Lạng Sơn: Caves, Cultural Heritage and Regional Traditions

In the Na La cave system in Văn Quan District, the route leads past glittering stalactites, underground streams and narrow passages. Those interested in geological history can hike to the Na Dương Basin, where they can discover tropical fossils dating back 40 to 20 million years. These underground formations and fossils offer different experiences within the province.

Caves, Limestone and Views

The Nhị–Tam Thanh scenic and heritage site lies in the limestone mountain range northwest of Lạng Sơn City, in Tam Thanh Ward. Tam Thanh Cave and Tam Thanh Pagoda are historical and cultural monuments, as well as well-known scenic attractions in Lạng Sơn. The pagoda is located inside a cave, and its layout differs from that of ordinary pagodas.

Nhi Thanh Cave also shows how water and limestone shape the landscape: the Ngọc Tuyền stream, which is over 600 metres long, flows through the cave and forms a small waterfall in the Nhất Bích Trì pond. From the citadel of the Mạc dynasty, you can look east across the whole of Lạng Sơn City. The citadel is considered a rare and significant relic of feudal-era defences.

In the Nà Lùng Valley in Văn Quan, green meadows stretch across more than 10 hectares throughout the year. A stream runs along the limestone mountains. Those who prefer open landscapes to caves and monuments will find another side of the province here.

Cultural Heritage and Festivals

The UNESCO Global Geopark Lạng Sơn is home to Kinh, Nùng, Tay and Dao communities, each with their own languages, crafts and traditions. Then singing is part of Lạng Sơn’s intangible cultural heritage. The Dan Tinh, a traditional gourd lute, is also part of this heritage. This culture is reflected both in traditional art forms and in experiences offered to visitors.

The Quynh Son community tourism village offers visitors a glimpse of local culture, including cuisine, singing and the playing of Then and Tinh instruments. The Quynh Son arts group performs Then singing, folk dances and Chau dances for tourists. The village is home to numerous wooden stilt houses belonging to the Tay people, built in the traditional stilt-house style.

Pagodas and their history are also part of the region’s cultural landscape. Thanh Pagoda was founded by local people around the 15th century, during the Lê dynasty. Tien Pagoda is located on Đại Tượng Mountain, also known as Elephant Mountain, whose shape resembles a crouching elephant.

The festival of Tam Thanh and Tam Giao pagodas takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It includes a special procession with a palanquin, and visitors from outside the area also take part. The annual Tien Pagoda Festival is celebrated on the 18th day of the first lunar month and includes several distinctive traditional rituals of Lạng Sơn Province. If you plan your trip around a festival, check the exact date and programme for your travel period; the festival arrangements may vary.

Regional Cuisine and Crafts

Star anise products are among Lạng Sơn’s local specialities; star anise is cultivated on more than 34,000 hectares in the province. Dishes visitors can try in Văn Quan include sticky rice dishes, local cakes, cage- and river-farmed fish, roast pork and Khau Nhục.

Khau Nhục, also known as Nằm khâu, originated in China and was brought to Vietnam by Tày and Nùng communities. Over time, the dish became a well-known speciality of Lạng Sơn. It is served at family celebrations such as Tết and weddings. Roast pork with Mắc Mật leaves is also considered a traditional and distinctive dish of the province. In Bắc Quỳnh Commune, black Chung cake is a characteristic local dish.

The duck with Mắc Mật leaves received a notable distinction: under Decision No. 100/KLVN-TOP/2021, dated 1 February 2021, it was included among the Top 100 Vietnamese Specialties for 2020–2021. Along with the regional dishes, festival traditions and varied landscapes, the cuisine offers another insight into what makes Lạng Sơn unique.

Discover more destinations: Lang Son, Tây Ninh, Thanh Hóa, Quảng Bình, Da Nang, Lao Cai, Ninh Bình, Hà Tĩnh.

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