Hanoi Flag Tower

This is one of the rare monuments in Hanoi to have remained intact through French colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, and the bombings of the Vietnam War. Built between 1805 and 1812, it rises on the former site of the Imperial Citadel and dates back to the reign of Emperor Gia Long, founder of the Nguyễn dynasty, when it served as a military watchtower and signaling post. About 33 meters tall, or 41 meters including the flagpole and flag, the structure consists of three broad stacked platforms supporting an octagonal central tower, with an observation deck reached by an internal spiral staircase. Near the top, the inscription “Nghênh Húc,” meaning “welcoming the rising sun,” conveys ideas of hope and prosperity. On August 30, 1945, the red flag with a yellow star was raised here after independence was proclaimed, making the tower a lasting symbol of Vietnamese sovereignty. Today, visitors can climb to the summit for panoramic views over Hanoi and nearby landmarks such as the Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Lenin Park.