From majestic limestone mountain ranges and lush green valleys to tranquil
stilt houses, Lang Son is gradually shaping a new tourism landscape - where
nature, local culture, and community livelihoods combine to create an
irresistible attraction.
Beyond familiar landmarks like Mau Son, Bac Son, Dong Kinh Market, and
vibrant festivals, this border region also boasts a unique system of
geological, ecological, and cultural landscapes. The recognition of Lang Son
Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark will be a highlight in Lang Son's efforts
to attract more tourists. This international designation acknowledges the
outstanding geological, landscape, ecological, and cultural values of Lang
Son, while also opening up opportunities for the locality to develop tourism
in a more sustainable direction.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lang Son
province, to promote and attract tourists to the local geopark, the province
will develop and propose the issuance of a set of criteria for model
communes, wards, villages, hamlets, and neighborhoods with innovative,
effective, and comprehensive approaches in preserving, restoring, and
promoting the value of the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark, and will pilot
several models; continue to focus on improving the quality of activities at
38 tourist attractions on 4 tourist routes of the UNESCO Lang Son Global
Geopark. In addition, Lang Son province will implement the following
projects: Developing a Geopark Tourist Attraction Handbook; Upgrading the
Website for the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark; Designing and producing
souvenirs and uniforms for the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark; Forming and
operating a GeoKids space???
Leaving the bustling streets, the journey to Huu Lien takes visitors to a
completely different landscape: limestone mountains surrounding green
valleys, fields stretching at the foot of the mountains, streams winding
through villages, and stilt houses nestled peacefully amidst the lush
greenery.
Huu Lien is located in an area with high biodiversity and karst landscape
value, and is part of the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark. The system of
limestone mountains, forests, caves, underground streams, and seasonally
flooded lakes creates a unique ecological space.
But what makes Huu Lien different is not just its scenery. It's also about
how the local people are transforming the inherent values of their homeland
into tourism products. Visitors can stay in traditional stilt houses, enjoy
local cuisine, explore the villages on foot, cycle through the valleys,
kayak on the water, camp amidst nature, or simply sit on the porch, listen
to the wind, and chat with the locals. If Huu Lien is a harmonious blend of
nature and community culture, then the Dong Lam grassland is one of the
highlights that creates the brand of this land.
Not far from the commune center, Dong Lam unfolds before visitors a vast
space with green grassy slopes, surrounding limestone mountains, and a
winding stream. At times, herds of horses graze peacefully on the grassland,
creating a scene typical of the mountainous region.
What's fascinating about Dong Lam is its ever-changing landscape. During the
dry season, the lush green meadows at the foot of the mountains expand,
perfect for picnics, trekking, photography, horseback riding, and camping.
When the rainy season arrives, the rising water creates vast flooded areas,
transforming Dong Lam into a unique and picturesque landscape. This seasonal
change is what gives Dong Lam its special charm: each return is a different
experience.
While Dong Lam boasts a expansive beauty, the Nong Dung lake area offers a
more tranquil atmosphere. A kayak, a paddle, and calm water amidst the
mountains and forests - sometimes, that's all you need for an afternoon.
There are no engine noises, no crowds of mass-market tourist spots; only the
sound of paddles, the wind, and the reflection of the mountains.
Experiential activities such as kayaking, camping, trekking, and nature
exploration are enriching Huu Lien's tourism offerings. This is also a
direction aligned with the trends of ecotourism and community-based tourism.
These figures show that tourism is no longer solely the responsibility of
businesses or government agencies. A stilt house can become a homestay; a
family meal can become a culinary experience; a story about a traditional
craft can become a cultural product; a local person knowledgeable about
mountain roads can become a local guide. When people directly participate in
and benefit from tourism, protecting the landscape, preserving culture, and
improving service quality also become intrinsic needs of the community. This
is the crucial foundation of sustainable tourism. For Lang Son, the growth
figures for 2026 show that the market is expanding. For Huu Lien, new steps
in infrastructure, products, and community tourism are laying the groundwork
for a new phase of development.
From the center of Lang Son to Mau Son, through Bac Son and then to Huu
Lien, the journey to explore Lang Son today is no longer just a sightseeing
trip. It is a journey to discover geology, ecology, culture, and community,
where every mountain, stream, stilt house, and local meal contributes a
story to the new tourism landscape of the Northeast region.
Source:
Discover rich geological and cultural landscapes of Lang Son
