Geological trails

SUP rowing on Lan Ty Lake (Lang Son). (Photo: MANH PHAM) — *SUP rowing on Lan Ty lake ( Lang Son ). (Photo: MANH PHAM)*

Forming “geological trails” will open up space for sustainable development of Lang Son tourism. At the same time, this is also an important step for Lang Son province to realize the vision of developing the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark, which has just been recognized, turning heritage into a new economic driving force, spreading value to the community and reaching out to the world.

From global title…

On April 17, 2025, Lang Son Geopark was officially recognized as a Global Geopark by the United NationsEducational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is an important step, marking a shift in the development mindset of Lang Son province - shifting from simple conservation to sustainable exploitation of heritage, promoting socio-economic development, and improving people's lives.

With an area of over 4,842 km², accounting for about 58% of the province's total area, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark has many factors to develop a unique geological tourism area: a unique limestone karst ecosystem, more than 200 fascinating caves, a rich flora and fauna, ethnic communities with rich cultural identities, the Mother Goddess worship recognized by UNESCO, and especially a geological flow spanning over 500 million years of history.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Huong, Deputy Head of the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark Department, the province has clearly identified three core products: Geotourism, adventure tourism and community cultural tourism; thereby building 38 satellite tourist destinations spread across four major routes. In particular, the "Geological Trails" are the focus connecting destinations, leading tourists on a journey to deeply explore the unique geological, cultural and ecological values of the region. This is also a concrete solution to realize UNESCO's criteria on conservation, education and sustainable development that Lang Son province has committed to.

...to the roads that open up opportunities

Lang Son is currently implementing the geological trail "Journey to the Heart of Lan Ty Lake" (Huu Lien commune from July 1, 2025) expected to be completed from June to September 2025. This is a route about 6km long, crossing the valley and cat ear stone pass in the Huu Lien special-use forest area.

To suit the exploration tourism activities, items such as natural boulders, stone benches, wooden bridges over streams, and bilingual Vietnamese-English signs are being designed. The highlight of the route is the information signs at prominent landmarks: Dam Mon, Lan Ty waterfall, Mat Than mountain, Mo Ang lake...

“In particular, at the rest stops, stories of geology, ecology and indigenous culture will be integrated to enhance the experience for visitors. The Lan Ty geological trail not only creates an impression for the footsteps of discovery, but is also an educational journey, connecting the community. Each rock and step bears the mark of the contribution of local people, demonstrating the philosophy of sustainable development,” Ms. Huong emphasized.

Along with Lan Ty, other routes such as "Ky ma Song Dinosaur - Dinh Phja Po", "Thi Hoa Do Quyen - Dinh Phja Me" (Mau Son commune from July 1, 2025) are also being promoted. The Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion of Lang Son province is coordinating with all levels, sectors and localities to synchronously deploy many tasks such as: Surveying maps, designing a system of signs, observation towers, coordinating with local youth forces to directly participate in clearing, placing rocks, erecting signboards; at the same time, organizing training courses on guiding skills, explaining geological heritage for tour guides.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Tan Van, former Director of the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, who has many years of research on Vietnam's geoparks, "Building geological trails is the right way to move from passive conservation to sustainable development. When the local community is the creator and beneficiary of the trails, the heritage value will be preserved for a long time."

Not only the government and the community, but also travel agencies and tourism businesses have actively participated in the past time. Recently, Vietnam Expeditions Joint Stock Company has been licensed to exploit adventure tourism at Yen Son Heaven Gate and the geological trail "Journey to the Heart of Lan Ty Lake", the UNESCO Global Geopark of Lang Son.

This is the basis for the unit to research, build and put into operation specialized adventure tours according to international standards of safety and conservation, bringing unique geological experiences such as adventurous cave exploration activities, limestone climbing, or trekking trips combined with geological tectonics.

Mr. Pham Van Manh, Director of Vietnam Expeditions Joint Stock Company shared: “Lang Son owns a system of caves-sinkholes, majestic limestone mountains, unique geological heritages with high scientific and aesthetic value. This is a solid foundation for specialized exploration and discovery tourism products. In addition, the rich national cultural identity and unique cuisine create an attractive overall experience for tourists. Currently, the demand for experiential tourism, nature exploration and heritage learning is increasing, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark can completely position itself as the leading destination for this segment”.

Many other travel companies have also surveyed and come up with ideas for exploiting outdoor educational tours, cave exploration tours, sinkhole tours... associated with geological trails. For example, the Lang Son Provincial Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center is coordinating with a consulting unit to research and develop a geological tourism map/route for the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark called: The Great Journey, in which each travel company with its own strengths/expertise will build and develop a number of attractive tourism products/destinations, as a piece of the puzzle that combines to form the overall picture of geological tourism in the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark area.

On May 30, 2025, the Standing Committee of Lang Son Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 223-NQ/TU on preserving, embellishing and promoting the value of Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark in the period of 2025-2030, with a vision to 2035. This is a specific step that Lang Son has set as a goal that by 2035, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark will complete a synchronous and modern infrastructure system; imbued with the diverse cultural identities of ethnic communities; the system of natural heritage and biodiversity is sustainably preserved, thereby developing unique and high-quality tourism products and services.

In the context of the world moving towards zero-emission, responsible tourism models, Lang Son has chosen to develop geological tourism based on conservation, community and education. Geological trails are not only unique tourism products, but also “green infrastructure” - a place where nature, culture, community wisdom and strategic vision converge. Today’s geological trails are a solid step to help Lang Son affirm its position on the domestic and international geological tourism map.

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/van-hoa/202506/nhung-con-duong-mon-dia-chat-7325131/