Unlocking the potential of geotourism.

According to UNESCO criteria and the Global Geopark Network, geotourism is considered one of the mandatory requirements for geopark development. For Lang Son province, as it successfully builds the Lang Son Global Geopark model, developing geotourism will be an essential task in its local development strategy aimed at achieving sustainable development.

A team of UNESCO experts conducted a survey at Hang Gio Cave, Mai Sao commune, Chi Lang district, Lang Son province.

Geotourism is a type of tourism that provides visitors with information, knowledge, and understanding of the unique geological, geomorphological, and geographical values ​​of a location, linked to the protection and sustainable development of the environment, heritage, aesthetics, and culture of the community. Through this, visitors understand both tangible and intangible values, thereby appreciating and contributing to the protection and preservation of scenic spots. The diversity of natural and geological resources represents significant potential for expanding geotourism in the Lang Son Geopark. Geotourism will create a substantial stimulus, contributing to the economic development of the Lang Son Geopark in particular and Lang Son province in general, as well as raising awareness of science and the conservation of geological heritage among tourists and local communities.

Rich geological resources

According to research, the Lang Son Geopark is divided into 24 geological formations, 15 of which were first established in Lang Son province. Tectonic movements between 65 and 23 million years ago (BC) contributed to the creation of the diverse geological heritage and landscapes we see today. Furthermore, mountainous terrain accounts for up to 80% of the Lang Son Geopark's area. According to incomplete statistics, the Lang Son Geopark boasts magnificent natural geomorphology and geology, with approximately 200 caves. In addition, the geological history and landscape features of the Lang Son Geopark are formed from five typical landforms: tectonic, erosional, weathering, depositional, and karst (the weathering of limestone mountains). The landscape value is further demonstrated by the massive cave system with a high density within the Bac Son limestone massif. Many fascinating caves are the result of underground river flows from the past, such as Tham Khoach, Lac, and Bat Cave, along with numerous other caves containing valuable archaeological, cultural, and historical relics, such as Tham Khuyen - Tham Hai cave (Binh Gia), Bat Cave site (Bac Son), Wind Cave (Chi Lang), and Nhi - Tam Thanh cave (Lang Son city)...

Associate Professor Tran Tan Van, former Director of the Institute of Geology and Minerals under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, stated: Lang Son's geological heritage potential is quite rich, evidenced by its numerous and massive cave systems, with considerable length and many stalactites in various forms, most of which are preserved intact. There are also systems of depressions or valleys between mountains, creating natural lakes halfway up the mountainside. This characteristic is quite different from the landscapes in Cao Bang province or Dong Van, Ha Giang province…

The aforementioned resources represent significant potential for the development of geotourism in the Geopark region, such as cave exploration, sport climbing, paragliding, and trekking. Focusing on developing geotourism will not put pressure on infrastructure investment; on the contrary, it will give the province time to systematically re-plan its tourism development strategy, gradually build and expand its potential tourist market, and contribute to establishing its brand on the domestic and international tourism map.

In particular, with its official UNESCO recognition, the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark has demonstrated its distinctive geological, geomorphological, cultural, and biodiversity characteristics of international and regional significance for developing geopark tourism. Professor Tran Thanh Hai, Rector of the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, stated: "Geopark tourism has enormous potential in Lang Son. Our training programs include geopark tourism, so in 2024, we collaborated with the Lang Son Geopark Management Department to survey sites along the geopark's tourism route. Based on this, we will develop and organize internship programs for geopark students to learn about the geology, geomorphology, landscape, geological heritage, and geopark tourism methods of Lang Son."

The Lang Son Geopark Management Department, in collaboration with Vietnam Expeditions Joint Stock Company, a member of the American Cave Association, organized a survey team to visit Khuon Bong Cave in Vu Le commune, Bac Son district, Lang Son province.

