Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a relic complex relating with historical periods of the Vietnamese people. It is also an attractive tourist destination with many ancient architectural works and diverse meaningful activities. In particular, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Let’s explore this special place with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long?
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located at 19C, Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam. About 2.5 km northwest of the center of Hanoi Old Quarter. Geographical location:
- The North is Phan Dinh Phung Street.
- The South is Bac Son Street and the National Assembly Building.
- Southwest is Dien Bien Phu Street.
- The West is Hoang Dieu Street, Doc Lap Street, and the National Assembly Building.
- The East is Nguyen Tri Phuong Street.
2. How is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long unique?
Existing from the 7th century to the present, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has witnessed many ancient changes of the Dinh – Tien Le, Ly, Tran dynasties,…Because of its important role in Vietnamese history, combined with massive architectural works. UNESCO recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a world cultural heritage in 2010.
When coming to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, you will visit many special architectural works. A place to preserve the historical values of the nation. The panorama of Thang Long Imperial Citadel includes: 64 structures, 38 palaces, 26 hexagonal towers,…Typical of these relics are: Archaeological site 18 Hoang Dieu, Hanoi Flag Tower, Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace, …
In addition to visiting unique architectural works, you also have the opportunity to participate in many interesting activities at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This is where many important events of the capital and the whole country and traditional festivals take place. It helps you to better understand the culture and traditions of the Vietnamese people.
3. When is the best time to visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long?
You can travel to the capital and visit the Imperial Citadel relics at any time of the year. But the most ideal is in spring and autumn in Hanoi when the weather is cool, fresh and pleasant, not too hot or too rainy. It is convenient for you to travel Hanoi, explore and participate in outdoor activities.
4. How to get to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long?
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located in the center of the capital with convenient traffic conditions. It makes easy for visitors to visit.
- If you go by bus: choose route number 22 to stop right in front of the Imperial Citadel gate at 19 C Hoang Dieu. This is the main gate for visitors.
- If you go by car or motorbike: departing from Hoan Kiem Lake, you can go in the direction of Trang Thi, then turn to Dien Bien Phu. Continue to turn onto Hoang Dieu Street and go to 19C, which is the Central Relic Area of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. You can find it on google map here.
5. Opening hours and entrance fees of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
5.1 Opening hours
- The Central Relic Area of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is open every day of the week.
- Time to pick up visitors is: From 8:00 to 17:00.
5.2 Entrance fee
Entrance fee to the Central Relic Site of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is as follows:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/person/turn.
- Students and people over 60 years old: 15,000 VND/person.
- Children under 15 years old, people with special policies, people with revolutionary contributions: Free.
6. Architecture and history of the formation of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
6.1 Architecture of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
According to historical books and archaeological documents. Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built according to the model of a triple citadel. Including:
- The outermost ring is La Thanh or Kinh Thanh, where residents live.
- The middle ring is Hoang Thanh, the court area, the residence and workplace of the mandarins in the court.
- The innermost ring is Tu Cam Thanh or Long Phuong Thanh. Which is the place for the king, queen, and other members of the royal family.
What we still see today in the capital Hanoi is the Central Relic Area of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. With an area of about 20 hectares out of the total area of 140 hectares of the Imperial Citadel. Including two areas: Archaeological Area 18 Hoang Dieu and Hanoi Ancient Citadel Relic Area. Except for Bac Mon and Ky Dai, the remaining structures are only restorations and archaeological relics were found over many years.
6.2 History of the formation of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Thang Long Imperial Citadel has a historical process that spans 13 centuries. And it goes through feudal dynasties, from the Ly, Tran, Le, Mac dynasties to the Nguyen dynasty and the period of resistance against the French:
- Ly Dynasty (11th – 12th century): King Ly Thai To, after moving the capital from Hoa Lu, built Thang Long Citadel with 3 walls:
- Dai La Citadel: the outermost wall surrounding the capital
- Imperial Citadel: the workplace of the king and the royal court
- Forbidden City: the innermost wall, the residence of the king and the harem
It is worthy visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Tran Dynasty (13th – 14th century): The Tran kings built many more structures and renovated the Imperial Citadel and Royal Palace area.
- Early Le Dynasty (15th century): The scale of the Imperial Citadel under the Early Le Dynasty was doubled.
- Mac Dynasty (16th century): The Mac King reinforced the citadel gate, repaired the streets and built 3 more earthen ramparts outside Dai La Citadel. These ramparts were destroyed by the Trinh Lords immediately after their occupation.
- Le Trung Hung Dynasty (17th-18th century): On the remains of Dai La Citadel, Lord Trinh Doanh rebuilt a new citadel and named it Dai Do Citadel.
