Things To Do
in Lạng Sơn
Lang Son is a northern border city in Vietnam, sitting just inland from the Chinese frontier. It blends a long history of trade and resistance with a lively provincial market culture. The surrounding countryside features hills, rivers, and Mau Son, a popular mountain escape.
As the gateway to Lang Son Province, the city offers a compact, walkable center and a starting point for border crossing adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tam Thanh Cave, where the morning light creates a mystical atmosphere. Explore the ancient carvings and tranquil surroundings before enjoying a traditional breakfast at a local eatery. Savor a bowl of 'phở' that warms your soul and prepares you for a day of exploration.
After breakfast, stroll through the bustling markets of Lạng Sơn, where local vendors sell unique handicrafts and fresh produce. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two to remember your trip. As the afternoon sun shines, visit the historic Lạng Sơn Citadel, where the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking.
As dusk approaches, head to the Thang Long Park to relax by the lakeside and enjoy the serene ambiance. Indulge in a dinner of local delicacies, including grilled river fish and sticky rice, at a nearby restaurant. Conclude your day by wandering the lively streets and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to the nearby ethnic minority villages, where traditional life thrives untouched by modernity. Join a local family for breakfast, learning about their customs and daily routines while enjoying a home-cooked meal. This authentic experience sets a warm tone for the day ahead.
Spend the afternoon exploring the village, participating in traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery under the guidance of skilled artisans. Engage in conversations with the villagers to gain deeper insights into their culture and traditions. As the sun begins to set, take part in a local dance or music session, immersing yourself in the community's heritage.
Return to Lạng Sơn and enjoy a quiet evening at a cozy café, sipping on Vietnamese coffee while reflecting on your day. Dine at a local restaurant, trying out regional specialties like 'bánh cuốn' or 'bánh xèo'. If you're up for it, take a stroll through the city to enjoy the illuminated streets and lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🚗Taxi start in town | $0.5-2 |
| 🛍️Local market shopping | $2-20 |
| 🏨1 night in budget to mid-range hotel | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic border location with vibrant markets
- Affordable to explore and strong local culture
- Scenic countryside and Mau Son for outdoor lovers
- Relatively compact and walkable city center
- Limited nightlife compared to coastal cities
- Some attractions require short drives or local transport
- Language barrier in rural areas although English is increasingly spoken in tourist spots
- Border-region crowds can cause occasional delays at crossings
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is it?
- "Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?" - Do you speak English?
- "Tôi muốn ăn thêm" - I would like to order more
Places to Visit in Lạng Sơn
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic border gate with arch design; best photographed at sunrise or sunset with reflections on the nearby river and busy market activity around the area.
Historic walls and gates offering a sense of the city’s past; capture mossy stones, watchtowers, and quiet courtyards in soft light.
Panoramas over the plateau and rolling hills; misty mornings and occasional snow in winter provide dramatic photo opportunities.
Food in Lạng Sơn
Lạng Sơn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Signature grilled pork sausage served with herbs, rice paper, and a tangy dipping sauce; widely available at street stalls and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
A local variant of pho with a clearer broth and regional garnishes, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or late afternoon meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling border market area with stalls selling grilled meats, noodles, herbs, and snacks; great for people-watching and authentic bites.
A lively market known for textiles, handicrafts, and local street foods; ideal for tasting inexpensive snacks and picking up souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and shrines; remove hats indoors if asked and avoid loud behavior.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural villages or markets; a polite smile and local language greeting helps.
A respectful greeting and addressing people with their title or surname goes a long way; avoid overt public displays of anger.
Safety
Tipping in Lạng Sơn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam. In nicer restaurants or for hotel porters, small tips (about 5-10%) are appreciated but not expected. For street food and markets, tipping is optional and often not practiced. Carry cash for small tips if you wish to show appreciation.
Cash (Vietnamese dong) is widely used in markets and casual eateries. Some mid-range restaurants and hotels accept cards, but cash is safer for smaller bills. ATMs are available in Lang Son city. Mobile payments (eg MoMo, ZaloPay) are increasingly common for peer-to-peer transfers and some vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers create pleasant city walks and market photography; carry a light layer and an umbrella for occasional showers.
Hot and humid with possible heavy afternoon rain; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and schedule outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Cooler, comfortable weather with clear skies; ideal for hiking around Mau Son and exploring outdoor markets.
Cold temperatures, especially at night; Mau Son can see snowfall on higher elevations; bring warm clothing and a windproof layer.
Lạng Sơn at Night
Hiking in Lạng Sơn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular highland hiking destination with panoramic views and occasional snowfall in winter.
Airports
How to reach Lạng Sơn by plane.
Main international airport serving Lang Son; about 150-180 km away by road; good for connecting domestic and international flights.
Alternative regional airport around 170-200 km away; convenient for domestic connections and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority urban population with growing commerce and services.
One of the region's prominent ethnic minority groups; smaller local communities around Lang Son.
Another major minority group contributing to local culture and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at local clubs and parks; weekend matches and street play are common.
Widely played in community centers and schools; casual courts are common in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lạng Sơn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy noodle soups and vegetable-based dishes; ask for clear broth substitutions and request vegetables or tofu as protein without meat stock.