Nestled amidst the majestic overlapping mountain ranges of Ha Giang, the Lung Cu Flagpole stands proudly, affirming the northernmost position of the S-shaped strip of land. Not only a mark of national sovereignty, this place also conquers visitors with enchanting natural landscapes, rich cultural features, and challenging mountain passes. Through this guide, you will grasp all the necessary information for exploring Lung Cu: from travel routes, highlights, the most suitable time, to small tips that make the journey smoother and more unforgettable.
Overview Introduction to Lung Cu Flagpole
The Lung Cu Flagpole transcends ordinary geographical significance, becoming a sacred symbol of Vietnamese territory, attracting visitors with its magnificent natural beauty, rich historical heritage, and vibrant local cultural identity.
Location of Lung Cu Flagpole
The Lung Cu Flagpole is located in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, about 24km from Dong Van town and approximately 470km from Hanoi. Standing out at nearly 1,470m elevation, it overlooks jagged limestone mountains and winding hills. On clear sunny days, visitors can see as far as China’s Yunnan Province. At the base of the pole, a pair of mysterious lakes – considered by locals as the “dragon’s eyes” – are always full, adding to the special allure of this landmark.
The flagpole is designed in the style of the Hanoi Flagpole, standing 34.85m tall. The national flag at the top spans 54m², symbolizing the unity of the 54 fraternal ethnic groups. The octagonal shaft is engraved with eight bronze drum face reliefs and eight stone reliefs, recreating historical milestones along with the distinctive cultural features of Ha Giang’s ethnic groups. The pair of lakes at the base adds even more mystery, making the place more enchanting than ever.
Ticket Prices and Visiting Hours for Lung Cu Flagpole
Exploring the Lung Cu Flagpole is quite budget-friendly, suitable for all types of visitors:
- Entrance ticket: 25,000 VND (~1 USD) for adults. Children under 1.3m free.
- Electric cart: 15,000 VND (~0.63 USD)/ride. Children under 5 years old free.
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00, all days of the week.
Historical Background of Lung Cu Flagpole
Historical records indicate that the origin of the Lung Cu Flagpole dates back to the Ly Dynasty, when Ly Thuong Kiet planted the first flag on Dragon Mountain peak to declare sovereignty over the northernmost region. During the Tay Son Dynasty, Quang Trung recognized its strategic value and established a garrison here. A bronze drum under the watchtower would sound three beats every three hours at night, affirming the territory, hence the land was called Long Co (dragon drum).
In 1978, border forces erected the first flagpole made of sa mộc wood, 12m high, with a flag spanning 1.2m². The following year, during the northern border war, this place became a solid military stronghold. In 2000, Ha Giang Province replaced it with a more durable reinforced concrete structure, and in 2010, the modern 34.85m flagpole was completed. The flag is replaced monthly, with old ones gifted to veterans or preserved in museums, turning the site into a proud symbol of sovereignty.
Tips to Conquer the Summit of Lung Cu Flagpole
The road to the base of the flagpole is already an exciting adventure. While the Ha Giang Pass is a familiar choice, seasoned adventurers often prefer DT182 – a quieter and more enchanting route. At the base, visitors must climb 839 stone steps divided into three sections with rest points. If wanting to save energy, the electric cart reduces it to 200 steps.
The DT182 road offers a poetic beauty, less crowded than the Ha Giang Pass. At the top, the octagonal flagpole with bronze drum motifs and historical reliefs stands proudly. The 54m² flag flutters over Dragon Mountain, opening up a spectacular view extending to China.
Perfect Time to Explore Lung Cu Flagpole
The Lung Cu Flagpole is beautiful year-round, but choose the season based on your preferences:
- Spring (February-April): Buckwheat flowers and peach blossoms bloom vibrantly, adding colorful accents to the landscape.
- Autumn (September-November): Ideal weather, clear blue skies, and golden ripe rice terraced fields.
- Avoid rainy season (June-August): Heavy rain makes roads slippery and prone to landslides – only for experienced drivers.
Guide to Traveling to Lung Cu Flagpole
Located 470km from Hanoi in Ha Giang, the journey to Lung Cu consists of two stages: to Ha Giang City, then onward to Lung Cu.
Step 1: Hanoi → Ha Giang City
Most visitors depart from Hanoi with options:
- Sleeper bus: Economical, multiple daily trips.
- Time: 6-7 hours.
- Price: 200,000-350,000 VND (~8.33-14.58 USD)/person.
- Taxi: Comfortable for small groups.
- Time: About 6 hours.
- Price: 1,800,000-3,500,000 VND (~75-145.83 USD)/car.
