Huu Lung, a mountainous commune, offers a peaceful natural setting and abundant greenery. It's an ideal destination for northern Vietnam travelers seeking relaxation and a slower pace of life, especially those with limited time for long-distance travel who wish to avoid crowded entertainment areas or artificial environments.
This itinerary is based on the experience of Hang Nguyen, a traveler from Hanoi, who visited Huu Lung at the end of June.
 |
A glimpse of the natural scenery in Huu Lung. Photo: Nguyen Hang |
A glimpse of the natural scenery in Huu Lung. Photo: Nguyen Hang
Day 1
Travel from Hanoi to Huu Lung
The journey takes about 2 hours via the CT01 expressway. The route is straightforward, with accurate Google Maps directions and clear signage, making navigation easy.
Check in to a homestay
Huu Lung offers various homestays with simple yet comfortable and clean designs. Prices range from 500,000 to over 1 million VND per night for a double room. Some recommended options include: May Retreat, Phong Son Retreat, Homestay Yen Long, and Mai's House Huu Lung.
Engage in nature-based activities
 |
Natural scenery in Huu Lung. Photo: May |
Natural scenery in Huu Lung. Photo: May
 |
Stand-up paddleboarding on the river. Photo: May |
Stand-up paddleboarding on the river. Photo: May
 |
Swimming in the streams. Photo: Hang Nguyen |
Swimming in the streams. Photo: Hang Nguyen
 |
Morning yoga session. Photo: Hang Nguyen |
Morning yoga session. Photo: Hang Nguyen
Huu Lung is rich in streams, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. The homestays are situated near rivers, streams, or lakes. The village roads, though small, are paved and clean, facilitating easy travel.
Visitors can cycle through the village, stand-up paddleboard on the lake, swim in streams and waterfalls, or stroll through rice paddies. Choose activities that suit your preferences and schedule, whether in the morning or afternoon.
Dining at the homestay
As the area doesn't attract large crowds and lacks restaurants, visitors typically order meals at their homestays. Homestay staff will shop and prepare meals upon request. "Guests should order in advance to ensure fresh, delicious meals that cater to their tastes," Hang suggests. The dishes primarily feature local produce, simply prepared.
After dinner, gather around a bonfire or in the communal area to share stories about Huu Lung with the locals.
 |
Rustic dishes like braised pork and chicken in Huu Lung. Photo: May |
Rustic dishes like braised pork and chicken in Huu Lung. Photo: May
Day 2
Yoga and reading under the trees
Wake up early to enjoy the fresh air, practice gentle yoga, or simply lie down and read under the trees—these are favorite activities among Huu Lung visitors. Enjoy breakfast at your homestay.
"Don't oversleep in the morning; you'll miss the scenery and atmosphere that are impossible to experience in big cities," Hang advises.
Hand-pick mountain custard apples
Lang Son, and Huu Lung in particular, is known for its mountain custard apple cultivation. Late July marks the beginning of the custard apple season. Here, visitors can learn about the custard apple trees and hear from local farmers about their cultivation methods. Register in advance with your homestay to be guided to an orchard. Some accommodations even grow custard apples on their premises.
Explore Dong Lam steppe
 |
Relaxing by the stream at Dong Lam steppe. |
Dong Lam steppe, about 7 km from Huu Lung's center, is an ideal last-day destination before checking out and returning to Hanoi. Spend 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon enjoying activities like horseback riding and camping. Dong Lam steppe is currently at its most picturesque, with a vast expanse of sky, a stream for playing, and a long grassy field perfect for children to run and play.
Linh Huong
