Kỳ đài (Flag Tower), Hue

Standing at the southern edge of Hue’s Imperial City, the Flag Tower (Ky Dai) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam’s former royal capital. Erected in 1807 under Emperor Gia Long, it served as a strategic observation post and symbol of imperial authority. The three-tiered brick platform, measuring nearly 18 meters in height, supports a towering flagpole that once flew the royal standard of the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, it proudly displays the national flag of Vietnam, visible from much of the city and especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Located directly in front of the Ngo Mon (Noon Gate), the tower anchors the southern approach to the Imperial Citadel and has long been associated with state power and public events. During the 19th century, royal proclamations, military drills, and ceremonial processions often unfolded on the surrounding esplanade. Though damaged during 20th-century conflicts, the tower has been carefully restored and remains a powerful emblem of Hue’s resilience and heritage.

Visitors to the site can appreciate not only the tower’s historical significance but also its commanding presence in the urban landscape. The three platforms, each surrounded by sloped parapets, create a stepped, geometric form that blends military utility with architectural grandeur. The structure’s orientation and symmetry align with traditional feng shui principles, reinforcing the spiritual and political symbolism embedded in Hue’s city planning.

Whether explored as a standalone monument or as part of a wider visit to the Citadel, the Flag Tower offers a striking introduction to the imperial legacy of Hue and its ongoing cultural relevance.