Lang Son Tourism: From geological heritage to green tourist destination

With hundreds of unique geological, cultural and ecological heritages, Lang Son has been listed on the world map as a UNESCO Global Geopark, creating a new driving force for green tourism development and international integration.

Precious geological heritage and magnificent landscape

With an area of nearly 5,000 km², Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is not only a precious geological treasure but also a land that converges the unique cultural, historical and ecological values of the northern mountainous region. Officially recognized by UNESCO in April 2025, Lang Son has become the fourth global geopark in Vietnam, after Dong Van ( Ha Giang ), Non Nuoc Cao Bang and Dak Nong, marking an important turning point in the direction of sustainable tourism development of the province.

Lang Son preserves more than 100 geological, archaeological and cultural heritages, reflecting 500 million years of geological evolution of the earth. From ancient sea traces, volcanoes, massive limestone formations to majestic cave systems such as Nguom Mooc cave, Tham Lum sinkhole, Ung Roac... all are vivid evidence of a long geological history, with great scientific and educational value.

Tham Khuyen - Tham Hai Cave (Tan Van commune) - a relic located in the Lang Son Global Geopark area.

Not only possessing geological value, Lang Son also stands out with majestic natural landscapes, overlapping mountains and winding rivers and streams, creating a pristine and attractive tourist space. This is the premise for the province to develop many types of green tourism, experiential tourism, and adventure tourism.

Lang Son Global Geopark is also a gathering place for more than 20 ethnic groups, each community carrying a unique treasure of folk culture, from language, costumes, festivals to indigenous knowledge associated with the mountains and forests. Destinations such as Ky Cung Temple, Tam Thanh Pagoda, Chi Lang Pass, Lang Son Ancient Citadel... not only have historical and spiritual values but are also addresses for traditional education, fostering love for the homeland for the younger generation.

In addition, nearly 300 traditional festivals and more than 335 historical and cultural relics are solid foundations for Lang Son province to develop cultural tourism products, contributing to preserving and spreading heritage values in modern life.

Breakthrough in geotourism development

After being recognized, Lang Son province quickly planned a tourism development strategy associated with the Global Geopark. Core tourism products were clearly identified, including: geological tourism (nature museum, geological trail at Na Duong lagoon), adventure tourism (cave exploration, sinkholes, waterfalls, kayaking, etc.), eco-tourism and community tourism.

With the theme “The flow of life in the sacred land”, the journey to explore the Park is divided into 4 main tourist routes: “Discovering the world of the mountains”, “Journey to the heavenly world”, “Wild life on earth” and “Discovering the aquarium”, connecting 38 unique tourist attractions in the area. The main tourist routes follow National Highways 1A, 1B, 4B and 279, which are very convenient to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Lang Son Province has actively expanded international cooperation, collaborating with foreign experts in surveying, product development and image promotion. The opening of the Vietnam Expeditions Office at Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is a concrete step, opening high-quality exploration tours for international visitors.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also focuses on communication work, raising public awareness of heritage conservation, and actively implementing programs to support the development of community tourism and tourism infrastructure according to Resolution No. 17/2020/NQ-HDND. These policies have contributed to significantly improving the tourism environment and increasing the province's competitiveness.

From a peaceful borderland, Lang Son today is gradually affirming its position as an attractive destination on the Vietnam tourism map. Joining the Global Geopark network of 229 destinations in 50 countries not only brings international promotion opportunities but also sets high requirements for conservation, development and sharing of values with the community.

Mr. Ho Tien Thieu, Chairman of Lang Son Provincial People's Committee affirmed that Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark officially recognized by UNESCO in April 2025 is an important milestone, opening up great opportunities for Lang Son province to promote its potential and advantages, promote sustainable tourism development, and at the same time, it is also an opportunity to build Lang Son into one of the growth poles and economic centers of the northern midland and mountainous region.

With the determination of the government, the support of the people and the right development orientation, Lang Son is writing a new chapter - a chapter of integration, development and identity affirmation on the basis of unique geological and cultural values.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/du-lich-lang-son-tu-di-san-dia-chat-toi-diem-den-du-lich-xanh-20250724153537835.htm