- Tour: Full services from Hanoi to Lung Cu, suitable for beginners. Price 2,300,000-3,000,000 VND (~95.83-125 USD)/person for 3N2D.
Step 2: Ha Giang City → Lung Cu
From Ha Giang City, cover 150km of winding mountain roads to Lung Cu via options:
- Rent motorbike: Ideal for backpackers, exploring the “Ha Giang Loop”. Rental price: 180,000-600,000 VND (~7.50-25 USD)/day.
- Bus to Dong Van then motorbike taxi: Price 100,000-200,000 VND (~4.17-8.33 USD)/trip.
Unmissable Exciting Experiences at Lung Cu Flagpole
Besides admiring the majestic flagpole, Lung Cu is full of fun activities for adventure enthusiasts. From hidden viewpoints to historical sites, here are the top suggestions:
“Check-In” at the Hidden Viewpoint
Most visitors take photos at the main square, but for a top 360-degree view, locals suggest climbing a nearby small hill. This spot expands the view to terraced fields, winding roads, and distant mountains, perfect for sunrise or sunset photos. It’s a 10-15 minute walk, enjoying a quiet space away from crowds.
Cost: Free.
Tips:
- Ask locals as the path is not clearly marked.
- Arrive early or late for beautiful lighting.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the trail.
Visit Lo Lo Chai Village
Just 10km from Lung Cu Flagpole, Lo Lo Chai Village is an ancient village of the Lo Lo ethnic group – one of Vietnam’s smallest minority communities with only about 1,500 people. Nestled at the foot of Quan Ba’s Double Mountain, the village stands out with houses built from limestone and mud walls, topped with palm leaf roofs, featuring traditional architecture over 200 years old. Strolling through the winding stone-paved alleys, you’ll smell the smoke from simmering pots of thang co stew, hear the rustling of handloom weaving, and admire vibrant hand-embroidered costumes – geometric patterns symbolizing mountains, forests, and rivers.
Try a homestay at a local stilt house (price about 300,000 – 500,000 VND/night), enjoy dinner with hot steamed cornmeal (men men) and spicy smoked buffalo meat, alongside stories from elders about the unique Lo Lo custom of “leaving home to follow husband.” Village entry is free, but guide fee about 50,000 VND/person to learn about brocade weaving or dyeing fabric from forest leaves – a rare chance to touch the soul of ethnic culture. This is an ideal destination for those wanting to combine tourism with education, especially in spring when peach blossoms blanket the village sky.
Explore the Unique Architecture of Lung Cu Flagpole
The Lung Cu Flagpole is not only a national symbol but also an architectural masterpiece, inspired by the Hanoi Flagpole but adapted to harmonize with the border terrain. The sturdy octagonal shaft made from solid green stone, 34.85m high, is intricately carved with eight Dong Son bronze drum faces and eight stone reliefs recreating the nation’s historical journey along with Ha Giang ethnic customs. At the top, the 54m² flag flies proudly, symbolizing the unity of 54 ethnic groups. At the base, the mysterious “dragon’s eyes” lakes are always full of water, creating a sacred space. Take time to admire every detail, feeling the breath of history through each carving – a vivid lesson in national identity.
Explore Dong Van Market Day
About 24km from Lung Cu Flagpole, Dong Van Market Day is the cultural heart of the karst plateau, held on weekends with a lively atmosphere from early morning. This is not just a trading place but also a “love market” for H’Mong, Dao, and Lo Lo people, where girls in colorful flared skirts and boys playing leaf flutes “exchange fates.” Wandering through the stalls, you’ll be captivated by handmade items like hand-embroidered brocade scarves (price 100,000 – 300,000 VND), spicy corn leaf wine (20,000 VND/small bottle), or fragrant grilled corn (10,000 VND/cob).
Don’t miss the “love market” section in the afternoon, where couples sing antiphonal songs in ethnic languages, creating a colorful mountain symphony. Market entry is free, but bring cash as ATMs are scarce. In 2025, the market has been upgraded with a fixed cultural performance area, making it easier for visitors to join the xoe dance or learn H’Mong headscarf tying – a vivid experience to understand ethnic diversity at the border.
Accommodation and Cuisine in the Lung Cu Flagpole Area
Cuisine Rich in Mountain Forest Flavors
Lung Cu cuisine blends fresh highland ingredients with ethnic styles, featuring spicy notes from local herbs. Meals cost 50,000 – 150,000 VND/portion, easily found at roadside eateries or market days. Try these “must-eat” dishes to awaken your taste buds during the long journey:
- Thang co (50,000 – 80,000 VND/portion): Beef offal hotpot stewed with 20 mountain herbs (ginger, cardamom, cinnamon), thick aromatic broth, served with corn cakes – the warm spicy flavor spreads, ideal for early mornings in cold season to “gather strength” for climbs. Try at eateries along Dong Van Ancient Town, where H’Mong folks sell from 5am, but note the strong smell so eat slowly if trying for the first time.
