Lang Son borders Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and Sung Ta city (Guangxi province, China). The province has one city and 10 districts.
Lang Son has many scenic spots, charming mountains, historical relics and customs imbued with national identity such as Bac Son archaeological culture and 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 culture festivals.
Climate
Lang Son’s climate clearly shows the characteristics of the subtropical climate in the North, with a clear winter-summer division. The average annual temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature in winter, especially at Mau Son peak, can drop below 0 degrees Celsius, causing ice and snow to appear. 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 of about 160 km takes less than 3 hours to travel because most of it is on highways. From the center of Hanoi, tourists go in the direction of Long Bien to Bac Giang highway, continue CT01 and will go straight to Lang Son.
There are many limousine bus companies 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 buses with 26 seats cost 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND per ticket. The buses depart from My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam wharfs.
Tourists from other provinces come to Hanoi and travel in the above way.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Lang Son is quite diverse, from affordable 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 per night ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 million VND. 3-star hotels include Sojo, Long Vu, Tra Linh, Dong Phuong, A1, Phu Quy with prices from 400,000 VND to 700,000 VND per night. Affordable motels or hotels range in price 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. There are motels and homestays suggested by the Provincial Tourism Promotion Center such as Rung Xanh, Yen Nhi, Binh Minh, Thang Lien (Huu Lung); Golden Field, Thuy Tien, stilt houses in Ban Chan (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 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Lang Son city, open every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The walking street is located on the route around Ky Lua market area such as Bac Son, Le Lai, Tran Quoc Toan, Luong Van Tri. Activities on the walking street include folk games, cultural and musical performances, enjoying cuisine, shopping for consumer goods, and typical souvenirs of Lang.
Dong Dang Station
Dong Dang international train station is located north of Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, about 15 km from Lang Son city. Along with outstanding activities in the transportation business, in recent years, Dong Dang station has also been one of the destinations attracting domestic and foreign tourists. In particular, on February 25, 2019, the station was the first destination on North Korean President Kim Jong Un’s trip 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 scenic relic complex Nhi – Tam Thanh – To Thi Mountain – Mac Dynasty Citadel. This is a famous historical, cultural and scenic spot of Lang country. Tam Thanh Cave has layers of stalactites with diverse and vivid shapes such as Ngo Dong and Tien Ong trees and high, airy domes. Deeper in the cave is Am Ty Lake, where visitors can admire the natural beauty of the clear, never-drying lake.
In the cave there is Tam Thanh Pagoda (Thanh Thien Pagoda). This is an old pagoda, formerly a place of worship for Taoism, worshiping Tam 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 minds of local people, and people incorporated elements of Buddhist worship and worship of Saints into the monument. Every year during the holidays, the pagoda welcomes a large number of visitors from everywhere to visit and pray for good luck.
Lang Son ancient citadel
The ancient citadel is located in Chi Lang ward, and is one of the national historical relics. This place used to be the political, economic and cultural center of Lang Son with vibrant trade activities. Lang Son ancient citadel was built in a rectangular shape with 4 gates corresponding to 4 directions, called “four towns”, with hinged blocks and elaborately carved large stones. Currently, only the west and south city gates remain intact.
To Thi Mountain
To Thi Mountain (Vong Phu) is located in Tam Thanh commune. According to legend, there was To Thi holding her child and waiting for her husband to return from fighting the enemy. Waiting forever and not seeing any sign of her husband, mother and child turned to stone. Today on the top of To Thi mountain there is a natural rock shaped quite like a woman holding a child, so it was named Vong Phu mountain as a symbol of the faithful heart of Vietnamese women. To Thi Mountain is the most famous beautiful landscape in Lang Son and is also the inspiration for many works of art.
