Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark

Celebrating Earth Heritage

Set within the rugged limestone peaks of northern Viet Nam, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark tells a remarkable story of shifting seas, volcanic eruptions and evolving ecosystems. The geopark is a natural archive, preserving evidence of life’s evolution through the ages. Its oldest rocks reveal traces of an ancient seabed, once home to trilobites – marine creatures that resembled large woodlice – and graptolites, early sea animals that lived in colonies. As the sea receded, it left behind layers of shale, sandstone and limestone, and volcanic landscapes emerged. One of the geopark’s remarkable geological sites is the Na Duong basin – a natural depression that offers a rare glimpse into Southeast Asia’s environment around 40 to 20 million years ago. Fossils found here reveal a lush tropical ecosystem, rich in plants and animals, and provide key insights into how mammals moved between continents. The region’s distinctive geology has also influenced local agriculture, with mineral-rich soils supporting crops such as custard apples and star anise. The Bac Son Limestone Massif – a striking mountain range formed from ancient seabed deposits – reveals traces of some of Viet Nam’s earliest human inhabitants, with stone tools, ceramic artifacts and burial sites offering glimpses into prehistoric life.

Characteristics

Designation date
2025
Country(ies)
Area (ha)
484,900
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