- Egg roll-up sheets and sour pho (40,000 – 60,000 VND/portion): Thin roll-up sheets filled with grilled meat and local chicken eggs, dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce; sour pho uses fresh noodles with smoked buffalo meat, pickled mustard greens, and herbs – crispy, tangy freshness awakening all senses. Eat at Quan Ba market or homestays, especially delicious after a trekking day.
- Men men and smoked buffalo meat (60,000 – 100,000 VND/portion): Men men is steamed corn flour, dipped in hot broth with wild vegetables; smoked buffalo meat is fiery from forest chilies, chewy and aromatic – a convenient “on-the-go” dish, energy-rich. Try at Lo Lo Chai Village, where locals make it themselves, paired with corn leaf wine (20,000 VND/glass) for extra flavor.
- Needle wine and others: Needle wine from glutinous rice fermented with forest leaves, drunk through bamboo tubes with sweet aftertaste and spice; add triangular sticky rice cakes in banana leaves or five-color sticky rice of the Dao ethnic group. Advantages are clean ingredients, cheap prices, but drawback is strong spice (drink moderately for safe driving). Total food cost for 4 days about 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND.
Diverse Accommodation Close to Nature
The Lung Cu and Dong Van area offers a wide range of choices from ethnic homestays to modern hotels, with average prices 200,000 – 800,000 VND/night. Book in advance via Booking.com or Agoda to avoid full occupancy during peak season.
- Ethnic homestays (200,000 – 500,000 VND/night): Ideal for cultural immersion, like Pao Chai Homestay in Dong Van with ancient rammed-earth houses, spacious gardens, and homemade men men breakfast – advantages are cheap prices, enchanting karst plateau views, but basic amenities (no AC, shared bathrooms in some places). Or Lo Lo Chai Homestay in the ancient village, where you wake to rooster crows and morning mist, perfect for trekking and camping by terraced fields (extra 100,000 VND fee if using personal tent).
- 2-3 star hotels (500,000 – 800,000 VND/night): Suitable for families, like Lo Lo Hotel in Ha Giang City with clean double rooms, stable WiFi, and Nho Que River views – advantages are full amenities (heaters in winter), central location for easy travel. Happiness Hotel near Quan Ba is more luxurious with pool and spa, 800,000 VND/night, stunning Double Mountain views but far from center (45km away).
- Camping and glamping (300,000 – 600,000 VND/night): For backpackers, try camping at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass or near the flagpole with self-brought tents (rent tent 100,000 VND/day), stargazing and bonfires – advantages are high adventure, low cost, but need warm sleeping bags as temperatures can drop to 5°C.
Total accommodation cost for 3 nights about 900,000 – 2,000,000 VND, depending on choice.
Notes When Traveling to Lung Cu Flagpole
For a smooth and safe trip, remember these tips:
- Traffic Safety: The mountain passes are winding and treacherous – keep speed under 40km/h, check brakes before departure; travel in groups and rotate drivers for long backpacking. Bring basic repair kit (1.5l spare gas can, tire patches). From 2025, after administrative mergers, border checkpoints have been strengthened, providing quicker assistance to visitors.
- Weather and Health: Ha Giang is cool year-round (10-20°C), winter can drop to 0°C with frost – prepare warm jackets, gloves, hats, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness, bring cold medicine, wind oil, and ensure full vaccinations before the trip. If trekking the 839 steps, rest gradually to avoid fatigue.
- Preparation and Environment: Bring drinking water, light snacks, power bank (mobile signal weak in remote areas); respect ethnic customs by asking permission before photographing locals. No littering to protect the UNESCO Geopark – bring personal trash bags. Entrance fees may change, check official fanpage or Lung Cu Border Post hotline before going.
- Others: Bring ID and border pass (free at Tourism Department); avoid going alone if first time. In 2025, electric cart services have been upgraded, making it easier for elderly or families.
The Lung Cu Flagpole is not just the northernmost point on the map but a journey awakening national pride, where majestic nature meets heroic history and diverse culture. With spectacular roads, warm villages, and moments of the flag fluttering amid the clouds, this place promises unforgettable memories for every visitor. After administrative updates and infrastructure improvements, Lung Cu has become more accessible than ever. Wishing you a safe, inspiring trip and return with a heart full of patriotism!
