Lang Co Vietnam Travel Guide

General View about Lang Co (Town) Vietnam

Lang Co Vietnam Introduction

Lang Co is a peninsula town (fishing village) in the southernmost of Hue, and by the border between the city with Da Nang. It’s famous for unspoiled lengthy beaches lined by breezy fresh seafood restaurants, and breath-taking surroundings. Travelers can expect a private expanse for surfing, an exciting ride up a spectacular pass to an elevation of 1,500 meters, a turquoise lagoon with an amazing mountain backdrop, cool pristine streams to swim or an island adventure with snorkeling. Jet setters may spend time in golf courses and casinos to have fun if don’t want to go too far. Thanks to not being popular with mass tourism yet, accommodations in Lang Co are a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle that is increasingly hard to find in nearby Da Nang and Hoi An.

Fact: Lang Co means “the stork village” and was first tagged on the map in the French colonial time. Local fishermans believe that it is “tomb of Co (female whale)”, associated with their worship of whales over centuries.

Tourist Areas in Lang Co

Lang Co has four areas where tourists usually choose to stay overnight: Lang Co Town, Canh Duong Beach, New Canh Duong Beach and Laguna Resort Area. While many resorts are based in the first and the last, two others are camping grounds that are popular to local travelers. The town definitely is easiest to get, because it lies along the busiest highway of Vietnam, QL1A. Canh Duong-based facilities are from 5 to 10 km from there.

History of Lang Co Vietnam

Lang Co is a fishing village on a sand dune (peninsula) between a lagoon and the sea. Nobody makes sure that the Chams lived here or not, because of no relics found. So, Vietnamese from the north were the first inhabitants to settle on the land. Earliest migrations might be from 15^th century after the call of Le Thanh Tong king who aimed for national defence. Since 1306, it’s already been handed down to Viet people (through a wedding). Nowadays, locals earn a living by fishing, farming oysters, raising pearls and tourism. Like many other coastal settlements, a large proportion of the current population follows Christianity which was introduced in 19^th century by the French. Three churches and a Christian cemetery by the HW1A are proof.  

Fact: Khai Dinh, 12nd king of Nguyen Dynasty, loved Lang Co Beach after his visit by mistake in 1916. He requested to build a leisure villa here in 1919 and frequently came with the family. It’s deconstructed in 1947.

Lang Co Weather

Seasons in the Year

Lang Co has two seasons, the dry from January to August, and the wet from September to December. This indicates that the town has a longer dry season and shorter wet season than the whole country. Yearly average temperature is 24^oC and the difference of temperature between the hottest and coldest months is 9^oC. On the other hand, average rainfall for a year is 2,800 to 3,400mm, one of the lowest ranges in Hue. Furthermore, Lang Co is also less affected by typhoons and floods, thanks to shelter of the Hai Van Pass Range.  

These are facts about weather and climate in Lang Co:

– Warmest month: July, average maximum temperature is 35^oC

– Coldest month: January, average maximum temperature is 25^oC

– Wettest month: October

– Driest month: March

– Sunniest month: July

Best Time to Visit Lang Co Vietnam

The best time to visit Lang Co in Vietnam is from April to the end of July. During this period, swimmers and sunbathers can expect clear skies, lots of sun, dry sands, warm and clean water, gentle waves. In addition, the seafood is also freshest, because fisherman boats are easy to set sail and catch in the sea. No surprise that plenty of travelers plan to come here, especially those who want to avoid crowded beaches and high costs in neighboring cities. If just looking for a relaxation-focused trip, Lang Co is one of the greatest localities in Central Vietnam. From September to December, it’s windy and the sea features cloudy and cold water, bigger waves clapping the wet shore. Swimming is not highly recommended, because of safety reasons. Outdoor activities like water sports, snorkeling, trekking, hiking, the Hai Van Pass riding are also not ideal to do.

Lang Co Beach Accommodation

Lang Co Beach Hotels – Main Areas Compared

Travelers can spend precious off-work holidays in one of Lang Co Beach– or  Canh Duong Beach– based hotels. It’s possible to expect sandy expanses to sunbathe, warm water to swim and lots of sun in both areas. If liking a stay near authentic fisherman villages, famous seafood restaurants and legendary natural beauties, should book a place in the town by Lang Co Beach. However, everything is touristy because of convenience in traffic and shorter distance from Da Nang. More budget accommodations are seen here.

