Lang Son Travel Guide

Lang Son is the northeastern province of Vietnam bordering with Bac Giang, Cao Bang, Quang Ninh and China. Lang Son has interesting history, picturesque landscapes, many historical and cultural sites. A Vietnam tour package to Lang Son from Hanoi is normally combined with the trip to Ban Gioc waterfall in Cao Bang, Ba Be lake or deeper discovery to Ha Giang - the far north of Vietnam.

Lang Son is the name written in many poems to admire the beauty of the land and also mentioned in history as the glorious standing point agaist Chinese invader. In 1979, the town was totally destroyed by Chinese, but if you travel to Lang Son now, you will be surprised to see the new and modern city with busy markets and trade via the border gate of Vietnam - China.

How to get there

By road: Lang Son is just about 180 km from Hanoi and it takes 3 hours to get there. During the way, tourists can see rice paddy fields, limestone mountains and it is possible to stop for visit to the Historical Vestige of Chi Lang gate.

By Train: There is daily train from Hanoi to Lang Son which takes around 4 hours with stop in Bac Giang. From Lang Son, tourists can cross the border to China by road or overnight train to Nanning or Guilin in China.

Best time to visit

Like other provinces of the north Vietnam, the dry season is the best time to visit Lang Son or the north of Vietnam. Some Vietnamese tourists choose to come here in winter time to see snow on top of Mau Son mount, before lunar new year to buy cheap goods and after new year to pray for good health, good luck at some of the famous temples and pagodas like Mau temple, Bac Le temple.

Things to see in Lang Son

Mau Son mountain: This is the highest peak in Lang Son at 1541m above the sea level and surrounded by hundreds of lower mountains that offers fantastic view. In spring, beach blossoms in full bloom decorate the mountains like a girl in beautiful skirt. In Summer, Mau Son is cool with fresh air and considered as "Sapa of Lang Son".

Nhi Thanh cave: A religious cave in Lang Son where tourists can see the symbol of three different religions, including Buddhism, Taoism and Confusionism. The cave also has beautiful stalactite and stalagmite. If you travel to Lang Son, Nhi Thanh cave is a must-see place.

Bac Le temple: A temple to dedicate to the goddess of mountain in Vietnamese belief. The follwers of this belief come here to get into a trance and act as a medium which can be complicated with foreign tourists, but it is a unique experience.

The statue of To Thi: Translation means " the waiting wife", if you visit Nhi Thanh cave, just stop and ask your tour guide to tell the story.

Ky Lua night market: Centrally situated in the city of Lang Son, the market opens at night only selling everything but mainly cheap electronic products.

Bac Son valley: This picturesque valley is becoming a destination for many Vietnam tour packages. Tourists come to Bac Son to see beautiful valley of rice paddies that surrounded by high mountains. A paradise to take great photos and experience homestay in a local Tay family.

Accommodation in Lang Son

There are many hotels in Lang Son for tourists to stay, but Holiday to Indochina recommends Muong Thanh Lang Son hotel as the best choice and during your visit in Lang Son, do not forget to try the famous dish in this town - the delicious roast duck.

Recommended Vietnam tour with Lang Son

Tour 1:

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be lake
Day 2: Ba Be lake - Cao Bang
Day 3: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc - Cao Bang
Day 4: Cao Bang - Lang Son (Bac Son) - Hanoi (or Halong bay)