
1. Overview of Lung Cu Flag Tower
1.1. Location
Lung Cu Flag Tower is a national landmark marking Vietnam’s northernmost point. It is situated atop Lung Cu Peak (Dragon Mountain) in Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, at the coordinates 23°21’49″N and 105°18’58″E.

Lung Cu Flag Tower, a significant landmark in Vietnam’s northernmost region (Source: Collected)
Getting to Lung Cu Flag Tower is an adventure in itself, with several transport options available. To go from Hanoi to Ha Giang, you can take a sleeper bus. Reputable companies like Hung Thanh, Cau Me, and Hai Van offer multiple daily departures. The ticket costs between 250,000 – 350,000 VND per person.
Once in Ha Giang, you have three main options to continue your journey to Lung Cu:
- Motorbike rental: The adventurer’s choice, offering maximum flexibility to explore the stunning mountain roads at your own pace. Rental fees are 150,000 – 200,000 VND per day.
- Taxi or motorbike taxi: A more comfortable option for those who prefer less hassle.
- Car rental: Suitable for families or friends, but requiring extensive driving skills due to the winding roads.
If you choose to rent a motorbike or car, you can choose between two main routes to go from Ha Giang’s center to Lung Cu:
- Route 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van – Lung Cu (150 km)
This route takes you through popular attractions including Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Yen Minh Pine Forest, and Dong Van Old Quarter.
- Route 2: Ha Giang – Meo Vac – Dong Van – Lung Cu (160 km)
This route features the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s four great mountain passes, offering spectacular mountain views.
Both routes meet at Dong Van before the final stretch to Lung Cu, making it possible for travelers to combine them into a loop. It is especially alluring for those wanting to experience different landscapes on the return journey.
1.2. Highlights
Lung Cu Flag Pole sits at an impressive elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, challenging visitors to climb 286 stone steps to reach its base. Standing 33.15 meters tall, the tower features a distinctive octagonal design reminiscent of Hanoi’s iconic flag tower. Its structure comprises a 20.3-meter base and a 12.9-meter flagpole, with the base measuring 3.8 meters in diameter.
Lung Cu Flag Tower’s eight faces are beautifully adorned with patterns inspired by Dong Son bronze drums and illustrate various periods of Vietnam’s history. At its summit flies a magnificent Vietnamese flag that measures 54 square meters (9 meters long and 6 meters wide). The flag’s size symbolically represents the 54 ethnic groups that make up Vietnam’s population.
1.3. History
The origins of Lung Cu Flag Point trace back to when Emperor Ly Thuong Kiet planted the first flag atop the Dragon Mountain, marking Vietnam’s northern frontier. During the Tay Son Dynasty, Emperor Quang Trung enhanced the site’s significance by establishing a guard post with a bronze drum.
In 1887, when the French colonialists and the Qing Dynasty conducted a demarcation, they intended to give this area to China. Thanks to the local people’s steadfast struggle to protect it, the border was maintained. In 1978, a modest cunninghamia wood pole was erected, later replaced by a taller fokienia wood pole in 1991.
The first modern flag tower was built in 2000. After receiving recognition as a national relic site in 2009, the new flag tower was built in 2010. Today, Lung Cu Border Guard Station maintains this important symbol of Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Vietnam’s national flag proudly waves over Lung Cu Peak (Source: Collected)
2. Best things to do on your trip to Lung Cu Flag Tower
2.1. Take in stunning views from the top of the flag tower
To reach the top of this flag tower in Ha Giang, visitors must ascend 839 stone steps. The journey begins with 425 stone steps from the base to a rest house, followed by another 279 steps leading up to the tower’s base. The final 135 steps are inside the tower itself.
From the summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the vast mountain range and the peaceful landscape below. The expansive Then Pa Field, covering over 10 hectares, can be seen from here, along with the traditional houses of the Lo Lo Chai and H’Mong communities.
2.2. Experience the local life in Lo Lo Chai Village
Lo Lo Chai Village, located at the foot of the Dragon Mountain and just 1 km away from Lung Cu Flag Tower, offers a fascinating look into the culture of the Lo Lo and H’Mong ethnic groups. This village is known for its distinctive “trinh tuong” houses with brown earth walls behind stone fences. In early March, the village is adorned with blooming peach blossoms. Visitors can experience the vibrant culture of the Lo Lo people by trying on their colorful costumes, watching folk dances, and enjoying traditional dishes like thang co (horse meat stew), corn wine, sticky rice, grilled bamboo shoots, and buckwheat cakes.