Citadel of the Mac Dynasty
Next to Nang To Thi mountain is a valley, with two stone walls blocking it, which are the Mac Dynasty Citadel relics. 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 still has a wall length of 300 m long and 1 m thick. Standing at the city gate, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Lang Son city. Crossing the path of many steps from the foot of the hill to the top, you will admire the endless mountains and enjoy the fresh air.
Dong Dang Mother Temple
Dong Dang Mother Temple is one of the famous places of worship, located in the center of Dong Dang town, with special value in architecture, religious beliefs and history. The temple consists of 5 worship spaces: the innermost is Tam Bao, the place to worship Chuan De Buddha and Guan Yin Buddha, the outside is the Three Temples of Thanh Mau, next is the worship space of Son Trang; The middle of the outermost main hall worships Lord Lieu, flanked by Chau Bo and Chau Luc; The space on the left worships the Fourth Adoration Kham Sai. On the 10th of January every year is the Long Tong festival at Mau Temple with games such as lion dance and traditional martial arts.
Huu Nghi International Border Gate
Huu Nghi International Border Gate is located on National Highway 1A, 17 km north of Lang Son city. Huu Nghi is Vietnam’s international border gate with 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 installed milestone 1116 and the Chinese side installed milestone 1117.
Markets
One of Lang Son tourist destinations that many tourists love is the market. Lang Son is famous for Dong Kinh, Ky Lua, Dong Dang and Tan Thanh border gate markets. This is a commercial complex – supermarket consisting of hundreds of business stalls, selling all kinds of goods. You can find a wide range of products of all types, quality and affordable prices. Just walking around the market, you will probably spend all the money you bring. One thing to note, be bold in bidding, you will buy your favorite item at a bargain price. These markets are no longer as vibrant as they were about ten years ago, but are still a must-see destination for tourists.
Bac Son flower valley
Bac Son flower valley is located in Lan Khoang village, Tran Yen commune with an area of more than 20 hectares. This is a Lang Son tourist destination suitable for young people because of its ideal location and “charming landscape”. Not only can visitors enjoy the fresh air, they can also admire and inhale the scent of flowers. The valley has many eye-catching decorative 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, along Highway 4B. Since the 30s of the 20th century, along with Da Lat, Sa Pa, Ba Na, Tam Dao, the French have surveyed, researched and chosen Mau Son as a place to build luxury 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 tropical and temperate characteristics, so the summer is cool and the winter is cold. In particular, Mau Son peak is one of two peaks in the North that often has snowfall in winter.
Coming to Mau Son, visitors can trek through the primeval forest to see ancient azalea flowers; 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 the specialties of Mau Son mountains and forests.
Trekking on Phia Po peak
Cha mountain peak (Phia Po) in Mau Son commune, Loc Binh district, 1,541 m above sea level, is considered the “Roof of Lang”. From Lang Son city, tourists follow Highway 4B to Loc Binh district, continue 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, trekking 3.5 km from the foot of the mountain to the campsite, setting up a tent to eat and rest overnight. The second day continues moving towards the highest peak of the same length. The total two-day trekking distance is about 14 km.
Dang Mo Waterfall
Dang Mo Waterfall is in Binh Gia district, 20 km from Bac Son. Local people said that the name of the waterfall originates from the Tay ethnic people because upstream there are two streams, which are underground water streams of the Bac Son rocky mountain range, flowing in the same direction and then merging to form a waterfall that looks like a cape. cow. Water falls down to form three floors. Seen from a distance, the waterfall looks like a silk strip running across the mountains and forests. Dang Mo Waterfall flows all year round, surrounded by pristine mountains and forests. Along the waterfall, you will admire large and small rocks of all shapes, covered with green moss. On both sides are ancient trees stretching out into the middle of the waterfall, increasing the mystery and charming beauty of this place.
