Tot Bac - Vietnam’s sacred northernmost point

BHG - Beyond the Lung Cu National Flag Tower or the Km0 Milestone, a growing number of visitors to Ha Giang have recently been seeking out Tot Bac Point – the true northernmost tip on Vietnam’s map, located in Seo Lung Village, Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District.

Many have long mistaken the Lung Cu Flag Tower for the northernmost point, but in fact, this sacred location marks the furthest extent of Vietnam’s territory to the north.

Tourists visiting Tot Bac Point.

From the observation deck at Tot Bac, one can gaze across a narrow ravine and see China’s Funing County, appearing so close it feels within arm’s reach – though actually requiring hours of trekking to reach.

The deep gorge carved by the emerald-green Nho Que River serves as a natural boundary between the two countries. It is here that the river flows from China into Vietnam – a unique waterway that, despite its altitude, traverses the deepest gorge in the nation.

In the afternoon, standing amid the peaceful borderlands, with drifting clouds and mountain winds, visitors often find themselves deeply moved, as if stepping into the lyrics: “Evening at the border, my dear, is there anywhere higher…”

On the rocky, earthen slopes, ethnic minority communities continue to tend maize fields with care and resilience, adding life and texture to the rugged landscape. Among Ha Giang’s many border landmarks, Tot Bac has become the most emotionally resonant.

The concrete road leading to Tot Bac, though improved, still poses challenges for unfamiliar drivers, particularly when navigating oncoming traffic.

For motorcyclists, the journey is thrilling – often prompting pillion riders to hold their breath and cling tightly to the one in front.

Adventurers are drawn to this land, yearning to conquer it at least once. To set foot here is to feel a surge of pride and emotion.

Sixty-five years ago, the great writer Nguyen Tuan made his way to Seo Lung to affirm that this was, indeed, the northernmost point of Vietnam.

Along with Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tot Bac stands as a sacred space – steeped in epic character and national pride – set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the karst plateau.