Quang Ninh is not only renowned for Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage natural wonder, but also boasts a wealth of breathtaking and captivating scenic destinations. Among them is Lung Xanh – a cascading waterfall nestled within the lush, dense forests of Uong Bi City. Often likened to a mythical “fairyland,” Lung Xanh enchants visitors with its crystal-clear, refreshingly cool, and poetic waters. Steeped in profound historical and cultural significance, this sanctuary once served as a resting place for King Tran Nhan Tong during his ascetic retreats at Yen Tu Mountain. A journey to Lung Xanh invites travelers to partake in invigorating outdoor adventures, explore pristine wilderness, and bask in the tranquil, pure, and verdant splendor of the mountains. Join us as we unveil the timeless allure of Lung Xanh in the article below!
An Introduction to Lung Xanh
Lung Xanh is a mesmerizing waterfall tucked away in the verdant forests of Quang Trung Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. It stands out as one of the region’s most distinctive and alluring ecotourism destinations. Beyond its majestic and romantic natural landscapes, Lung Xanh carries a rich tapestry of history and culture. According to legend, during the Tran Dynasty, while journeying to practice asceticism at Yen Tu Mountain, King Tran Nhan Tong paused here to admire the breathtaking scenery of the waterfall. Captivated by its beauty, he penned the verse: “Lung Xanh’s emerald waters, a fairyland unlike any other.” Ever since, the name Lung Xanh has been cherished and passed down through generations.
In the past, Lung Xanh naturally drew a large number of visitors seeking sightseeing and immersive experiences. However, tourist footfall experienced a temporary decline due to several factors.
- First, the rise of professionally invested tourist attractions in Uong Bi, such as Yen Tu and Yen Trung Lake, presented Lung Xanh with fierce competition.
- Second, Lung Xanh originally operated as an unorganized tourist spot lacking formal management, which led to occasional security concerns. Notably, friction between local residents and visitors—predominantly travelers from Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong—made travelers from those neighboring areas hesitant to visit.
- Third, due to the unique topography featuring three cascading waterfalls along a single stream, irresponsible littering at the uppermost waterfall impacted water purity and diminished the experience for visitors at the lower tiers.
- Fourth, instances of overcharging tourists, particularly selling refreshments at exorbitant prices far exceeding listed rates, detracted from overall guest satisfaction and harmed the destination’s reputation.
Recognizing its potential, the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province officially recognized Lung Xanh as part of Uong Bi City’s tourism itinerary in 2016. Uong Bi City subsequently integrated Lung Xanh into its official tourism development plans, executing crucial infrastructure investments to better serve guests. Today, the Lung Xanh ecotourism site features paved concrete pathways, reinforced stone embankments along the route, a grand gateway, a ticketing booth, a watering system, footbridges over streams, resting pavilions, waiting areas, modern restrooms, shaded trees around the parking lot, directional signage, and strategically placed waste bins along the trail.
How to Get to Lung Xanh
- Getting to Lung Xanh: Located in Quang Trung Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, Lung Xanh sits approximately 2 kilometers from the center of Uong Bi City. You can easily reach it by motorbike, private car, or taxi, depending on your preference and party size. If you are starting from Uong Bi City, simply follow Tran Hung Dao Street; the drive to the Lung Xanh ecotourism area takes less than 5 minutes. If you are traveling from Ha Long City, it is recommended to depart early for the 40-kilometer drive to Uong Bi City, and then proceed for another 2 kilometers along Tran Hung Dao Street to arrive at the destination.
- Accessing the Lung Xanh Waterfall: Upon reaching the parking area of the Lung Xanh ecotourism site, guests must proceed on foot to reach the waterfall. You can explore independently or enlist the services of a local ecotourism guide. A leisurely 10-minute walk along the meandering forest trail beneath a dense canopy of trees will lead you directly to the Lung Xanh Waterfall. While the trek presents a slight challenge, your efforts are amply rewarded by the breathtaking, untouched beauty of the wild nature around you.