Gradual development of geotourism

Ms. Pham Thi Huong, Deputy Head of the Lang Son Geopark Management Department, Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion of the province, said: the construction and development of the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son contributes to the socio-economic development goals of the province. In particular, the development of geotourism is a new trend and is suitable for the province's many attractive geological potentials, creating connections between social, cultural, educational, transportation, agricultural, and environmental sectors, and is an effective solution to contribute to economic development in the area.

On September 8, 2024, within the framework of the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network for the Asia-Pacific region, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council met, evaluated, and voted to recognize Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Since its recognition, the Lang Son Geopark Management Department has actively collaborated with domestic and international organizations to research the potential for cooperative exploitation of the geopark's cave system as attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists. Notably, from September 2024 to the present, the Lang Son Geopark Management Department and related agencies and units have participated in meetings at the Institute of Geological Sciences and Minerals, promoted cooperation in consulting on the construction and development of Lang Son Geopark; strengthened international integration and cooperation, and participated in activities of the Vietnam Global Geopark Network and the UNESCO Global Geopark Network.

Following the trip, the Lang Son Geopark Management Department continued to maintain regular contact with Vietnam Expeditions, a member of the American Cave Association, to organize a working trip to Lang Son province in November 2024 to work on and survey several caves with tourism development potential in the Lang Son Geopark area, specifically in Bac Son and Huu Lung districts. In December 2024, the Lang Son Geopark Management Department continued to coordinate with domestic and international units and businesses to survey several caves in Loc Binh and Bac Son districts. During these surveys, the delegation will select some outstanding scenic and cultural sites connected to cave tourism destinations to capture beautiful images and create tourism video clips for promotional purposes. Through the survey, the delegation members exchanged, discussed, and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages, thereby agreeing on a direction to form the basis for long-term cooperation and promote the development of cave tourism in the Lang Son Geopark. Mr. Pham Van Manh, Director of Vietnam Expeditions Joint Stock Company, said: "We have been surveying the Lang Son Geopark for about two years and found that it has great potential for developing geotourism in its caves. The caves in the Lang Son Geopark are very beautiful, still retaining their pristine beauty and largely untouched by human activity. We believe that cooperation between the two sides will create tours and routes of international quality, contributing to increasing the number of domestic and especially international tourists visiting the Lang Son Geopark for sightseeing and experiences."

With its rich and diverse potential, cave exploration is becoming a crucial factor in making Lang Son tourism attractive, promising a breakthrough in local tourism development. Mr. Khong Hong Minh, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Huu Lung District, said: Huu Lung District has the characteristics of a limestone mountainous region, with rich geological heritage including many beautiful and majestic caves, interspersed with valleys and passes with diverse natural landscapes. This is an important potential for developing geological tourism products. Currently, Huu Lung has begun to develop sports tourism in Yen Thinh commune. Recently, a survey team from the Lang Son Geopark Management Department, in coordination with several units and businesses inside and outside the province, surveyed some new caves to include in experiential tourism routes such as: Nuoc Cave in Yen Thinh commune; Thung Mountain in Yen Son commune… In the coming time, we will continue to promote and introduce the typical values ​​of the Lang Son Geopark region, as well as strengthen the dissemination of information about new destinations to create highlights and attract more tourists to the area.

Thanks to effective solutions, tourists have had many positive impressions of Lang Son Geopark. Mr. Cayrou Guy Pierre Marie, a French tourist, shared: "I was extremely delighted as soon as I got out of the car because the limestone mountain scenery is so beautiful. I love the life of the rural people here. Recently, this place was also recognized as a global geopark. The tourist spots all have characteristic geological heritage, traditional crafts, and many typical relics associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess. The scenery is wonderful, especially because it was recently recognized, the sites are not currently affected too much by the overcrowding of tourists, so the peace here makes me feel extremely comfortable."

With the right strategies and the efforts of all levels and sectors in the province, the development of tourism in the Lang Son Geopark has achieved positive results. The reputation of Lang Son Geopark is increasingly known to tourists from near and far.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/lang-son-danh-thuc-tiem-nang-du-lich-dia-chat-20241217142223667.htm