On the other hand, less convenient locations provide such a peaceful environment that is perfect to escape from stressful life. Campers find the best camping grounds and services in Canh Duong Beach. And, jet setters can see what they are looking for in all-inclusive resorts in its west tip. Being a golf player? Booking your own bed there, the 18-hole course is just a few minutes away from it.

Best Hotel in Lang Co Beach

Angsana Lang Co Resort

As a part of Vietnam’s first world-class integrated resort, the Angsana is located in a prime location of the Central region. It leans against emerald forested mountains and overlooks a white-sandy beach bordered by azure-blue water of a crescent bay. This comprises contemporary rooms and suites, just to provide an exceptional holiday to the guests. There are 12 in total, half of which are furnished with one king-size bed and the other is for 4 members of the family. Garden view, poolside, beachfront and seaview, are all options to select. See further details in angsana.com/vietnam/lang-co.

Banyan Tree Lang Co Beach

Nestled in a nearly-untouched environment in a tip of white-sandy Canh Duong Beach, this beachfront resort is a luxury hideaway. It owns spacious poolside villas designed for privacy and exclusivity, romantic dining venues, spa facilities, 18-hole champion golf course, and much more. Just about the accommodation, there are 6 stunning options, including 4 for couples and a group of 2 fellow friends, one for 4 guests and one for 6 guests. Furthermore, the setting is also varied, from on a mountain slope with seaview, beachside to lagoonside. See more information at banyantree.com/vietnam/lang-co.

Thanh Tam Seaside Resort Lang Co

Located by Lang Co “main” Beach, this long-established resort owns 8 superiors, 39 deluxes, 2 suites, 5 villas and 1 special suite to choose from. All are well-equipped with comfy beds, spacious bathrooms, modern amenities and essentials. The daily-cleaned swimming pool and private sandy spaces with sun chairs are just at the guest’s doorstep, no matter which type of accommodation. See full details of each choice in thanhtamresort.com.vn.

Lang Co Beach Resort

This is the first luxury accommodation in Lang Co, including 127 rooms. 97 of which are fully-equipped villas with a décor inspired from Hue’s traditional houses, sunny balcony or private terrace near lush gardens. The others are for a budget stay. See more information in langcobeachresort.com.vn.

How to Get to Lang Co and Get around

From Da Nang Airport

The best (most popular) way to get from Da Nang Airport to Lang Co, is by taxi or private car. Taxi costs are metered, higher than private cars and travelers have to pay for fees (for example, toll fee). The distance is 30 km minimum, so it starts from 400,000 VND if taking a four-seat car. Price of a private car ranges from 250,000 to 350,000 depending on the provider, and seasons in the year. All drivers choose the Hai Van Tunnel because of shorter distance and safety. If would like to have a ride up the Hai Van Pass (a famous coast road), travelers will pay an extra 20 kilometers. Let him know the request early to avoid missing the chance (road to tunnels and the pass is different!).

From Chan May Cruise Port

Chan May port is one of the main stopovers for cruises in Central Vietnam. It’s located in a deep-water bay of the same name that means “at the foot of clouds”. The distance from it to tourist areas in Lang Co is less than 15 km. To get there, travelers have to book a car or tour in advance, because of no taxi or other vehicles in the harbour (security reasons).  

Transport from Lang Co to Hue (& vice versa)

Lang Co is 60 km south of Hue city center and 50 km from Phu Bai International Airport. Car and bus are most convenient to get to it from the north, via the busiest highway QL1A. However, because of the long distance, travelers often book a car transfer, costing from 700,000 VND. If preferring a lower expense, a local bus is the choice. First of all, travelers need to walk to the Highway, across it to get to the opposite side, and hail the bus with signal “Da Nang-Hue”. The fee is about 70,000 VND. Keeping in mind that the bus is available from 7 a.m to 6 p.m only.

Getting around Lang Co

Motorcycles are the best vehicle to get around Lang Co. A day rental may be from 100,000 to 200,000 VND depending on each provider and type. Fuel price and parking fee in the area is low cost, so just wear the helmet and start exploring. These are routes we recommend:

– Riding around Lang Co Lagoon and then up the Hai Van Pass (see travel guide here), 22 km.

– Riding up to Phuoc Tuong Pass and then along QL49B to view Tam Giang Lagoon (the largest of South-east Asia), including sightseeing Thanh Duyen Pagoda atop a hill, 21 km.

– Riding to Thien Vien Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery placed amid a blue lake and forested surroundings, including savouring fresh seafood by Tam Giang Lagoon, 28 km.

