Lang Son

“Dong Dang co pho Ky Lua

Co nang To Thi, co chua Tam Thanh”

(Dong Dang has Ky Lua street

There is Lady To Thi, and Tam Thanh Pagoda)

The two folk verses above have been deeply known in generations of Vietnamese when talking about Lang Son. They mention famous attractions here: Dong Dang Town, Mount To Thi - where has a rock resembling a woman waiting for her husband, and Tam Thanh Pagoda. But that's not all, Lang Son has many more beauty waiting for you to explore.

To Thi Stone resembles a woman holding her child and waiting for her husband. Photo: Vietnam.vn

The province has natural landscapes of mountains and forests that are not too majestic but full of charm. In addition, the diverse ethnic cultures will make your trip here unforgettable, with every moment worth cherishing. If you don’t know much about Lang Son, let Asia King Travel introduce it through this article.

History

Although many beautiful scenic spots, geography has not allowed it to enjoy much peace. Lang Son has always been an important border area in the northeastern region throughout history. 

Chi Lang Pass is a strategic route connecting China and Vietnam. Therefore, many battles between the two sides took place here, especially the Battle of Chi Lang in 1428. In the 16th century, the Mac dynasty built fortifications against the Le dynasty, and the people once again suffered war.

The road leads to Chi Lang Pass. Photo: Lang Son Tourism

The Bac Son Uprising in 1940 showed the spirit of resistance against foreign invaders of all people in Vietnam. The Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups armed themselves and drove the French and Japanese forces out of the region. The revolutionary forces confiscated rice, cloth, and money,  distributing them to the people. They also executed spies for the French.

Huu Nghi Border Gate in Dong Dang Town. Photo: Huu Nghi Border Gate

The Indochina War was not the final battle fought here. In early 1979, Chinese troops attacked Dong Dang Town, marking the start of the Sino - Vietnamese border war. The town was nearly destroyed, and the people were taken as prisoners of war. After the conflict, the province suffered tremendous damage. Today, Dong Dang is still a key border gate.

Location

The province sits on the northeastern side of Vietnam. You can easily position it on the map by looking Quang Ninh Province - the first coastal province in the North. Then Lang Son is next to on the top left. From Hanoi, it’s about 160 kilometers to the province, equal to 3 hours driving.

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How to get there

Lang Son is the starting point of National Highway 1A, the highway runs across the country so the route is easily accessible. From the nearest city Hanoi, head to Ring Road 3 and cross Thanh Tri Bridge. You are now on National Highway 1A, just run along the road then you will arrive.

The milestone marks the starting point of National Highway 1A. Photo: Di san van hoa

Weather & Best time to visit

Lang Son experiences four distinct seasons like other northern provinces of Vietnam, but the temperature difference between summer and winter is quite significant. In summer, temperatures often exceed 30°C, while in winter, you might even see snow on the peak of Mau Son. Just avoid the rainy and stormy season around August and September, and you can visit all year round.

Frost on Mau Son Peak. Photo: Du lich Magazine

The best time to visit is during the late months of the year. Around October, rice fields in Bac Son turn golden, painting the sky with warm hues and filling the air with the fragrant aroma of ripe rice. Following that is winter when snow blankets the peak of Mau Son.

Demographics

The Tay and Nung people make up the majority in Lang Son, earning the province the nickname "the land of Tay and Nung." These two ethnic groups share similar cultures and languages. They believe that "everything has a soul," which is why they hold ceremonies to honor the "soul" of the kitchen, the "soul" of the house, and more. Their traditional attire consists of a simple, indigo-dyed outfit paired with a crow-beak scarf and silver jewelry.

Tay people perform folk songs in their traditional costumes. Photo: Truyen hinh nhan dan

Lang Son Specialties

Sour Pho

Lang Son people have a uniquely creative way of preparing pho. They make a thick, glossy brown sauce from duck broth combined with spices such as onion, garlic, chili, vinegar, sugar, and ginger, thickened with tapioca starch. Served alongside the pho is a bowl of broth extracted from the belly of roasted duck or boiled duck, rich with the creamy taste of duck fat and the aroma of marinated spices.

A bursting flavor type of pho. Photo: VnExpress

The pho is mixed with pork belly, beef jerky, and, most notably, Lang Son’s famous roasted duck. The dish has a sweet and tangy flavor, complemented by the rich taste of the meat and fat. Just hearing about it is enough to make your mouth water!

Roasted duck

When visiting, you simply can't miss the roasted duck. The duck is marinated with a variety of spices, with citrus leaves adding a unique flavor. It is then roasted until golden brown and left to drain off the fat. A top-quality roasted duck will have skin evenly infused with spices and meat imbued with the fragrant aroma of citrus leaves.

Citrus leaves are the key factor to make a unique flavor. Photo: Clingme

The rich, savory duck meat blended with the crispy skin, enriched by the bold spices is just the perfect combination. The tangy and spicy soy sauce was added to the dipping sauce further adding to the natural taste of the duck. Fresh herbs paired with you will give you a wonderful balance of flavors in a truly delightful culinary adventure.

Braised pork

Braised pork originating from China, later adopted by the Tay and Nung people. The preparation is quite skillful, including marinating the meat with spices and steaming it until it becomes tender. The meat is then put on a plate to look like a small hill, symbolizing future prosperity. Therefore, this dish is a staple in significant events of the Tay and Nung communities.

You will have many bowls of rice with braised pork without feeling full. Photo: VnExpress

A delicious bowl of braised pork has a beautifully rich brown color. To enjoy it, simply flip the meat onto a plate and pair it with hot rice or sticky rice. The tender, slow-cooked meat melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite.

Conclusion

With all the exciting details above, you’re probably eager to pack your bags and set off to explore the captivating land of Lang Son. A journey to this region, rich in history and renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, promises countless unforgettable memories. Contact Asia King Travel to start planning your next amazing adventure!

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