LANG SON → Travel Guide + Tips

ℹ️ Information about Lang Son
🚍 How to get to Lang Son
☀️ Weather in Lang Son
🏡 Accommodation in Lang Son
🔍 Interesting sites in Lang Son
📍 Map of interesting places
🎫 Book Tickets to Lang Son

Gateway to Adventure: Lang Son Beckons at the Border with China

• • Lang Son province (Lạng Sơn) with its capital of the same name is located 140 km northeast of Hanoi. You can get there from Hanoi by bus or train. However, if you take the train, you will see more of the gorgeous mountain scenery. The history of the province is associated with the Bronze Age, when a trade route passed this city, that connected China (Guangzhou) with India. The economy is 80% dependent on agriculture and forestry, and also on mineral resources. An important spice that is grown is star anise having the aromatic lanceolate leaves.

Lang Son city is suitable only as a short stopover.

• • Just a short distance from Lang Son, it is possible to visit Tam Thanh Pagoda. Below this point is Nhi Tanh cave. A Spring Festival is held here every year on January 15. Games and religious ceremonies attract a lot of visitors and travellers. Nhi Tanh cave is 500 m long, it is a spectacular stalactite cave and it looks like the caves of Ha Long Bay. You can go in to the cave by stairs from the pagoda. Thanh nhà Mac is a hill, which also belongs to the historical west part of the town.

Lang Son has practically no visiting foreign tourists.

• • Above the town of Lang Son you will see the rock in the shape of a woman who holds a child – Vong Phu. According to legend, this woman is waiting for a man who went to war and waited so long she petrified to stone. Lang Son town has held Ky Lua market every 2nd and 7th day according to the lunar calendar, where you can meet many ethnic minority people of the Tay, Dao, Nung, and Hmong.

Accommodation in Lang Son ➜

Dong Dang town is an historical monument at the border with China.

• • Dong Dang has a rich war history, and it is also known for its devastation. There is the Dong Dang border gate with China in Dong Dang town, also known as The Gateway of Friendship (Youyi Guan). Vietnamese and Chinese residents pass through the gate so they can sell food and items in another country.

About 30 km from the town is the fascinating Mau Son mountain.

• • The highest point – Mau Son mountain is 1,600 meters above sea level and attracts lots of travellers. Mau Son mountain fascinates everyone, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia and Vietnam. You will see many stone houses from the time of French colonization in Vietnam. During the winter, this region can be covered with snow and it can be very cold. There will be a cable car build in 2017.

The old military base was built at Mau Son mountain.

• • A few years ago it was still closed for motorcycles, but it is now open for travellers and visitors. In this area you will see many stone villas from the period of French colonization, but some of these villas are closed for visitors. During the winter, this area may be covered with snow, and the roads can be difficult to pass. At the beginning of the 20th century a military base was built as protection from the enemy of China.

Do not forget to visit the valley and the agricultural area of Bac Son.

• • Another stunning place to visit is the Valley of Bac Son, which is not far from Lang Son town, about 70 km. The whole valley is surrounded by mountains ranging in height from about 500-1,200 meters. The top of the mountains can be accessed from here, and you will be fascinated by the view of the whole area. The valley is covered by rice fields, flowing rivers and lakes. In Bac Son you can find some typical homestays of local residents. One of the most beutiful view to the area you will find on the Nà Lay peak and it is not so hard to climb there.

Book Tickets from Hanoi to Lang Son ➜

Bac Son Valley offers an amazing landscape views and typical homestays.

• • The second biggest ethnic group in Vietnam – the Tay, live in Bac Son district, but also in Lang Son province. The total area of the Bac Son valley is almost 700km² . There is a very fertile land suitable for agriculture, rice and sweet potatoes or corn are grown here. Agriculture is the main source of income for local residents. When to visit Bac Son? The best time to visit Bac Son is from August-September, rice fields are spectacular before the harvest season.