Beaches in Lang Co Vietnam

The Lang Co Beach

Stretching 7 kilometers without turns from foot of Hai Van Pass to a cape, Lang Co is the best beach in the south of Hue. It’s known for white expanses not crowded by tourists and warm water with gentle waves nearly all year round. If you love seafood, there are a couple of restaurants on its sands, filled by locals in cooler times of the day. Up the north, surfers can find ideal spots to ride the waves. Beachside accommodations (resorts) here are limited and between the HW1A and the coastline. To seek a sun bed to lounge or a cocktail with breezes around the hair, going there. Swimming is risky from September to December because of extreme weather. Water sports are not yet available, even in the summer months when domestic tourists boom anywhere.  

Canh Duong Beach

Canh Duong is a 5km-long crescent beach in the north of Lang Co. Bounded by two capes, it’s cut into 2 by a river originating from peaks of Bach Ma National Park. This stretch of white sand is loved by local swimmers by its clear and clean water, and by campers by the quiet atmosphere at night and fresh seafood. Off the coast, there are many guesthouses to stay overnight if the goers don’t prefer a tent. The west portion is home of prime resorts coupled with a golf course and foreigner-only casino. Water sports are available here.

Beaches in the Foot of Hai Van Pass

Beaches in the foot of Hai Van Pass are small but pretty, tourist-free and accessible by canoe or walking down from the mountain. Bai Chuoi is the largest, famous for a 500m-long stretch of powdery sand by cristall-like water. Being nearer, the Bai Bac (North beach) features a shore mixed between sands and stones. It’s visible from a couch of the train from Hue to Da Nang.

Things to Do in Lang Co Vietnam

Lang Co Lagoon (aka Lap An Lagoon)

Between the town and Annamite Range, this turquoise shallow lagoon brings a far-reaching reputation to Lang Co. In 2009, it became a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, the third in Vietnam. At the foot of spectacular Hai Van Pass, it boasts of a set of amazing natural features. That includes calm, lovely brackish water, towering mountains with clouds around the top and pristine green forests below and white sandy strips.

Another interest here is about local farming, with rustic stilt houses of farmers, raising, collecting and preparing oysters. Travelers often ride along roads by its shore, to view the landscape and take pictures. Nguyen Van Rd is the popular stopover to guided tours, because there are café and seafood floating restaurants lining it. From there, it’s easy to see a boat and embark to discover further. The water flows into the sea by an estuary under the bridges leading to the Hai Van Tunnel.

The Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is a must see in the region, not only in Lang Co. It’s a 20km-long coast road beginning from the town to an elevation of 1,500 meters, and then down to the shore of Da Nang Bay. At the place where the railway crosses, the first viewpoint is mind-blowing and continuing riding up, travelers can get more picturesque landscapes to photograph. In the summit, there are ancient brick gates built in 19^th century and bunkers. In Da Nang’s slope, panoramic outlooks (rocks) are favourites to instagrammers. See more details in our guide to Hai Van Pass.

Lang Co Surf

Lang Co Beach is ideal for surfing from August to the end of October (the wet season). During that time, the wind direction is from west to southwest, giving consistent clean waves and wind swells are more typical than groundswells. The best spots for surfers are in the north portion of the Beach where the back is free from large tourist constructions. Hiring a surf board in Da Nang or bringing your own because surf rental and school here are unavailable. We recommend reading the guide to Da Nang surfing to know the best providers.

Lang Co’s Springs (Waterfalls)

Mountains in Lang Co are forested, well-protected and much of them are in biodiverse Bach Ma National Park. Thanks to a high rainfall, there are lots of streams formed and their water flows all year round. Because of the long dry season, locals often come there to swim and cool off. The best known place is the Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi), 15 km away from tourist areas of Lang Co. It’s famous for many clear, unpolluted pools by giant rocks, surrounded by lush jungles. Swimmers can choose to hire a thatched roof bamboo hut to put belongings, sit, eat yummy barbecues and drink cold beers. An entrance fee and parking fee will be charged, around 20,000 VND per person. Less popular but still providing the same features, Suoi Mo (the Dream stream) and Suoi Thac Do (the Tumbling stream) are other idyllic spots to go on a hot day. Both are not far from Lang Co fishing town.

