VI
EN
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the desire to "escape"—to find a peaceful, unspoiled place for the soul to rest—is becoming increasingly strong. No longer prioritizing crowded, bustling destinations, many travelers are now drawn to villages that seem to have stepped out of the past, where time appears to stand still, where people can slow down, breathe fresh air, and listen to the rustic sounds of authentic life.
Among them, Lan Dat – a small village in Huu Lien commune, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province – stands out as a mysterious destination, attracting tourists from both inside and outside the country, despite all the obstacles in terms of terrain and amenities.
A world isolated within the heart of jagged limestone mountains.
Nestled deep within the towering jagged mountains, Lan Dat is likened to a "forgotten world," completely isolated from modern life. Located about 10 km from the center of Huu Lien commune and about 30 km from the center of Huu Lung district, this Dao village still retains its rare, pristine character.
Nestled amidst the majestic mountain ranges of Lang Son province, Lan Dat village (Huu Lien commune, Huu Lung district) is considered a world isolated from modern life.
In Lan Dat, the concept of "convenience" is virtually non-existent: no electricity, no phone signal, no schools, no hospitals, no markets, and no road transportation. Everything seems to revert to life from hundreds of years ago, offering a truly authentic "prehistoric" experience.
Many people jokingly call this the "forgotten" village, because at first glance, it seems to lack any trace of modern life.
Reaching Lan Dat village presents a significant challenge for visitors. The village is isolated by jagged, treacherous mountains. The only access is a narrow, steep, rocky trail, requiring approximately two hours of hiking through the mountains. Especially on rainy days, the path becomes incredibly slippery and dangerous, causing many groups to give up midway.
A place where time stands still and the soul is healed.
However, it is precisely these difficulties and isolation that make Lan Dat so uniquely attractive. Anyone who has overcome the arduous journey to get here shares a strange feeling of excitement and peace. Without the hustle and bustle of the city, the dazzling lights, or the blaring car horns, Lan Dat appears as a pristine landscape surrounded by lush, verdant primary forest.
Everything seemed to revert to the way things were hundreds of years ago.
Life for the Red Dao people here unfolds in a simple, rustic way. Traditional stilt houses are scattered across the hillsides, peeking out from under ancient trees. Children in Lan Dat are not engrossed in phone screens; instead, they innocently fly kites, play football, swim in the streams, explore the lakes, or enjoy the experience of herding buffalo in the vast grasslands. Adults take the opportunity to chat with tourists, sharing simple stories about their daily lives. Despite the lack of material comforts and modern conveniences, the faces of the people of Lan Dat always reflect peace, kindness, and innocent eyes.
The lives of the people here are still simple and lacking in basic necessities.
The pristine, secluded nature of Lan Dat is a magnet for those who love experiences, exploration, and reconnecting with pure nature. Many visitors share that they come here not only to breathe the fresh air and admire the majestic scenery, but also to slow down and experience the simple, authentic life of the local people – something that has become rare in modern society.
Visitors entering the village must break off a branch and place it at the village entrance where the "Buddha statue" is located, as a folk belief of the forest dwellers, and as a prayer for a safe journey.
Without luxurious amenities or modern services, this small village captivates travelers with its inherent authenticity and tranquility. Perhaps the most special thing about Lan Dat is not that it "has nothing," but that it still retains "everything" from a beautiful era – an era of simplicity, connecting people with nature and with each other in a genuine way. And for many, that's enough for a truly memorable journey, an effective "healing" therapy for the soul amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
