Top 10 Most Beautiful Tourist Spots in Lang Son Province

Bac Xa is a mountainous commune located in the northeastern region of Dinh Lap District, Lang Son Province, home to various ethnic minorities, primarily Tay and Nung people. From Dinh Lap town, follow National Route 31 and take several turns to reach the center of Bac Xa commune. Once there, visitors will be enchanted by the beautiful landscape, with rustic villages lining the winding roads amidst the green mist of pine forests and reed fields.

Besides its breathtaking natural beauty, Bac Xa is known for its many border markers (40 in total), some of which are located atop high hills, with sturdy constructions and staircases leading to the peaks, such as markers 1297 and 1300. These two markers are famous for their height and the stunning views. To reach these markers, tourists must hike up the steep, nearly 1km-long staircase, flanked by blooming reeds that create a romantic and picturesque atmosphere, making it hard for visitors to keep going.

Address: Dinh Lap, Lang Son

Dang Mo Waterfall, also known as Mui Bo or Fairy Waterfall, is nestled deep within the rugged mountainous region and dense forests of Binh Gia District, Lang Son Province. Located about 100 km from Lang Son City and less than 20 km from Bac Son Town, visitors can reach the waterfall by taking National Route 1B, turning onto National Route 279, and stopping at kilometer 11 on this road.

Dang Mo Waterfall captivates with its poetic beauty, flowing year-round amidst the untouched wilderness. The waterfall is often included in tours of Bac Son. Along its banks, large and small stones are stacked in various shapes, covered in green moss. Ancient trees stretch their branches across the waterfall, adding to the mysterious atmosphere and highlighting the pristine white water below.

Address: Hoang Van Thu, Binh Gia, Lang Son

At the summit of Mount To Thi, also known as Vong Phu Mountain, there is a natural rock formation resembling a woman holding a child, gazing into the distance. This rock formation has long been associated with the legend of To Thi, a devoted woman who waited for her husband, a soldier, to return from battle in the north. After waiting in vain, she and her child were turned to stone. Hence, the mountain was named Mount To Thi. The legend of To Thi has become a symbol of the unwavering devotion and loyalty of Vietnamese women, with the image of a mother waiting for her husband at the top of the mountain becoming an iconic cultural symbol.

The mountain is also called Vong Phu (the Waiting Wife) due to the many legendary stories surrounding it. In Vietnam, there are several mountains with similar names, but none quite as famous as To Thi's Mountain in Lang Son. The tale of To Thi and Vong Phu Mountain has become an enduring symbol of love and devotion, inspiring many poets and scholars throughout history.

The Vong Phu Rock is located near Tam Thanh Cave, where you can clearly see the image of a mother holding her child, a striking representation of the To Thi legend—symbolizing the loyalty and beauty of Vietnamese women. Despite the passage of thousands of years, To Thi still stands as a powerful memory of a time when love and devotion were paramount in Vietnamese culture.

Address: Tam Thanh, Lang Son City, Lang Son

Dong Dang Mother Temple (Dong Dang Linh Tu) is a sacred site dedicated to Buddha and the Mother of the Mountains, located in Dong Dang Town, Cao Loc District, Lang Son Province. According to local legends, this temple is where the legendary meeting between the immortal goddess Liễu Hạnh (one of the Four Immortals) and the scholar Phùng Khắc Khoan took place after his diplomatic mission to China. Liễu Hạnh, the daughter of the Jade Emperor, was given the name Quỳnh Hoa and is known for her divine interventions in people's lives, earning her the title of Princess Liễu Hạnh and being honored as the Great Blessing Goddess by the Le Dynasty. During her travels to various scenic spots, she met the scholar Phùng Khắc Khoan at Dong Dang Linh Tu, where they exchanged poetry and wisdom.

