Lang Son Province, Vietnam

Lang Son Province, Vietnam: A Destination Beyond the Border

On May 10, 2015, I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel to Lang Son Province, Vietnam, located along the border with China. This trip was not just a passing visit but a deliberate effort to experience the local lifestyle, living conditions, and authentic local cuisine. Lang Son Province is notable for its terrain, with mountains covering 80% of the area. The highest peak is Mount Mau Son, approximately 1,541 meters above sea level, offering beautiful scenery and a climate distinct from typical lowland areas.

I stayed at Hoang Son Hotel in Lang Son city, costing about 600 baht per night. The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of the city's main market, making it very easy to find food. Around the hotel, there are local restaurants and a bustling fresh market. Ku Lua morning market has been operating for hundreds of years and is a recommended spot to explore and taste local dishes while experiencing the simple and warm lifestyle of the locals.

Lang Son City with Rivers and Mountains

Lang Son city is traversed by the Ky Cung River, adding freshness and serving as a natural link connecting people with the surrounding area. Although this city does not have a coastline like other provinces in Vietnam, a small lake in the city center offers a pleasant resting spot for tourists. There is also To Thi Mountain, also known as Vong Phu Mountain, where visitors can hike up to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

For nature lovers, the province offers interesting sites such as Nhi Thanh Cave and Tam Thanh Cave, mysterious caves rich in historical stories. Additionally, Mau Son Mountain is popular among adventure travelers, and Bac Le Temple serves as a spiritual center for local residents. To truly learn and experience the authentic local lifestyle, I recommend researching these places on Google to plan a fulfilling trip.

Local Foods Not to Miss: Lang Son Roast Duck and Bun Ca

Lang Son Province is famous for its roast duck, which impressed me the most on this trip. The roast duck here is not overly greasy and has a balanced flavor, clearly different from the MK roast duck we have at home. Especially, Lang Son roast duck is cooked with Chinese star anise leaves, known in Vietnamese as "Mắc mật," an herb that helps eliminate the gamey smell and enhances the duck's flavor perfectly. These leaves are grown in northern Vietnam and also in Nan Province, northern Thailand.

Besides roast duck, another dish I often encountered and really liked is a noodle soup with water hyacinth called "Bún Cá" or Bun Ca. It is a white thin rice noodle soup served with fried fish and fresh vegetables similar to water hyacinth. The broth is flavorful and appetizing. Eating Bun Ca in the morning is a great way to recharge energy. The clips I recorded of eating Bun Ca will give you a clearer picture [Watch Vietnamese Grilled Cuttlefish Clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJlKOOOIIis) and [Vietnamese Chicken Biryani Clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV_blTlVn9k) are also interesting examples of Vietnamese cuisine.

Lifestyle and Travel in Lang Son City

Getting around Lang Son city is quite convenient. The hotel I stayed at recommends choosing a room on a higher floor to enjoy the city view at night with sparkling lights. The city streets are not complicated; you can walk to the market and many street food stalls. For breakfast, I usually chose Bun Ca, for lunch some days fried rice or simple local dishes, and for dinner, the must-try Lang Son roast duck.

For those who want to stay in this city, I recommend booking a hotel in Lang Son city center for convenience and to experience the authentic community atmosphere. If interested, you can book accommodation through this link.Book a Hotel in Lang SonThere are many options here at reasonable prices.

Next Destinations and Connections to Nearby Provinces

After spending two nights in Lang Son, I prepared to travel to Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh Province, which borders the sea and offers a completely different landscape from Lang Son. For those interested in visiting beaches and marine attractions in northern Vietnam, you can read more in the article aboutNha Trang Sea Beachwhich I have written about previously.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

I, mr.hotsia, consider Lang Son a very interesting province for travelers who want to experience the diversity of northern Vietnam beyond just Hanoi or Sapa. Here you will find high mountains, lakes, rivers, and ancient markets that still preserve local culture well. The food is excellent, especially the roast duck and Bun Ca noodles. For those who enjoy trying new things, I assure you this place will not disappoint.

For those interested in traveling in northern Vietnam, I recommend preparing and researching tourist destinations thoroughly before departure, including booking accommodation in advance for convenience. Don't forget to closely experience the local lifestyle because that is the heart of true travel.

Finally, if you want to read more travel stories in Vietnam, you can follow my articles at this website, mr.hotsia, and don't missBuddhist Temples in Da Lat Citywhich I have also written about.