Climb to the Top of Vietnam with Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Tower is a symbol of Vietnam’s sovereignty at the northernmost point of the country in Ha Giang. Atop Dragon Mountain, the tower offers stunning views, cultural significance, and deep national pride.

Introduction To Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Tower sits majestically atop Dragon Mountain in Ha Giang Province, marking Vietnam’s northernmost point at nearly 1,700 m elevation. This iconic structure, a 33 m octagonal palace, proudly hoists a 54 m² public flag representing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

A rise of over 800 gravestone ways rewards callers with broad vistas of plunging karst denes, terraced fields, winding Nho Que River, Chinese borders, and traditional ethnic villages below. At its base, an honorary hall exhibits the customs, tools, and dress of original H’Mong, Lô Lô, Tay, and Pu Péo communities.

Visiting Lung Cu Flag Tower offers much further than a print at the “ north pole. ” It’s a chance to feel public pride, substantiate different mountain societies, explore vibrant weekend requests and bordering villages like Lo Lo Chai and Pà, and witness the untamed beauty at the edge of Vietnam.

History Of Lung Cu Flag Tower

The original Lung Cu Flag Tower dates back to the Ly Dynasty and was simply a sa moc (Cunninghamia) tree marking the northernmost point of the country.

In 1887, the French reconstructed the palace, making it a more defined corner. Several emendations followed in 1992 and 2000, each time expanding its size and significance. In 2002, a major upgrade gave the palace a 20-cadence height with a hexagonal base. Six citation reliefs depicting Dong Son drum patterns were placed around its pedestal.

A 9-cadence flagpole was installed at the top, flying a 54 m² Vietnamese flag representing the 54 ethnical groups of Vietnam. With the blessing from the Prime Minister, Ha Giang Province restored the palace into an octagonal shape over 30 meters. It was officially inaugurated on September 25, 2010.

Unique Architecture Of Lung Cu Flag Tower

Located on the top of the Dragon Mountain, Lung Cu Flag Tower has an octagonal shape and a striking presence at 33.15 meters. The bold red Vietnamese flag, 54 m² in size, proudly canvases at its peak, making it visible from a long distance.

To get to the top of the mountain, you will hike up 839 marked graves divided into three sections that have overlook resting maps to view the rough mountainous topography below.

You will see eight elaborate bas reliefs depicting the most significant historic periods of Vietnam encircled around the base. The body of the palace is adorned with patterns of the lesser-known Dong Son drums, giving a decorative dimension to the structure. Visitors can look out from the top across the northern border of Vietnam, where misty mountains touch the sky. It is a combination of public pride, natural beauty, and adrenaline of the subjugation within a single moment of an experience.

5 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

There’s further to see around Lung Cu than just the flag palace. After visiting the peak, take time to explore near villages and upland municipalities; you’ll discover unique societies, beautiful decor, and warm-hearted locals to explore the best things to do in Ha Giang.

Wander Through Dong Van Ancient Town

Dong Van Ancient Town is about 50 minutes away from Lung Cu Flag Tower, and this is one of the best places to visit in Ha Giang. This little town is very charming with its old homes, cemeteries, and mountain vibe. Most of the homes were built over 100 years ago and maintain their beauty. The architecture is unique with thick earthen walls and tile roofs.

At night, the entire street is illuminated by many various lanternslichen nighttime lightswhich create a nice, relaxing, and magical atmosphere. The ancient town becomes even more remarkable if you come on the full moon day. It usually takes about 1 month for the lunar calendar to have a full moon day, because on these nights, locals decorate the site with bright lights and flowers. It is like taking a walk through a postcard from history.

Explore The Dong Van Karst Plateau

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a remarkable natural wonder and a UNESCO Global Geopark. It consists of four sections and consists of jagged limestone peaks, deep green valleys. The terrain certainly looks rugged and extends all the way to the horizon, and looks untamed and beautiful. It takes your breath away.

When you visit, you are scooting on snaking hidden roads, exploring quaint ethnical house-lots as the slate gravestone mountains clash with the blue horizon and terraced fields kiss the hills in soft sculpted curves. It is a place that any nature lover should see, or anyone looking for peace and tranquility in travel.

Admire The Beauty Of Sung La Valley

In this valley lies a small place called Sung La, or the place where jewels grow, for flowers, in a rocky valley, grow. The vale from October and late April has pink buckwheat and the heroic mustard flowers, which are bright, for it becomes soft and beautiful in the rocky vale. It is a place for prints.

Sung La also has Pao’s House, where a traditional house from a famous Vietnamese movie sits. The house shows how some of the original people lived with rough walls and compressed floors. After a long day, you will see quiet towns with children playing and working in the fields. That is it! Simple, quiet, and charming.

