Sapa Tours Explore Lung Po Flagpole: 2,3 Days

Lung Po Flagpole – The Pride of Lao Cai and Vietnam’s Northern Frontier

Among the most memorable experiences of Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole, where all stand at Vietnam’s northernmost border, fusing history, geography, and patriotism into a unique taste. Situated in the A Mu Sung commune, Bat Xat district, the Lung Po Flagpole is a national landmark symbolizing national sovereignty, marking the point where the Red River flows into Vietnamese territory for the first time.

A Monument of National Pride

The Lung Po Flagpole stood adjacent to the site of the flagpole, built to mark Vietnamese sovereignty, is not a tired destination, but a tribute to the strength of the nation. Cot Moc 92 (Border Marker 92), is a historical place where the Lung Po Stream and the Red River intertwine together, which is also a natural borderline of Vietnam–China. Anyone visiting this location can appreciate the profound sense of patriotism of those who have stood where Vietnamese border soldiers have guarded grassland, rocks, mud, and the nation’s land from generation to generation.

Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism

This majestic flag pole, rising 41 meters, is full of symbolism

• Height: The 31.43-metre tall main structure symbolizes Fansipan Peak (3,143m) – Vietnam’s highest mountain.
• National Flag: The flag with an area of 25m² which represents 25 ethnic groups living in Lao Cai province.
• Staircase: A spiral staircase with 125 steps takes you to the top, where stunning panoramic views await of the northernmost landscapes in Vietnam, the Red River, and the majestic, bordering mountain ranges of China

Why Visit Lung Po Flagpole?

Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole a must-see spot for history buffs, tourists, and photographers. Here’s why this spot should be on your bucket list

• Unmatched Morning Views: Behold the dawn as it casts its first rays on Lung Po where two majestic rivers converge. The morning fog lifts, unveiling a spectacular, living, and breathing work of nature
• This is a moment that inspires patriotism. Every visitor senses the profound meaning of this land, where countless heroes have given their lives to guard the border
• A Photographer’s Paradise: Take photos of the stunning landscapes, from foggy mountain peaks to the winding flow of the Red River as it snakes through the valleys. Whether an amateur enthusiast or a professional, this spot ensures once-in-a-lifetime snapshots

From historical backdrop, and stunning nature landscape to thrilling adventure, Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole giving an experience that is just one of its kind. Strategically situated, rich in symbolism, and breathtaking scenery, the flagpole is a testament to Vietnam’s past and resilience, it’s a sight no traveler can afford to miss.

Sapa Tours Explore Lung Po Flagpole: Itinerary for 2-3 Days

Day 1: Hanoi – Sapa – Y Ty – Lung Po Flagpole (Lunch, Dinner)

Morning

06:00: We will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer you to Lao Cai via expressway. En route, take in the stunning mountain scenery, and watch the landscape of northern Vietnam roll by.

11:30: Then, the train arrives in Lao Cai where local specialties of grilled fish, sticky rice, and fresh herbs will serve you for lunch.

Afternoon

• Lung Po Flagpole was nothing but a rare destination in Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole.
• Climb 125 spiral steps to the top, where the Vietnamese tricolor flies proudly over the borderlands.
• Cot Moc 92 (Border Marker 92): Here, behold the majestic intersection of the Lung Po Stream and the Red River, delineating the border between Vietnam and China.
• Visit A Mu Sung Border Post, where you can listen to heroic stories of Vietnamese border soldiers who devote their whole lives to protecting the nation’s sovereignty.

Evening

• Move to Y Ty – a sea of terraced rice paddies in the cultural unique of Ha Nhi people.
• Indulge in a feast of local cuisine, including smoked buffalo meat, herbal hotpot, and freshly harvested vegetables.
• Enjoy cultural exchange, with traditional Ha Nhi music and dance performances.
• Spend the night at a homestay in a nearby village, where you’ll get a taste of the highland hospitality.

