Lang Son best things to do & travel guide

Lang Son, a province nestled in the northeastern region of Vietnam, offers a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical significance. Known for its lush landscapes, rugged mountains, and hidden gems, Lang Son is an off-the-beaten-path destination that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking Bac Son Valley, hiking up Mau Son Mountain, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Lang Son has something for every adventurous traveler.

What is in this Lang Son travel guide

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

While a single day may suffice for exploring Bac Son Valley, a more immersive experience that includes hidden gems like Huu Lien, Mau Son Mountain, and other attractions requires at least three days.

ATM's & money exchange

ATMs are only available in Lang Son City, the capital of the province. It’s advisable to carry enough cash when traveling to more remote areas, as cards are rarely accepted.

Off-the-Beaten-Track

Lang Son is truly off the beaten path, with almost no foreign tourists. Be prepared for limited English-speaking locals, which adds to the authentic experience of the region.

Local events and holidays

Ky Lua Festival: Held twice a year, this festival features traditional games, music, and local specialties.
Long Tong Festival: Celebrated by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, this festival takes place in the early spring and involves rituals to pray for good harvests.
Mau Son Snow Festival: If snow falls on Mau Son Mountain, locals celebrate with a unique festival that draws visitors from around the region.

Best time to visit

Best Time to Visit: Autumn & Spring (September to November, March to May)

Autumn and spring offer the best weather conditions, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Autumn is particularly pleasant as it’s not extremely dry, while spring, though dry, has just enough moisture to keep the landscape vibrant. These seasons provide an ideal climate for exploring Lang Son’s diverse attractions.

Most Stunning Scenery: Summer (June to August)

Summer is the rainy season, but don’t let that deter you. The rains transform the landscape, making it lush and green, with waterfalls at their most magnificent and rice fields in their prime. The rain is often intermittent, with heavy downpours followed by clear skies, so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

A Cozy Time: Winter (December to February)

Winter, part of the dry season, is a cozy time to visit, with cooler temperatures, especially in the mountainous areas. The valleys remain milder, but Mau Son Mountain offers a chance, albeit rare, to see frost or even snow. It’s an excellent time for day exploration, followed by cozy campfires at night.

12 Best Things To Do in Lang Son

Lang Son is home to some of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences. From climbing to breathtaking viewpoints to exploring remote ethnic villages, the best things to do in Lang Son offer a blend of adventure, history, and tranquility.

1. Climb to the Viewpoint in Bac Son Valley

Bac Son Valley is one of the best places to visit Lang Son, known for its lush rice fields, meandering rivers, and surrounding limestone mountains. The valley is a hidden gem, offering an off-the-beaten-track experience with breathtaking scenery, especially during the rice harvest season.

The best thing to do here, is climbing to Bac Son Viewpoint, located at Na Lay Peak. The top provides a panoramic view of the valley, where you can see the patchwork of rice fields, local villages, and winding rivers. The climb to the viewpoint involves around 1,200 steps, but the reward at the top is worth the effort. Visit during the early morning for the best light and a chance to see the valley shrouded in mist.

2. Explore Mau Son Mountain

Mau Son Mountain is a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Standing at an altitude of 1,541 meters, this mountain offers cool weather, stunning landscapes, and a glimpse into French colonial history. The area was once a popular retreat for French colonists, and you can still see the ruins of French villas scattered around the mountain. The mountain is also known for its rare occurrence of frost and snow during winter, making it a unique spot in Vietnam.

3. Discover Huu Lien - A Hidden Gem

Exploring Huu Lien is one of the best things to do in Lang Son for people that love rural countryside and off-the-beaten-track experience. Huu Lien is a tranquil commune in Lang Son, surrounded by mountains, grasslands, lakes, and charming villages. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. You can kayak in the pristine Nong Dung Lake, ride horses across the Dong Lam Grassland, or trek through the scenic landscapes. Huu Lien is also home to various ethnic communities, giving visitors a chance to learn about local cultures and traditions.

