Geotourism in Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark
Spanning over a vast territory of 4,842.58 km2, with a population of about 627,500 people (equivalent to about 58% of the area and 78% of the population in the province), covering the entire administrative boundaries of the districts: Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Loc Binh, Van Quan, Lang Son city, part of the administrative boundaries of Binh Gia district and Cao Loc district, Lang Son Geopark is a gem in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. It is a living testament, encapsulated in its diverse landscapes, to the 500 million-year journey of life's evolution. ancient seas and volcanic lands to ironwood forests, each facet of the Geopark tells a unique story. The Geopark is a brilliant tapestry of ethnic diversity, with contributions of unique customs and traditions each ethnic group. The spiritual life of the Geopark is deeply rooted in Mother Goddess Religion, a Mother Goddess worship belief recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The harmonious combination of natural history, cultural diversity and spiritual traditions makes Lang Son Geopark a unique destination.
As of 2024, there are 213 geoparks in 49 countries that are members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Many UNESCO Global Geoparks have effectively ultilized the Geotourism model for the economic development of the region. Geotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on exploring and experiencing geological sites around the world, including geological landscapes, special geological areas, geological heritages, geological phenomena and geological resources. Geotourism sites may include volcanic areas, limestone terrain, earthquakes, sinkholes, rivers and waterfalls, caves and other land areas with unique and attractive geological features for tourists. Geotourism also emphasizes the protection and management of geological resources to ensure sustainability and maintenance for future generations. Lang Son Geopark has a spectacular natural geological and geomorphological terrain, with about 200 caves, many beautiful waterfalls and sinkholes, containing countless interesting and attractive things. This will be a resource to promote the development of Geotourism (cave exploration, sport climbing, paragliding, trekking, waterfall crossing, sinkholes, SUB rowing) - These will be typical tourism products of Lang Son Geopark - Brand highlight of Lang Son Geopark tourism on the world map. In addition, Lang Son Geopark is building 38 sites on four tourist routes, including a number of geological heritage sites (Na Duong Lake Lifetime Window, Ancient Quiet Ocean, Past Marine Life, Rock Chaos, ...). Coming to Lang Son Geopark, visitors will have mysterious and unique discovery journeys, with memorable experiences.
Geotourism - a new direction for Lang Son Geopark tourism, creating significant stimulation contributing to boosting the economy of the region in particular, Lang Son province in general, raising awareness of science and conservation of tourists and local communities. Lang Son Geopark Geotourism will provide visitors with information, knowledge and understanding of the geological, geomorphological and geographical characteristics of a place associated with the protection and sustainable development of the environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and happiness of the community... Visitors will feel excited when experiencing the beauty and wonder of geology, topography, geomorphology associated with the culture, history and indigenous religion of the landscapes, thereby helping visitors understand the tangible and intangible values, thereby appreciating and joining hands to protect and preserve the landscapes and geological heritages of Lang Son Geopark. In 2025, Lang Son Geopark and its partners will continue to survey some of the approximately 200 caves, waterfalls, and sinkholes to assess their potential, a number of caves, sinkholes, and waterfalls as pilot projects, and initially map some caves for promotion, plan routes for adventure tourism, identify areas of forming stalactites that need to be protected, support all search and rescue efforts, learn about the geology/hydrology of the area, and install safety equipment. there, build and announce geotourism products at the Ceremony to receive the Certificate of UNESCO Global Geopark Title in November 2025, and put operation geotourism products and tours typical of Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark - Brand highlight of Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark tourism on the world map.
Lang Son Geopark Management Division (Lang Son Provincial Agency for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion)