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Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A mysterious and unique historical relic

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A mysterious and unique historical relic

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - the place associated with the history of formation and development of Thang Long - Hanoi through many historical periods. Join BDATrip to learn about the famous tourist destination and the latest travel experience in the following article!

  1. Travel Tips
  2. Hanoi
  3. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A mysterious and unique historical relic
Diễm DHUpdated August 10, 20268 min read

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - the place associated with the history of formation and development of Thang Long - Hanoi through many historical periods. Join BDATrip to learn about the famous tourist destination and the latest travel experience in the following article!

Where is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long located?

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located at 9 Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, convenient for traveling from other famous tourist destinations such as Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Temple of Literature. You can easily get there by motorbike, car along Nguyen Tri Phuong - Doi Can - Lieu Giai - Doc Ngu - Hoang Dieu or Nguyen Thai Hoc - Le Hong Phong - Dien Bien Phu - Hoang Dieu. 

Ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel

If you take the bus, choose the routes: 09, 18, 22, 33, 45, get off at Hoang Dieu station and walk about 100m. For taxi or technology motorbike taxi, just enter the address of Hoang Thanh Hanoi into the application and ask the driver to take you there.

Discover ancient Hanoi through Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The architectural and historical picture of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a precious cultural and historical heritage of the Vietnamese nation consisting of three main parts: Kinh Thanh, Hoang Thanh and Forbidden City:

- Kinh Thanh is the place where officials, soldiers and civilians live. Kinh Thanh has many important gates such as: Quan Chuong Gate is the main gate into the city, O Quan Chuong Gate is the gate for officials, Cua Bac Gate is the gate connecting with Hanoi city …

- Hoang Thanh is located in the center of Kinh Thanh, protected by a high brick wall. This is where the kings and queens live and rule, as well as where national and military ceremonies are held. Here are some unique and magnificent architectural works such as: Cua Bac Mon (also known as Cua Dai Quang Minh) is the main gate of Hoang Thanh, Dai La Mon (also known as Cua Ngo Mon) is the south gate of Hoang Thanh, Dien Kinh Thien is where worshiping the gods of heaven, Dien Can Nguyen and Dien Can Chanh are where the emperor works …

- Forbidden City is located in the middle of Hoang Thanh, surrounded by a high brick wall. This is where the concubines and children of the emperor live and entertain, as well as where the private life of the royal family takes place. Forbidden City has many exquisite and elegant architectural works such as: Dien Khon Thai (also known as Dien Phuong Tuong) is where the queen lives, Dien Kham Thien (also known as Dien Phuong Hoang) is where the concubines live, Dien Long An (also known as Dien Ngoc Hoang) is where the emperor lives, Ho Lieu Trieu is a clear lake with willow trees on the shore …

Thang Long Citadel has a large area with many relics
Thang Long Citadel has a large area with many relics

Thang Long Citadel was formed in 1010, when King Ly Thai To moved his capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. Through many eras, Hoang Thanh Hanoi was continued to be built, repaired and developed by feudal dynasties according to their own architectural style. However, during the French colonial period, Hanoi Citadel was heavily devastated by the French army. Many architectural works were destroyed, replaced or distorted into military facilities, houses, schools … Only a few works remained such as Cua Bac Mon, Dien Kinh Thien , Ho Lieu Trieu …

After gaining independence, citadel was preserved and used by the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam as a workplace for ministries, branches and political organizations. During this time, citadel was also the place where many important historical events took place such as: The National Constitution Ceremony in 1946, The Geneva Agreement Signing Ceremony in 1954 , The Paris Agreement Signing Ceremony in 1973 …

Hanoi Citadel has witnessed the change of the nation
Hanoi Citadel has witnessed the change of the nation

Since 2002, citadel has been excavated and restored some architectural works according to their original models. Through the excavation process, scientists have found many valuable artifacts and relics of different cultural, historical and architectural periods. These discoveries have contributed to clarifying and supplementing research and understanding of Hanoi Citadel.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A priceless symbol of Hanoi’s history

Thang Long Citadel is not only a historical heritage, but also a symbol of Vietnamese culture and pride, representing the perseverance, resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people in building and defending the homeland. citadel is also a testament to the harmony between humans and nature, between past and present, between ethnic groups in the Vietnamese community.

