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I still vividly remember the excitement I felt when I first set foot in Lang Son on a chilly February morning, when the coolness of the borderland sky blended with the vibrant pink of the peach blossoms blooming across the hills. After more than 5 trips exploring this land, I would like to share my practical travel experiences in Lang Son, helping you have a complete journey in this culturally rich borderland.
Through many trips to Lang Son in different seasons, I have gathered experiences about the most suitable time to travel here:
This is the best time to explore Lang Son when peach and plum blossoms bloom all over the hills, creating a romantic, picturesque scene. Especially during the Lunar New Year, you will get to participate in many traditional festivals such as the Long Tong festival and the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival.
According to my travel experience in Lang Son, be sure to visit the Long Tong festival
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I remember my trip at the end of January when I witnessed the vibrant peach blossoms blooming on the hills of Mau Son, feeling as if I had stepped into a fairyland. However, the weather was quite cold, sometimes dropping to 3-4°C, especially in the Mau Son area, so remember to prepare warm clothing.
Summer in Lang Son is quite cool compared to the plains, with an average temperature ranging from 25-30°C. This is an ideal time to visit waterfalls like Ban Khieng and Dau Dang when the water cascades down in a white froth, refreshing and cool. However, this season often has rain, especially in the evening, so it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
On my trip last July, I encountered a heavy rain while visiting That Khe, but in return, I got to admire the lush green terraced fields, beautiful like a painting.
Autumn in Lang Son brings a gentle beauty with fresh, cool air. This is a suitable time to visit famous tourist spots like Nhi Thanh Cave, Tam Thanh Cave, and To Thi Mountain. Especially in autumn, specialties like chestnuts, tram fruit, and mac mat fruit begin to be in season.
Winter in Lang Son is quite cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°C, especially in the Mau Son area where it sometimes snows. Although it can be harsh, winter in Lang Son brings a sense of peace and tranquility and is an ideal time to enjoy hot dishes like sour bamboo shoot duck hotpot and Thang Co hotpot.
On my trip at the end of December, I was able to witness the mist covering the Mau Son area, creating a magical scene, beautiful like in a movie. However, be sure to prepare warm clothing thoroughly if you decide to go at this time.
Through many trips between Hanoi and Lang Son, I have experienced almost all means of transportation and can share the following experiences:
This is the most popular means of transportation that I usually use. There are many reputable bus companies operating the Hanoi - Lang Son route such as Hoang Son, Quang Tuyen, Lang Son Express... Buses depart from My Dinh bus station, with ticket prices ranging from 130,000 VND - 180,000 VND/person/one way, and the travel time is about 3-4 hours.
Many people choose to travel to Lang Son by bus
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My advice is to choose early morning (5-6 AM) or evening (7-8 PM) bus trips to avoid traffic jams and save time. Hoang Son bus company is my regular choice due to its stable and punctual service.
Note: During holidays, it is advisable to book tickets at least 3-5 days in advance to ensure availability.
The train is quite an interesting option that I tried on my second visit to Lang Son. There are 2 train trips daily from Hanoi to Lang Son (6 AM and 8 PM) and vice versa. Ticket prices range from 80,000 VND - 300,000 VND depending on the type of seat (hard seat, soft seat, sleeper), and the travel time is about 5-6 hours.
The advantage of the train is comfort, safety, and the ability to enjoy the scenery along the way. However, the travel time is longer compared to buses.
If you are someone who loves exploration and wants the freedom to stop and admire the scenery along the way, a motorbike is a great choice. I have ridden a motorbike from Hanoi to Lang Son via National Route 1A, taking about 4-5 hours depending on speed and the number of stops.
Note: Be sure to check the bike thoroughly before departure, carry all necessary documents, wear a helmet, and dress appropriately for the weather.
This is the means I used on my most recent trip with my family. From Hanoi, you head towards Bac Ninh - Bac Giang - Lang Son via National Route 1A or the Hanoi - Lang Son expressway (toll road). The travel time is about 2.5-3 hours if taking the expressway.
The experience is to start early to avoid traffic jams, especially during holidays. Along the way, there are many rest stops with full services.