Visit Lo Lo Chai Village

Lo Lo Chai is a small village located right underneath the Lung Cu Flag Tower. It is inhabited by the Lo Lo ethnic minority group, who still live in traditional grave and complexion houses. The village is quiet and sleepy, with narrow roads lined with flowers and lively locals. Life here seems to move more slowly, just as it did many thousands of years ago.

While you will be here, you will see people weaving clothes, cultivating sludge, and cooking food over open fires. The Lo Lo people wear gorgeous handwoven traditional costumes in bright colours (this is not quite as important as some of the clothes that the people in Shanghai wore).

Join the Local Markets In Dong Van

Every Sunday, Dong Van Market is the most diverse place in the entire city. People from nearby villages have come together to trade fruits and vegetables, clothing, and even tools. You will see women dressed in lovely dresses, while men stare at every stall while they sip tea, and laughter from children will ring out. It is a colorful view of life that brings all the communities of Ha Giang together.

For a small fee, you can sample local dishes such as Thang Co, or mud wine, or you can buy some handcrafted items or souvenirs to take home with you. I can say, even if you perceived nothing, you would still enjoy wandering about just to enjoy being there. The sights, sounds, smells, and colors from this event will certainly stay with you long after your trip.

Entrance Fee

Before going to the Lung Cu tower, please check how much it costs and bring some money. It is a small fee, but it serves the purpose of keeping this important site up.

Opening Hours

Lung Cu Flag Tower is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. You can go there any time of the year, but certain times bring very unique experiences.

• During January and March, spring arrives in the region with peach, plum, and mustard flowers blooming. Festivals also come during this season, which is wonderful for observing local customs amidst a festive spirit.
• In May, the locals fill the rice terraces with water to begin planting. The glossy paddies reflect the sky and mountains, creating peaceful and picturesque scenery.
• From June to August, it is cool and dry. It is ideal for tourism, trekking, and photography. The blue sky and green hills provide the landscape with a fresh and vibrant appearance. October to December is the buckwheat flower season.

How to Get to Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Tower is 150 km away from Ha Giang City. The most convenient way to get there is by bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, which takes 6 to 7 hours. Then, you can rent a motorbike or a car in Ha Giang City to visit the area. The suggested route is: Ha Giang City – National Road 4C – Quan Ba – Dong Van – Lung Cu.

When you reach the base of Dragon Mountain, you must climb 839 stone steps to get to the flag tower. The climb is broken into three parts, and each part has a small resting area where you can sit and view the scenery.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Lung Cu Flag Tower

Traveling to Lung Cu Flag Tower is a great experience, but with some planning, you can make your visit more rewarding and enjoyable. Here are some things you should know before you go:

• Bring warm clothes and layers: Since Lung Cu is located at a high elevation, the temperatures fall below 14 °C, even during summer.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear: There are 839 stone stairs to ascend, so good footwear is important.
• Bring a power bank, snacks, and water: Facilities are minimal, so bring necessities to keep you going and keep you connected.
• You can rent a motorbike or a private vehicle for rent. Public transportation ends in Ha Giang city, so private transport provides greater flexibility.
• Bring insect repellent and a first aid kit: The countryside can have insects and unpredictable weather, so maybe be prepared.

FAQs About Lung Cu Flag Tower

Is this your first time visiting the Lung Cu Flag Tower? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you plan and have a great trip.

How tall is the tower, and how big is the flag?

The flag tower itself is an eight-sided tower that is 33 meters tall, with a flag pole that is an additional 9 meters. The flag of Vietnam is about 54 square meters, which represents the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

How many steps do you have to climb to get to the top?

It is made of 839 stone steps divided into three sections, and there are rest areas in between each section. You can also take the electric car up to the middle and only climb the last 283 steps.

How much is the admission fee?

It is about 25,000 VND for adults, and children who are less than 1.3 m get in free. There is also a 15,000 VND fee for adults if you take the electric car to the base of the tower.

Is it open year-round?

Yes, you can visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower all year long. Keep in mind that it may be very cold at this altitude in the winter (December to February), so bring warm clothes!

Are there facilities at the tower or base?

There are thought to be basic facilities which include toilets, a small counter to buy tickets, and somewhere to rest. There are very few food stalls and beverage vendors, so it is advisable to bring your own refreshments and snacks.

Final Thoughts: Is Lung Cu Flag Tower Worth Visiting?

Lung Cu Flag Tower is not just emblematic of the north, but also has stunning landscapes and a rich cultural identity that is steeped in national pride. Every trek up Dragon Mountain and every village visit is like a moment in time. If you want an experience of a unique Vietnam trip filled with beauty but also local living experiences, this would be the place to visit. Let Seni World organize an unforgettable trip for you to Ha Giang now!