Lung Cu Flag Tower at a glance
The Lung Cu Flag Tower (Cột cờ Lũng Cú) stands on Dragon Mountain (Núi Rồng) in the commune of Lung Cu, at about 1,470 m (the height of the mountain, not of the tower). It lies in Tuyen Quang province, which Ha Giang joined in 2025, at the far northern edge of Vietnam near the border with China. The national flag flies at the top, and the climb gives wide views over the karst plateau when the weather allows.
The tower is a detour from Dong Van: 25 km one way, about 1 hour by road. A sample four-day plan suggests about 3 extra hours for the detour, including the visit. If you do not want to ride the mountain roads yourself, a Ha Giang Loop tour or an Easy Rider includes the ride.
Entry fee and what to check
What to check before you go.
Before you go
Plan the climb in daylight and check locally whether the tower is open that day, especially around public holidays and in bad weather.
Entry fee 2026
The base fee set from 1 January 2026 is VND 40,000 per person and visit, or VND 20,000 with the 50 percent reduction. Children under 6 enter free.
What the fee does not cover
Parking and a shuttle, if one is offered, are not part of the base fee. Ask on the spot before you pay.
Our pick: a tour with the flag tower ticket
The Lung Cu Flag Tower ticket is part of this 4-day jeep tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lung Cu tours from Dong Van and Ha Giang
Loop tours with the Lung Cu detour, Easy Rider rides and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Climbing the tower
What the visit involves.
The climb is a long staircase of about 839 steps. Take your time, carry water, and wear shoes with grip, because stone steps can be slippery in fog or rain.
Fog and changing weather are common on the plateau, so views are not guaranteed. If the top is in cloud, wait a little or come back the next morning when your schedule allows. Start early, and keep the ride back to Dong Van in mind, since the road takes about an hour.
The northernmost point and the border area
A different place, a few kilometers away.
The northernmost point is not the tower
The geographic northernmost point of Vietnam (Điểm cực Bắc) is a separate place, about 2 km from the flag tower. Do not assume it is open to visitors at all times, and follow local signs and instructions.
Border villages and permits
Villages near the border can require a permit from the provincial police, and these areas are not always signposted. Some tour packages include a border area permit. If you travel on your own, ask your accommodation about the current rules before you set out.
Riding yourself
If you ride yourself, you need a valid licence for Vietnam that covers motorbikes. A car licence alone does not cover a motorbike. Read the rules on the self-riding page.
Lung Cu Flag Tower: frequently asked questions
Which province is Lung Cu in?
Tuyen Quang. Since 1 July 2025, Ha Giang is part of Tuyen Quang province, and the commune of Lung Cu combines the former Ma Le, Lung Tao and Lung Cu.
How much is the Lung Cu Flag Tower ticket?
The base fee in 2026 is VND 40,000, or VND 20,000 with the 50 percent reduction. Children under 6 enter free.
How many steps are there?
About 839.
How far is it from Dong Van?
25 km one way, about 1 hour by road. Plan about 3 extra hours for the whole detour.
Is the flag tower the northernmost point of Vietnam?
No. The geographic northernmost point is a separate place, about 2 km away.