Dong Dang Mother Temple consists of five main altars: the innermost shrine dedicated to Buddha Chuẩn Đề and the Goddess of Mercy Quan Âm; the next hall houses the Three Holy Mothers, including the First Mother of Heaven, the Second Mother of the Mountains, and the Third Mother of the Waters; further on, there is the Mountain Shrine with the Great Goddess in the center, flanked by Chầu Mười Đồng Mỏ and Chầu Chín; the main sanctuary at the far end is dedicated to Goddess Liễu, with flanking altars to Chầu Bơ and Chầu Lục; to the left is an altar for Chầu Đệ Tứ Khâm Sai, alongside other deities such as the revered General Trần Triều Đức Đại Vương and various holy figures.

Each year, on the 10th of January, the Dong Dang Temple hosts a spring festival celebrating the cultures of the Lang Son region. The festival, once called the Lồng Tồng Festival (Rice Planting Festival), features traditional activities such as lion dances, ethnic martial arts, and various sports competitions.

Address: Dong Dang, Cao Loc, Lang Son

Chi Lang Pass is a region of both historical significance and natural beauty, located in the northern borderlands of Vietnam. Known for its strategic importance, Chi Lang Pass has served as a formidable natural barrier, protecting the ancient capital of Thang Long from invading northern armies.

Stretching nearly 20 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers wide, Chi Lang Pass connects Chi Lang and Huu Lung districts in Lang Son Province. The pass is surrounded by the Kai Kinh mountain range to the west and the Bao Dai range to the east, creating a dramatic and defensible terrain. At both ends of the pass stand towering peaks of isolated limestone mountains, forming an impenetrable defense. The rich military history of Chi Lang is intertwined with the exploits of legendary Vietnamese military commanders such as Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Quoc Tuan, and local heroes like Phu Ma Than Canh Phuc, The Loc, and Hoang Dai Hue.

In the 15th century, Chi Lang was the site of a pivotal victory in 1427, when the Vietnamese forces, led by General Le Loi, decisively defeated the Ming army, killing the Ming general Liou Thang and his 10,000 troops. This victory played a crucial role in ending the Ming occupation and securing Vietnam’s independence. In the 18th century, under the brilliant military leadership of Emperor Quang Trung, the pass once again witnessed victory, this time against the invading Qing forces. Chi Lang also saw significant battles in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the resistance against French colonial forces and the expulsion of Japanese troops.

Address: Bac Giang - Lang Son Expressway, Chi Lang, Lang Son

Wind Cave is also known by other names: Thong Gio Cave or Mai Sao Phong Cave. The Wind Cave historical site is located in Lung Khom (Sao Thuong B village), Mai Sao commune, Chi Lang district. This scenic area includes a vast region with many limestone mountains and natural caves in the Bo Nhan mountain range, stretching from Sao Thuong village to the center of Mai Sao commune.

The most prominent cave in the area is Wind Cave. It is a large cave with a length of several hundred meters, width ranging from 50 to 70 meters, and height reaching up to 30 to 40 meters in some places. The cave has two levels and a basement, with very few side passages, making it easy to navigate. The cave floor is relatively flat, the ceiling is spacious and high, and the atmosphere is cool and cathedral-like. The cave walls are adorned with bizarre-shaped stalactites.

When visiting the Wind Cave scenic area, the first stop is the Wind Cave itself (Thong Gio Cave), which is reached by climbing 392 steps arranged in a chi-shaped formation. Afterward, visitors can explore other nearby caves, such as the Princess Cave (also known as the Stage Cave), the Prince Cave (also known as the Bright Cave), the Heavenly Palace Cave, Bat Cave, and the Water Fairy Cave (also known as the Water Cave).

Address: Mai Sao, Chi Lang, Lang Son

Located at the junction of the two districts of Huu Lung and Bac Son, Huu Lien boasts a well-developed inter-district road system. In addition to the diverse biodiversity of its national nature reserve, visitors to Huu Lien can explore eco-tourism and natural landscape discovery.

With its rich variety of ecosystems, including rare special-use forests, limestone caves, and majestic waterfalls, Huu Lien is also a captivating eco-tourism and community destination. It holds immense historical, cultural, and festival value, as well as traditional folk games. As you stroll through Huu Lien commune, the sight of large, airy stilt houses nestled in the valleys, surrounded by lush rice paddies and perched amidst the clouds of the old forest, creates a breathtaking landscape that seems like a living watercolor painting.