4. Meet Ethnic Cultures

Lang Son is home to several ethnic groups, including the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong, each with their own unique traditions and lifestyles. Visiting these communities offers a deep dive into the region’s rich cultural heritage. One of the best places to experience this is in the villages of Huu Lien Commune and AI Quoc Commune, where you can see traditional houses, participate in local festivals, and learn about the unique crafts and customs of the local people

5. Explore Lang Son’s Best Waterfalls

Lang Son boasts several beautiful waterfalls, each offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Among the most popular are Dang Mo Waterfall, Khe Dau Waterfall, and Bay Waterfall – Bang Dieu. These waterfalls are especially impressive during the rainy season when they are at their fullest. Dang Mo Waterfall, located near Mau Son Mountain, is easily accessible and a great spot for a refreshing swim. Khe Dau Waterfall, hidden in the forests of Huu Lien, offers a more secluded experience

6. Go Off-the-Beaten-Track in Bac Xa

For those who seek adventure, Bac Xa offers a remote and untouched landscape. This area is rarely visited by tourists, providing a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience. The journey to Bac Xa takes you through dense forests, rugged mountains, and remote ethnic villages. It’s an ideal destination for trekking and exploring the untouched natural beauty of Lang Son

7. Visiting Temples & Pagodas

Lang Son is home to several significant religious sites that reflect its rich spiritual heritage. Tam Thanh Pagoda, located in a limestone cave, is one of the most famous, offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views. Ky Cung Temple, dedicated to the god of the Ky Cung River, is another important site. These temples and pagodas are not only places of worship but also cultural landmarks that offer insights into the region’s history and traditions.

8. Experience a Homestay

Staying in a homestay is one of the best things to do in Lang Son and allows you to experience the local way of life firsthand. Many homestays are located in scenic areas, offering stunning views of rice fields, mountains, and rivers. This is also a great way to enjoy traditional Vietnamese meals and learn about local customs from your hosts.

9. Visit the Mac Dynasty Citadel

The Mac Dynasty Citadel, located near Lang Son City, is an important historical site. Built in the 16th century, the citadel was a strategic military fortification during the Mac Dynasty’s reign. Although much of the citadel is now in ruins, it still offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

10. Explore Chi Lang Pass

Chi Lang Pass is a historically significant site, known for its strategic importance during various battles in Vietnam’s history. The pass is surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush valleys, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The area is also home to several memorials and monuments that commemorate the battles fought here.

11. Discover Caves in Lang Son

Lang Son is known for its fascinating cave systems, with Tam Thanh Cave and Nhi Thanh Cave being the most famous. Tam Thanh Cave, located near Lang Son City, is a large limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Nhi Thanh Cave, just a short distance away, is another stunning natural wonder with beautiful rock formations and a small temple inside.

12. Explore Dong Dang Town

Dong Dang Town, located near the Chinese border, is rich in history and culture. The town is known for the Battle of Dong Dang, an important event during the Sino-Vietnamese War. Today, you can visit the Dong Dang Border Gate, also known as the Friendship Gate, which symbolizes the border between Vietnam and China. The town is also home to Dong Dang Temple and Dong Dang Parish Church, both of which are worth a visit for their architectural and cultural significance.

Best hotels & hostels in Lang Son

Where to stay

Lang Son City: While Lang Son City serves as a convenient hub for exploring the region, it lacks the atmosphere and natural beauty found in the surrounding countryside. If you prioritize convenience over scenery, staying here is a practical choice, but it doesn’t offer the same charm as other locations in the province.
Bac Son Valley: This area is exceptionally beautiful, offering a remote and peaceful environment. The accommodations here are limited and generally basic, but they provide a comfortable enough stay for a night or two while you explore the stunning valley.
Huu Lien: Another picturesque location, Huu Lien is surrounded by mountains and countryside. It has a few basic homestays, but if you’re looking for more comfort and luxury, there are also two nice retreats in the area that offer a more upscale experience.

Recommended accommodations

Bac Son Valley Accommodations:

Bắc Sơn Homestay: Perfect stay with a beautiful homestay, great views, and friendly owners. The hosts speak English, making communication easy.
Dương Công Chích Homestay: Simple but complete and clean rooms. The owner is friendly, and the location is ideal if you’re seeking a quiet, secluded spot.

Huu Lien Accommodations:

Mai’s House Hữu Lũng: A small, charming homestay set in the middle of the Vietnamese countryside. It offers fantastic views, delicious food, and a magical atmosphere.
Phong Son Retreat: Located just outside Huu Lien, this retreat offers bungalow-style rooms with stunning views and a peaceful environment.
May Retreat – Huu Lung: Situated about 12 km from Huu Lien, this retreat features lake-side views and a luxurious, tranquil setting.

