Initially known as Dai Dau, the Hang Dau Water Tower, also called the Round Water Plant, is an architectural relic of over 130 years in Hanoi. With its classic design and enduring grandeur, this site has become a prominent historical symbol of Hanoi, attracting many visitors eager to explore and learn about the unique architecture of the capital.
Initially known as Dai Dau, the Hang Dau Water Tower, also called the Round Water Plant, is an architectural relic of over 130 years in Hanoi. With its classic design and enduring grandeur, this site has become a prominent historical symbol of Hanoi, attracting many visitors eager to explore and learn about the unique architecture of the capital with BDATrip.
The Hang Dau Water Tower is located in Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, in an area that used to belong to the villages of Phuc Lam (Ta Tuc) and Nghia Lap (Hau Tuc) of Tho Xuong District. Hang Dau Street is only about 272 meters long, connecting Tran Nhat Duat and Phan Dinh Phung streets, while crossing other notable streets like Hang Giay, Hang Than, Quan Thanh, and Hang Cot near the Hang Dâu Tower.
This area once featured the Phuc Lam Gate, also known as the Hang Dau Gate, one of the five ancient gates of Thang Long Citadel. However, during the French colonial period, this gate was demolished to make way for the Doc Gach Bridge, which connects to Long Bien Bridge — a historic iron bridge crossing the Red River.
To reach Hang Dau Water Tower, you can follow Phan Dinh Phung Street, where the tower is easily noticeable at major intersections. If you’re traveling by motorbike, you can park at Hang Dau Flower Garden or directly across from the tower. Alternatively, several bus routes are available:
In 1984, when a widespread epidemic hit Hanoi, the demand for clean water skyrocketed. To address this issue, a specialized water supply committee was formed, and water plants were rapidly constructed. The Hang Dau Water Tower was established to provide fresh water for the city’s residents.
With its massive structure once guarded by French soldiers, the locals called it "Bot Hang Dau" (Hang Dau Post). The French, however, referred to it as Đài Đầu due to its location at the city’s gateway, supplying water directly to military zones within Thang Long Citadel.
The tower not only provided water to the city’s areas but also distributed it consistently to surrounding neighborhoods. The water flow was controlled by large valves, with French-occupied areas receiving stable water supplies, while Vietnamese areas often experienced restrictions and disruptions.
Throughout its long history, the Hang Dau Water Tower has witnessed countless historical events, from the liberation army crossing Long Biên Bridge to the last French soldiers departing from Hai Phong. The tower also endured significant damage during wartime, as bombs devastated the surrounding areas. Despite this, the tower stood firm, symbolizing the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Today, although it no longer serves as a water supply, the Hang Dau Water Tower remains a historical relic, a symbol of independence, freedom, and liberation. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Hanoi residents, representing the city’s storied past, filled with challenges, triumphs, and unwavering hope.
Hang Dau Water Tower is designed as a cylindrical structure with a diameter of approximately 19 meters, surrounded by thick, sturdy walls standing over 20 meters tall. Including the roof, the tower’s total height reaches 25 meters. Its unique roof is designed in a cone shape, covered with corrugated iron to effectively drain rainwater. At the top, a lightning rod was installed to protect the structure from lightning strikes, showcasing the careful planning behind its design.
The tower is divided into three distinct levels, forming a harmonious structure with a total of 54 small, narrow, and tall windows, reminiscent of the loopholes seen in ancient fortresses. These windows are evenly arranged, providing ventilation and decorative elements, with the curved arches softening the otherwise heavy and rigid architecture. To maintain cleanliness and prevent littering, 17 ground-floor windows have been completely sealed off.
The entrance of Hang Dau Water Tower follows a classical French architectural style, with large double doors that evoke a sense of grandeur and stateliness. The tower has a total capacity of 2,500 cubic meters, capable of storing a significant amount of water to meet the needs of surrounding areas. Its robust and impressive structure makes it a formidable landmark, reminiscent of ancient Roman fortresses or coliseums, with a sense of majesty that has endured through time.
The Hang Dau Water Tower’s ancient and solemn beauty provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photos, attracting both Hanoi locals and tourists alike. It’s common to see groups of young people gathering here to take photos, especially in late March when the loc vung (Barringtonia acutangula) tree in front of the tower begins to shed its leaves.
The bright yellow leaves add vibrancy and freshness to the Hang Dau Water Tower, drawing photographers and those passionate about capturing beautiful moments. The romantic scene here, resembling a scene from a Korean drama, has inspired many young people who love to preserve memories. For the best shots, visit during the early leaf-fall season when the golden leaves are still on the tree. This period usually lasts about two weeks before the leaves fall, making way for fresh, green buds. When night falls, the Hang Dau Water Tower takes on a different kind of beauty, quieter than during the day. Street lights, shop signs, and passing vehicles create contrasting lights and shadows on the tower’s stone walls, evoking a mysterious atmosphere.
Just a five-minute walk from Hang Dau Water Tower lies Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi’s must-visit culinary paradises. Although the food alley here is less than 200 meters long, it features dozens of stalls offering a variety of delicious and affordable dishes.
Visitors can enjoy hot soups like hu tieu, bun oc, pho, or sample street food favorites like cháo lòng, shrimp cakes, and savory fried cakes. Don't forget to finish your meal with sweet desserts like chè. Food in Dong Xuan Market is reasonably priced, making it easy to indulge in many delicious dishes after exploring Hang Dau Water Tower.
Hang Dau Water Tower not only impresses with its classical architecture but also stands as a cultural relic of Hanoi. Despite the many trials of history, this water tower remains steadfast, symbolizing the resilient spirit and undying patriotism of the Vietnamese people.
Some other Hanoi tourist attractions:
Dong Xuan Market is one of Hanoi's oldest traditional markets, carrying deep historical and cultural significance. Despite existing for hundreds of years, the market remains a bustling commercial hub, where lively trading activities take place daily with a large number of customers and merchants.
Hanoi's Old Quarters is made up of 36 iconic streets. These streets are a testament to Hanoi's rich history. Read this blog to find out the 6 most famous streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter that you need to visit.
Hanoi has long been known for its famous landscapes and ancient landmarks, some of which are hundreds of years old, befitting the city’s title of "Land of a Thousand Years of Civilization." Today, let's explore Duong Lam Ancient Village with BDATrip – a place that preserves unique cultural and architectural heritages, rarely found anywhere else!
