All You Need to Know about the Four Furthermost Points in Vietnam

To conquer all four furthermost points in Vietnam has long been an attractive challenge for daredevils in Vietnam. A journey to any of these places will not only offer you an off-the-beaten-path experience but also a feast for the eyes, with landscapes ranging from high mountains to white coast.

The four furthermost points in Vietnam:

• North: Lung Cu in Ha Giang Province
• South: Ca Mau Cape in Ca Mau
• East: Doi Cape in Khanh Hoa Province
• West: A Pa Chai in Dien Bien Province

What to Prepare to Explore the Furthermost Points in Vietnam

• Check the weather: You don't want to risk going off-the-beaten-path under heavy rain. Other than that, the four furthermost points in Vietnam can vary drastically in terms of weather, so learning about the weather can help you pack and plan wisely.
• Bring local currency in Vietnam Dong. It is better to exchange currency in big cities instead of remote areas.
• Legislation issues: International travelers in border areas such as Ha Giang and Dien Bien need a travel permit. On the bright side, the process of acquiring one is pretty swift with a small fee; you can ask the local hotel's receptionist for help. Keep on reading to learn more about this.
• Most of the roads leading to the furthermost points in Vietnam are only accessible by motorbike; even then, only experienced riders are able to conquer the journeys.

What to Pack for the Furthermost Points in Vietnam

Check our Vietnam Packing List for the essentials

Must-not-forget items:

• Bug repellent: most of the extreme points in Vietnam situate in rural areas that are surrounded by nature, and bug repellent is your savior of the day to prevent unwanted bug bites. The grease-free formula is the most suitable for Vietnam's tropical climate
• Sunscreen spray: even if you won't be traveling by motorbike, a lot of hiking and trekking activities are expected to reach the ending destinations of Vietnam, and what better way to protect yourself under the tropical sunlight than a handy bottle of sunscreen spray. SPF 50+ formula is the most efficient for these adventurous journeys.
• Soap/hand sanitizers: to stay germ-free
• Phone with sufficient mobile data, camera, spare batteries, chargers, Vietnam travel adaptors
• Travel water bottle
• Closed-toes shoes (trainers/sneakers)
• For mountainous area (Lung Cu in Ha Giang and A Pa Chai in Dien Bien): Warm clothing, scarf, waterproof jacket, etc.
• For the countryside as in Ca Mau Province: breathable and light clothing (the weather can get quite hot), a durable pair of sandals, sunglasses, etc.
• For the beach scene in Khanh Hoa Province: swimming suits, camping necessities

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The Northernmost Point - Lung Cu, Ha Giang Province

The real furthermost point is over 3 kilometers away but Lung Cu Flagpole has always been the symbolic mark of the Vietnam - China border since its establishment under the Ly Dynasty (1009 - 1225). After countless renovations, its structure now mimics that of the Hanoi Flag Tower, with designs that portrait Vietnam’s course of history.

Out of the four furthermost points in Vietnam, the Lung Cu Flagpole is arguably the most picturesque, especially in November when the buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang are in full bloom. At the top of the flagpole, notice 2 ponds called the “dragon’s eyes” which are used by the Lo Lo and Mong ethnic minorities for fresh water.

The road to Lung Cu is absolute dreamy thanks to the majestic nature of Northwestern Vietnam

Where to go: Lung Cu Flagpole (Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District on Dong Van Plateau)
Entrance fee: VND 25,000/person
When to visit: October - November to catch the annual Buckwheat Flower Festival

How to get to Ha Giang Province:

Most foreign travelers would go from Hanoi to Ha Giang Province, either by train, bus, or - if you're a daredevil - by motorbike.

Get bus/train tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang.

Foreign tourists in Ha Giang have to get a travel permit at the Immigration Office (292 Tran Phu, Ha Giang City). Read our Ha Giang Travel Guide for further information.

How to get to Lung Cu Flagpole: from Ha Giang City, there are 2 ways to go to Lung Cu Flagpole

• By bus: You can take a 5-hour bus ride from the Ha Giang Central Bus Stop (VND 100,000) to Dong Van District. Buses operate since 5 AM. This is a safer option; however, non-Vietnamese-speaking staff may cause slight difficulty in purchasing the ticket.
• By motorbike: You can rent a motorbike from Hanoi and continue up to Dong Van District in Ha Giang Province, or rent a motorbike in Ha Giang City to travel to the flagpole. The motorbike route is breath-taking, but it’s definitely not for newbie riders.
• Important note: Plan your time and gas carefully. We would recommend doubling the time suggested on Google Maps to calculate the travel time: roads to the Lung Cu flagpole is not easy to travel, and you'll be making a lot of stops to admire the beauty of Ha Giang. Other than that, always start the journey with a full gas tank.

See this guide on Conquering the Ha Giang Loop

View from Lung Cu Flagpole

At the flagpole, prepare to climb 389 stone stairs to get to the base and another 140 stairs to be at the top.

Check out Where to Stay in Ha Giang

The Southernmost Point - Ca Mau Cape, Ca Mau Province

Ca Mau Cape features many of the most distinctive traits of the Mekong Delta, such as grandeur mangrove forests and exotic “beasts” like the giant mudskipper. Some nearby attractions that ecotourism fans shouldn’t miss are the U Minh Ha National Forest and Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary.

