Lung Cu flag tower

For Vietnamese travellers, Lung Cu is one of the most meaningful stops on the Loop. The flag tower stands on Dragon Mountain, a hilltop close to the country's northernmost point, and the flag flying above it — 54 square metres, one for each of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups — is visible from a long way off.

The climb is about 300 steps from the parking area to the base of the tower, then a spiral staircase inside the tower to the top. It is steady rather than steep, and most people manage it at their own pace. At the top, on a clear day, you can see across the valleys to the border and into China. The wind is often strong up here, and in winter it cuts through anything short of a proper jacket.

The tower itself is about 35 metres tall and sits at around 1,470 metres above sea level. It has been rebuilt and expanded several times — the current structure dates from 2010. The tower occasionally closes for maintenance; it was closed for several months in mid-2025, for example, so it is worth checking locally before making the detour.

Below the tower, Lo Lo Chai village is a Lo Lo community of about 120 households, many living in traditional rammed-earth houses some of which are well over a hundred years old. In October 2025, UN Tourism named Lo Lo Chai one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world. You can stay the night in a family homestay — and if you do, the early morning climb to the tower before the day visitors arrive is worth the early alarm. See [Lo Lo Chai village](/places/lo-lo-chai-village/).

The detour to Lung Cu from Dong Van is about 25 km each way on a decent road. Allow half a day for the round trip including the climb and a walk through Lo Lo Chai. The road passes through farmland and small villages, and it is a pleasant ride in itself.

One thing to know: because Lung Cu is near the border, there are occasional checkpoints. Carry your passport or a copy of it. And because the tower is a national symbol, treat the site with the respect it deserves — this is not just a viewpoint, it matters to a lot of people.