Standing on the highland of Northern Vietnam, Lang Son appears to be an off-the-beaten-path place. However, with its long history dating back to the Bronze Age and its status as a bustling trading area between Vietnam and China in the past, Lang Son will impress you with its rich background and stunning mountain landscapes. Our Lang Son travel guide will give you a few glimpses about how to go, what to eat, and what to do in Lang Son, Vietnam.
Quick Notes about Lang Son Travel Guide
- Lang Son is a mountainous province located in Northeast Vietnam, bordering Guangxi Province in China
- Places to visit in Lang Son: Bac Son Valley, Tam Thanh Pagoda, To Thi Mountain, Ai Chi Lang, Mac Dynasty Wall
- Read on for the best time to travel, what to bring on your Lang Son travel, how to get to Lang Son, what to do, and eat on your Lang Son travel
Best Time to Visit Lang Son
- Winter: the best time to see the beautiful snow on Mount. Mau Son
- January of the Lunar Calendar, to participate in special festivals of ethnic groups (e.g., Tam Thanh Pagoda festival, Ky Don artillery festival), but there’s a chance of hailstorms during this time
- July – November: ideal for witnessing the graceful allure of ripe rice fields in Bac Son
Packing for Lang Son Travel:
Clothing
- Winter clothes: Temperatures during winter in Lang Son can drop to below freezing, so it’s essential to stay warm. In case you have a hard time finding quality warm garments in a tropical country, we’d recommend shopping online!
- Trekking gears: Lang Son terrains consist of small hills and steep roads, and when the weather is nice enough, put your trekking clothes on and explore.
Safety
- Travel-size first-aid kit (a smart traveler’s must-have)
- Mosquitoes repellent
- Sunscreen (sunlight in the mountainous area can be a bit too harsh)
Stay connected
How to Travel to Lang Son
Most people go from Hanoi to Lang Son City, the administrative center of Lang Son Province. To cover this 150-km distance, most visitors would opt for a train or a passenger bus, but some adventurous travelers can also set out on a motorbike trip or a car road trip from Hanoi to Lang Son.
Catch a Bus/Train for Your Lang Son Travel
A local bus or train is always an ideal choice for budget travelers. For a ticket costing around VND 150,000, you will get from Hanoi to Lang Son in 3 – 4 hours.
- Buses from Hanoi to Lang Son:
Ticket price: VND 150,000 – 250,000 depending on bus lines
Departure stations: My Dinh Bus Station, Gia Lam Bus Station, Luong Yen Bus Station - Trains from Hanoi to Lang Son:
Ticket price: VND 70,000 – 150,000 depending on types of seat
The easiest way to find cheap tickets and plan your itinerary accordingly is to pre-book your bus or tickets online. It is a scam-free, stress-free experience with no language barriers whatsoever. Look for your tickets below:
Note: do be mindful of your belongings when traveling by public transportation, and make sure to be at the stations at least 15 minutes before departure, or they will not wait for you if you miss the ride.
Rent a Motorbike/Car for Your Lang Son Travel
Once choosing these vehicles, you will have your private space and be flexible with your time. Thus, take advantage of these cons by dropping by breathtaking spots along the road and picturing them.
The route from Hanoi to Lang Son is not too challenging as the road’s quality is quite modern, and it’ll most likely take just under 3 hours to complete, which is ideal for a day trip. Nonetheless, the magnificent landscapes can still give you the once-in-a-lifetime thrills.
Check the information on:
Motorbike Rental in Hanoi
Car Rental in Hanoi
Our advice for traveling to Lang Son:
- For more convenience, ask the receptionist at your hotel in Hanoi to help you rent a motorbike or a car. They can also help you book a personal driver if needed.
- Read our precautions on riding motorbikes in Vietnam
- Check the vehicle carefully before renting (brakes, lights, mirrors, etc.)
- Make sure the fuel tank is always filled. It is not easy to find a petrol station on the road
- Note down emergency numbers in case of unfortunate incidents
Where to Stay in Lang Son
Being a remote area doesn’t mean Lang Son’s tourist facilities cannot cater to everyone’s needs and wants. There are a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury to cost-effective lodgings to offer a comfortable rest on your Lang Son travel.
See our in-depth guide for Where to Stay in Lang Son, or look for your favorite hotel below:
What to Do in Lang Son
Though this province is yet to be a hotspot on the tourist map, you should not have a hard time figuring out what to do in Lang Son. This history-rich and culture-filled land can effortlessly leave you amazed and wanting to discover more.
Explore Tam Thanh Pagoda
Tam Thanh Pagoda is a part of the national Nhi – Tam Thanh relic, which includes Tam Thanh Pagoda, To Thi Mountain, and the Mac Citadel.
