Lan Nong, a residential cluster in Loi village, Cai Kinh commune, sits inside the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. In 2025 the whole community of 13 households was chosen for a net‑zero tourism initiative.

Early in 2026 a solar power project costing more than VND 2 billion (about $77,000) installed panels, battery storage and related equipment for every household. On August 17, after five months of work, a 2.5‑km, 3‑m wide concrete road opened, linking the settlement to the outside world.

By the same year the village offered five homestays. Pham Van Huy, head of the Lan Nong village farmers’ group specializing in agriculture and community tourism, said residents received training on environmental standards to keep tourism within the community’s capacity.

Ha Vu Khoi, chairman of the Cai Kinh Commune People’s Committee, explained that the programme was designed to match local conditions and avoid sudden changes to daily life. Pham Thi Huong, deputy head of the Lang Son provincial board responsible for UNESCO Global Geopark management and tourism promotion, added that Lan Nong’s intact character and small size made it ideal for sustainable development.

The model shows that a clear net‑zero goal, modest infrastructure upgrades and community‑led standards can allow low‑impact tourism while protecting cultural heritage such as the Nung language, stilt houses and traditional cuisine.