With its gradually slopping, white sand beach, the average depth of less than 1m and the average temperature in the bathing season of 25?C, Lang Co is an ideal beach for tourists.

Lang Co Beach lies on the most beautiful curve of the "S", where you can be the first to see the sun rise in Vietnam. Lang Co attracts visitors for its wild beauty with mountains, forests and sea.

Located on the northern part of Hai Van Pass on National Highway No.1A, about 80km south of the imperial city of Hue, Lang Co Peninsula looks even more mythical and beautiful amid the blue sea and white sand. Visitors can see many local wonders and landscapes such as Chan May, Mo and Hoi Cam streams. Tourists can enjoy sea diving, mountain climbing, and fishing with local fishermen. From Lang Co, visitors can easily reach other beautiful beaches on Son Tra Peninsula or take a boat to Ngoc Island, where they can participate in several aquatic activities.

Hoang Tien Dzung, chairman of the Management Board of Ha Long Construction Company, which is developing a tourist resort in Ngoc Island, said that the island will become a national conservation centre for its richness in biodiversity, especially its coral and bird life.

"Formerly, the French admired Lang Co as a lost paradise, which has inspired many poets and writers, " Mr Dzung said. "The People's Committee of Thua Thien-Hue province is planning to further exploit Lang Co's potential to boost eco-tourism."

The province launched a big festival called "Lang Co - the myth of the sea" on August 20. So far, it has attracted more than 10, 000 visitors with diverse cultural and aquatic activities. Local authorities have also organised a seminar to introduce Lang Co's potential to investors.

Nguyen Duy Giam, director of Thua Thien-Hue's Tourism Promotion Centre, said that Lang Co lies within the Chan May-Lang Co site, which is part of the major economic project embracing Canh Duong, Lang Co, Hai Van and Non Nuoc areas.

"An international resort centre with 12 functional sections will be built in this area, " Mr Giam revealed. "It will include a golf course, villas and coastal resorts, hotels, restaurants and trading areas, and a cultural and artistic centre."

By now, 20 projects have committed to investing in the Chan May-Lang Co tourist site. Each project will cost between US$3-5 million and cover hundreds of hectares. During the past five years, these projects have helped upgrade infrastructure in the Canh Duong-Lang Co area, making it more attractive and accessible to visitors. Noteworthy is that the number of tourists to the fairyland of Lang Co has increased remarkably since the opening of Hai Van Tunnel. Great efforts are being made to awake the once-forgotten paradise and bring its potential into full play to serve the people.