The small Lang Co town in Phu Loc district, Thua Thien – Hue province is located on the root of the imposing Hai Van mountain range. Endowed with over 10km long beach sloping gently to the pure water sea to shape an arc with the long and beautiful sand, Lang Co is a quiet note for summer escape.

Lang Co beach is gifted with over 10km of long beaches, golden sand and pure sea water

Lang Co possesses a distinctive charm every season of the year. In summer, Lang Co treats visitors with mild air, blue beaches, and golden sand, far different from the sweltering heat in other central places. In autumn, the town is coated with fog and cloud. In winter, when Lang Co is less visited by holiday makers, the beach and forest are brought back to their pristine beauty. In spring, the town is fuelled with the vitality of fishermen hauling in bumper catches on their first trips to sea in the Lunar New Year.

But visiting Lang Co at any time of the year, tourists can enjoy a quiet retreat and feel the harmony between humans, sea and earth. \

It is said that if you haven’t visited Lap An lagoon, then you haven’t visited Lang Co yet. The lagoon is one kilometre from the beach. With one side facing the grandiose Bach Ma mountain range and the other facing Lang Co bay, Lap An lagoon is a blend of green forest, hills and deep blue sky.

On bright sunny days, the lagoon’s surface shines like a mirror reflecting the shadow of the mountains.

The lagoon is at its most stunning at sunset, when the sun gradually goes down behind the Bach Ma mountain range. The sunset brings a fascinating purple coat to the scenery. White storks cover the sky on their way to their shelters. Small fishing boats float on the lagoon while fishermen wait for a good haul at the end of the day.

The local fishermen are open-hearted and friendly. Most of them have lived in Lang Co town for generations and have earned their living from the abundant marine resources of the lagoon. Harvesting oysters, which are proudly dubbed as “heavenly pearl” by the locals, have brought a better life for the fishermen.

The harvest and farming oysters in Lap An is rather simple. Fishermen utilise blown-out rubber tyres, which are cleaned thoroughly in order to make floating oyster cultivation cages on the lagoon. The breeders collect oysters everyday and sell them at the markets. The oysters have a rich, sweet and a little bit salty taste.

In the evening, when the wind calms down and blows gently, it is a perfect time to take a ride to the Hai Van mountain pass and admire the beauty of Lang Co from above. Although the road to the mountain pass is quiet, there are many sharp bends, thus the journey is not recommended for new riders.

Looking from above, Lang Co bay looks like jade shining amid the forest and mountains. Its green mountains, tropical forests, smooth white sand and crystal clear waters never fail to lure visitors. It is not surprising that Lang Co was voted as one of the world's most beautiful bays by the Worldbays Club in May 2009.

There are many sharp bends along Hai Van pass, thus the journey is not recommended for new riders.

Nhan Dan