Visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel of Vietnam: Hanoi Travel Blog

Thang Long Imperial Citadel (also known as the Hanoi Imperial Citadel), is an intriguing relic of the country history of Vietnam. It dates back to the 10 century when King Ly Thai To move the capital of Dai Viet (Vietnam Now) from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to Dai Lai (old name of Hanoi) and renamed Thang Long. This was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

• Opening Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Location: No 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Entrance Ticket Price Range: VND 30,000

History of Thang Long Imperial Citadel:

Thang Long Imperial Citadel was first built during the Lý dynasty (1010 - 1225) and later expanded by the Trần (1225-1400), Lê (1428-1789) and finally the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945). It remained the seat of the Vietnamese Royalty until 1810, when the Nguyễn Dynasty decided to move the capital to Huế (1802). The ruins roughly coincide with the Thang Long Citadel today.

The royal palaces and most of the structures in Thăng Long Imperial Citadel were in varying states of disrepair by the end of 19th century with the upheaval of the French conquer of Hanoi. By the 20th century many of the remaining cóntructions were torn down. The Ruined foundations of Thăng Long Imperial City systematically excavated only in the 21st Century.

In mid-1945, Thang Long Imperial Citadel was used by the Imperial Japanese Army to imprison over 4000 French colonial soldiers, who were captured after Japanese defeated French in March 1945.

The central part of Thang Long Imperial Citadel was listed by UNESCO to be World Heritage Site on July 31st 2010 as "The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long – Hanoi".

What to see in Thang Long Imperial Citadel?

There are many artefacts dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries excavated here in 2004, including foundations of old royal palaces, ancient roads, water ponds and wells.

Archaeologists also found many bronze coins, ceramics and pottery items from China and many other places in Asia, all of which demonstrate a close trading relationship between countries in the area. Visitors should visit the display room that features interesting excavated artefacts and mock-ups of the imperial citadel itself.

The Imperial Citadel was the political centre of the country for 13 consecutive centuries and served as the royal capital of Vietnam for eight centuries. A notable attraction in Thang Long Imperial Citadel is the Hanoi Flag Tower, a renovated 40-metre-high stone fortress offering expansive views of Ba Dinh Square (where Ho Chi Minh started Democratic Republic of Vietnam on 2nd Sep 1945) and Hanoi City Centre.

Located in Center of Ba Dinh District, entrance fee to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is VND 30,000 and it is opened from 08:00 to 17:00 daily but except Monday. This prominent Imperial Citadel is also within a 15-minute walk from other attractions such as Quan Thanh Temple, Military History Museum of Vietnam and Cua Bac Church.

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• List of Best Things to Do & Top Places to See in Hanoi Vietnam

• Best Local Food That Should Not Be Missed in Ha Noi Vietnam