Region 01 · Lạng Sơn Province

Tràng Định& Thất Khê

The culinary heartland.

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About the region

The undisputed heavyweight champion of Lạng Sơn terroir. Thất Khê is a deep northern river basin defined by two sensory realities: the sharp, fragrant smell of massive star anise (hoa hồi) forests, and the rich, fatty perfection of their legendary roast duck. It is rugged, agricultural, and the absolute anchor of the province's culinary identity.

Local specialties

For Foodies

Thất Khê roast duck

Vịt quay Thất Khê

Thất Khê roast duck

The dish the district is known for. The duck is stuffed with mắc mật leaves and spices, then roasted until the skin is glassy and crackling over rich, fat-basted meat.

Star anise

Hoa hồi

Star anise

The spice that perfumes the whole basin. Dried star anise from these hills is sold by the sack in Thất Khê market, and it finds its way into nearly every broth and marinade in the province.

Where to go

Must visit Destinations

Star anise forests

Rừng hồi

Star anise forests

Hillsides planted with star anise trees. Come at harvest time, when the fruit is dried on mats outside village homes and the air smells of spice.

Thất Khê town & market

Thị trấn Thất Khê

Thất Khê town & market

The district's river-basin hub on the Kỳ Cùng River. Its market is the place to find roast duck, dried star anise and local produce.