The flow of life in sacred land

A team of experts from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network assessed Site 35: Na Duong Lake and Wetland World (Loc Binh District).

The UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son encompasses the entire administrative boundaries of Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Van Quan, Loc Binh districts and Lang Son city, along with parts of Binh Gia and Cao Loc districts, covering a total area of 4,842.58 km2 and a population of approximately 627,500 people, accounting for about 58% of the province's area and 78% of its population.

Unique features

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Tan Van, former Director of the Institute of Geological Sciences and Minerals, stated that the uniqueness of the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son lies in its distinct karst fields, unlike the old karst towers and peaks previously found in Cao Bang or Ha Giang . Notably, the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son boasts the largest number of geological heritage sites (over 180) compared to other UNESCO Global Geoparks recognized in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son also boasts many archaeological sites of potential international value, such as: marine sedimentary rocks from 250 million years ago along with fossils (fish, eels, vertebrates) which form the basis of many international scientific publications; Na Duong Basin, Loc Binh district (a unique site corresponding to a lake environment from 30-20 million years ago, home to giant animals (crocodiles, turtles, monitor lizards), described in many international publications)... In addition, it possesses the long-standing intangible cultural heritage of seven main ethnic groups: Nung, Tay, Kinh, Dao, Hoa, San Chay, and Hmong. Particularly noteworthy are the Mother Goddess worship and the Then practice, which have been inscribed by UNESCO as representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In addition, along with more than 200 traditional festivals, including the Ky Cung - Ta Phu Temple Festival and the Na Nhem Festival, which have been recognized as national intangible cultural heritage.

Ms. Pham Thi Huong, Deputy Head of the Lang Son Geopark Management Department, Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion (IT&T) of the province, said: Geoparks are an open economic model that both preserves and promotes heritage values, raises awareness, and helps the community be more proud of their living environment. With unique historical, cultural, and intangible cultural heritage values in the region, the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son has all the conditions to develop and become tourism products that create connections between regions.

Over the years, various levels and sectors in Lang Son province have implemented solutions to develop the UNESCO Global Geopark in accordance with the province's socio-economic development plan. Accordingly, initial investment has been made in tourism infrastructure and technical facilities; tourism products have become increasingly diverse with 4 tourist routes and 38 attractions; and the quality and value of tourism services have been continuously improved.

A delegation from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology conducted a field survey to assess the potential for developing a practical training route for students majoring in geological tourism at the Lang Son Geopark Information Center (Bac Son district).

Currently, the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son is moving towards building a multi-layered tourism ecosystem: from experiential tourism and relaxation to specialized products such as geological exploration tourism, health and wellness tourism, and high-altitude resort tourism. Regional tourism routes will also be promoted, especially connecting with Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan, localities that also possess the Global Geopark, creating a unique "geological heritage corridor" in the North.

Mr. Pham Van Manh, Director of Vietnam Expeditions Joint Stock Company, said: "Lang Son possesses a magnificent and diverse cave system with stalactites, waterfalls, sinkholes, and rivers flowing inside the caves, creating a stunning landscape that is no less impressive than the caves in Quang Binh. We have spent about two years surveying the Lang Son Geopark area and found that it has great potential for developing geotourism in its caves."

In addition, relevant levels of government, sectors, and units are paying special attention to training local tour guides and collaborators, encouraging young people to participate in heritage preservation, and applying digital transformation in tourism promotion.

Simultaneously, tourism promotion activities in the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son region have also been emphasized. Specifically, the Center for Investment Promotion, Trade & Tourism has proactively promoted the image of the Geopark through international forums and fairs, developed digital technology applications, smart tourism maps, 3D models of ancient artifacts, a system of signposts and characteristic symbols for each heritage site. In particular, the Center for Investment Promotion, Trade & Tourism has strengthened international integration and cooperation, participating in activities of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, the Asia-Pacific Geopark Network, and the Vietnam Global Geopark Network… Through these efforts, the geological values are gradually being disseminated to a wide range of domestic and international tourists.

Open a new chapter.

To further enhance the value of the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son, the Provincial Party Standing Committee issued Resolution No. 223-NQ/TU dated May 30, 2025, on the conservation, restoration, and promotion of the value of the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son for the period 2025-2030, with a vision to 2035. The Resolution sets out the vision and strategic goals for the period 2025-2030, with a vision to 2035.

According to the plan, on June 28, 2025, the province will hold a ceremony to receive the UNESCO Global Geopark recognition certificate for Lang Son with many important activities. Specifically, these include a meeting between leaders of the Government, central ministries and agencies, the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee, and the Provincial People's Committee with the UNESCO High-Level Delegation; a seminar on the construction and development of the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son; the signing of cooperation agreements with several Geopark partners; the annual conference of the Vietnam Global Geopark Expert Subcommittee in 2025; and the organization of an exhibition space about the UNESCO Global Geopark Lang Son. Currently, the Center for Investment Promotion, Trade & Tourism has proactively coordinated with relevant agencies and units to prepare the necessary conditions for the reception ceremony.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Thuan, Director of the Provincial Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, said: "We are advising the Provincial People's Committee to issue a plan to implement Resolution No. 223 of the Provincial Party Committee. This plan focuses on promoting the role of Party committees, government agencies, the Fatherland Front, and political and social organizations, along with coordination among all levels and sectors, to raise awareness and responsibility of the entire society, especially the younger generation, regarding the preservation and promotion of the value of the Lang Son Geopark; strengthening linkages in the development of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, and making a positive contribution to the development of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network..."

Accordingly, Lang Son aims for an open development model that meets the requirements for preserving the province's cultural and natural heritage. The geopark will serve as a center for scientific research and international cooperation, contributing to environmental protection and promoting socio-economic development. The province will build and operate a complex center along with information centers; develop human resources and raise community awareness; and regularly organize training and professional development to improve the quality of human resources serving geopark management and tourism. The goal is to ensure that 100% of officials, civil servants, and employees, and 80% of the population, are informed about the value of the geopark, while also ensuring that 80% of schools include this content in their curriculum.

The recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a great source of pride, affirming the province's potential and position. This is an opportunity for Lang Son to continue its rapid and sustainable development, improve the material and spiritual lives of its people, and become an attractive and responsible destination within the Global Geopark Network.

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