In Lang Son city, there are several taxi companies like Mai Linh, Hoang Ha, Taxi Xanh... with fares around 12,000 VND - 15,000 VND/km. This is a convenient means of transportation for getting around the city.
There are quite a few motorbike taxis at tourist spots, bus stations, and train stations with prices ranging from 10,000 VND - 50,000 VND depending on the distance. However, remember to negotiate the price before going to avoid conflicts.
Renting a motorbike is the means I often choose whenever I visit Lang Son. Rental prices range from 100,000 VND - 200,000 VND/day depending on the type of bike.
After many explorations in Lang Son, I have summarized the most outstanding tourist spots that you should not miss:
About 30km from the center of Lang Son city, Mau Son is the second highest mountain in the province with an altitude of 1,600m above sea level. This is my favorite destination every time I come to Lang Son.
The first time I went to Mau Son on a February morning, I was overwhelmed by the majestic scenery with the peaks rising in a sea of white clouds. Especially in winter, this is one of the rare places in the North where you can see snow falling.
My experience when visiting Mau Son:
Located right in the heart of Lang Son city, the Tam Thanh - Nhi Thanh cave complex is a place I always visit whenever I come here. Tam Thanh Cave has 3 levels with many strangely shaped stalactites, while Nhi Thanh Cave is smaller but equally impressive.
Visit Tam Thanh - Nhi Thanh Caves
What impresses me the most is the combination of magnificent natural landscapes with ancient architectural structures like Tam Thanh Temple and Tien Pagoda. Inside the cave, there are many valuable historical and cultural relics.
Visiting tips:
Located right in the city center, To Thi Mountain is associated with the touching legend of a woman waiting for her husband who turned to stone. From the top of the mountain, I was able to admire the peaceful and poetic view of Lang Son city.
Tips for climbing To Thi Mountain:
These two markets are a shopping paradise that I never miss when visiting Lang Son. Dong Kinh Market specializes in selling electronic goods, clothing, and household items at affordable prices. Ky Lua Market is famous for local specialties such as chestnuts, mac mat, star fruit, and shiitake mushrooms.
Shopping tips:
Located in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, Mau Dong Dang Temple is an ancient architectural structure with a unique design. The temple honors Princess Ba Chua Thuong Ngan - a figure highly revered by the local people.
Visit Mau Dong Dang Temple
My first encounter with the worship of Mau here left me deeply impressed by the sacred atmosphere and unique rituals. Especially, if you have the chance to visit during the festival (the second lunar month), you will witness traditional rituals such as hau dong and lion dance.
Visiting tips:
About 16 km from the center of Lang Son city, Huu Nghi Border Gate is the largest international border gate on the Vietnam-China border. This is an interesting destination that I explored on my second visit to Lang Son.
What is interesting is witnessing the bustling trade activities between the two countries and taking souvenir photos at the border marker. However, to cross the border, you need a valid passport and visa.
Visiting tips:
Located about 70 km north of Lang Son city, Ban Khieng Waterfall is my favorite destination in the summer. The waterfall is about 20 meters high with a cascade of white water flowing down, creating a clear, cool lake.
The first time I visited Ban Khieng Waterfall on a hot summer day, I was amazed by the pristine, majestic beauty of the waterfall. The sound of flowing water, the fresh air, and the peaceful atmosphere here helped me truly relax and enjoy nature.
Visiting tips:
To make your exploration of Lang Son complete and smooth, you should remember the following important notes:
Lang Son is a border area, so make sure to bring all necessary documents
Lang Son is not only beautiful for its majestic mountains and vibrant border markets but also preserves the unique cultural values of the Northeast region. However, to have a smooth journey, saving time and costs, traveling with a reputable travel agency is a smart choice. NVK Travel is proud to be a unit specializing in organizing toursto Lang Sonwith quality – featuring a scientific itinerary, dedicated tour guides, and reasonable costs. Whether you travel individually, in groups, or family tours, NVK Travel always has suitable service packages, ensuring you explore Lang Son safely – completely – and memorably.
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