Food & drinking

Lang Son is not a place where you should expect to find much in the way of Western food. Out in the countryside, you’ll mostly find local restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. For many foreign travelers, meals are often taken at their accommodations, especially breakfast and dinner, where you can enjoy a family-style meal in homestays, offering a unique cultural experience.

Typical Dishes from the Lang Son Region:

Khau Nhuc: A specialty dish of Lang Son, it consists of pork belly cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Roast Duck (Vịt quay Lạng Sơn): This is a famous dish in Lang Son, where the duck is marinated with a special mixture of spices and honey, then roasted to perfection.
Bánh Cuốn Trứng: A unique variation of the traditional Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, filled with eggs and served with a dipping sauce.

How to get there

Lang Son is a beautiful yet remote region in northern Vietnam, with no train stations or airports. The only way to reach Lang Son is by road, which is convenient and just around a 3-hour drive from Hanoi.

Busses to Lang Son

Given the short distance from Hanoi, sleeper buses are unnecessary for this route. The best option is to take a limousine van, which offers comfort and convenience for around $10 USD. For a more convenient experience, there’s also a shared 7-seat car service that travels directly to Bac Son Valley.

Private cars to Lang Son

Booking a private car from Hanoi is a highly convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the region further. Since hiring a private car in Lang Son itself can be challenging, arranging one from Hanoi ensures you have reliable transportation. This option is particularly advantageous if you plan to explore more of northern Vietnam beyond Lang Son.

How to get around

Driving a Motorbike

Renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore Lang Son. The best place to rent one is from your accommodation, as there are limited motorbike rental shops in the area. If Lang Son is just one stop on your broader northern Vietnam tour, consider renting a motorbike in Hanoi to avoid the need to return it in Lang Son. While traffic in Lang Son is relatively light, it’s recommended to drive only with a valid license, IDP, and prior experience.

On the Back of a Motorbike

If you’re not confident driving yourself, you can opt for a motorbike tour where you ride as a passenger. This allows you to enjoy the scenic views without the stress of navigating, and your driver can act as a local guide, taking you to hidden gems that might be hard to find on your own.

Car with Driver

For those who prefer more comfort and safety, hiring a car with a driver is an excellent option. This is particularly useful for families or groups, as it allows you to cover more ground in a shorter time while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Lang Son.

Itinerary 2 days in Lang Son

Day 1

From Lang Son City, drive to Bac Son Valley: Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Bac Son Valley, passing through the stunning Tam Canh Pass.
Explore Bac Son Flower Valley: Wander through the vibrant flower fields at the base of the majestic mountains.
Visit Quynh Son Village: Discover the traditional stilt houses and the craft of tile-making in this picturesque village.
Swim at Mam Stream & Cave: Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Mam Stream and explore the nearby cave.
Visit the Bac Son Valley Viewpoint and see the sunset: Climb to Na Lay Peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of Bac Son Valley as the sun sets over the horizon.

Day 2

Drive the scenic road from Bac Son Valley to Huu Lien: Enjoy the stunning landscapes as you make your way to Huu Lien.
Explore Huu Lien Village: Discover the serene village nestled among mountains and rice fields.
Kayak in Nong Dzung Lake: Paddle through the calm waters of this picturesque lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
Horse riding at Dong Lam Grassland: Ride through the expansive grasslands, a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Take a dip at Khe Dau Waterfall: Cool off in the refreshing waters of this hidden waterfall, a perfect end to your Lang Son adventure.

More tips for traveling in Lang Son

Where to go next?

Lang Son is an ideal stop on a greater northern Vietnam tour, either as your last destination before returning to Hanoi or as your first before heading further north. If you’re continuing your journey, consider traveling to Cao Bang, where you can visit the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall and explore hidden gems like Angel Eye Mountain and Phong Nam Valley.

Lang Son with Kids

Lang Son can be a great destination for families with children. For a more relaxed experience, focus on exploring Huu Lien, where you can enjoy activities like kayaking, horse riding, picnicking, and swimming in a stream—all within close proximity to each other, making it convenient for families with young children.