Flag Tower of Hanoi Monument

Address: Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội), within the Imperial Citadel area, Hanoi

Website: https://www.hanoitourism.gov.vn/

Hours: Open daily (citadel grounds) - typically daylight hours; exact public access hours for the Flag Tower may vary

Admission: Entrance to the Citadel area included in various heritage tickets; nominal local fees may apply

The Flag Tower of Hanoi is a prominent stone tower within the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in central Hanoi, Vietnam, built during the early 19th century as part of the citadel complex. It is one of the best-known symbols of the city and is visible from several points in the surrounding area.

The tower is composed of multiple tiers and a broad base, surmounted by a tall flagpole that flies the national flag. It is commonly photographed from the citadel grounds and nearby streets and serves as an emblematic landmark in Hanoi’s historic core.

Constructed in the early 1800s as part of the citadel’s defensive and signaling structures, the tower survived later urban changes and is preserved as part of the Thang Long citadel site. The citadel area now includes archaeological remains and conservation zones that document Hanoi’s historic development.

Located in central Hanoi, the Flag Tower sits within the Imperial Citadel complex north of the Hoan Kiem/Old Quarter area and is accessible from surrounding city streets and the citadel visitor routes.

• Height and symbol: The tower stands at about 33 metres tall and is capped by a large Vietnamese flag that is a prominent city landmark.
• Heritage context: It was built as part of the citadel complex and is preserved today within the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a protected historic area.

What to See#

• Tower structure: A three-tiered stone tower with a large flagpole on top that has become a national symbol and is visible across the Imperial Citadel complex.
• Citadel connection: Base levels and stair access around the tower form part of the larger Imperial Citadel of Thang Long complex, which includes archaeological remains and gates.

Walkable from the Hoàn Kiếm area or a short taxi ride from central Hanoi. The Citadel and the Flag Tower are signposted; public buses and many hop-on services stop nearby.

• View the Flag Tower from the Citadel grounds for the best photo angles - early morning light reduces backlighting and crowds.
• Pair a visit with the nearby Imperial Citadel of Thang Long complex and the Hoan Kiem Lake area for a fuller historical context.
• Avoid the hottest midday hours; late afternoon brings softer light and a more relaxed pace.