Sheer rock faces offer a new high in northern Vietnam

Yen Thinh Commune in Lang Son's Huu Lung District has a network of big mountains, many of them with vertical slopes. Provincial authorities are now looking to tap the commune's adventure tourism potential as a signature product, and a new rock climbing tour has been launched.

There are five main climbing spots now, with more than 110 climbing paths at many different levels. Two tours are offered every month for travelers to try and scale the tough slopes.

The price for a two-day-one-night tour is VND2.7 million ($116), and a one-day tour is VND1.3 million. The cost includes catering services, sleeping spot, climbing equipment, guide and transportation. Visitors who do not have specialized climbing shoes can rent a pair for VND100,000 a day.

The tours will have a technical assistant to help people climb to the top safely. As another safety measure, a maximum of 20 people are allowed to climb at one spot.

Members of a rock climbing tour prepare for their adventure in Yen Thinh Commune, Lang Son Province. Photo acquired by VnExpress.

These tours, run by sports and entertainment company VietClimb, have been drawing many adventurous Vietnamese and foreigners interested in rock climbing.

Duc Thanh, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said: "The terrain here is very suitable for the development of this sport. I want to come back here many times because there are still many places that have not been fully explored. The scenery is beautiful and the people here are very friendly and enthusiastic."

In addition to the rock climbing tours, the province has recently recognized two new community tourism destinations: Yen Thinh Commune and Huu Lien Commune in Huu Lung District.

Here, visitors can enjoy the unique cuisines of the Nung, Tay and Dao ethnic minorities, work in the field alongside the real farmers, transplanting rice, picking custard apples and ploughing. They can also participate in the annual Tro Ngo Festival on the lunar January 10 which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.