Hanoi Flag Tower marred by graffiti

Hanoi Flag Tower which is one of the symbols of the city has been covered in graffiti for years.

The flag tower is a symbol of Hanoi

The 33.4-metre flag tower is part of the Thang Long Citadel on Dien Bien Phu Street and a World Heritage Site.

It was built in 1812 under Gia Long Emperor during Emperor Gia Long's reign and is the largest intact construction of the imperial citadel. It is one of the popular tourist attractions, however, it has been marred as visitors carve their names, birthdays or the days they visited the site on the walls. Couples have carved their names and hearts into the brickwork.

There's no comment from the authorities yet on how to restore the tower or deal with the issue.

Photos of the tower:

The walls cracking and peeling

Graffiti cover the tower