Because it takes roughly 8 hours by bus to go to Ca Mau Province from Ho Chi Minh City, we suggest you plan this as part of a Mekong Delta tour to explore other unique cultures of the area in one go, namely the floating market!

Ca Mau Cape’s the most popular among all furthermost points in Vietnam

Where to go: Ca Mau Cape (Mui Hamlet, Dat Mui Commune, Ngoc Hien District)
Entrance fee: VND 10,000/person
When to visit: any time of the year but December - April is best to travel by boat

How to get to Ca Mau Province:

From Ho Chi Minh City, it will take an 8-hour-drive to get to Ca Mau. Fortunately, there is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh to Ca Mau (SGN - CAH) every day which takes only 1 hour to travel. See our comprehensive Ca Mau Travel Guide to see how to get there and where to stay in Cau Mau Province.

Get your bus/plane ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Ca Mau

How to get to the Ca Mau Cape:

• Boat: Go to the B boat station, buy a VND 60,000 ticket to Dat Mui Commune, then sit back and enjoy a 5-hour ride alongside the mangrove forests.
• Motorbike: A road has just been established from Nam Can Town to the Ca Mau Cape accessible by a motorbike. Nevertheless, the road is of low quality so you should be careful, especially in rainy seasons (May - November).

Tranquil scenes like this are ubiquitous to the Mekong Delta

Note: The Mekong Delta in recent years are running short of fresh water (around September - February) because of the significant changes caused to the Mekong River, as well as the rise of the sea level during that period. Being surrounded by the sea, Ca Mau Province is no exception. So bear in mind that you won't always have access to fresh water in the said time of the year.

The Easternmost Point - Doi Cape, Khanh Hoa Province

If you’re into water activities, then you’re bound to enjoy Doi Cape. Locating at one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal province - Khanh Hoa, and neighboring Nha Trang City, there’s no lack of activities: snorkeling and admiring corals, eating delicious seafood, and best of all: camping to see the sunrise!

Doi Cape is the earliest place to welcome the sun in Vietnam

Where to go: Doi Cape (Hon Gom Peninsula, Van Phong Bay, Van Thanh Commune, Van Ninh District)
When to visit: March - May is the best for traveling to the beach

How to get to Khanh Hoa Province:

There are ample options to travel to Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province either from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. You can choose between planes, train rides, or buses.

Look for the Best Way to Travel to Nha Trang here

Here’s our complete guide on Nha Trang Travel, including ways to get here and accommodations.

How to get to Doi Cape:

Then from Nha Trang City, depart for Dam Mon, which is 97 kilometers away. The road is stunning and easy to ride, so either a motorbike or a taxi is fine. From Dam Mon, you can start trekking on your own to Doi Cape following the GPS. However, there’s a high chance you may get lost so many backpackers recommend hiring a local guide.

All furthermost points in Vietnam have a milestone and here’s Doi Cape’s one

The Westernmost Point - A Pa Chai, Dien Bien Province

A Pa Chai’s the meeting point of three countries’ borders (Vietnam, Laos, and China) so you can check-in at three countries while you’re here! The endless land spreads beneath where you stand will provide a unique background that can’t be found in any other furthermost points in Vietnam.

Note that if you’re here on the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd day of each month, a bazaar of the local ethnic minorities called A Pa Chai market will be held between the borders of Vietnam and China. Take this chance to see their way of life first-hand and get eccentric authentic souvenirs.

Feel on top of the world at A Pa Chai milestone

Terraced rice fields leading up to the extreme ending point

Where to go: A Pa Chai Landmark (A Pa Chai Village, Sin Thau Commune, Muong Nhe District)
Entrance fee: VND 400,000/group under 10 people
When to visit: September - October

How to get to Dien Bien Province:

First is to take on a 500-kilometer-long route from Hanoi to Dien Bien Province if you wish to go by motorbike or by bus. We recommend the sleeper bus since you’ll be hiking a lot for the rest of the trip. Tickets range from VND 250,000 - VND 500,000.

Though if you want to save time, get on a plane of Vasco Airlines for a fee of VND 1,000,000/one-way; from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Dien Bien National Airport (DIN). Normally there are 2 flights from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu per day.

Buses will take 12 - 13 hours, and the plane will take only 1 hour.

See the best options to travel from Hanoi to Dien Bien

How to get to A Pa Chai:

Once you’re at Dien Bien Phu City, bring your passport to the 317 Coast Guard Station to ask for permission. It’s also advisable to stay at the guest house (VND 70,000/person) of the coast guard station because the documentations for staying around A Pa Chai is quite difficult. The coast guards will be your tour guide to the milestone as well. You’re not allowed to wander alone because of A Pa Chai’s critical location is the meeting point of three countries.

Most of the journey can now be made on motorbikes, but there’s still a 300-kilometer-long route of pure hiking to make before reaching the milestone. Nevertheless, the alluring landscape at the top will leave you speechless.

Key Takeaway on The Four Furthermost Points in Vietnam

The furthermost points in Vietnam represent different landscapes of the country: Lung Cu and A Pa Chai are mountains, Ca Mau Cape stands for wetlands, and Doi Cape shows off Vietnam’s charming coastline. Visiting all of them isn’t just a challenge to test your physical strength and love of travel, but also a great chance to explore our terrain in the most unique way possible.

Apart from the furthermost points in Vietnam, the S-shaped land sure has a lot more to offer. Stay tuned for other Vietnam Travel information on our Vietnam Travel Guide!