On the Lang Son Plateau

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Huu Lien, featuring mountains, meadows, waterfalls, caves, and an eco-tourism area.

On the Lang Son Plateau

Located approximately 25 km north of Huu Lung district center, Lang Son province, Xa Huu Lien is about 150 km from Hanoi via National Highway 1A and provincial road 243. With an area of over 6,000 hectares and a population of over 3,000 people, including mainly the Kinh, Tay, Nung, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups.

Visitors to Huu Lien will marvel at the majestic limestone mountains, vast meadows, moss-covered waterfalls, and the crystal-clear emerald green lake.

Today, tourism activities in the area are flourishing, focusing on community-based eco-tourism, with successful models in villages such as Lang Ben, Lang Coc, and Lang La Ba.

In the picturesque backdrop of the photo lies Làng Bên village, facing Làng Cóc village with traditional Tày and Dao ethnic houses, standing gracefully with their four-roofed structures covered in yin-yang tiles. These houses have been a home for generations, and currently, there are over 5 homestay-style longhouses located 2-3 km from the valley, priced at around 100,000 VND per person per night. Here, various services such as dining, cultural performances, campfires, herbal baths, foot soaking, and guided tours are available.

From the longhouse village in Làng Bên, travelers can walk about 2 km to reach the Dong Lam grass field. The meadow spans approximately 1.5 km, adorned with trails and a stream flowing across. The water originates from limestone blocks, forming the clear Dong Lam Lake at the meadow's end. During the flood season, this area becomes a hub of activity as locals move around by boats and cast their nets for fishing.

The author shares that from the end point of Dong Lam Lake, travelers can venture through pristine jungle trails for about an hour to reach Lân Đặt village, home to about 26 Dao ethnic families. This place is entirely untouched, without wifi or electricity, surrounded by primeval forest.

Herds of horses graze on the dry meadow. Mostly a breed of pure wild horses, these are trained by locals for photography opportunities or can be rented for horseback tours, providing an additional source of income and fostering local tourism. The lush grassland is also a place for locals to raise livestock such as cattle and buffalo.

A stream flows across the Dong Lam grass field, now dwindling in water. In the dry season, the meadow is suitable for outdoor tourism, cultural sports, and mountain exploration. However, in the rainy season, from July to October, the water will flood the grassland with a depth of 2-3 meters. This is why locals do not cultivate crops in this grassy plain as the flood season washes away all the blossoms.

The 'Tree Cemetery' with a somewhat eerie atmosphere as evening approaches. Near this area stands an ancient banyan tree with large branches, ideal for camping.

Embark on a Kayak adventure along the stream flowing through the Dong Lam grassland. This spot is also ideal for camping, allowing travelers to relish the fresh and invigorating air.

To boost tourism, local authorities have constructed a car park about 1 km from the entrance to Dong Lam, or alternatively, visitors can hire a motorbike taxi to reach the grassland at a cost of 30,000 – 40,000 VND per trip. Additionally, there's the option for hiking and cycling to explore nature.

Experience the thrill of Kayaking on the stream meandering through the Dong Lam grassland. This locale is perfect for campers seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine atmosphere.

In a bid to promote tourism, local authorities have established a car park approximately 1 km from the road to Dong Lam. Travelers can also opt for a motorbike taxi to the grassland, with a fee ranging from 30,000 – 40,000 VND per trip. Furthermore, indulge in the experience of walking and biking to discover the wonders of nature.

The biodiversity in the Huu Lien forest area is remarkably rich, boasting 776 species of high-level plants and 409 animal species. Among them, 30 plant species and 61 rare animal species are documented in the Vietnam Red Book.

Embark on a thrilling canoeing experience on the Mỏ Áng lake, a tourist attraction likened to a 'paradise corner' with its crystal-clear water, surrounded by limestone rocks and lush greenery.

Starting from the People's Committee of Huu Lien commune, travelers can drive approximately 2.4 km along the provincial road. Afterward, take a left turn onto a forest trail leading to Nong Dung Lake. Here, visitors can rent kayak boats (100,000 VND/2 boats) and leisurely float along the crystal-clear stream, immersing themselves in the valley. For those eager to explore further, contact a homestay for a local guide, trek through a muddy section, and traverse cat-ear-shaped rocky outcrops to reach Mo Ang Lake.

The water from Mo Ang Lake flows through limestone mountain crevices, forming the majestic Khe Dau waterfall adorned with green moss-covered rocks. Despite the abundance of moss, the unique geological makeup of limestone cliffs ensures a textured, non-slippery rock surface.

In the stream crevices, numerous stone crabs with sizable claws, approximately three fingers wide, can be found. After the experience and admiring the beautiful scenery, don't forget to return to the homestay to savor local culinary specialties such as roasted duck, honey-glazed roasted pig from Lạng Sơn, grilled mountain fish, stir-fried stone crab, boiled mountain snails, stir-fried bitter herbs with garlic and sesame, nem chao wrapped in sung leaves, sticky rice with colored glutinous rice, red pumpkin cake, and black square glutinous rice cake.

Apart from the scenic natural landscape and ecosystem, Huu Lien is home to the Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong Church. Furthermore, Huu Lien preserves intact traditional customs, cultural heritage, and intangible cultural assets such as the Go Chua festival, Pao Xoan singing, Nha To singing, Then singing, and traditional cheo performances.

The raw gem of Huu Lien is currently being polished, poised to become a new, enticing destination on the travel map of Lạng Sơn. Visitors are reminded not to litter during their exploration and camping activities to preserve the surrounding ecological environment, as shared by Mr. Thuan.

Source: Huynh Phuong/Vnexpress.net (Photo: Bui Vinh Thuan)

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide