Photo: Collected
Last Update: Monday December 22, 2025
The global travel map has a new shining star. In 2025, Quynh Son Cultural Tourism Village in Lang Son province was officially honored as one of the "Best Tourist Villages" by UN Tourism. This prestigious recognition isn't just a win for the local Tay community; it’s a testament to Vietnam’s successful blend of ancient heritage and sustainable tourism.
Located in the heart of the Bac Son valley, Quynh Son offers a rare glimpse into a living museum where time seems to have slowed down.
Photo: Collected
What sets Quynh Son apart from other destinations is its remarkable architectural integrity. The village is home to over 400 traditional stilt houses, all facing south to catch the breeze and ward off the heat.
These houses aren't just for show; they are the ancestral homes of the Tay ethnic group. Built with high-quality wood and topped with yin-yang tiled roofs, the structures have stood the test of time. Walking through the village, you’ll notice the uniform beauty of the dark wood against the vibrant green of the surrounding valley.
Quynh Son is strategically located within the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. This means the village is surrounded by a majestic limestone karst landscape that dates back millions of years. The harmony between the man-made wooden structures and the natural stone peaks creates a breathtaking scenery that is hard to find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
One of the biggest draws for both locals and expats is how accessible this "Global Gem" is.
Forget long, exhausting flights or 10-hour bus rides. Quynh Son is located only 150km from Hanoi, which translates to a comfortable 3-hour drive. Whether you choose a private car, a motorbike for an adventure, or a local limousine bus, the journey is scenic and straightforward.
"Global Gem" doesn't mean expensive. Quynh Son offers an incredible value-for-money experience.
Homestay Rates: You can find authentic, "fancy" (xịn sò) homestays starting from only 150,000 VND per night.
The Experience: Instead of a cold hotel room, you stay in a renovated stilt house, sleeping on comfortable mattresses with views of the rice fields.
Tourism in Quynh Son is defined by "community." You aren't just a visitor; you are a guest of the family.
The homestay model here encourages visitors to live alongside Tay families. You can join them in the kitchen to learn how to make Banh Chung Den (black sticky rice cake) or roast a local duck with Mac Mat leaves—a Lang Son specialty.
In the evenings, the village often resonates with the sounds of Then singing and the Tinh lute. These are soulful performances that tell stories of the land, the harvest, and ancient legends, providing a deep emotional connection to the destination.
If you are an Instagram enthusiast or a nature lover, Quynh Son is your paradise.
For the best view in the region, a trek up Na Lay Mountain is mandatory. At an elevation of about 600 meters, the climb involves around 1,200 stone steps. While it might sound daunting, the reward at the summit is unparalleled.
From the top of Na Lay, you can witness the famous "above clouds, below rice" (trên mây dưới lúa) phenomenon. The entire Bac Son valley unfolds beneath you like a colorful patchwork quilt of rice paddies, bisected by a winding river, all draped in a veil of morning mist.
To ensure a smooth trip to Vietnam’s newest world-class village, preparation is key.
July and October: These are the "Golden Seasons" when the rice ripens, turning the valley into a sea of yellow.
Spring: Perfect for experiencing local festivals and lush greenery.
For international travelers looking to visit Quynh Son, most will need a visa. The E-visa system is currently the most convenient way to enter, allowing a stay of up to 90 days for citizens of all countries. You can apply online through their portal to avoid long queues at the airport.
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