🚍 How to travel from Hanoi to Lang Son:

From Hanoi to Lang Son by minivan / bus or private taxi:

• • From Hanoi to Lang Son – there are buses + vans and trains from Hanoi to Lang Son town. Use a search engine of transport links Baolau, here you can buy train (hard or soft seat) and some bus tickets to Lang Son. Some buses and vans from Hanoi run to the Lang Son – Friendship Border Station (it is about 20 km from the town of Lang Son). It is also possible to arrive from the city of Cao Bang by local bus.
  • you can also travel by VIP car or Van (ticket costs only about $9-16/pp, check 12go and book tickets online)
  • bus tickets from Hanoi to Lang Son cost about $6-8/pp (eg. Hoang Long, bus tickets at 12go.asia)
  • travel by train from Hanoi to Lang Son takes about 4 hours (train tickets costs about $3-4/pp)
  • Book and buy bus / van e-tickets from Hanoi to Lang Son on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜

From Hanoi by train to Nanning in China (via Lang Son):

• • a popular travel route by international sleeper MR1/T8702 train of Vietnam + China Railways
  • travel by train from Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station to Nanning via Lang son takes about 12 hours
  • read carefully this article: How to get to Nanning from Hanoi?

🚍 How to travel from Hanoi to Bac Son:

• • There should be a bus from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi (20 Phạm Hùng, Mỹ Đình).
  • This bus is running probably only in the morning (You have to ask at the station for the exact time), but you need to verify this information before you leave Hanoi.
  • Bus tickets from Hanoi to Bac Son you can buy at the My Dinh bus station.

☀️ Weather in Lang Son + The Best Time to Visit:

The weather in Lang Son can be described as humid subtropical, with distinct seasons throughout the year. It is a good idea to prepare before you arrive to Lang Son ➜ Current weather in Lang Son.

• • The best time to visit Lang Son is during the months of October to April. During this time, the weather is relatively cool and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average temperature during these months ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the air is crisp and refreshing.
  • However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind a bit of rain, the summer months of May to September can also be a good time to visit Lang Son. The temperatures during this time can range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, and the lush greenery of the region is in full bloom.
  • Overall, Lang Son has a lot to offer for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of Vietnam. Whether you visit during the cool and dry months or the warm and rainy season, you’ll be able to enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer. Just be sure to pack accordingly for the weather and bring comfortable shoes for exploring the stunning landscapes or driving a motorbike.

🏡 Accommodation in Lang Son:

Lang Son offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the most popular options:

• • Guesthouses: Lang Son has many guesthouses that offer affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers. These guesthouses usually have basic amenities such as comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, prices are low.
  • Hotels: Lang Son has a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the hotels are located in the city center, while others are situated in more scenic locations outside the city. These hotels usually offer more amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and on-site restaurants.
  • Homestays: For a more authentic experience, visitors can opt for a homestay with a local family. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life. Homestays usually provide a comfortable room, shared bathroom facilities, and meals cooked by the host family.
  • Resorts: Lang Son has several resorts located in scenic areas outside the city. These resorts offer luxurious amenities such as spa services, swimming pools, and on-site restaurants.

➜ Accommodation in Lang Son (hotels) – Book Here

A few recommended hotels in Lang Son:
➜ Vi’s Boutique Hotel
➜ Song Long Hotel
➜ Muong Thanh Hotel
➜ Hoa Biển Hotel
➜ Vinpearl Hotel

🔍 Places of Interest in Lang Son:

• Nhi Thanh Cave: Limestone cave with impressive rock formations and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Tam Thanh Pagoda & Bac Le Temple: Historic spiritual sites with traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• The Fortress of the Mac Dynasty: Ancient fortress reflecting the history of the Mac Dynasty.
• Bac Son Valley: Scenic valley famous for rice fields and mountain views.
• To Thi Mountain & Phu Vong: Popular viewpoints with panoramic landscapes of Lang Son.
• Thành Nhà Mạc Historical Place: Historical site connected to the Mạc Dynasty.
• Ky Lua Market & Festival: Traditional market area with local food and cultural events.
• Đông Kinh Market: Busy local market ideal for shopping and street food.
• Mau Son Mountain: Cool mountain area with forests and hiking opportunities.
• Dong Dang City: Border town near China known for trade and transport links.
• Friendship Gate in Dong Dang: Major border crossing between Vietnam and China.
• Đền Mẫu in Dong Dang: Traditional temple popular with local visitors and pilgrims.
• Keng Tao Cave (Hang Keng Tao): Natural cave with unique limestone formations.
• Chi Lang Border (Ải Chi Lăng): Historic mountain pass famous for important battles.

📍 Lang Son – tourist map:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lang Son:

Updated: April 2026

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜

➡️ Where to go from Lang Son:

You can continue to Cao Bang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi.

⏪ Go back to places of interest