- Tay Son Dynasty (18th century): King Quang Trung chose to make Phu Xuan (Hue) his capital. But still ordered the renovation and rebuilding of collapsed sections of the Imperial Citadel. As well as the construction of a number of additional structures.
- Nguyen Dynasty (19th-20th century): Thang Long Citadel under the Nguyen Dynasty became the headquarters of the Northern Citadel.
- Anti-French period: After occupying Hanoi, the French army changed the architecture of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. And they built more barracks for military purposes.
- 1954: Hanoi Citadel became the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense.
- 2002: The Imperial Citadel was excavated on an area of 19,000m2, revealing many traces, cultural layers and valuable historical relics.
- 2010: The Central Area of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.
7. Historical significance of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Central Area of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu are a typical cultural and heritage complex. They reflects the historical process of Vietnam over 13 centuries (from the 11th century to the 18th century). After many changes, the ancient capital of Thang Long no longer has the massive citadels or the red-tiled towers. However, the remaining relics and traces contain great historical and cultural values. All are evidence of the history of building and defending the country of an independent Vietnam through many periods.
8. Activities and experiences at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
8.1 Discovering unique structures in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long relic site
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long relic site today includes many unique architectural structures. Each structure is imbued with an ancient, majestic beauty and long-standing historical stories:
- Hanoi Flag Tower: This is a magnificent structure and still retains its original architecture at the Imperial Citadel relic site. It located on Dien Bien Phu Street. The structure was built in 1812 under King Gia Long. With a column body and 3 truncated square pyramidal bases with brick stairs leading up.
- North Gate: North Gate or Chinh Bac Mon is the only remaining gate of the ancient Hanoi citadel. The structure is located on Phan Dinh Phung Street, built by the Nguyen Dynasty in 1805 in the style of a watchtower. The upper floor of the citadel gate was restored as a place to worship the two heroes Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu.
- Kinh Thien Palace: Previously, Kinh Thien Palace was the place where the court held court and held solemn ceremonies of the royal court. The relic now only has the old foundation with stone steps, railings and a pair of elaborately carved dragons.
- Doan Mon: The relic is the arched gate leading to Kinh Thien Palace with 5 stone gates.
- Hau Lau: Hau Lau, also known as Tinh Bac Lau, is a building built behind Kinh Thien Palace. In the past, it was the harem, the living place of the queen, princesses, concubines and beauties.
8.2 Experiencing the super attractive “Decoding Imperial Citadel of Thang Long” tour
“Decoding Imperial Citadel of Thang Long” is a night tour that attracts a large number of tourists. The tour lasts 90 minutes with the route from Doan Mon Gate to the archaeological site. Tour departure times are from 18:00, 18:30 and 19:00 every Saturday and Sunday. During the tour, you will admire the magical royal space under lantern light. And you also learn about the ancient dynasty through the architecture, precious antiques and enjoy royal dances, etc.
8.3 Checking in at the archaeological site of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
When arriving at the Imperial Citadel relic complex, you will admire many ancient artifacts. You will visit the ancient well and check in at the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street. This place is divided into 4 main areas with relic floors preserved throughout the periods. The Imperial Citadel is also a beautiful place to take photos in Hanoi. And it is chosen by many people to take impressive photos with traditional costumes and ao dai.
8.4 Attending the exhibitions
The central area of the Imperial Citadel often hosts many events, historical, artistic and archaeological exhibitions. This is an opportunity for visitors to find valuable knowledge and have interesting experiences.
This is a place that gives you a big picture of the culture, history, architecture and fine arts of feudal dynasties. Through the relics and artifacts found after the archaeological excavation in 2002.
This area was then divided into four separate areas by the Institute of Archaeology for easy monitoring and research. There are many historical vestiges interspersed and stacked on top of each other for 13 centuries in the following order:
- The bottom floor is part of the eastern side of Dai La citadel during the Cao Bien period of the Tang Dynasty.
- The next upper floor is the vestige of the palace during the Ly – Tran Dynasty.
- The next floor is part of the central part of the Eastern Palace of the Le Dynasty.
And the top floor is the center of the Hanoi provincial citadel in the 19th century, that is, the Nguyen Dynasty.
8.5 The Palace Gate
The palace gate is where soldiers guard, to keep the king and the royal family safe. Each palace gate is a structure with an elaborate, sturdy design, enhancing the magnificence of the palace.
In the Hanoi Citadel Relic Site, there are still eight such palace gates. Thanks to these palace gates, the work of determining the coordinates of the palaces and the citadel walls is more accurate.
8.6 French-style architectural works
In addition to archaeological works, in the Hanoi Citadel Relic Site, there is also a system of French architectural works built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now it is used as headquarters and agencies of the Vietnamese State. You can find all our Hanoi tours offer here.
