Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Leslie Lee★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant landmarks in Hanoi. Located in the city centre, it served as the political heart of Vietnam for over a thousand years, spanning multiple dynasties. We visited around 12 pm on 1 May, which is a public holiday. Tickets can be purchased on site for 100,000 VND per person. Surprisingly, there were not as many visitors as expected, which made the experience more relaxed and comfortable. The site is spacious and features a mix of archaeological remains, ancient foundations, and restored structures that reflect the many layers of Vietnam’s history. Walking through the grounds, you can see remnants of royal architecture alongside excavation areas displaying artefacts from earlier periods. The exhibitions also provide useful context on the citadel’s role in governance, military strategy, and cultural development over time. One of the highlights is the nearby Flag Tower of Hanoi, which adds to the historic atmosphere of the area. Overall, the site feels calm and less crowded compared to other attractions in the city, making it easy to explore at a slow and enjoyable pace. We spent about 2 hours walking through everthing. In summary, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a meaningful destination for anyone interested in history and archaeology. It offers a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s imperial past and the long continuity of its civilisation.

Jaime Espejon★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

The greatest thing about this place is that I was able to enter for free. Because it was TET holiday and my curiosity of the place gave me opportunity see the place. I had an amazing experience visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The site is full of history and beautifully reflects Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. I've learned that Vietnam was once ruled by different dynasties.

Ray Mak★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

Visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was like stepping back in time into the heart of Vietnam’s ancient history. Nestled in the soul of Hanoi, this remarkable site reflects not only the country’s rich heritage but also the incredible strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people. To think that this nation endured countless wars, yet still preserved such a majestic structure—it’s deeply inspiring. The citadel itself is grand and imposing, reminiscent of the great imperial complexes I’ve seen in China. As you walk through its grounds, you’re greeted with beautifully curated exhibitions—intricate paintings, historical artifacts, and delicate ceramics, all thoughtfully displayed under excellent lighting that enhances every detail. One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was seeing the evolution of construction materials over time. Layers of bricks and stones, carefully preserved and labeled, tell a silent story of centuries past. It’s rare to witness history presented so tangibly and so clearly. There are also protected excavation zones where you can peer through glass panels to observe the original foundations of the citadel. While some areas are currently under maintenance or restricted, the majority of the site remains accessible, offering a comprehensive glimpse into its former glory. A particularly moving highlight was the underground bunker within the citadel. Standing there, you can almost feel the weight of history—imagining the tension and determination of military officers during times of war. It’s a humbling experience that adds emotional depth to the visit. Interestingly, the citadel also blends past and present. Within its grounds, you’ll find modern touches like a pickleball court and charming cafés. Just across the road lies the former site of the main imperial palace—now reduced to symbolic pillars that mark where grand halls, wells, and chambers once stood before being destroyed during the war. This visit was both educational and deeply meaningful. There’s so much to absorb here that a single trip hardly feels enough. If you’re someone who appreciates history, culture, and stories of resilience, this is a place where you’ll want to take your time.

adriana manole★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

Beautiful place to visit, 100k per person, cash or card payment available. We went on a public holiday - May 1st, at 11.30 am, and it wasn't too busy, no line to buy tickets. Located close to the HCM Mausoleum, so you can visit both on the same day. We spent about 1h there, but can easily take up to 2 hours if you visit all the expositions. Would definitely recommend seeing it of you are in Hanoi. 🫶

BADrukhina★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

This is the place where Imperor of Vietnam used to live, it symbol of Vietnamese independency and pride. Old brick construction of the tower is unique , and the palace itself is showing that kings thought more of spirit, than comfort. There is a big pleasant park at the territory of citadel, also it is big museum comlex with examples of royal throne square, ceramic art and ritual bell. Still there are archeologycal surveys on this place, and actual temple, thats why no shorts and sleeveless shirts can be used inside the royal temple. At the time of Vietnamese-American war there were secret bunkers and underground cryptocoding headquarters. entry cost 100 000 dongs. There also traditional costumes could be rent for photo