Just over 400km from Hanoi following National Highway 2 and 4C, the rocky plateau of Dong Van with mountain paths like blood vessels sticking to the land standing between them and the summit of Lung Cu awaits visitor.
The Lung Cu flagpole, marking the country’s extreme north, is a popular tourist destination that inspires a deep sense of pride in Vietnamese. From a distance, Lung Cu is a spectacular sight with the view dominated by giant boulders and the national flag flying above Dragon Mountain, all set to the backdrop of magnificent forests.
Lung Cu flagpole locates in longitude of 1580 58’, 21’’ west and latitude of 230 21’48, 76’’ North. Its height is 1468.73 m – north pole, the border area of nation. Its design is an imitation of the Hanoi Flag Tower, with eight bronze drums guarding the sides of the octagonal tower. The national flag adorning the top of the 135-stair tower has an area of 54m², symbolizing the unity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The road to Ha Giang is like a challenge with visitors and driver. However, coming to Ha Giang few people skip the arch roads leading to the Lung Cu flagpole. It is about 24 kms from center of Dong Van to Lung Cu. 24-km road is a constant series of mountains lying close together. One side of flimsy road is a gut and another side is a high mountain. The mountain pass is sinuous, which gives a trial to every driver.
The road to Lung Cu is beautiful like a watercolor painting. The paddy fields and earthen-walled houses dot the sumptuous panorama. At sunset, Lung Cu village is very peaceful with smoke from roofs and children drive the herd of buffalos to the houses. The cold weather covers on children faces and their hair. The smoke spreads out and makes a corner of the dusk warmer. The road to Lung Cu flagpole has been rebuilt with stair structure helping travelling easier. The higher, the perfect Lung Cu scenery is. See towards 4 sides, Lung Cu village is quiet in the light yellow sunset. Seeing more, you will be more charmed.
On the Lung Cu flagpole, the red nation flag is flying flutteringly in the winter wind. Be quiet to see the red nation flag with yellow stars, it is certain that visitors will feel peacefulness in your soul and am proud of putting feet on the scared and charming land and touching the flagpole in the border area of nation
Nguyen Hao