Address: Huu Lien, Huu Lung, Lang Son

Mau Son is located 30km northeast of Lang Son city center and is known as the best spot to view snow in Lang Son, an experience you shouldn't miss. The weather here is very cool in the summer, but to witness the snowfall, the best time is at the end of winter, from December to February. This is when the cold air intensifies, and the snow blankets the roads.

At 1,541 meters above sea level, Mau Son is surrounded by a mountain range of 80 peaks, the highest being Phia Po (1,541 m), also known as Cong Son, where the Vietnam-China border marker is placed. The Mau Son area spans about 550 km² and is located 30 km northeast of Lang Son town and the city center.

Mau Son Peak is an ideal destination to relax and unwind after busy days. The air is fresh, and the natural surroundings are open and inviting, creating a sense of peace and connection with nature. Along the way, you can interact with local ethnic groups such as the Dao, Tay, Mong, and Nung people, who are often seen carrying vegetables or firewood.

In winter, temperatures in Mau Son can drop below freezing, with the possibility of snow or ice. The average temperature here is 15.5°C, and the mountain is often shrouded in mist. Mau Son is also famous for its local products like snow tea, six-clawed pheasant, wild lemons, fragrant frogs, and Mau Son wine.

Address: Cao Loc, Lang Son

Bac Son is a mountainous district located in the Bac Son region of northeastern Vietnam. The area is named after an ancient cultural foundation known as "Bac Son Culture", which is significant in archaeological studies and is the birthplace of many revolutionary heroes. The district features several high mountains ranging from 500 to 1,200 meters, including Khau Pi Ao (1,107m), Pa Lep (503m), and Na Lay Mountain, among many other fascinating spots.

The Bac Son Valley, located in Lan Khoang village, Tran Yen commune, Bac Son district (Lang Son), has become a popular destination for flower enthusiasts in northeastern Vietnam. The valley is famous for its vibrant and colorful flowers that bloom across endless fields stretching beneath towering mountains.

The Buckwheat flowers are grown by locals in Tran Yen commune, Bac Son district. These flowers bloom in October and November, attracting many visitors who come to take photos and enjoy the scenic beauty. The flowers are cultivated in the valleys surrounded by rocky mountains, and visitors must traverse the winding roads along the fields and corn gardens to reach the flower farms.

Address: Tran Yen, Bac Son, Lang Son

Tam Thanh Pagoda is a unique and ancient place, home to several mysterious caves. The pagoda includes three large caves named Nhất Thanh, Tam Thanh, and Nhị Thanh. Among them, Tam Thanh Cave is the largest and offers the most fascinating experiences. Inside the cave, you’ll find stunning natural formations such as high ceilings and intricate stalactites. If you venture deep inside, you’ll encounter a crystal-clear lake called Am Ty (also known as Cảnh Lake), a mysterious body of water that never dries up.

What makes Tam Thanh Pagoda so special is its construction within a cave, setting it apart from other pagodas with its unique architectural style. The arrangement of the statues follows the “Buddha in front, Saints behind” tradition. The pagoda also houses a 17th-century bas-relief of Amitabha Buddha carved into the rock in the shape of a Bodhi leaf, which is a distinctive feature of the site.

As you explore deeper into the cave, you will find Am Ty Lake, which remains full and flowing continuously day and night. The cave’s ceilings are adorned with many naturally formed stalactites shaped like various figures, including a tree, an old sage, a lion, and an elephant. The cave also features a small stage surrounded by these stone formations. Two natural openings provide light that illuminates the cave and enhances the beauty of the stalactites. Nearby, a path leads to the “Gate to Heaven,” offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Outside the cave, you can also explore traditional stilt houses and waterwheel models, which are part of the cultural heritage of the Tay people of Lang Son.

Address: Tam Thanh, Lang Son City, Lang Son