Heading for Lung Cu: Adventure and tradition at the Northernmost point of Vietnam!

Hello adventurous friends!
Today we're off to Lung Cu, a little piece of paradise nestled in the far north of Vietnam, where mountains soar skyward and legends whisper in the wind.
 

Heading for Lung Cu ! Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures

Lung Cu is a mountain community at the top of the Dong Van plateau, Vietnam's northernmost region. Lung Cu is 24 km from the center of Dong Van, renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and the cultural diversity of its highland ethnic groups.

Lung Cu is a mountainous district located 500 km from Hanoi and 200 km from downtown Ha Giang. If you're travelling from Hanoi, the first step is to take an overnight bus or a daily minibus to the city of Ha Giang. From there, you'll reach Lung Cu by motorcycle or with a private driver, a distance of around 160 km. There are many interesting stops along the way, including Tham Ma Pass, Quan Ba and the palace of King H'Mong.
If you're coming from Dong Van, it's only 25 km, but due to the winding mountain roads, it can take up to an hour to reach Lung Cu.
The more adventurous may choose to go by motorcycle.

From September to November and from March to May, to avoid the rain and enjoy pleasant temperatures that will complement your walks in the area.

► When to travel to Vietnam?
 

The flag tower and its panoramic view - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures

2 to 3 days minimum to give you time to explore the surrounding area.

You'll find homestays and rudimentary hotels in the villages. For an authentic experience, opt for a homestay. The town of Dong Van offers the widest choice of accommodation.

Lung Cu's cuisine is simple and rustic, based on fresh, local ingredients.
Here are some of Lung Cu's culinary specialities:
- Thang co: a horsemeat stew from Ha Giang province.
- Banh cuon: a steamed rice cake stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms and green onions. It's a popular dish throughout Vietnam, but has a flavor unique to Lung Cu.
- Com lam: glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes. The bamboo gives the rice a unique smoky flavor.

► The Cuisine of North Vietnam
 

Dong Van scenery - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures

Imagine yourself... Climbing the 839 steps to the top of the tower, 1,470 meters above sea level, proudly overlooking the Chinese border from Lung Cu Peak (Dragon Peak). Here stands the Vietnamese flagpole, a vibrant symbol of national pride. A breathtaking panorama unfolds before your eyes: endless terraces of verdant rice paddies, a patchwork of colors and textures that will leave you breathless. The rugged beauty of the northeastern mountains is a sight that never grows old. What's more, you'll notice two ponds below, known as "dragon's eyes". These two ponds never dry up and are a precious source of water for the local ethnic communities, helping to maintain their traditional way of life and culture.
The Lung Cu mast is not only an important symbol, but also an attractive destination for visitors.
Good to know: If you arrive by motorcycle, you can drive up to the summit parking lot, so all you have to do is climb the last 283 steps. If you arrive by car, you can take an electric buggy (VND 20,000) to the summit parking lot. If you decide to take the plunge, the ascent is divided into three stages, each with a rest area where you can relax and contemplate the panorama.
If you can't make it up the stairs, there's always the option of contemplating the view from the bottom of the tower: just in front of it is an observation platform offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Tickets to visit the Lung Cu mast
Adults: 40,000 VND/person
Children under 1.3 m: Free
Parking fee: 10,000 VND

On your way down, take a break at the foot of the tower to explore the museum featuring the production tools, costumes and cultural products of Ha Giang's ethnic groups.
The tower rises to a height of 33.15 metres, of which 20 metres are for the tower itself and 13 metres for the mast. It rests on a hexagonal pedestal adorned with 6 reliefs featuring Dong Son bronze drum motifs. It proudly bears the symbol-laden Vietnamese flag:
The flag measures 54 square meters, representing the 54 ethnic groups that make up the mosaic of the Vietnamese people. The red background symbolizes the blood shed by the Vietnamese for their independence, while the yellow star represents the Communist Party of Vietnam, which led the fight for independence. As for the 5 branches of the star, they symbolize Vietnam's five social classes: workers, peasants, intellectuals, soldiers and young people.
Did you know? The Lung Cu flag is hoisted at an altitude of 1,470 metres, making it the highest point in the country where the national flag flies. It is a powerful symbol of national pride and the determination of the Vietnamese people to defend their sovereignty.
For the record, the first flagpole was erected 1,000 years ago, during the reign of Ly Thuong Tiet. It was renovated and secured in 1887, during the French occupation. The most recent restoration took place in 2010.
 

Ethnic woman on the road to Lung Cu - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures

Lung Cu is not simply a geographical point, but a place filled with mystery and legend. The name "Lung Cu" has several explanations, all linked to the word "dragon". Some believe that the correct name for this place could be "Long Co" (dragon-shaped drum) or "Long Cu" (where the dragon lives). However, there is an interesting theory that "Lung Cu" can be translated as "dragon valley". In Cantonese, "Lung" means dragon, and "Cu" means valley in Mandarin. With its landscape of mountains and valleys, "dragon valley" seems an appropriate explanation for the name of this land. 
Moreover, in the H'mong language, "Lung Cu" means "coiled dragon". Legend has it that a giant dragon, guardian of Vietnamese territory, wrapped itself around the mountain to protect the country from Chinese invasions. It was on its back that the Flag Tower, symbol of national pride and Vietnam's highest point, was built. The Ao Cang dragon is also said to have created the mountain and its two sacred lakes with a mighty swipe of his tail.

Lung Cu is part of the Dong Van district, a region famous for its impressive landscapes, which are classified as UNESCO Geoparks. This region is a paradise for hikers and trekkers, offering a variety of cultures and home to more than 17 different ethnic groups.
Close to the famous Ha Giang loop, this destination is easily accessible to the majority of travelers. Exploring Dong Van is an ideal choice for a rewarding trekking experience, offering the opportunity to add an extra day or even embark on a multi-day hike.
So what are you waiting for? Embark on an exploration of Lung Cu and the surrounding area, a trip off the beaten track that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

► Learn more about Dong Van Geopark : Hiking in the Dong Van Geopark

Like a desire to stretch your legs in this fantastic region? Take a look at some of our programs!

► Trekking on the Trails of Northern Vietnam 9 days 8 nights
► Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights
► Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights