Located in the heart of Hanoi, Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a majestic testament to Vietnam’s imperial history. Steeped in centuries of culture, power, and resilience, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites visitors on an unforgettable journey through time. Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long with San Hotel Series to experience the history of the thousand-year-old capital.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel – World Cultural Heritage
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is not just a collection of historical relics, but a living testament to Vietnam’s rich history. From the towering architectural structures built over successive dynasties to the remnants that remain, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel stands tall, serving as a powerful reminder of the once mighty capital of Thang Long.
On July 31, 2010, during the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee in Brazil, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel was officially honored as a World Heritage Site, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Vietnam’s national heritage. This recognition is not only a point of pride for the Vietnamese people but also a priceless treasure for humanity.
Since its recognition, efforts to restore and preserve this historic site have been carried out meticulously, with a focus on safeguarding and enhancing the value of the “Thang Long Imperial Citadel” in a sustainable manner. As a result, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel continues to shine as a vibrant historical testament, deeply intertwined with the pride of the Vietnamese nation.
Where is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel located?
- Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, daily.
Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel boasts a prime location with easy access for visitors. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, visitors can easily reach this historical landmark by motorbike, bicycle, or car. Head towards Trang Thi Street, then turn onto Dien Bien Phu Street, and finally onto Hoang Dieu Street to arrive at the main entrance of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel at 19C Hoang Dieu. For those relying on public transport, bus number 22 offers a convenient route directly to the site.
Ticket prices
Adults: 100,000 VND per person/tour (from January 1, 2025)
Vietnamese students (16 years old and above) and seniors (60 years old and above): 50,000 VND (from January 1, 2025).
(Note: Students must present a valid student ID, and seniors need to show an ID card.)
Children under 16 years old and war veterans are granted free entry.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel invites visitors to step into the grandeur of Vietnam’s royal past at an accessible price. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student eager to learn, or a senior looking to relive the heritage of the capital, this historic site offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience the imperial power and the rich culture encapsulated within the walls of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel!
The history of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel through the ages
The history of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel stretches over 13 centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of various dynasties, from the Ly, Tran, Le, Mac to the Nguyen and the period of French resistance.
The Ly Dynasty (11th – 12th Century)
When King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu, he ordered the construction of the Thang Long Citadel, which consisted of three concentric walls:
- Dai La Citadel: The outermost wall, encircling the entire capital
- The Imperial Citadel/Long Citadel: The area where the king and his court resided and governed
- The Forbidden Purple City: The innermost wall, where the king and his harem lived.
The Tran Dynasty (13th – 14th Century)
The Tran kings expanded and enhanced the Imperial Citadel and the royal palace, contributing further to its grandeur.
The Early Le Dynasty (15th Century)
The Imperial Citadel under the Le dynasty was expanded to twice its original size, marking a period of significant growth and development.
The Mac Dynasty (16th Century)
King Mac strengthened the citadel gates, renovated the streets, and added three new earthen ramparts outside the Dai La Citadel. These fortifications were destroyed by the Trinh forces upon their conquest.
The Later Le Dynasty (17th – 18th Century)
On the remnants of the Dai La Citadel, Lord Trinh Doanh rebuilt the citadel, renaming it the Đại Đô Citadel.
The Tay Son Dynasty (18th Century)
Although Emperor Quang Trung chose Phu Xuan (Hue) as his capital, he still ordered the restoration of the collapsed sections of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the construction of several new structures.
The Nguyen Dynasty (19th – 20th Century)
During the Nguyen period, Thang Long became the Northern military headquarters, known as Bac Thanh.
The French Colonial Era
After occupying Hanoi, the French altered the architectural design of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, adding military barracks and other structures for their own purposes.
1954
The Hanoi Citadel became the headquarters of Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense.
2002
Excavations of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel uncovered over 19,000 square meters of historical layers, revealing invaluable cultural and historical relics.
2010
The Central Sector of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a monumental achievement recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
What Makes a visit to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel so fascinating?
A journey through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is like stepping into the heart of Vietnam’s rich imperial past. From its towering architecture to the hidden stories beneath its ancient walls, every corner of this historical site offers something extraordinary to discover.
The Hanoi Flagpole
Standing tall and proud, the Hanoi Flagpole is one of the most iconic structures at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, located on Dien Bien Phu Street. Constructed in 1812 under the reign of King Gia Long, it consists of a square, truncated pyramid base with a tower that rises 18.2 meters high. The flagpole is an architectural marvel, with three layers of the pyramid base, each gradually shrinking in size.
