Lang Son is a mountainous area located farther north where the 0 km landmark of
National Highway 1A starts (Friendship gate) and largely populated by Tho, Nung,
Man and Dzao Montagnards. Most travelers come to
Lang Son because of its role as
a trading post and crossing point into China.
What to do? Highlights of Lang Son are the two large and beautiful caves just 2.5km from Lang
Son's centre named Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh. Both are illuminated and have Buddhist
altars inside. Or big shopping days at Dong Kinh Market, where lots of cheap items
from China sold here.
Lang Son is also famous for winter fruits like peaches, pears,
plums and persimmons as well as grilled duck and pork in Chinese cuisine. People
also come here to cross to China over Dong Dang border gate, 20 km from Lang Son.
When to go? In Lang Son, there is a clear distinction between seasons of a typical climate of
the Northern
Vietnam. Annual average temperature is from 17 to 22o Celsius.
Travel Tips: For those who enter
Vietnam from China through
Lang Son, you MUST have the correct
entry point (Dong Dang) marked on your visa, otherwise you may be turned away. This
can create a problem as you would have already officially left China.