The flag tower offers sweeping views of the mountainous terrain (Source: Collected)
2.3. Embrace the customs in Then Pa Village
Then Pa Village, nestled beneath Lung Cu Flag Tower, is a showcase of Hmong culture, where centuries-old traditions remain vibrant. Traditional earth-wall houses with yin-yang tiled roofs dot the landscape. Age-old practices like corn wine brewing, linen weaving, and men men making (Hmong corn food) continue to thrive.
Today, Then Pa Village expertly balances tourism with tradition. Households welcome visitors to experience the authentic Hmong lifestyle, sharing their traditional crafts, cuisine, and routines. The village remains true to its roots, waking to roosters and following the rhythms of nature rather than modern schedules.
2.4. Go shopping at Lung Cu Flea Market
Every Friday, the vibrant Lung Cu Flea Market comes alive near the flag tower, serving as a bustling trading hub for the Lo Lo and Hmong ethnic communities. This market showcases unique local products, from herbal medicines to colorful fabrics adorned with intricate hand embroidery. Visitors can explore stalls filled with traditional clothes while sampling local delicacies such as grilled rice cakes, potato cakes, fried pastries, and steamed buns. These familiar Vietnamese snacks take on a distinctive mountain flavor, offering an authentic taste of the highland cuisine at affordable prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 VND.

Traditional villages like Lo Lo Chai and Then Pa offer insight into ethnic culture (Source: Collected)
2.5. Explore nearby attractions
Near Lung Cu Flag Tower, visitors can explore several attractions that showcase the appealing beauty of Ha Giang, including:
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: This UNESCO-recognized geopark showcases stunning limestone formations, deep valleys, and rugged landscapes.
- Dong Van Old Quarter: This historic area offers a glimpse into the local culture with well-preserved houses, bustling markets, and unique stone-paved roads.
- Thien Huong Ancient Village: This is a quiet, scenic village where the Tay ethnic people live, with earth-wall houses, narrow paths, and old trees.
- Hmong King’s Palace: This was the residence of the Hmong royal family, featuring intricate stone and wood architecture surrounded by serene gardens.
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3. Essential tips for a perfect trip to Lung Cu Flag Point
3.1. Best time to visit
Ha Giang offers unique experiences across different seasons. From January to March, the landscapes transform into a “blooming rock plateau” with plum, peach, and yellow canola flowers. May marks the water pouring season, while June – August offers dry weather ideal for exploring Lung Cu Flag Tower. Between October and December, buckwheat flowers blanket the area in pink and purple, making it another great time for a visit.

Ha Giang is home to many captivating attractions (Source: Collected)
3.2. Entrance fee
To visit the flag tower, tickets are priced at 40,000 VND per person, with free entry for children under 1.3 meters tall. For easier access, electric car service is available at 15,000 VND per ride, free of charge for children under 5. Motorbike parking is also available at 10,000 VND per bike.
3.3. Food
During your visit, be sure to try the local dishes that showcase the flavors of the region, including:
- Dau chua: A thick tofu broth cooked with mustard greens, featuring a refreshing light soup with tender curds.
- Men men: A staple dish of steamed cornmeal, prepared using a traditional Hmong recipe and best enjoyed with soup.
- Banh da: Made from glutinous rice flour, this versatile rice cake can be either fried, served in soup, or added to hotpots.
You can find these dishes at local eateries, street vendors, or market fairs.

Don’t forget to try these signature dishes during your visit (Source: Collected)
3.4. Packing tips
Here are some essentials to pack for a trip to Lung Cu Flag Tower:
- Pack warm clothing for both day and night, as Ha Giang’s highland climate stays cold year-round. Bring gloves, a coat, and a scarf to stay comfortable.
- Opt for reliable footwear such as sports shoes or hiking boots to handle the steep paths safely.
- Ensure you have your ID and driver’s license if you plan to drive.
Lung Cu Flag Tower is not just a historical landmark, it is also a gateway to Vietnam’s northernmost beauty. The tower’s symbolism and the serene beauty of the surrounding area make it a must-see for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.
As you continue your Vietnam travel, don’t miss the chance to explore other must-visit destinations like Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, etc. These destinations offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
In these destinations, you can enhance your travel experience by visiting the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, where thrilling games await visitors of all ages. Also, consider retreating to the luxurious accommodation of hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which offer top-tier service that will make your stay even more memorable.

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