Day 2: Y Ty – Ngai Thau – Choan Then – Sapa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning

• One of the top spots in northern Vietnam for cloud-spotting, get up early for an amazing sunrise at Ngai Thau. Here, you’ll be situated above a thick carpet of clouds, encircled by mountain summits that extend for miles into the distance.
• Explore Choan Then Village, which is the abode of the Ha Nhi ethnic community and you can see their earthen-walled houses and learn their century-old traditions.
• Breakfast with local black sticky rice with Shan Tuyet tea, one of the specialties of the region with its special aroma and flavor.

Afternoon

• Return to Sapa via Muong Hum – Ban Xeo scenic road. Along the way, you’ll pass by scenic viewpoints where you can pause to take in the panorama of the golden terraced fields, especially gorgeous around harvest time.
• Lunch at the famous Sapa restaurant to enjoy real dishes such as Thang Co (a traditional horse meat stew) and grilled salmon from Sapa’s fresh mountain streams.

Evening

• Have free time to explore Sapa town and visit:
  • Stone Church – ancient architecture in the center of Sapa.
  • Sapa Square where events and festivals are organized.
  • Sapa Lake is, a serene place to take an evening walk.
• Visit the Sapa night market, and enjoy ethnic hand-crafting products, handmade textiles, and Sapa delicacies.
• Dinner will include stir-fried chayote grilled pork with locally brewed wine and overnight at hotel 3-4* hotel in Sapa.

(Optional) Day 3: Conquering Lao Than Peak – Hanoi Return (Breakfast, Lunch)

Early Morning

• 04:00: Those who crave more adventure can embark on a trek to Lao Than Peak (2,860m), also known as the Roof of Y Ty.
• Hike for 3-4 hours through thick forests and golden grasslands until the summit at sunrise.
• Enjoy stunning 360-degree views over Vietnam to the China border, and a sea of clouds swaying under your feet from the top.

Afternoon

• Head back to Sapa and have lunch at a restaurant with mountain views where you can relax and savor the highlights of your trip.
• Transfer back to Hanoi, and arrive around 20:00, Separate way Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole, and lunch at a local restaurant.

What’s Included & Excluded in This Tour?

 Inclusions:

• Private AC vehicle & professional chauffeur.
• Accommodation for 1-2 nights (homestay in Y Ty & hotel in Sapa).
• All meals are as per the itinerary.
• The entrance fees & permits for Lung Po Flagpole & Lao Than Peak.
• Tour guide (professional, fluent English speaker).
• Travel insurance.

Exclusions:

• Individual expenses & drinks.
• Tips for guides & drivers.
• Lao Than Peak (Optional trekking add-on on Day 3).

Travel Tips for Visiting Lung Po Flagpole

Best Time to Experience Sapa Tours Explore Lung Po Flagpole

Choosing the time of your visit will maximize your experience with stunning views and pleasant weather.

• September – November: Golden rice harvest season, the terraced fields Y Ty and Ngai Thau at this time shine with gold colors. The mild temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time for trekking and photography.
• December – March: This is the best season for cloud hunting, especially in Ngai Thau and Lao Than Peak. One will wake up to an endless sea of rolling clouds drenched in sunlight which creates a dreamlike landscape so perfect that it has become paradise for both photographers & nature lovers. Temperatures are cool, so dress warmly.

Essential Packing List for Sapa Tours Explore Lung Po Flagpole

With some preparations, you will have a great experience with Sapa Tours. With its wide-ranging terrain and changing weather conditions, pack the following essentials

• Hiking Boots & Warm Clothing: You will require good and easily transportable footwear for the rugged trails around Lung Po Flagpole and Y Ty. Land that can reach subzero temperatures in winter, so around multiple layers is key.
• Camera & Drone: This is a photographer’s paradise, rich in breathtaking river and mountain landscapes, and endless rice terraces. It has also been equipped with a drone that would collect incomparable aerial images, of the Lung Po confluence and the Vietnam-China border.
• Important Travel Documents: Lung Po Flagpole is located in a border area, and may require special permits for travelers. Have your ID or passport with you and double-check with Sapa Tours that all the paperwork is accurate.

