Phai Ve Flagpole

Phai Ve Flagpole is a signature tourist attraction in Lang Son. Beyond the tourism value, this construction marks the contribution and sacrifice of the locals in the resistance war against the foreign invaders, which makes it a proud symbol of the Lang Son people.

Location

Phai Ve Flagpole is situated at the top of Phai Ve Mountain, located in Vinh Trai Ward, Lang Son City, Vietnam. This special structure is not only a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists but also holds a rich historical value.

Phai Ve Flagpole (Source: Flickr)

How to get there

It’s easy to get to Phai Ve Flagpole from Lang Son City. So get to the city to explore this site and other destinations. If you depart from Hanoi, it will take around 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on which transportation. 

• Coach: You can easily catch a coach to get to Lang Son. The price may vary from VND 100,000, and the trip takes more than 4 hours. We suggest that you look for some coach websites to pick out the most suitable and convenient brand.
• Car: If you want to drive yourself, follow the Expressway 09 to the Kha Le Intersection. Then continue on Expressway 01 to Lang Son City. It only takes around 2.5 hours for the total journey.
• Motorbike: For those into motorcycle trips, this experience is totally worth it. Follow the National Highway 01 and you will reach your destination after more than 3 hours. Even when you’re not familiar with Vietnamese traffic, just follow the Google Map and use your instinct sometimes!
• Train: This option is great for those who want to observe the beauty of Vietnam while traveling. You can take the train from Gia Lam Station to Lang Son Station for more than 4 hours. The price varies from VND 68,000 to VND 134,000, depending on your seat.

Best time to visit

Lang Son allows tourists to visit this beautiful city at any time, thanks to its favorable temperature. Just note that the weather can be harsh (below 0 degrees Celsius) during the coldest days in winter. This may make the experience uncomfortable and increase the chance of getting a cold for tourists. 

Lang Son is good to travel to at any time (Source: Lang Son Tourism)

Therefore, we recommend visiting the city’s attractions in summer and fall. During this time, the weather is mild, cool, and ideal for outside activities. You can freely explore the sites without worrying about the unexpected problems.

History

Phai Ve Flagpole was established in 2014 to honor the historical meaning of the Phai Ve Mountain, which witnessed the brave and persistent fight of the Vietnamese people.  According to historical records, Phai Ve Mountain was a place to store food and supplies for Vietnamese soldiers during the resistance war against the French. It also served as a shelter during the days when the French bombed and swept through the region. 

Read more: Bac Son Tour 2 days: Lang Son's District Discovery

What’s special about Phai Ve Flagpole

Along with Phai Ve Mountain, Phai Ve Flagpole has become a symbol of Lang Son City, leaving an impression of the large Vietnamese flag flying in the sky in people’s minds. 

The entire structure of the flagpole is considered "the mini Great Wall" of Vietnam, due to the winding stairs with 2 bamboo-formed balconies along the way. To reach the top, you will conquer 535 stone steps. While climbing, you can have a view of lush surroundings and the shrunk image of Lang Son City below. 

The stair leads to Phai Ve Flagpole (Source: Wikipedia)

Once you reach the final point, you can feel the majesty of the construction. Standing under the giant flag, take a deep breath of the fresh air and capture the beauty of the whole city. Don’t forget to take some fancy photos to save this memory and update your social media. 

Nearby attractions

Dong Kinh Market

Just 5 minutes walking from the Phai Ve Mountain, Dong Kinh Market is a commercial symbol of Lang Son city. The name Dong Kinh (translated as "the Gate to the East") somehow explains the importance of this border market in being a large trade pot between Vietnamese and Chinese merchants.

Dong Kinh Market (Source: Wikipedia)

Today, Dong Kinh Market has been renovated to meet the growing demand of the locals and tourists. The market has a 3-floor structure, with technological and household items on the first floor, cultivated products on the second floor, and a fashion section on the third floor. 

If you want to find a special souvenir or experience the local cuisine, it’s a perfect spot. You can find different specialties here, namely Shan Tuyet tea, Chi Lang plums, brocade designs of ethnic groups, and more. Don’t forget to try local delicacies, especially Lang Son roasted duck: meat seasoned with herbs and unique spices, grilled in a charcoal oven. You’ll be charmed by its crispy skin and the soft, sweet, tender meat.

Lang Son Roasted Duck (Source: Crystal Bay)

Ky Cung Temple

750 meters from the foot of Phai Ve Mountain, situated on the left bank of the Ky Cung River, Ky Cung Temple has been protecting the peace and wealth of the region for more than 100 years. This place worships Quan Lon Tuan Tranh, a governor who used to rule Lang Son Province. 

Ky Cung Temple (Source: Lang Son Tourism)

Although having undergone many renovations, Ky Cung Temple still retains its most traditional features, including the elaborate gate with relief carvings of Eastern symbols. If you’re interested in the local beliefs and Vietnamese cultural life, visiting this temple is a way to gain a deeper insight! Apart from admiring the meticulous structure, you can also pray for your wishes to come true. 

Conclusion

Phai Ve Flagpole, along with other attractions above, contributes to enriching Lang Son’s culture and history. Are you interested in these meaningful sites? Contact Asia King Travel now to plan your vacation in Vietnam!

Read more: Lang Son Tour 2 days: Bac Son Discover