The front gate of Tam Thanh Pagoda resembles the typical structures of Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas after modern renovations, but don’t be deceived so easily. The deeper you venture into the pagoda, the more you are captivated by the spiritual ambiance. The original structure lies inside an ancient cave with natural stalactites formed in the surroundings. Take your time to pay respect to the locals’ sacred haven and learn about the priceless artifacts within the cave.
Not far from the Tam Thanh Cave is the Nhi Thanh Cave, where a large amount of testimony from Vietnam’s feudal scholars.
Note: Since this is a religious site, don’t wear too flashy or revealing outfits (not sleeveless shirts or shorts), and ask the locals (or look at the locals) to see if it’s possible to take pictures
Conquer To Thi Mountain
The To Thi Mountain, or Vong Phu Mountain (meaning “longing for the return of the husband”), earns its name thanks to the celestial stone statue resembling a woman hugging her child, waiting for her husband to come home. Locals consider this figure to be of Ms. To Thi, a character with great virtues in Vietnamese folklore.
The natural stone formation collapsed in 1991 and was renovated with cement later on to honor the faithfulness of the Vietnamese women.
Uncover Vietnam’s History at Ai Chi Lang and the Mac Dynasty’s Citadel
Ai Chi Lang has witnessed many victories throughout Vietnam’s history. Due to the rugged terrain, the land used to be a barricade for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. In the feudal era, Ai Chi Lang contributed a vital part in defending against invaders from the North.
The Mac’s Citadel used to be a military monument built in the sixteenth century. The architectural site is somewhat similar to the Great Wall in China, with stone walls running alongside the cliffs of mountains.
How to visit the Nhi – Tam Thanh relic: all of the attractions of the relic site lie on hills and hidden in rows of tall trees, and the roads are narrow, empty, and can be quite slippery in rainy seasons. It is best to prepare your trekking outfits when visiting the site.
Discover the Ethnic Minority Communities in Lang Son
Apart from the Kinh people (or Viet), Lang Son is also where the Tay, Nung, and Dao people reside. While transferring from one spot to another, you will encounter ethnic minorities wearing eye-catching brocade clothes. In case you are traveling at the weekend, there is a high chance that you will see their colorful weekend markets where locals trade all sorts of things from necessities to cattle like goats or oxen.
Admire Lang Son from the Phai Ve Flagpole
Though the Phai Ve Flagpole was built recently, it is one of the most remarkable sites in Lang Son City. You will need to complete the 500 plus steps to reach the flag pole placed on the mountain peak, and get to rewarded with a panoramic view of the townscape.
Shopping at Local Markets in Lang Son
It is not an exaggeration to say that local markets are where you can learn most about local culture. Once coming to Lang Son, don’t miss the chance to discover some “cultural hubs”, namely:
Have a Photoshoot at Bac Son Valley
Bac Son is a fertile valley with fanciful colors and stunning scenery. In the ripe rice season, the valley becomes more captivating with its paddy fields turning into the “golden sea”. Besides, Bac Son Valley has endless flower fields that promise a wonderful check-in spot.
What to Eat in Your Lang Son Travel
Pho Chua (Sour Rice Noodles)
A bowl of Pho Chua can break the stereotypical versions of Pho that are in a hot bowl of soup. The sour version, though retain the signature flat rice noodles and beef or chicken, is actually not served with soup but with a sweet and sour sauce that weaves all of the ingredients together
Banh Cuon Trung (Egg Vietnamese Steamed Rice Roll)
Nem Nuong Huu Lung (Huu Lung’s Vietnamese Grilled Sausage)
The main ingredient of this dish is raw meat. After being fermented for about 2 to 3 days, it is baked on the charcoal stove. People then enjoy it with clove leaves and sweet and sour sauce, creating a unique flavor of Lang Son cuisine.
Khau Nhuc (Chinese Braised Pork Belly)
The pork dish originates from China, but the Lang Son people have altered the ingredients to create a more Vietnamese taste while keeping the similar intricate cooking method (boiling, deep-frying, soaking, then steaming the pork!). Most people would serve the aromatic, super tender, and flavorful Khau Nhuc in big family gatherings or important holidays such as the New Year.
What to Bring Home from Your Lang Son Travel
Mau Son Rice Wine
Mau Son wine is made by the Dao people living on top of Mau Son’s mountain. They use their traditional methods to distill the wine with more than 30 herbs manually.
Mau Son Peach
Mau Son peaches are notorious for their natural sweet taste, and you can find some at the local markets
Summary of Lang Son Travel Guide
As a border area, Lang Son will not only welcome you with striking landscapes but also in cultural diversity, so don’t forget to make the most of your journey in both terms.
For more trips to far-off Northern Vietnam, check our Cao Bang Travel Guide and Ha Giang Travel Guide.