Cultural Etiquette on Sapa Tours Explore Lung Po Flagpole

One of the most appreciated goals of Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole is cultural engagement with Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Etiquette tips to ensure that you have a respectful and meaningful experience.

• Do not Overdress: The Ha Nhi, H’Mong, and Dao people have colorful cultural customs, which they are proud of, so avoid folding your clothes: Instead, dress appropriately to respect their culture.
• Ask to Take Photos: The ethnic villages of Y Ty and Choan Then are super photogenic, but always ask for permission first, particularly of adults and children, before snapping a pic. A smile and a simple gesture make all the difference.

Sapa’s Best Souvenirs

1. Smoked Buffalo Meat (Thit trau gac bep)

Buffalo meat, smoked, is a specialty of the Ha Nhi and H’Mong people and is a savory, smoky delicacy that has been prepared traditionally for centuries. The meat is marinated in local spices and dried over a wood-fired smoke for months, making it chewy with a deep umami flavor.

Where to buy:

• Sapa Market – Luong Dinh Cua, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Bac Ha Sunday Market – Bac Ha Town, Lao Cai Province

Price: 600,000 – 800,000 VND/kg

2. Muong Khuong Chili Sauce – A Fiery Taste of the Highlands

Those who love spicy and bold-flavoured souvenirs can’t miss Muong Khuong chili sauce. Made from locally grown chili: peppers, garlic, and fermented soybeans, this sauce brings a spicy aroma to any dish. It’s ideal to accompany grilled meats, noodles, or dipping sauces.

Where to buy:

• Muong Khuong Agricultural Market – Muong Khuong Town, Lao Cai Province
• Sapa Market – Luong Dinh Cua, Sapa, Lao Cai

 Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND/bottle (500ml)

3. Shan Tuyet Tea – The Ancient Treasure of Lao Cai

Originating from 300-year-old Shan Tuyet tea trees found in the high-altitude plantations of Lao Cai, this delicious tea is famous for its scent, smooth and fine taste as well as positive health benefits. The tea is hand-picked and naturally sun-dried making this a perfect, genuine gift for a tea lover.

Where to buy:

• Ta Phin Village Tea Cooperatives – Ta Phin, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Sapa Market – Luong Dinh Cua, Sapa, Lao Cai

Price: 300,000 – 600,000 VND/kg

4. Black Sticky Rice & Honey Wine – A Local Market Favorite

Black sticky rice is a Highland traditional food, frequently used in rice cakes and fermented rice wine. This aromatic, chewy rice dish pairs beautifully with honey wine, a naturally fermented drink made from wild forest honey and sticky rice that provides a truly authentic taste of the northern mountains.

Where to buy:

• Sapa Night Market – Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Bac Ha Sunday Market – Bac Ha Town, Lao Cai Province

Price:

• Black Sticky Rice: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/kg
• Honey Wine: 150,000 – 300,000 VND/bottle (750ml)

5. Handwoven Brocade Textiles – A Masterpiece of H’Mong & Red Dao Artisans

The H’Mong and Red Dao people are known for their intricately handwoven brocade textiles, made with natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques that go back centuries. They come in the form of scarves, handbags, table runners, and traditional costumes. Buying these handmade fabrics helps support local artists and sustainable tourism.

Where to buy:

• Ta Phin Village – Ta Phin, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Sapa Market – Luong Dinh Cua, Sapa, Lao Cai

Price:

• Scarves: 200,000 – 500,000 VND
• Handbags: 300,000 – 800,000 VND
• Traditional Costumes: 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND/set

Conclusion

From Sapa tours explore Lung Po Flagpole, the point where Vietnam is marked at the entrance of the Red River, you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes, ethnic customs, and strong patriotism. From incredible views and cultural immersion to the adventure of a lifetime, this tour offers the chance to tick an experience off your bucket list.

Contact Impress Travel to book your Sapa Tours today and get your memorable adventure!

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• Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

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