Hanoi Flag Tower at the age of nearly 200 years is renowned as one of the symbols of Hanoi. The construction began in 1805 and completed in 1812, the 11th year of Gia Long time, Nguyen dynasty, five years after construction time of Flag Tower in Hue.
Hanoi Flag Tower is 33m height with three platforms and the eight-side tower, and 41m height consisting of the flag pole. With original construction purpose as an observatory; Hanoi Flag Tower offers a breathtaking view for the watchers standing on it. The top of the tower is an eight-side room with eight windows corresponding to eight directions, offering enough space for six people standing inside. “Ngenh huc” means “Welcome dawn’s sunlight”, “Hoi quang” means “Reflecting the light”, and “Huong minh” means “Direct to the light” are alternately inscribed on the eastern, western and southern door of the tower. At the northern door, there are two stairs in the left and the right hand side.
Hanoi Flag Tower (Cột Cờ in Vietnamese) is one of the popular destinations in Hanoi capital which was built in the early 19th century.
It is one of the architecture works in Hanoi that was fortunately left after the destruction of French administration during the period of 1894 and 1897.This tower was constructed by the French army to use for the purpose of observation and communication between the command headquarters and adjacent posts of the French troops.