The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long reflects unique South-East Asian culture with influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south. Built by the Ly Viet Dynasty in the 11th century, this complex of historic imperial buildings indicates the independence of the Dai Viet, a former name for Vietnam.
Situated at the heart of Hanoi, The Citadel was the center of regional political power continuously for almost 13 centuries as it was the seat of power dating from the 7th century through to the present day, and in 2010 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical and cultural importance.
Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, it has two sections. The first one is the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street. You can scrutinize various artifacts, bronze coins, ceramics, and pottery from China and many places in Asia and items dating back to the 6th century. In 2004 archeologists found the foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds, and wells, all of which prove a significant trading relationship in the area. The second section of the complex is the central axis of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Citadel of Hanoi. It is a testament to the long cultural tradition of the Viet populations in the Delta and the lower Red River Valley.
It is opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 – 17:00 with Entrance fee: VND 30,000 for locals and tourists, and VND 15,000 for Vietnamese students.
