Among the landmarks of the Hanoi capital, the Flag Tower of Hanoi is not only one of the long-standing historical sites but also a tourist destination not to be missed in the journey to discover the history of Hanoi.
Unknowingly, the image of the red flag with a yellow star fluttering on top of the Flag Tower of Hanoi has become a symbol imprinted in the minds of the people of the capital and the tourists arriving here. Previously, the red flag with a yellow star only appeared during holidays and Tet, but since 1986, it has always been flying on top of the flagpole.
The flag at the top of the tower is 4 x 6 m in size and 24 m2 in the area; is sewn with non-glossy fabric, sewn 3 stitches; the corner of the flag is tufted in the shape of a can to withstand strong winds. Whenever the flag is faded or torn, it will be replaced immediately to preserve a sacred symbol of the country.
Read more:
Flag Tower of Hanoi. Credit: B.D
General information
Hanoi flagpole was built in the early 19th century; and is now located on the campus of the Vietnam Military History Museum. Over the years, this work is still intact and most valuable in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long after the French and American war.
Built from 1805 to 1812 during the reign of King Gia Long of Nguyen Dynasty with the function of an observatory. Hanoi flagpole is the place visited by many people of the capital city as well as international tourists when traveling to Hanoi. The first interesting thing that most visitors when visiting Hanoi wants to come here is the unique and ancient architecture.
What’s special about the Flag Tower of Hanoi?
The entire flagpole is higher than 33m, including the flag pole, it is 44m. Here, you get to see both the outdoor and the indoors. Inside is very spacious, airy, displaying guns and statues of heroes.
The base floors of the flagpole are square, gradually smaller, overlapping, and tiles around them. The balanced layout has created straight, solid lines for the Hanoi Flagpole. Especially during the hottest days of Hanoi, the temperature inside of the Flagpole is always cool.
On the roof of the flagpole is an important national flag for national reunification and is renewed every 2 to 3 weeks. Following the steps leading to the top of the flagpole, visitors can enjoy a view of the military Museum’s tanks and helicopters and Le-nin Park.
Thanks to the design of the stone spiral staircase inside the flagpole, visitors can stop to look out the panoramic windows dotted along the curved walls. There are 3 separate observation decks and a column body; If you want to see the scenery, it’s best to move to the top observatory.
From the top of the monument you can observe a large area inside and outside the ancient citadel. Except for the north door, the remaining three doors of the flagpole are engraved with their own names. The East door is “Nghenh huc” (to welcome the morning sunlight); the west door is “Hoi Quang” (reflects light); and the South door is “Huong minh” (towards light).
Visitors to Hanoi do not have to go too far, the flagpole is located in the heart of Hanoi capital. To come here you just ask for directions to Cua Nam and Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum will see. From the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake to the Flagpole is less than 1km. Visitors can take a taxi or bus or can rent a bike ride, walk to see the streets.