Snorkeling in Son Cha Island

Son Cha Island (or Dao Ngoc, Gem Island) is the best snorkeling spot in Lang Co. To get there, travelers need to book a guided day tour departing from the town centre. The canoe conveys passengers to Bai Chuoi (the Banana Beach) at the foot of Hai Van Pass first, for swimming and taking pictures. After that, it’s time to get a mask and discover a fantastic underwater world in the surroundings of the island. Lunch is served with steamed rice and seafood dishes. From September to December, should check the weather forecast carefully, to avoid a rainy or typhoon day. We recommend reading our guides about Da Nang’s snorkeling and Cham Island, to know about other snorkeling spots in the area.  

Bach Ma National Park Trekking

Bach Ma National Park is amongst the richest forests of Vietnam, harbouring 2,421 flora species and 1,728 fauna species. It comprises nearly-untouched ecosystems ranging from the plains to elevation of 1,450 meters. Travelers love trekking along trails in this mountain zone, especially to the summit and 300m-tall Do Quyen waterfall. The park is home to 363 bird species, drawing many bird watchers in the seasons. Beginning of the trails is some 20km from the main tourist areas of Lang Co. Travelers can get a taxi and then explore by themselves via the main road, or book an organized trip. See more information in our ultimate guide to Bach Ma National Park.

Lang Co Golf Club

As a part of the Laguna Lang Co, this 18-hole golf course was designed by 1957-borned Nick Faldo (an English professional golfer), his second work in Vietnam. It brings a golfing experience that all levels can enjoy during it. See details in lagunalangco.com.

Laguna Lang Co Casino

This casino is for foreigners only, one of the first legal gambling facilities in Central Vietnam. See details in lagunalangco.com.

The Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills

These amazing attractions are perfect to spend a day out from the accommodation. It takes around one hour via the tunnel to arrive at Ba Na Hills’s cable car station for boarding for the Golden Bridge. The cable car holds 4 world records. Cool weather, breath-taking scenery, lovely terraced gardens, a huge French town with theme park, alpine coaster, church, restaurants, vibrant outdoor performances on the squares and temples on the summit, are what to expect. Have a ride through striking Hai Van Pass, the day will be more fun.

Travel guides: The Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills, Hai Van Pass

The Best Restaurant in Lang Co Vietnam

Lang Co Famous Seafood Restaurant on the Lagoonfront

Seafood restaurants by Lang Co Lagoon are most popular to tourists, because of the extraordinary view, ample-breezy spaces, and fresh ingredients. Definitely, these are the best options for a meal outside of the hotel. The menu covers both Vietnamese and English there. If the guests would like to select living seafood by themselves from the aquariums, the prices are shown clearly on a nearby board that may rise or fall depending on daily catches. The rate for a kilogram of lobster ranges from 1 to 2,5 million VND, 400,000 to 700,000 VND for prawns, 300,000 to 500,000 VND for fishes, 40,000 to 150,000 VND for clams and mollusks, and smaller than 350,000 VND for crabs, squids, snails, and more.

Now, there are four stilt restaurants above the lagoon: Quan Na, Be Than, Lang Chai Lang Co and Vietpearl. All stand quite close together.  

Lang Co Famous Seafood Restaurant on the Beachfront

Restaurants on the sand of Lang Co Beach provide more local feelings than the ones in the lagoon front. Townspeople often come here after the heat is down, to swim in cool water and savour fresh seafood dishes with a cold beer. Prices may be cheaper but the variety of types may not be the same, often covering popular species catched by fishers (neighbours). To get there, travelers need to go to Tram xang Lang Co (petrol station) or Nha tho Loan Ly (church) and then follow the road next to it until the end. Staff and owners there don’t speak English well, so should use the online translation when wanting to say something.

The beachfront venues are better to visit in the summer. In the end of the year, the cold winds may lead to disappearance of swimmers, lack of fresh ingredients, and the seaview blocked. On the other side of the peninsula, windows opening to the mountains and water are off the wind.

What to Buy in Lang Co?

The Cajeput Oil

Lang Co, especially villages between Phuoc Tuong and Phu Gia passes, is famous for its industry of making essential oil from cajeput trees. When riding along the HW1A, travelers will see many shops with yellow bottles on either side. The ingredients are leaves and branches only, locally sourced and collected from forests in the sand dunes. All are washed carefully and distilled then by traditional techniques. Thanks to special weather characteristics, the oil content is higher than anywhere else across the country.

Traditional Oyster Sauce (Mam So)

During the seasons, local fishers make Mam So (oyster sauce), besides selling the oysters for restaurants. The meat is mixed with white salts, chilli and lesser galangal, put into a bottle for 8 to 10 days.

Pearls

Pearls are for sale in tourist shops by the lagoon, introduced to be locally sourced.