Marking Vietnam’s sovereignty over the country’s northernmost territory stands the famous Lung Cu Flag Tower, in Ha Giang province, practically on the border between China and Vietnam.
The road to Lung Cu is one of the detours you can take during the Ha Giang Loop — a great way to round out and enrich an already remarkable route with a short side trip right up to the border itself.
Once at the foot of the tower, you’ll have to climb the nearly 400 steps separating you from the flag.
Your calves will tell you the bad part; the good part, without a doubt, is that the effort pays off with marvelous views over the whole area.
From the top you can take in the mountainous landscape wrapping around the entire border zone between China and Vietnam — a view well worth the climb.
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The Lung Cu flag tower, Vietnam’s northernmost point
The flag tower was built on what’s known as Rong mountain, or the “dragon mountain”. If you look down from the top, you’ll spot two semicircular lakes likened to the dragon’s eyes.
This place is known for symbolically marking the country’s northernmost point, although in reality the true northernmost point lies a few kilometers farther on, right at the border.
The flag tower stands some 33 m tall, and its flag is said to measure a whopping 54 square meters — representing the country’s 54 ethnic groups.
At the base of the flag tower there’s a small museum displaying tools, traditional dress and products from Ha Giang province.
How to get to the Lung Cu Flag Tower
Lung Cu sits roughly 20 km from Dong Van and 170 km from Ha Giang.
The best — and practically only — way to get here is as a short detour during the Ha Giang Loop.
Alternatively, you can reach Dong Van by local bus and hire a driver or taxi to take you to the tower.
Lung Cu flag tower: hours and price
Entry costs 40,000 VND (~US$1.50).