As Lung Xanh is a mountain and river ecotourism destination, checking weather conditions before embarking on your journey is highly advised. Visiting during heavy rain or damp weather is discouraged. When trekking to the waterfalls, visitors should possess basic swimming skills and wear appropriate safety gear if planning to swim. Additionally, wearing supportive sports shoes and comfortable outdoor attire ensures a safe and pleasant excursion. Finally, we kindly request all travelers to preserve the pristine natural environment and leave no trace during their visit to Lung Xanh.
Unique Check-in Spots at Lung Xanh
Today, Lung Xanh has evolved into a highly desirable destination for travelers seeking accessible trails and crisp, revitalizing air. Boasting pristine natural beauty, year-round babbling streams, and a refreshing climate, Lung Xanh offers an idyllic sanctuary for groups of friends and nature lovers yearning for tranquility and a deep immersion in the great outdoors.
Tourist Map of Lung Xanh
To experience the splendors of Lung Xanh, visitors purchase admission tickets priced at 30,000 VND per adult and 10,000 VND per child. Since coming under the management and upgrade initiatives of the Uong Bi City People’s Committee, the entrance area has become notably more spacious and convenient, featuring sturdy concrete pathways.
From the main entrance, a pleasant 300 to 400-meter walk—roughly a 5-minute stroll—brings guests to the first waterfall. The pathway is enveloped by rows of lush, green trees, evoking a wonderful sense of serenity and relaxation. The soothing murmur of the stream and the melodic chirping of birds further accentuate the untouched charm of this haven.
The Pathway to Lung Xanh
Welcoming guests at the first tier of Lung Xanh Waterfall is the charming Love Bridge. Looking to the left from this vantage point reveals the first waterfall. Water cascades from above into a crystal-clear natural pool spanning over 10m² at the base, where the bottom remains vividly visible through the pristine water. Many visitors consider this the premier swimming spot in Lung Xanh. However, with depths reaching up to 2.1 meters in certain areas, extreme caution is advised, particularly for non-swimmers. Fed by the pure, ice-cool waters originating from the peaks of Binh Huong and Ba Vang mountains, this pool also offers delightful opportunities for recreational fishing.
Love Bridge
The pool at Waterfall 1 is the ultimate swimming spot in Lung Xanh
Waterfall 1 serves as the primary rest stop for travelers exploring Lung Xanh. It is exceptionally well-suited for picnics, class reunions, and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Visitors can rent bamboo huts and savor regional specialties such as grilled chicken and local delicacies.
A super chill picnic spot for nature enthusiasts
From the first waterfall, guests can continue their journey to discover the second waterfall. Previously, reaching Waterfall 2 required navigating rugged dirt tracks and minor streams; however, a newly constructed pathway now makes the ascent significantly more convenient.
The distance from Waterfall 1 to Waterfall 2 spans roughly 500 to 600 meters, taking about 10 to 15 minutes of walking. Due to the sloping terrain, the uphill trek can be slightly demanding for those unaccustomed to physical exercise. In return, however, travelers are rewarded with deep immersion in the verdant greenery of bamboo forests, alongside charming sights such as wild ferns traditionally used to craft household brooms lining both sides of the trail.
Upon reaching Waterfall 2, guests cross a dainty footbridge spanning the stream. Notably, this area marks the trailhead of a scenic hiking route leading up to Binh Huong Peak – a favored trekking destination beloved by adventurous youth.
Waterfall 2 at Lung Xanh
Waterfall 2 also features a natural pool, though with a depth of approximately 1.4 meters, it is shallower than the basin at Waterfall 1. Tucked away above Waterfall 2 lies yet another petite cascade, known as Waterfall 3. However, reaching this uppermost tier requires extra vigilance as the surrounding terrain can be quite slippery.
Lung Xanh is an idyllic destination for anyone yearning for tranquility, pure air, and a profound connection with nature. Here, visitors can refresh themselves in crystal-clear, cool waters, admire majestic and poetic mountain landscapes, capture picturesque commemorative photographs, or indulge in the signature culinary delights of the land. Lung Xanh promises to leave an unforgettable imprint on your Quang Ninh travel journey.