Chi Lang Pass
Chi Lang Pass is a typical historical pass of Lang Son, located in Chi Lang commune. Previously, this area was considered a retaining 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 historical evidence of many wars in the history of the Vietnamese nation. 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 steppe
Dong Lam steppe 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 steppe is most beautiful before the rainy season, usually from March to May when the water has not yet risen, revealing the green peninsulas. This season the trees also sprout, have lots of vitality, and the weather is cool, suitable for camping, outdoor activities, and horseback riding. To protect the area’s ecosystem, visitors do not drive into the valley, instead they walk about 500 meters or hire people to drive them there.
Eat what
Roast pig – roast duck
Roasted pig and duck with mac mat leaves are specialties bearing the mark of Lang Son. The taste of the dish, in addition to the delicious meat, also lies in the flavor of mac mol leaves. This is a tree that produces fragrant leaves and fruits with a strange flavor, often used in dishes of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
After being soaked in spices, mac mat leaves are stuffed into the cleaned pork and duck belly, sewn closed, left to absorb the spices and roasted. Satisfactory roasted meat depends on the chef, while roasting and evenly spreading honey mixed with warm water on the pig. Honey not only helps keep pigs and ducks from cracking, but also gives the skin a shiny and crispy yellow color. The dish meets the requirements when the meat is not crumbly and is chewy and soft.
Local people mix their own yellow, cockroach-wing-colored dipping sauce for roast pigs and ducks. From roast duck, visitors to Lang Son can enjoy duck pho.
Sour pho
Lang Son sour pho is usually served in a large plate, underneath is pho noodles, followed by char siu meat, cucumbers, roasted peanuts, fried sweet potatoes, and dried onions. Sour pho has enough sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. The most important ingredient in the sauce is sugar vinegar, mixed with fried onions, garlic, fish sauce, and ginger.
Lang Son sour pho has a cooling nature, suitable for enjoying on hot days. But you can still eat sour pho in winter when the sauce and noodles are warmed up. Depending on your preference, when eating sour pho, you can add a few slices of fresh chili or squeeze a slice of lemon or sprinkle a little pepper for a light, not overpowering flavor.
Egg rolls
Egg rolls are made from delicious rice and pureed with water so that the dough is not too dry or thin. The cake is covered in a steamer with a thin layer of cloth stretched so that the cake is completely cooked by rising hot steam. Unlike regular banh cuon, Lang Son people use eggs to make the filling. In addition, authentic banh cuon must be eaten with a dipping sauce mixed with vinegar made from a type of ripe banana in Lang Son, a typical vinegar that only exists in Lang.
Stitching humiliation
Khau Hui, also known as Ly Khau, originated from China and was introduced to Vietnam thanks to the Tay and Nung ethnic people. This is a dish used during holidays, weddings, and elaborate preparations. 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, a little white wine and leaves. Tau soi – a type of salty vegetable of the Tay and Nung people, chopped. Through many stages such as boiling, roasting (frying) and then steaming. Cauliflower is eaten with rice, bread and vegetables for breakfast or main meal. The meat is tender, absorbing the taste of taro and spices, the skin is slightly sweet, the fat is greasy but does not feel greasy.
Huu Lung grilled spring rolls
If you want to buy Lang Son specialties as gifts, then Huu Lung grilled spring rolls is the choice. The dish is made from the main ingredients of chopped meat and pork skin, combined with mushrooms, wrapped in fresh banana leaves. After a short time, the spring rolls will ferment and have a sour taste. When eating, you need to put them on the grill.
Wormwood cake
Wormwood cake is made from young wormwood leaves, boiled with clean ash water until soft, then washed, removed fibers, and crushed in a mortar. Take the cooked food, pound it well with the previously crushed wormwood leaves until you get a smooth and flexible dough, then move on to making cakes. This cake is usually made with two types of filling: sesame paste with finely crushed sugar or black sesame paste.
Note
You should bring your passport and all personal documents because you may want to cross the border with China on a short trip.
When shopping at markets in Lang Son, you should inquire carefully to avoid poor quality goods and high prices.
Photo,Video: Internet (Vinlove.net)