Lung Cu Flag Pole: Vietnam’s Last Vestige
PART 4: Northern Vietnam Adventure Series
Route 3: Sky Journey To Pride and Happiness
Around 20 kilometers from Dong Van, lies the Lung Cu Flagpole, where the flag of Vietnam flutters greatly on a fine windy day.
It was rather gloomy that time, thunder clouds were foreboding from a distance. We took a quick visit here then dropped a while at the Vietnam-China Border Belt before eventually taking the long ride back to Ha Giang City.
To The Beat of the Drums
Rather an understatement to say that Lung Cu is in the far north of Vietnam, in reality, it is actually in the far, far, far north!
About 3.3kms away from China’s Yunnan province, the flagpole stands at around 30 meters tall on top of Lung Cu Peak. In addiiton, the peak has has an elevation of 1400 meters above sea level.
It is said that an emperor ordered a huge bronze drum to be placed at the summit of the mountain. Moreover, he had it beat three times every two hours after as a sign of triumph and freedom against their Northern attackers in 1978.
The name came from from “Long Co” which translates to “King’s Drum”. Today, this point signifies Vietnam’s supremacy from the northern attackers. Also, as a vestige of their territory and the unique culture it envelopes.
From the base of the mountain, it will take you around 380 steps to the entrance of the flag point.
The base is carved with patterns of Dong Son drums, where the place got its name. Right after the steps is the entrance to circular staircase inside the structure.
The area also contains one of the oldest fossils in the geopark and is encased in a glass compartment.
It was rather gloomy that morning and the flag didn’t flutter at all. So we contented ourselves with the view from down below and the surrounding villages and the mountains of China.
To add, the flag measures at around 54 square meters which symbolizes the 54 ethnic minorities of the country.
China All!
We also did a quick sidetrip at the Border Belt between Vietnam and China. We were told that snipers are waiting at the other side if you cross without permission.
Where is Lung Cu Flag Pole?
This is located in the town of Dong Van town in the province of Ha Giang, in the northernmost part of Vietnam. Located some 500 kilometers north of Hanoi, the travel takes 6-7 hours by sleeper buses to Ha Giang City, then another day or two by private cars, motorcycles, or mini buses to reach the area.
This is just around 30 kilometers from the town of Dong Van, but don’t be fooled, it is full of winding roads and mountain passes wit occasional buses that drives like crazy partnered with their incessant honking.
Entrance fee is around 20,000VND or equivalent to 45PHP or less than 1 USD.
Hanoi, Vietnam: Underneath the Nón Lá – located on the eastern Indochinese Peninsula, this was once a French city often dubbed as the “Paris of the East”, a gateway to a plethora of natural wonders, people, culture and amazing food. From rich forests, karst and tectonic landscapes, towering mountain peaks, UNESCO listed sites, ethnic markets, and effusive local hospitality – let us take you into an adventure of a lifetime up into the northern reaches of Vietnam!
This is my third country visited last March 22 to 26, 2019.
Northern Vietnam Adventure Series 2019
The Roof of Indochina: Mt. Fansipan Travel Guide 2019
Ha Giang Loop: A Journey through Vietnam’s Northern Frontier
Ha Giang: A DIY Budget Travel Guide to Vietnam’s Final Frontier
Ha Giang’s Quan Ba Fairy Bosom
Mã Pí Lèng: The Legendary Mountain Pass Above the Clouds
Ha Giang’s Ethnic Rendezvous: Dong Van Sunday Market
Lung Cu Flag Pole: Vietnam’s Last Vestige
Hmong King’s Palace – Vietnam’s Golden Triangle Opium Link
Hanoi, Vietnam: One Night Only in the Charming Old Quarters
Inside the Bay of Dragons: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Have you tried the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam? How was it? Share your awesome stories in the comments section below!
Lung Cu Flag Pole: Vietnam’s Last Vestige
Updated April 30, 2019
