Lang Biang, the Adventurous Biosphere Reserve of Central Highlands Lam Dong

(Cinet)- Liang Biang, the newly recognized biosphere reserve by UNESCO features a spectacular nature and diverse ethnic culture.   

Lang Biang, located in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong Province is the newest biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam. The reserve is only 12km from the central of Dalat City and has a surface area of 275.439ha. It includes a total of 1,940 plant species belonging to 825 genera and 180 families, of which 64 are listed in the Viet Nam Red Data Book and 34 are of high conservation value. Plant species play an important role in conservation and pharmaceutical use. They also, include two critical endangered species – Agarwood and the spotted orchid  – and three globally endangered species – dong nai mango, white meranti and Cinnamomum balansae.
  Overall, 89 species of mammals, 247 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 46 species of amphibians, 30 species of fish and 335 species of insects have been recorded within the reserve. These include five globally critical endangered species: the Indochinese tiger, black-shanked douc, yellow-cheeked gibbon, Indian bison and Indochinese silvered leaf monkey. The sun bear and clouded leopard are classified as rare, endangered species and are recorded in the Vietnamese Red Data Book.        Besides the high biodiversity, another feature of the reserve that attracts many adventurous tourists is two of the highest peaks of Lang Biang Mountain. Often regarded as the roof of Dalat, the Lang Biang is at 2.167m and the Bidoup is at 2.287m above the sea level. The mountain was named after a woman (K’lang) and her lover (KBian). Their love story is the local version of Romeo and Juliet, in which a forbidden love ended with the death of the two main characters. To get into the top of the mountain, it normally takes from 1 to 2 day, depending on which route you choose. Biduop and Lang Biang are favorite options for hiking due to its spectacular nature on the way and the marvelous view of Dalat City once you reach the top.  
The reserve is also home to the Gong culture of the Central Highlands of Viet Nam, which is inscribed on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
PD