Border Landmark 1297, a steadfast bastion on the nation’s frontier, stands as a sacred northern milestone inscribed with national sovereignty. Beyond its profound historical significance, Landmark 1297 is an exceptionally captivating destination for discerning travelers with a passion for discovery and conquest. In this article, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours presents comprehensive insights into Landmark 1297.
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- Landmark 1305 – The Highest Peak Landmark in Binh Lieu
Where is Landmark 1297 Located?
Landmark 1297 is among Vietnam’s vital border markers, situated in Bac Xa Commune, Dinh Lap District, Lang Son Province. Erected in 1999, this landmark is the outcome of the Land Border Treaty negotiations and signing between Vietnam and China that same year. The treaty resolved disputes over a 227 square kilometer border area, resulting in each nation acquiring approximately 50 percent of the disputed territory.
In reality, Landmark 1297 comprises a comprehensive system featuring one principal marker numbered 1297, situated at an altitude of 821.18 meters above sea level, alongside four auxiliary markers: 1297/1 (841.44m), 1297/2 (909.88m), 1297/3 (948.45m), and 1297/4 (1020.71m). All are minor subsidiary single markers crafted from granite, positioned atop the mountain range within Bac Xa commune. Among them, Landmark 1297/4 stands as the highest at an elevation of 1020.71 meters above sea level, making it the most frequently visited by travelers.
How to Get to Landmark 1297
Although Landmark 1297 is geographically situated in Lang Son Province, it lies relatively close to Binh Lieu District in Quang Ninh Province. In fact, for visitors departing from localities such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, or Hanoi, traveling via the route from Binh Lieu to Landmark 1297 is significantly more convenient than traveling to Lang Son first. Consequently, many mistakenly believe that Landmark 1297 belongs to Binh Lieu, but please bear in mind that it actually lies within Lang Son! Nevertheless, we will introduce both routes for your reference and convenience.
For travelers departing from the Binh Lieu area (Quang Ninh), you can follow the Border Patrol Road from the Hoanh Mo Border Gate (see map below). It is approximately 35 kilometers to Landmark 1305. For those wishing to visit Landmark 1305 first, a slight detour is required; the distance from the parking area at the foot of Landmark 1305 to Landmark 1297 is roughly 24 kilometers.
This route has been paved with concrete, making it accessible for both motorbikes and automobiles (under 29 seats). However, the path is relatively narrow—about 3 meters wide—winding along the mountain slopes with steep drops on one side. Therefore, drivers unfamiliar with the terrain or less experienced should exercise utmost caution to prevent unfortunate incidents. For this reason, although the distance is modest at around 35 kilometers, it typically takes over an hour of driving to arrive. In return, this path is celebrated as the most breathtaking border patrol road in Vietnam. Should you set off in the early dawn, around 4:00 to 5:00 AM, you will be rewarded with the ethereal beauty of this locale. At this magical hour, clouds drift across from the Chinese side of the border, creating a transcendent scenery reminiscent of a celestial paradise.
The border patrol road leading to Landmark 1297 in the morning
For visitors traveling from Lang Son City center, follow National Highway 4B to Dinh Lap town, then turn onto National Highway 31 toward Bac Xa commune. From there, continue along the main communal road to reach Landmark 1297. However, the route from the city center is quite distant—approximately 110 kilometers according to Google Maps (see map below)—and presents terrain just as challenging as the Binh Lieu route. Consequently, few travelers choose this path unless they are coming from provinces neighboring Lang Son.
Regardless of the chosen route, visitors must park their vehicles at the base of the slope and proceed on foot to the landmark. This concrete-paved path is relatively narrow and spans about 1 kilometer. The ascent to Landmark 1297 is considerably less steep than the trek to Landmark 1305, making it a popular destination accessible to travelers of all ages, including seniors and young children. Nevertheless, kindly note that accessing Landmark 1297 requires authorization from the border guard detachment. Their morning duty hours begin after 7:00 AM, so arriving earlier will necessitate a short wait.
What Awaits at Landmark 1297?
It is often said that one visits Landmark 1305 to conquer the legendary “dinosaur backbone,” while Landmark 1297 is visited to admire the blooming reed flowers. Indeed, at Landmark 1297, guests not only explore the Vietnam-China border and gaze upon majestic mountain ranges but also immerse themselves in fields of wild reed grass—a hardy flora flourishing in high altitudes, growing 1 to 2 meters tall with pristine white or pale golden plumes. These reed flowers burst into full bloom from October through November each year, blanketing the frontier hillsides and shimmering under the sunlight, lending an extraordinarily poetic charm to the natural landscape.
The paradise of reed grass flowers at Landmark 1297
Here, visitors encounter reed flowers virtually everywhere: clinging to rocky cliffs, bordering forest edges, and lining the pathways. The blossoms release delicate white seeds carried away by the breeze to propagate new life, bestowing a unique allure upon this border region. Inspired by this untamed beauty, adventurous travelers have romantically dubbed the trail to Landmark 1297 the “reed grass paradise.”
Landmark 1297/4
Additionally, upon ascending to Landmark 1297, travelers can easily spot a parallel pathway. This route leads to the corresponding landmark on the Chinese side, with both trails converging at the peak. Looking toward China from the summit area, visitors will notice a formidable security fence stretching for dozens of kilometers across the mountains, constructed by authorities across the border to prevent unauthorized entry and smuggling.
The Vietnam-China border fence in Quang Ninh (Nen Vlog)
Above is all the essential information regarding Landmark 1297. Should you wish to book a Binh Lieu tour to explore these magnificent frontier landmarks, please contact Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours to discover our exclusive promotional offers!