The upper structure is a cylindrical column with 8 faces, narrowing as it ascends, and is illuminated by 39 flower-shaped windows and 6 fan-shaped openings. The pinnacle is crowned by an 8-sided pavilion, 3.3 meters high, where the flagpole stands. Here, the iconic red flag with a golden star waves proudly, symbolizing the strength and resilience of Hanoi.
The North Gate
The North Gate (Chính Bắc Môn), is the last remaining gateway of the ancient Hanoi Citadel. Located on Phan Dinh Phung Street, this historical structure was constructed in 1805 during the Nguyen dynasty, following the architectural style of a “Vọng Lâu” (pavilion gate).
The North Gate, built over the remains of the Lê dynasty’s original gate, is a remarkable blend of military functionality and intricate design. The gate’s shape is almost square, with tapered walls, and the archway is built from brick. The surrounding stonework features decorative lotus petal motifs, and the roof is adorned with an 8-sided pavilion.
Above the arch, a plaque bears the inscription “Chính Bắc Môn” in Chinese characters, a reminder of its historical significance. A separate stone plaque commemorates the French assault on Hanoi in 1882, marking the day they bombarded and captured the city. The walls still bear the scars of this invasion, with visible cannonball marks-silent witnesses to the turbulence of history.
The Kính Thiên Palace
Once the heart of royal affairs, the Kính Thiên Palace was the site for imperial audiences and grand ceremonies of the court. Today, only the remnants of its foundation remain, including a stone platform, a railing, and intricately carved dragons that stand as silent sentinels of history.
Located at the very center of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Kính Thiên Palace was built atop the foundations of the Ly dynasty’s Càn Nguyên – Thiên An Palace. To the right of the palace stood the Chí Kinh Hall, while to the left was the Vạn Thọ Hall, with the imposing Thị Triều Hall located directly in front. The majestic Đoan Môn gate lay just beyond.
There are ongoing discussions about the restoration of the Kính Thiên Palace, and parts of it have already been reconstructed, offering visitors a glimpse into its former grandeur.
Đoan Môn Gate
Đoan Môn (the southern gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel) is one of the oldest and most historically significant structures still standing today. Built during the Ly dynasty, it was reconstructed in the 15th century by the Le dynasty and further renovated in the 19th century under the Nguyen dynasty. This gate, part of the last remaining structures of the ancient Thang Long, stands proudly alongside the Hanoi Flagpole, the North Gate, the Kính Thiên Palace foundation, and the Temple of Literature.
Shaped like a U, Đoan Môn stretches 46.5 meters from east to west and features five arches, with the central arch reserved for the emperor. On either side of the gate stand the “Tả Đoan Môn” and “Hữu Đoan Môn” arches. Today, the gate remains intact and serves as the main entrance to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, welcoming visitors into the heart of Vietnam’s imperial past.
D67 House
The D67 House, located in the military headquarters area of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, is a site of immense historical significance. It was here, within the underground command center, that some of the most pivotal decisions of Vietnam’s revolution were made.
The Communist Party’s Politburo and the Central Military Commission charted the course of major battles, including the 1968 Tet Offensive, the 1972 Easter Offensive, the historic 12-day battle against U.S. forces at the end of 1972, and the final 1975 Ho Chi Minh Campaign that led to the reunification of Vietnam.
Beneath the vast courtyard that connects the Kính Thiên Palace and D67 House lies the largest underground bunker in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex, known as the D67 Bunker. Two secret passageways, originating from the offices of Generals Giáp and Dũng in D67 House, lead down to this secure command center. The tunnels, 1.2 meters wide and with 45 steps lined in granite, descend 10 meters below the surface.
Here, a series of offices stretch across four rooms, each 50 square meters, linked by a single hallway. The rectangular meeting room, with its tiled floors, serves as a testament to the decisions that shaped Vietnam’s fate.
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Adjacent rooms were used for the secretaries and machinery, as well as communications equipment. At the end of the bunker lies an elaborate ventilation and air filtration system, powered by electricity and manufactured in the Soviet Union.
The entrances to the bunker are secured by six heavy steel doors, each 12 centimeters thick and equipped with rubber seals, capable of protecting against both water and toxic gases. These formidable doors served as a crucial line of defense for the leaders during the critical moments of the war.
The D67 House, nestled within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, is not only a symbol of military strategy but also a sacred space where the heart of Vietnam’s revolutionary spirit still beats. It offers an intriguing glimpse into the determination and resilience that defined the era of national liberation.
Here is the “Explore Thang Long Imperial Citadel: A Historic Adventure in Hanoi”. Wishing you a delightful trip to Vietnam! If you’re visiting Vietnam and the capital, Hanoi, you can book a room at San Hotel at the best prices here!
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