Secret bunker at Thang Long Citadel
Secret bunker at Thang Long Citadel

After being recognized as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010, Hoang Thanh Hanoi is not only an honor for Vietnam but also a great responsibility in protecting and exploiting the value of the relic. Hoang Thanh is not only a spiritual tourist destination that attracts visitors from home and abroad, but also a source of inspiration for researchers, writers, poets, sculptors, creating literary and artistic works rich in national identity.

The Imperial Citadel is not only a majestic historical relic, but also a lively space where Vietnamese culture is expressed through many unique activities. The annual Thang Long - Hanoi Festival brings a rich picture of tradition, from water puppetry to classical music. Besides, art and history exhibitions open the door to understanding the nation through artifacts and works of art. During the Lunar New Year, the Imperial Citadel becomes bustling with spring festivals, a convergence of unique traditional cultures. Traditional music and dance performances not only enrich the travel experience but also provide an opportunity for visitors to deeply feel the unique spirit and art of the Vietnamese people.

Enjoy a memorable travel journey at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

List of outstanding works at Hoang Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Thang Long Citadel preserves the traces of many historical periods, from the Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen to the French colonial and August Revolution. You can admire the unique and meaningful architectural works, listen to fascinating stories about the past and present of the citadel, or freely explore according to your preferences.

Kinh Thien Palace Area in Hanoi
Kinh Thien Palace Area in Hanoi

Here are some destinations that you cannot miss when you travel to Thang Long Citadel Tour:

- Cua Bac Mon: The main gate into the citadel, with French architectural style, where important national and military ceremonies take place, as well as witnessing many memorable historical events.

- Dien Kinh Thien: The main palace of Hoang Thanh, with Vietnamese architectural style, where rituals are held to honor the emperors and the gods, as well as containing many valuable artifacts and relics.

- Ho Lieu Trieu: An octagonal artificial lake, surrounded by green willow trees, where many romantic and tragic love stories of the emperors and concubines are recorded, as well as a beautiful photo check-in spot.

In addition, you can also visit other works such as: Dien Can Nguyen, Dien Can Chanh, Dien Long An, Dien Khon Thai, Dien Kham Thien … to learn more about the architecture and history of  Hanoi Citadel.

Check-in at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long historical site

The archaeological site of Hoang Thanh Thang Long is an attractive tourist destination when you come to Hanoi. This is where many valuable artifacts and relics of different historical periods are excavated, preserved and displayed to the public.

Many festivals have been held in Hanoi
Many festivals have been held in Hanoi

You can:

- Admire the ruins of ancient architectural works, such as: Nguc Tu Tunnel, Cung Nu Tunnel, Cung Quan Tunnel, Secret Tunnel, Secret Staircase …

- See valuable artifacts and relics of culture and history, such as: Ceramics, Coins, Weapons, Jewelry …

- Listen to the guides explain in detail about the origin, meaning and excavation process of each artifact and relic.

- Take pictures with unique and impressive backgrounds, such as: Ancient ruins, Valuable artifacts and relics, Artistic graffiti walls, Meaningful slogan sentences , or Vivid 3D paintings.

Cultural experience activities at the Imperial Citadel
Cultural experience activities at the Imperial Citadel

The archaeological site of Thang Long Citadel will give you interesting and useful experiences about knowledge, culture and history of Hanoi.

Ticket price and experience of visiting Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The ticket price to visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel is 30,000 VND per person per visit for adults, while Vietnamese students aged 15 years and older and elderly people aged 60 years and older only need to pay 15,000 VND, with the condition that Present your student card or citizen identification card. To have a complete and comfortable visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hanoi, in addition to paying attention to the opening hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, you need to note some of the following experiences:

- You should visit the citadel in the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. You should also choose weekdays instead of weekends to avoid long queues and traffic jams.

 - You should wear comfortable, light and polite clothes when visiting the citadel. You should also bring a hat, cap, sunscreen, drinking water and tissue paper to protect your health and personal hygiene.

- Do not touch, climb, sit down or write graffiti on the architectural works, artifacts and relics. You should also not bring pets, food, drinks or garbage into the relic area. You should follow the regulations and instructions of the security staff and guides when visiting.

- Bring a camera, phone or camcorder to capture the beautiful and meaningful moments when visiting Hoang Thanh. You should also share your photos and experiences with your friends and relatives through social media.

In addition, to have the best experience and gain a deeper understanding of the history of this place, visitors can sign up for tours to visit the Imperial Citadel that will include a tour guide and comprehensive services. helps you balance costs and have a memorable tour.

Wish you a happy and unforgettable trip to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long!

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