The Lung Cu Flag Tower in Ha Giang, Vietnam is an iconic destination. It stands at 1,700 meters above sea level, symbolizing Vietnamese sovereignty. Climbing the tower offers panoramic views of the beautiful countryside. At the summit, you can see the border between Vietnam and China. The area is also rich in cultural heritage, with opportunities to learn about the local ethnic communities. The Lung Cu Flag Tower is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

How Lung Cu Flag Tower Is Unique?

The Lung Cu Flag Tower is known as the North Pole of Vietnam. The path to the tower consists of 283 stone steps, and the tower itself stands at a height of 33.15 meters with a diameter of 3.8 meters. The tower’s body features relief decorations inspired by Dong Son’s bronze drums. At the base of the tower, there are reliefs depicting the daily lives of ethnic minority individuals in the karst plateau. The flagpole measures 9 meters and flies a national flag with a surface area of 54 square meters, representing the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

At the base of the tower, there is a commemorative house displaying production tools, costumes, and cultural artifacts of the various cultural groups in Ha Giang. From the Lung Cu Flag Tower, visitors can enjoy a wide view of the border area of Vietnam. This includes the winding Nho Que River flowing through the high mountain ranges, the terraced fields stretching along the mountainsides, and the villages of Mong, Lo, Tay, and Pu Peo.

Top Things To Do In Lung Cu Flagpole

When visiting the Lung Cu Flagpole, there are several top things to do and activities that you can engage in to make the most of your experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Climb The Flagpole

Begin your visit by climbing the 283 stone steps to reach the top of the Lung Cu Flagpole. The climb offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and provides a sense of achievement once you reach the summit.

2. Take In The Panoramic Views

From the top of the Flagpole, enjoy the panoramic views of the border area between Vietnam and China. On clear days, you can see the distant mountains, the winding Nho Que River, and the picturesque terraced fields that dot the landscape.

3. Explore The Cultural Exhibits

Inside the Flagpole, explore the exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and ethnic diversity of the region. Learn about the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Vietnam’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the local heritage.

4. Immerse Yourself In Local Culture

Interact with the local ethnic communities, such as the Hmong and Lo Lo people, who reside in the area. Engage in conversations, observe their traditional practices, and perhaps even try local delicacies. This will provide an enriching cultural experience.

5. Visit The Commemorative House

Explore the commemorative house located at the base of the Flagpole. Here, you can view displays of production tools, costumes, and cultural artifacts representing the different cultural groups in Ha Giang. It’s an opportunity to learn more about their way of life and traditions.

6. Capture Memorable Photos

With the stunning landscapes and the iconic Flagpole as your backdrop, take the time to capture memorable photos during your visit. The panoramic views, the colorful flags, and the cultural exhibits all provide great photography opportunities.

7. Enjoy Nature And Scenic Walks

Take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area of the Flagpole. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, explore the nearby villages, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the karst plateau. You can also venture out on hiking trails and discover more of the picturesque countryside.

Remember to check the weather conditions and plan your Ha Giang off-road tours accordingly to ensure a pleasant experience. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or cultural immersion, the Lung Cu Flagpole offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests.

How To Go To Lung Cu Flag Tower?

Lung Cu flagpole is built on the top of Rong Mountain – with the height of 1700m above sea level, 24km from Dong Van district, 154km from Ha Giang city. Lung Cu flagpole is the sacred and proud place of every Vietnamese people about the sovereignty of our country.

It takes 20km from Dong Van to Lung Cu flag tower. There will be 2 roads to Lung Cu. If you stop at Dong Van then just turn into a shortcut in the centre of town about 2km. If you combine with visiting Vuong’s family palace, you will take about 15km to Lung Cu flagpole.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower?

Looking down from Lung Cu flagpole, you will see the whole majestic natural beauty of the mountains of Northeast Vietnam. Each season comes to Lung Cu and you will feel a different beauty. The terraced fields with scenery change with each season. From green when young rice, yellow when ripe rice to brown after the rice is harvested. And the beauty of the vast buckwheat flower fields stretching through the valleys.

