Bringing the "sun" back to Lan Nong

The latest, official, and accurate news.

- On the morning of January 29th, Lang Son Power Company officially installed solar power systems for all 13 households in Lan Nong residential area, Cai Kinh commune. This is not only an important leverage to help people alleviate poverty, but also awakens the potential for "Net Zero" tourism (a type of tourism that causes absolutely no harm to the environment) in the happy village of Lan Nong – located deep within the core of the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark.

The electrical installation process at Lan Nong.

Nestled in an isolated valley northwest of Cai Kinh commune, Lan Nong has long been considered an "oasis" cut off from modern life. The 13 Nung households here are accustomed to long nights illuminated by flickering oil lamps and navigating rough, rocky roads. But this morning, the tranquil atmosphere of the forest has been replaced by laughter, the sounds of construction machinery, and radiant hope on the faces of the local people. The sun is about to be gathered in solar panels, illuminating the dream of a prosperous and sustainable future for Lan Nong.

Crossing the mountain pass to bring light to the village.

The journey to Lan Nong this morning by the Lang Son Power Company's working group is not for the faint of heart. The 3.5km road from Lang Hao village to the residential area is a real challenge, with a sheer limestone cliff on one side and a deep ravine on the other. To transport the electrical equipment, solar panels, and support frames weighing tons into the valley, the power company workers had to help the locals carry them one by one along the rugged, treacherous sections of road where even motorbikes would struggle to navigate.

Employees of Lang Son Power Company transport solar panels.

It is known that, following the policy of the Provincial People's Committee, from the end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026, Lang Son Power Company has made efforts to implement the project to supply electricity from the national grid to Lan Nong village with a total investment of over 2 billion VND. The construction items include the installation of 4 solar power systems to supply electricity to 13 households in Lan Nong with the following scales: Cluster 1 (18.6 kWp), Cluster 2 (22.32 kWp), Cluster 3 (22.32 kWp), Cluster 4 (12.4 kWp); 13 battery storage units of 51.2V-200Ah (10 kWh/unit); support frame structure; grounding; electrical cabinets; connecting wires; wires to households; light bulbs; and accompanying accessories.

In Lan Nong, the number of 13 households with nearly 70 people seems tiny compared to the vastness of the mountains and forests, but their yearning for light is immense.

The Chi Lang Area Power Management Team - Lang Son Power Company installed an electrical system for a household in Lan Nong.

Pham Van Tinh, a native of Lan Nong, stood beside the newly delivered supplies and said emotionally, "For so many years, the villagers have only longed for a road and electricity. Now that we see the electricity company installing solar panels, I'm so happy. From now on, our children won't have to study under the dim light anymore."

A catalyst for Lang Son's first "Net Zero" village.

The availability of electricity in Lan Nong is not only significant for social welfare but also a key to unlocking sustainable community tourism development. Located within the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark, Lan Nong possesses unique "golden" values: pristine stilt houses, vast bamboo forests, and, most importantly, a completely zero-emission lifestyle – "Net Zero" from its very roots.

The Chi Lang Area Power Management Team - Lang Son Power Company installed the electrical system for a household in Lan Nong.

Ms. Pham Thi Huong, Head of the Lang Son Geopark Management Department, Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion of the province, affirmed: “Solar energy is a crucial element in completing the Net Zero tourism village model. With electricity, we can implement standard homestays while still ensuring environmental protection. Tourists coming here will experience the trekking route “Journey to the Happy Village”, enjoy cuisine made from corn and peanuts prepared using clean energy, and participate in cultural preservation activities.”

Employees of Lang Son Power Company transport materials for the installation of a solar power system.

With electricity, Lan Nong will no longer be a forgotten valley. Characteristic agricultural products like peanuts and beans will be packaged, labeled with the Geopark logo, and widely promoted.

This morning, as the first solar panels were positioned on the mountainside, a new chapter opened for Lan Nong. The image of the power engineers in orange uniforms diligently working amidst the green of the old forest and the gray of the rocky mountains creates a beautiful picture of dedication.

Mr. Linh Van Diep, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cai Kinh commune, shared: "Our goal is not to turn Lan Nong into a concrete urban area, but to preserve its original pristine nature. Solar power helps people improve their lives without losing the 'soul' of the village."

Employees of Lang Son Power Company weld the support frame for solar panels.

Leaving the valley as the team began the complex technical procedures, I still vividly remember the words of Pham Tuan Diep, a 16-year-old boy who had to drop out of school to help his family: "Now that we have electricity, I will ask my parents to let me learn electrical engineering or tourism so that I can welcome tourists to our village in the future."

The joy in Lan Nong is doubled upon arrival, not only because electricity illuminates every home, but also because new opportunities are opening up for Lan Nong with the upcoming road construction. A key transportation project here is about to be implemented to ensure the roads are open before June 2026, as directed by the Provincial People's Committee.

Beyond facilitating agricultural trade, this road is a strategic "lifeline" for unlocking the tourism potential within the UNESCO Global Geopark of Lang Son. With synchronized electricity and road infrastructure, Lan Nong will become an attractive destination, transforming heritage into an asset and serving as the most accurate measure of the dedication and vision of local leaders in improving the lives of the people through sustainable tourism.

As the sun sets behind the high mountain peaks, Lan Nong may still be somewhat quiet tonight, but it is the quiet before a new dawn. In just a few days, when the system officially comes into operation, 13 stilt houses will simultaneously light up. That light represents faith, the care from the government and the electricity sector, and is proof of a Lang Son that is transforming strongly, becoming greener and more humane.

Ms. Le Thi Ly, 60 years old, Lan Nong residential area, Loi village, Cai Kinh commune.

"With electricity, our business will definitely thrive, and life will be much brighter. Before, things were very difficult; we only had oil lamps, then kerosene lamps, but even those weren't enough. My relatives from the South had to send us solar-powered light bulbs to use temporarily, but the electricity was very weak. Even on days with little sunshine, there wasn't enough light to power the lamps; the electricity was so weak that we couldn't even turn on the TV."

Today, seeing the workers constructing the support frames, installing the solar panels and storage cabinets, the villagers in my hamlet are very excited. Everyone is happy because they will definitely have electricity this Tet holiday.

We are very grateful to the State and especially to the Provincial Chairman. Just recently, the Chairman came to my house for a meeting and promised to provide electricity for the people, and then to consider building roads. Seeing that the Chairman made the promise and immediately started the project, we are very happy. Now that we have electricity for Tet (Lunar New Year), we only hope for new roads soon so that people can travel more easily and conduct their businesses more conveniently. Thank you very much to the Provincial Chairman and the government!”

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Mr. Ngo Quang Duc, Deputy Head of the Chi Lang Area Power Management Team, Lang Son Power Company

"Following the instructions of Lang Son Power Company, today our unit is deploying wires and installing indoor electrical systems for all 13 households in Lan Nong residential area. Each household is provided with one electrical panel and two light bulbs. During the implementation process, we received enthusiastic support and cooperation from the residents, from land clearance to material gathering."

Simultaneously, the Chi Lang Area Power Management Team also installed mounting systems and solar panel cabinets. Each family was provided with a solar panel system with an average capacity of 5kW/hour, ensuring electricity supply for lighting and essential daily living needs.

Currently, the entire team is working hard to accelerate progress, determined to complete and energize the project before the Lunar New Year 2026. The ultimate goal is to bring electricity to people's homes, ensuring they can celebrate the New Year safely and in a timely manner.”

Source: https://baolangson.vn/dua-mat-troi-ve-lan-nong-5075405.html