9. Specialties when visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
When visiting Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you also have the opportunity to explore the unique cuisine of this land of thousands of years of civilization.
9.1 Hanoi Bun Cha
Hanoi Bun Cha is a dish that you must try once in your life. This specialty “causes nostalgia” for tourists with its soft, white noodles, sweet and sour fish sauce and fragrant grilled meat and grilled sausage. A hot bowl of vermicelli with grilled pork served with raw vegetables and bean sprouts is truly incomparable.
9.2 La Vong fish cake
La Vong fish cake is a famous delicacy far and wide. Each piece of fragrant and extremely fatty fish cake is soaked in spices and eaten with herbs. The delicious taste of La Vong fish cake is definitely an extremely memorable culinary memory for every diner who has ever enjoyed this dish.
9.3 Bun Thang
Bun Thang is a dish that contains the quintessence of Hanoi cuisine. Bun thang includes many ingredients such as shredded chicken, fried chicken eggs, thinly sliced ham, … The broth must be the type of water simmered from pork bones and shrimp. A pot of delicious broth must be clear and slight fragrant, and cannot ignore a little bit of fragrant seasoning, shrimp paste.
9.4 Banh cuon
Hanoi people often like elegant dishes with little oil. Banh cuon is a typical delicious dish of Ha Thanh. The rice used to make the cake must be carefully selected, then ground into flour, mixed with water, and then spread on the stove in thin layers of cake. The owner quickly scooped the hot cake onto a plate. Then sprinkled with fried pork and shiitake mushrooms. Then roll it up and finally sprinkle a layer of shrimp floss on top. Served with fish sauce, water beetles, and cinnamon sausage.
9.5 Bun Dau with Mam Tom
It seems to have become a dish that any tourist to Hanoi wants to try once. Bun Dau Mam Tom is suitable for any season, a dish that pleases everyone. Fried tofu must be hot when eaten, cut into fatty white pieces. The taste of golden soybeans with a fried layer on the outside. The most important thing is the shrimp paste, delicious shrimp paste is when squeezed with kumquat and whipped until fluffy. Drizzle a little hot fat with tofu and vermicelli, there is nothing better.
9.6 Bun Oc
Bun Oc is one of the classic delicious dishes of Hanoi street food. Bun Oc has the sour taste of vinegar. The crunchy and rich taste of snails, served with fried tofu, raw vegetables, …Making bun oc is not difficult, but a delicious bowl of bun is still a secret of each person. Depending on the taste of each restaurant, there will be a different flavor. But all are delicious bowls of bun oc, typical of this cultural land.
10. Accommodation when visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
When visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa. Address: 33-35 Hang Dau, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Mayflower Hotel Hanoi. Address: 11 Hang Ruoi, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- JM Marvel Hotel & Spa. Address: 16 Hang Da Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Soleil Boutique Hotel. Address: 211 Hang Bong, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Imperial Hotel & Spa. Address: 44 Hang Hanh Lane, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Army Hotel. Address: 1A – Nguyen Tri Phuong Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi City.
- Hanoi Daewoo Hotel. Address: 360 Kim Ma Ward, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- Pullman Hanoi Hotel. Address: Entrance Str., 40, 61 Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi.
11. Some other famous tourist attractions near Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The central relic site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel is located in the center of the capital. Therefore, it is very convenient for you to combine visiting many other famous tourist attractions nearby such as:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Presidential Palace.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum.
- Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.
- Hanoi Old Quarter.
- West Lake.
- Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Hanoi Opera House.
12. Some important notes when visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
To make your visit to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long complete. You should refer to some necessary notes below:
- You should bring drinking water, because you have to move around a lot.
- Remember to follow the general regulations of the Relic Site. And it is best to visit according to the map to be able to visit all the works.
- You are not allowed to use flycam when visiting the Relic Site. In case you want to film or edit a film, you need to ask for permission from the Heritage Conservation Area Management Board.
- You should dress neatly, politely, keep clean, do not make noise or cause disorder.
- Avoid writing, drawing on walls, tree roots, breaking branches, picking fruits.
- Do not bring flammable and explosive substances, weapons, toxic substances and odorous substances into the relic site, …
- Since the end of 2020, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center has launched the night tour “Decoding Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”. It builds cultural stories in many diverse forms, bringing more entertainment and appeal. So that visitors can have new experiences when visiting Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – a historical relic site and precious cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. If you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi, do not forget to visit the relic site to visit the works, artifacts, and learn about history. And you will keep unforgettable moments at the old royal palace.
Contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on your tour Vietnam to explore the Hanoi with attractive activities and extremely unique experiences.
