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Opening the door to Lạng Sơn, a Vietnamese border town not to be missed

I, mr.hotsia, have just returned from a trip to Lạng Sơn province in northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. I must say, Lạng Sơn is far more interesting than I expected. It’s not just because of the nature and history, but also the local lifestyle and food that impressed me so much I want to share it with everyone.

Travel and accommodation in Lạng Sơn

Getting here is quite convenient. If you travel from Hanoi, you can take a bus or train without difficulty. As for me, I chose to stay atHoang Son Hai HotelAn 8-story hotel located in the city center. I can say it’s great value for only 600 baht because the top floor offers a panoramic view of Lạng Sơn city, clearly seeing the mountains and lake. The hotel is also located in an alley that’s easy to walk to the market and street food stalls. There’s a delicious Vietnamese fried rice restaurant right next to the hotel where I stayed.

Morning market and dawn life

On my first morning in Lạng Sơn, I walked toLạng Sơn morning marketor what locals call Chợ Đông Kinh. This market is a hub for fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, fish, and spices, including freshly made local dishes such as rice noodle soup with fried fish and water hyacinth called "Bún Cá" in the local language. It’s a dish I found refreshingly different from anything I’ve tasted before.

Lạng Sơn roast duck — the heart of the city’s cuisine

When it comes to the signature food of Lạng Sơn, it has to beLạng Sơn roast duckThis city is considered the capital of Vietnamese roast duck. The roast duck here is stuffed with Chinese bay leaf, known as "Mắc mật," native to northern Vietnam, southern China, and Nan province of Thailand. This leaf not only adds flavor but is also known to help with dandruff.

I tried roast duck at several street stalls and found that the deliciousness depends on the heat and freshness of the freshly grilled duck. When the duck is still hot, it tastes best — not greasy or too fatty, unlike the MK roast duck we have at home. It has its own unique charm. If you visit Lạng Sơn, I highly recommend trying the roast duck here.

Raw egg soup and Vietnamese fried rice that surprised me

Besides roast duck, I was also impressed by the raw egg soup I found at the fried rice restaurant near my accommodation.Raw egg soupThis dish uses only the egg yolk floating in a fragrant sweet broth after removing the egg white. The flavor is mild and the yolk has no unpleasant smell. It’s a dish I’ve never encountered anywhere else. The Vietnamese fried rice at this restaurant was so good I had to come back for several meals.

Lifestyle and atmosphere of Lạng Sơn city

Lạng Sơn is not just a border town with markets and food. It also has a lifestyle that perfectly blends urban and rural elements. I took a walk alongLạng Sơn lakewhere many upscale restaurants are located by the lakeside, perfect for relaxing after exploring the city. Additionally, at night, the city has an interestingnightlifethat is not as quiet as many might think.

Summary of my experience in Lạng Sơn with mr.hotsia

For me, visiting Lạng Sơn was a new discovery in northern Vietnamese food and culture. This is not just a transit town but a place with stories and flavors completely different from other Vietnamese cities. If you love traveling and want to try something new, I, mr.hotsia, recommend visiting Lạng Sơn at least once. Don’t forget to try Lạng Sơn roast duck, raw egg soup, and the Vietnamese fried rice I shared.

If you’re interested in watching clips of Lạng Sơn’s atmosphere and food, I recommend watchinglang son vietnam clipthat I recorded to give you a clearer picture.