Green tourism - a sustainable development direction

Over the years, all levels and sectors in the province have been actively promoting the development of green tourism products. This approach not only creates unique and distinctive experiences for tourists but also directly brings sustainable economic value.

Tourists experience sightseeing and enjoying the scenery at Dong Lam, Huu Lien commune.

Green tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on environmental protection, sustainable resource utilization, and supporting local communities. It is part of the sustainable tourism trend, combining nature exploration, ecological conservation, and a positive contribution to the local economy .

Unleash existing potential

Nature has bestowed upon the land of Lang Son many magnificent natural landscapes. In addition, Lang Son also has agricultural production areas with famous agricultural products such as Chi Lang custard apples, Bac Son tangerines, Bao Lam persimmons, and Vanh Khuyen persimmons... These represent potential for developing various forms of green tourism such as: ecotourism, community tourism, agricultural tourism, adventure tourism, and resort tourism.

To exploit and develop these existing potentials, over the years, various levels and sectors in the province have been implementing many important solutions. Mr. Luu Ba Mac, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: "To promote green tourism, over the years, we have implemented guiding documents and urged businesses, households, and people to develop tourism in a green, clean, and sustainable direction; focusing on attracting investment to develop eco-tourism areas. In addition, the tourism industry has also planned and built tourism infrastructure systems at tourist areas and destinations to develop sustainable tourism with eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and cultural and historical tourism. At the same time, the department has paid attention to developing community tourism associated with agricultural tourism products in localities with rich potential such as Bac Son, Huu Lung... to create more sustainable livelihoods for the people."

Tourists experience horseback riding on the Dong Lam grassland in Huu Lien commune.

Annually, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with relevant agencies and units, conducts surveys and assessments of the current state of green tourism development in localities. These assessments focus on evaluating infrastructure, tourism products, and the current state of tourism human resources, while also actively encouraging businesses to invest in development. In particular, from 2020 to the present, relevant agencies and units have organized 2-4 training courses annually for households in communes developing eco-tourism and agricultural and rural community tourism in a green, clean, and sustainable manner.

Ms. Tran Thi Bich Hanh, Deputy Director of the Provincial Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, said: "From 2020 to the present, we have implemented rural tourism development plans in the context of building new rural areas in the communes of Huu Lien, Chi Lang, Dinh Lap, Loc Binh, etc. Accordingly, we have implemented several key solutions such as: organizing the production of publications and promotional materials for tourism; printing 2,000 leaflets, building a website to promote rural tourism; organizing survey programs, workshops, and gathering opinions from experts, tourism businesses, and tourists to serve the development of the tourism market and products; supporting the application of information technology to serve tourism management and development; Producing short films to promote tourism, constructing large billboards to promote tourism in tourism development areas… In addition, in all booths participating in domestic and international tourism cooperation, promotion, and advertising events, the center has a display booth showcasing OCOP (One Commune One Product) products of the province and eco-agricultural tourism products of Lang Son.

Notably, in April 2025, UNESCO officially inscribed the Lang Son Geopark into the Global Geopark Network. This designation opens up significant opportunities for the province to attract resources and exchange international experiences, while also setting higher standards for conservation and sustainable tourism development. Accordingly, the province has clearly identified geotourism, adventure tourism, and community-based cultural tourism as the three core products within the Geopark area; developing 38 satellite tourist destinations spread across four major routes. Simultaneously, it has constructed five "Geological Trails" to connect destinations, guiding tourists on a journey to deeply explore the unique geological, cultural, and ecological values ​​of the region.

To develop tourism products that protect the environment, utilize resources sustainably, and support local communities, the specialized unit has collaborated with local authorities and consulting firms to survey and map, design signage systems and observation towers, and work with local youth to directly participate in clearing vegetation, laying stones, and erecting directional signs; and organized training courses to develop guiding and explaining skills regarding geological heritage for the team of tour guides.

Developing green tourism

The determination of all levels and sectors has opened up many opportunities in the development of green tourism. Accordingly, many green tourism products offering unique experiences for tourists have been formed and developed, such as: eco-tourism and exploration (Mo Mam stream, Vu Le commune; Ban Khieng waterfall, Mau Son commune; Dang Mo waterfall, Binh Gia commune…); agricultural eco-tourism (Lung Than custard apple garden, Chi Lang commune; chestnut garden tourism, Luong Van Tri ward; tea hill tourism, Dinh Lap commune); community and cultural tourism (Huu Lien community tourism village; Quynh Son community tourism village…); and five geological trails including: "Magnificent Dinosaur Liver - Phja Po Peak"; "Whispering Rhododendron Flowers - Phja Me Peak" (Mau Son commune); "Journey to the Heart of Lan Ty Lake" (Huu Lien commune); “The journey to the village named “Happiness” or the Net Zero village/ The village hidden in the valley of ancient stone walls” (Cai Kinh commune); the journey to the Tham Lum sinkhole (Binh Gia commune)...

The diversity in the development of green tourism products has received very positive feedback from tourists. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sam, a tourist from Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi, shared: "My visit to Quynh Son community tourism village in Bac Son commune truly exceeded my expectations. Here, I not only enjoyed the fresh air but also participated in making traditional cakes and savoring traditional dishes of the Tay people of Bac Son in ancient stilt houses, as well as participating in cultural and artistic activities. The people here are friendly and approachable."

For nature-loving tourists, destinations like the "Journey to the Heart of Lan Ty Lake" geological trail have left a deep impression. Ms. Le Thi Thu Ha, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed: "The pristine and majestic beauty of the geological trail truly amazed me. The best part was the experience of rowing on Lan Ty Lake, a relaxing and exciting experience. I also got to camp and enjoy local specialties in the cool, fresh air, all of which made my fatigue disappear."

Positive feedback from tourists demonstrates that Lang Son is on the right track in developing green tourism. By combining the preservation of natural landscapes, promoting cultural values, and improving service quality, it not only creates unique green tourism products but also contributes to sustainable socio-economic development. In the first eight months of 2025, the total number of tourists visiting Lang Son is estimated to reach over 3.5 million (an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period in 2024). Tourism revenue is estimated to reach over 3.8 trillion VND (an increase of 11.7% compared to the same period in 2024).

We believe that with the efforts of all levels and sectors, green tourism products will continue to receive investment on an increasingly larger scale, with greater professionalism, and truly become a sustainable direction for tourism in Lang Son.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/du-lich-xanh-huong-phat-trien-ben-vung-5058547.html