Bac Son, Lang Son

Bac Son is a quiet rural district in Lang Son Province, northern Vietnam, home to just over 70,000 people. While it remains largely untouched by mass tourism, Bac Son is famous for its dramatic limestone karst mountains, vast rice valleys, and peaceful countryside atmosphere. For travelers exploring northern Vietnam by motorbike, Bac Son offers some of the most scenic and relaxing riding in the region.

Getting to Bac Son with motorbike

Bac Son is located approximately 140km northeast of Hanoi, making it an ideal destination for a 4-hour motorbike ride. Most riders follow QL1A, with the final stretch via DT241 / DT243 through Huu Lien, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful riding sections in the area.

Other common routes include:

• Lang Son City: just 75km east, the provincial capital and major border city 
• Cao Bang City: 126km north, perfect for riders heading deeper into the northeast 
• Ba Be Lake: 180km northwest, a popular stop when linking Hanoi, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang 

Bac Son features on several northern Vietnam motorbike routes, making it an easy and rewarding stop.

Where to Stay

Bac Son Valley

Accommodation is concentrated in the heart of Bac Son Valley, where you’ll find a selection of local homestays. These range from very basic dorm-style options starting at around 200,000 VND per night, to higher-quality homestays offering private rooms and better comfort.

Huu Lien

Located 30km south of Bac Son, Huu Lien offers a wider choice of homestays and eco-lodges. It’s particularly popular with rock climbers and travelers visiting the Dong Lam Plateau. You’ll also find a resort-style option here for those seeking more comfort.

Top Things to See & Do in Bac Son

Bac Son Valley Rice Fields

The heart of the region is the Bac Son Valley itself, a vast basin of rice fields completely surrounded by karst mountains. No matter where you stand, the scenery feels cinematic.

The valley is especially stunning during the rice harvest seasons, when the fields turn golden beneath the surrounding peaks. These occur from late July to early August and again from late October to November. Outside of harvest, the valley is just as beautiful, with vibrant green fields during May – June and September – October.

Flower Valley (Thung Lung Hoa)

Just over 10km south of Bac Son, one former farming area has been transformed into a colorful Flower Valley. Framed by limestone cliffs, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the region.

The valley changes with the seasons. In June, purple cosmos flowers dominate the landscape. From July to October, a wide variety of flowers bloom, making this the peak time to visit. In November, pink buckwheat flowers cover the valley, creating a striking contrast against the grey karst mountains.

Because it sits directly on the route between Hanoi, Bac Son, and Cat Ba, it’s an easy and rewarding stop on a motorbike journey.

Na Lay Peak – Best Viewpoint in Bac Son

For the best panoramic view of Bac Son Valley, Na Lay Peak is the place to go. Located right in the center of town, it’s the most accessible viewpoint in the area.

A staircase of around 1,200 uneven steps leads to the summit, where a small platform near a telecommunications station offers sweeping views over the entire valley. The climb takes around 45 minutes, depending on pace, and is best done early in the morning or late afternoon.

Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular, though care should be taken when descending in low light or wet conditions.

Tham Khach Cave – Ride Through a Hidden Valley

One of Bac Son’s most unique attractions is Tham Khach Cave, a natural tunnel around 1km long with a road running directly through it. Riding through the cave by motorbike is an unforgettable experience.

The cave is completely unlit, so riders rely on their headlights and should move slowly. On the far side, the cave opens into a remote agricultural valley used by local farmers.

Tham Khach Cave also holds historical significance, having been used extensively during the war as a storage facility. Remnants of old buildings can still be seen near the entrance. Even though it’s a dead-end road, the ride alone makes it well worth the detour.

Nong Luc Communal House

Located about 8km south of Bac Son, near the Flower Valley, Nong Luc Communal House is easy to miss unless you know where to look. Sitting just off the DT241, it played an important role during the Bac Son Uprising of 1940.

Built in 1927, the structure blends multiple Vietnamese architectural styles and historically served as a place of worship, administration, and community gathering. Today, it remains a spiritual and cultural center for the local community.

Dong Lam Plateau (Mini Mongolia)

About 32km south of Bac Son, near Huu Lien, lies the Dong Lam Plateau, often referred to as “mini Mongolia.” This wide, open landscape contrasts sharply with the surrounding karst mountains.

During the rainy season, the plateau fills with shallow lakes, while in the dry season it becomes an ideal spot for picnics, barbecues, and watching local horses roam freely. It’s a peaceful place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the openness of northern Vietnam’s countryside.

Rock Climbing in Huu Lien

For adventure travelers, Yen Thinh Village near Huu Lien has become a recognized rock climbing destination. While climbing equipment must be arranged in Hanoi, companies such as Viet Climb offer guided experiences and gear rental.

Summary – Why Visit Bac Son?

Bac Son and Huu Lien are perfect destinations for travelers looking to escape Hanoi or add a scenic stop to a longer northern Vietnam motorbike loop. With rice valleys, flower fields, caves, karst mountains, and peaceful rural life, the area offers an incredible variety of experiences in a compact region.

One night is enough to see the highlights, but spending two nights – perhaps one in Bac Son Valley and one in Huu Lien – allows you to explore at a relaxed pace.

For riders heading toward Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake, or beyond, Bac Son is more than just a stopover – it’s a destination worth slowing down for.

Related Routes

For travellers heading on a motorbike loop through the north of Vietnam, then many of our routes take you through the Bac Son valley.

You can view all of our recommended routes here: here.