Because of the above characteristics, you can come to Lung Cu – Ha Giang at any time of the year. However, it is important to avoid the rainy months (from June to August of the lunar calendar). And should see the weather forecast in advance to have a safe trip!

Recommended Accommodation In Lung Cu

You should find a hostel in Dong Van town area such as Cao Nguyên Da Hotel, Hien Hoa Hostel, Hoang Ngọc Hostel, Khai Hoan Hostel, Lung Cu Hostel.

Lung Cu homestay

• Address: Lo lo chai village, Dong Van, Ha Giang

Lung Cu Home with a view

• Address: Lung Cu, Ha Giang

What To Eat?

1. Au Tau Rice Soup

If you haven’t tried this dish, then you haven’t truly experienced Ha Giang. The locals have ingeniously transformed poisonous tubers into a delicious and nutritious delicacy known as tofu piles. This unique dish is a must-try when visiting the region.

Another culinary delight in Ha Giang is the Au Tau rice soup. Not only does it provide a satisfying meal, but it also has the incredible ability to induce a restful sleep and alleviate fatigue after a long day of exploration. Indulging in a bowl of Au Tau rice soup is a perfect way to rejuvenate yourself and fully immerse in the local flavors of Ha Giang.

2. Thang Co

Missing out on enjoying Thang Co would be a regrettable mistake when visiting Ha Giang. It has become a culinary tradition for many tourists to come to Dong Van market, indulge in corn wine, and savor the flavors of Thang Co.

Thang Co is a hearty dish made from horse or cow organs, served piping hot in a bowl. Diners are encouraged to eat and blow on the dish to cool it down. It is common to add salt or soup powder to enhance the taste, adjusting it to suit individual preferences. The aromatic combination of cardamom, nuts, lemongrass, chili, and pepper blends harmoniously with the rich meaty flavors, providing warmth in the midst of the cold weather.

To fully experience Thang Co, one can find it at the fairs of Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu, and other bustling local markets.

3. Smoked Meat Is One Of The Most Specialties When Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower

The delectable delights of smoked buffalo and kitchen meat are a culinary treasure in Ha Giang. These dishes are typically crafted by slicing meat fibers into long strips. Each piece of buffalo meat and pork skewer is carefully rolled onto large sticks and hung on kitchen counters, ready to be prepared.

What makes these dishes truly special is the absence of preservatives. The meat is prepared using traditional methods, ensuring a pure and natural flavor that captivates the taste buds of every traveler visiting Ha Giang. The smoked buffalo and kitchen meat have gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, becoming a favorite dish that is savored with delight.

4. Shan Snow Tea

The ancient Shan tea trees that thrive in the highlands of Ha Giang possess a unique and enchanting appearance. Their bark is adorned with a delicate, translucent white layer reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. It is this distinct feature that has earned them the name “Shan Tuyet tea,” a speciality of Ha Giang.

What makes this tea truly exceptional is its clean and natural origin. The tea leaves are carefully and sustainably harvested from these untouched trees, ensuring a pristine and pure source of this remarkable beverage. Enjoying a cup of Shan Tuyet tea allows you to savor not only its exquisite flavor but also the essence of the unspoiled nature from which it originates.

5. La Chi Rat Meat

For the La Chi people, rat meat holds a special place as a staple and everyday food. According to their tradition and folklore, during each season of ripe rice in the village, men embark on hunting expeditions for rats throughout the district. Following the harvest, they venture into the forest to set traps and dig burrows in strategic locations. The act of catching mice in areas such as vau, bamboo forests, and chit forests becomes an integral part of their cultural practices.

Once the mice are captured, the La Chi people skillfully transform the meat into a variety of flavorful dishes. Grilling, stir-frying, and hanging in the kitchen are just a few of the culinary techniques used to prepare the mouse meat. These methods allow them to create a diverse range of dishes that showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the La Chi people in utilizing the available resources from their surroundings.

For the La Chi community, rat meat is not only a source of sustenance but also a reflection of their cultural heritage and a testament to their adaptability in making the most of their environment. It serves as a reminder of their ancestral traditions and the deep connection they have with the natural world.