The imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most famous attractions in Hanoi. If you want to find the cultures and histories of Vietnam, don't pass up this place. This essay offers more information for your trip to fully. 

Imperial Citadel Of Thang Long Overview

• Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.
• Entrance fee: 15.000 VND - 30.000 VND/pax
• Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was constructed in the 11th century, making the significant milestone signifying Dai Viet's emergence into independence. 

After more than 3 centuries, the Thang Long imperial citadel was pivotal to protect the country. 

This construct was built by the foundation of a Chinese fortress in the 7th century. 

Imperial Citadel Of Thang Long

In 2009, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was recognized as one of top 10 special national heritage sites and lies to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. This place plays an important role of economic, culture in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

National objects through the dynasties

The imperial Citadel of Thang Long shows the development of economy, culture through Vietnam's dynasties. 

The citadel underwent many dynasties from Dai La capital of An Nam in the 7th to 9th centuries into Thang Long Forbidden city with Ly, Tran, Early Le, Mac, and Late Le dynasties. 

The man reads documents of history at Thang Long citadel

Thang Long Hanoi was established in the 19th century under the Nguyen dynasty. After the war with the French colonial, the Thang Long imperial citadel persisted to today. 

If you have an opportunity to come here, you can see the artifacts which are found at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. These are remarkable proof of cultural exchange from many countries all over the world, especially China, Champa, and France. 

Tran Dynasty Antiques at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The artifacts are displayed with each other in palace areas. This  reflects the diverse cultural developments across historical eras in Vietnam. 

How to get to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long? 

The main gate of Thang Long imperial capital is located on 19C Hoang Dieu street. So, you can transfer from the city center to the imperial capital of Thang Long by several vehicles such as motorbike, car, taxi, bus. 

If you stay in Old Quarter, you only take about 2 km to get to the imperial capital of Thang Long. Book a taxi and rent a motorbike to get there is the most convenient. 

A coner of Hanoi Imperial Citadel

Besides, you visit some other attractions in Hanoi such as Quan Thanh temple, Vietnam Military History Museum,... you have to take a short walk to get there. 

The best option is to book a Hanoi city tour a day by private car from Vietnam Trust Car Rental. We will customize the program to suit your schedule. Contact us to book a private car. 

Highlight in Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Doan Mon - The main gate

The main gate ( Doan Mon) is situated in the south of Kinh Thien Palace and built with stones and bricks. 

Doan Mon has a shape of U that includes 5 gates symmetrically with a central axis. So, it is often referred to as the "righteousness axis" of the Imperial Citadel.

Doan Mon

The unique Doan Mon is designed with watchtower gazebo design with three rolling arches, showing the elegance and exceptional load-bearing capabilities. 

Cua Bac - The Northern gate

Chinh Bac Mon (Cua Bac) lies on Phan Dinh Phung street and is the dole surviving entrance to Hanoi citadel under the Nguyen Dynasty. The Northern gate was constructed in 1805. 

In the past, the imperial troops could have a clear view of both the exterior and interior citadel, with activities of the enemy at tower gazebo. There are many history figures who were heroically sacrificed during the protection of Thang Long Royal citadel before the French army cast statues to worship and honor their contribution. 

Hanoi Flag Tower 

Hanoi Flag Tower was built in 1982 under King Gia Long. The Flag Tower is located on Dien Bien Phu street and among few architectural structures in Hanoi was destroyed by the French colonial in 1894-1897.

Hanoi Flag Tower 

The Flag of Vietnam was hoisted atop the Hanoi Flag Tower in the first on october 19th 2954, marking a historic moment: Hanoi was entirely liberated. 

Kinh Thien Palace

Kinh Thien Palace was a place that was the venue for significant court ceremonies, welcome the envoys and the vital national discussions. Besides, King Le Thai To ascended to the throne here in 1428. 

Kinh Thien Palace held an important role as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Visitors can feel the grandeur of the Kinh Thien Palace in the past through modest remnants that still exist today. 

Hau Lau

Hau Lau has an area of 2.392m2 and was built after the Later Le dynasty. This was a home that served as the daily activity for queens, princesses. 

The palace was constructed with traditional Vietnamese style, using brick and multi level roofs decorated by crescent-shaped blades.

Hau Lau is often referred to as Pagoda des Dames, following French, meaning the Pagoda of Women. This place was restored and rebuilt by the French after damage in the late 19th century. 

D67 Revolutionary House

D67 Revolutionary House is also known as the General Headquarters, located on the northern grounds of Kinh Thien Palace. There are many vital and strategic plans to appear here, bringing the biggest opportunity for the resistance war against the United States.

Currently, the place preserved and conserved Vietnam's revolutionary heritage. 

Thang Long imperial citadel encapsulated the diverse cultures through periods, dynasties and a testament to a thousand years of history. Explore the trip to this Hanoi citadel to understand Vietnam's history.