cool climate, unique cultural features, and attractive highland specialties. In summer, you can trek through rhododendron forests; in winter, you can witness snowfall on the mountaintops, a rare experience in Vietnam.

3.17 Climb to the top of the house in Lang Phia Po

Vị trí: xã Mẫu Sơn (huyện Lộc Bình cũ), tỉnh Lạng Sơn

Đỉnh Phia Pò, hay còn gọi là núi Cha, cao 1.541 m là nơi dành cho những đôi chân không ngại đường dài. Hành trình chinh phục kéo dài hai ngày, băng qua rừng già, triền cỏ xanh và cắm trại dưới bầu trời đầy sao. Đây là điểm đến không thể thiếu cho dân trekking khi đi du lịch Lạng Sơn, mang lại cảm giác chạm tới giới hạn và thưởng ngoạn vẻ đẹp hoang sơ bậc nhất miền Bắc.

3.18 Thanh Pagoda, Lang Son

Address: Hung Vuong Street, Luong Van Tri Ward (formerly Chi Lang Ward, Lang Son City), Lang Son Province

Another worthwhile tourist destination in Lang Son is Thanh Pagoda. Thanh Pagoda creates a beautiful image beside the Ky Cung River. This poetic landscape holds profound history. Against this backdrop, a majestic bell weighing over 2 tons hangs prominently outside the main gate.

Unique and special, Thanh Pagoda boasts 53 solid bronze statues, making it the pagoda with the largest number of statues in the country. The pagoda's architecture reflects antiquity and solemnity, with Bat Trang tiled floors adding to its ancient charm. The design combines East Asian style with a blend of domestic and foreign influences, creating 38 unique large and small chambers. The meticulously carved couplets and horizontal plaques, hundreds of years old, still retain their beauty and sophistication.

4. Lang Son cuisine is rich in the flavors of the mountains and forests.

4.1 Sour Pho - A famous specialty of Lang Son in Northern Vietnam

With its rather elaborate preparation style, Lang Son sour pho retains a unique and appealing flavor that is unlike any other type of pho. This Lang Son specialty is a combination of chewy, soft pho noodles and a fragrant, rich broth. Sour pho is served with sweet potatoes, pork liver, pork stomach, pork belly, char siu, fermented bean curd, Chinese sausage, roasted peanuts, and more.

4.2 Braised Pork - A dish that harmonizes with Chinese culture

Khau nhuc is a specialty of Lang Son province, made from pork belly marinated with various delicious spices. This dish originates from China but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes. You can enjoy khau nhuc with dishes such as rice, sticky rice, or bread.

4.3 Roasted duck with mac mat leaves

Visiting Lang Son and missing out on the famous roasted duck with mac mat leaves would be a huge mistake. Roasted duck with mac mat leaves has a distinctive flavor thanks to the leaves, which are widely grown in this region. A high-quality roasted duck with mac mat leaves will have skin evenly seasoned with the renowned recipe, tender meat, and a characteristic aroma of mac mat leaves. This dish tastes even better when served with soy sauce. You can eat the roasted duck with bread, rice, or on its own.

4.4 Lang Son Mugwort Cake

Mugwort cake is made from a type of leaf of the same name, which has a delicious, sweet flavor. Young mugwort leaves, after being soaked in ash water, are washed, the fibers are removed, and they are pounded into a paste to make the sugar used in cooking the cake. Cooked sticky rice is then pounded together with the mugwort leaves to create a smooth paste for making the cake.

4.5 Pan-fried cakes

Pancakes with fried duck meat filling and a crispy fried crust are a delicious and appealing dish. They taste best when served with a dipping sauce made from pickled papaya and vinegar, which enhances their unique flavor.

5. Souvenirs typical of Lang Son that you should buy after your trip.

- Na Chi Lang - a specialty "vine-grown custard apple" grown on high mountains, with large, firm, and very sweet fruits, and the best ripening season is in September.

- Mau Son wine is brewed from rice and spring water in the high mountains, along with a yeast made from over 30 rare herbs, creating a unique flavor.

- Mau Son peaches have a rich, crisp, and sweet taste, growing on high mountains and bearing fruit only from June to August.

- Bac Son tangerines come in two types: round and flat, with thin, peeling skin, a rich sweet taste, and little fiber, selling for 30,000 - 35,000 VND/kg.

- Mac Mat fruit is a specialty that tourists visiting Lang Son always buy as souvenirs; it can be eaten fresh or grilled with meat.

6. Travel tips for visiting Lang Son

- Bring your passport or personal identification if you plan to visit the border or travel through China.

- When shopping at markets, be sure to ask about prices and check the quality to avoid counterfeit goods and inflated prices.

A trip to Lang Son is a journey to discover the rich cultural beauty of this border region. From the scenery and cuisine to the people, everything blends together to create a vibrant picture that leaves visitors with lasting memories. And don't forget to get yourself a durable backpack or suitcase from MIA.vn to make your trip even more perfect!