Lung Cu Flag Point — Attraction in Lũng Cú Commune

Rất đáng để trải nghiệm tay lái 1 lần trong đời. Xe máy hoặc xe hơi (nếu đi xe sedan hay các dòng xe gầm thấp thì khá vất vả. Cung đường đẹp nhất là Hà Giang - Yên Minh nghỉ đêm. Rồi Lũng Cú - Đồng Văn nghỉ đêm. Chợ Mèo Vạc.

Nice experience!,,, should try one time in your life. Worth it! Lung Cu Flag Tower is considered as one of “four great wonders” in Ha Giang Province, along with Dong Van Plateau, The Edifice of Vuong Family, and Happiness Road. This is also the northernmost point, one in four poles defining the shape of Vietnamese map. Lung Cu flag tower is a national flag tower situated at the top of Lung Cu Mountain (Dragon Mountain), which has the altitude of approximately 1,700 meters. Lung Cu Flag Tower belongs to the territory of Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. This north pole of Vietnam has the coordinates of 23°21’49” north latitude and 105°18’58 ” east longitude. Being known as a small point on the borderline between Vietnam and China, Lung Cu Flag-pole is a scared symbol of the national sovereignty in the consciousness of Vietnamese people. According to H’Mong language, “Lung” means corn and “Cu” means valley, therefore, Lung Cu flag tower simply refers to a valley of cornfields. Indeed, when travelers stand atop Lung Cu Mountain and look down, a vast terraced fields of rice and corn will catch your eyes. However, there is an alternative explanation for the mountain’s name. Accordingly, Lung Cu flag tower is where dragon once lived. Therefore, it was called “Núi Rồng”, “Long Sơn” (Dragon Mountain) or “Long Cư” (Dragon House). From the top of Lung Cu flag tower, looking in the westerly direction, there are two fresh and green lakes which never run out. According to indigenous people, these lakes are considered as eyes of the former dragon. Legend has it that, in the past, locals were always lack of waters. The scared dragon felt pity for what people were enduring, therefore, before he ascended to the heavens, he left his eyes in Lung Cu Commune, which formed two green lakes as nowadays. Historically, Lung Cu Flag Tower was firstly built under the reign of Ly Thuong Kiet and initially made of Sa Moc trees (pine trees). The flagpole was then rebuilt in the French colonial period, in 1887. Since then, it was renovated or rebuilt several times, in 1992, 2000, 2002, and most recently in 2010 with larger size. With the latest design, Lung Cu Flag-pole has the height of 33.15 meters, in which, the plinth is 20.25 meter high, and the outside diameter is 3.8 meter wide. It has the octagonal shape, which is like Hanoi Flag-pole. Travelers can find motifs Dong Son Bronze Drum and other patterns representing for differently historical periods of the country in the pedestal. Climbing 839 stone steps, tourists will set food at Lung Cu Flag-Pole. The panoramic view of impressive nature will gladden...

Let me tell you about Lung Cu Flag Point. It wasn't exactly what I pictured, but that's not a bad thing. It's definitely a must-see if you're doing the Ha Giang Loop.

The scenery is incredible. You climb up this winding road with rice terraces clinging to the mountainsides. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Then you get to the top, and there it is - this imposing flag tower flying a giant Vietnamese flag. It's a very powerful image, especially knowing the history of the place.

Now, here's the thing. The climb up can be a bit brutal, especially on a motorbike. There's a lot of tourist stuff around the base too, which can be a bit of a turn-off. But hey, that comes with the territory at a popular spot.

Overall, Lung Cu Flag Point is a worthwhile stop. The views are stunning, and it's a powerful symbol of Vietnamese pride. Just be prepared for a bit of a climb and...

Fee: 40,000VND per person Parking for motorcycles: 5,000VND

The road to Lung Cu town is well paved. We drove for over an hour from Dong Van on a mix of windy, steep, downhill roads. It's great for motorcycle riders.

You climb over a hundred steps to get to the hill with great 360 view of the town and if weather permits, you can see a glimpse of the border and China. To reach the top, you can climb the building about 3 storeys high and youre closer to the flag.

We stayed for over an hour. It was raining and foggy but we got clear skies for a few seconds before another fog cloud comes in. Better be picture ready all the time.

Check the weather and try not to stay until late like we did. We left at 5pm and it was hard driving...