A Geological Gem Recently Recognized at the Gates of Ba Be
The Lang Son Geopark, officially integrated into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network on June 28, 2025, represents the fourth such site in Vietnam. Located near Ba Be and the provinces of Thai Nguyen/Bac Kan, it spans approximately 4,842.58 km² and encompasses several districts and part of Lang Son city. The geopark, established at the provincial level in 2021, gained its UNESCO recognition after decades of scientific research and a favorable vote in September 2024.
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A Mosaic of Natural and Cultural Values
This geopark is a concentration of natural and cultural values. It features 24 distinct geological formations dating back 500 million years, 15 of which were discovered in Lang Son. There are also approximately 200 caves, such as Tham Khuyen and Tham Hai, which house human traces dating back 30,000 to 470,000 years, as well as animal and plant fossils from 40 to 50 million years ago. Culturally, the geopark is the birthplace of the Tay and Nung cultures, with intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO. It boasts rich biodiversity, particularly in the Huu Lien Nature Reserve, and important local crops like custard apple and star anise.
Major Sites to Discover
Lang Son Geopark is full of iconic sites:
- Bac Son Valley: A photogenic karst landscape, framed by mountains and limestone peaks. The valley floor is covered with rice fields, offering stunning panoramic views. It is also the cradle of the Bac Son Revolution in 1940 and home to archaeological sites of the prehistoric Bac Son civilization.
- Na La Cave (or Tham Na La): A major archaeological and geological site, this limestone cave contains stalactites and stalagmites, and discoveries proving prehistoric human occupation.
- Dong Lam Lake: Often compared to an “inland Ha Long Bay,” this lake offers serene natural beauty with verdant karst mounds and hills emerging from the water. It is home to rich fauna and flora, with numerous bird species and herds of horses grazing freely.
A Future Focused on Sustainable Tourism
The geopark offers 38 attractions distributed across four thematic tourist routes. UNESCO recognition aims to promote responsible and sustainable tourism and cultural development, by highlighting its geological, cultural, historical heritage and biodiversity, while fostering community engagement. As a member of a global network of protected sites, Lang Son Geopark will facilitate scientific, technical, and cultural exchanges. It represents a major example of Vietnam’s natural and cultural richness, offering considerable tourism and scientific potential. Its proximity to Ba Be National Park opens up prospects for collaboration and exchange, strengthening the tourist appeal of the entire Northeast Vietnamese region.
