Boasting breathtaking landscapes and unique geological and geomorphological features, Lang Son Geopark is now the fourth such site in Viet Nam to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, following the Dong Van Karst Plateau (2010), Non Nuoc Cao Bang (2018), and Dak Nong (2020).
A unique heritage in the northern region
Established in 2021, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark covers over 4,800 km², spanning eight districts and cities: Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Van Quan, Loc Binh, Lang Son City, and parts of Binh Gia and Cao Loc districts.
Visitors to the geopark can marvel at panoramic views of low limestone mountain ranges enveloping valleys and villages, such as Yen Thinh Commune in Huu Lung District, or explore prehistoric relics in Tham Khuyen Cave (Binh Gia District).
The park also features an underground river at the Mo Mam stream ecological tourism site and the Na Duong basin (Loc Binh District), where fossils of giant flora and fauna dating back 40-50 million years have been discovered.
Lang Son Geopark is home to a distinctive ecosystem, notably the Huu Lien Nature Reserve—often referred to as the "green lung" of the Northeast—boasting limestone mountains, caves, underground streams, and seasonal wetlands. Nearly 9,000 hectares of natural forest encompasses two primeval forest areas, home to 776 plant species and 409 animal species, including approximately 30 rare plants and 61 endangered animals listed in the Red Book.
Beyond its natural beauty, the geopark preserves invaluable intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the lifestyle, cuisine, clothing, folk songs, and dances passed down through generations of ethnic minorities.
Visitors can experience the unique "Then" ritual practice of the Tay, Nung, and Thai peoples—recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity—alongside traditional ‘sli’ folk singing and lion dances, which are cherished national cultural treasures.
Additionally, the park preserves significant tangible cultural sites, including spiritual relics tied to the Mother Goddess worship system, such as Bac Le Temple (Huu Lung District), dedicated to the Mountain Mother, and Dong Dang Temple, devoted to the Heaven Mother.
Historical sites such as Khuoi Noi—where the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of the Liberation Army, the precursor to the Viet Nam People’s Army (VPA), was founded—and the Bac Son Uprising Museum further enrich the cultural landscape, enhancing visitors’ journeys through Lang Son Geopark.
As Dr Kristin Rangnes, an expert from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, remarked:
"My greatest impression here is the rich cultural heritage closely intertwined with natural heritage and geological values."
Geological tourism – a pathway for sustainable development
Geological tourism is an emerging yet sustainable addition to Viet Nam’s domestic tourism industry.
According to Professor Dr Ta Hoa Phuong, a leading palaeontology and geological heritage expert, Viet Nam holds unrivaled potential for geological tourism in Southeast Asia and is among Asia’s frontrunners in this field.
UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network require geological tourism as a fundamental element for geopark sustainability. Recognizing this, Lang Son provincial authorities have incorporated geological tourism into their official strategy, including a draft resolution on preserving and promoting Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark for 2025-2030, with a vision extending to 2050.
The geopark has curated four tourism routes including 38 destinations under the theme “The Flow of Life in the Sacred Land.”
These routes explore captivating themes, namely “Exploring the Mountainous World,” “Journey to the Heavenly Realm,” “Rustic Life on Earth,” and “Discovering the Underwater World.” They traverse National Highways 1A, 1B, 4B, and 279, featuring diverse sites such as Thoai Mother Temple, Tien Pagoda, Mai Pha archaeological site, Ban Khieng Waterfall, the Stone Daisy World, Ancient Ocean Life, Na Duong Wetlands, Sea Memories, Keng Tao Cave, Huu Nghi International Border Gate, and Chi Lang Pass.
The UNESCO Global Geopark designation is expected to serve as a catalyst for Lang Sơn Geopark’s emergence as a prominent landmark on the global geological tourism map.
Recently, the Lang Son Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center collaborated with travel companies to develop a geological tourism map and routes under the initiative “The Grand Voyage.”
Each partner has crafted distinctive tourism products and destinations, collectively forming a comprehensive geological tourism offering.
The UNESCO Global Geopark designation is expected to serve as a catalyst for Lang Sơn Geopark’s emergence as a prominent landmark on the global geological tourism map.
This recognition will facilitate resource mobilisation, enhance management and conservation efforts, and promote sustainable tourism development—benefiting local communities while preserving both natural and cultural heritage.
