Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Guide to Hanoi's Ancient Power Center | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

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The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long (Hoàng thành Thăng Long) is one of Vietnam’s most historically and archaeologically significant sites, located right in the heart of Hanoi. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, this ancient complex was the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over 1,300 years, spanning from the 7th century to the end of the Nguyễn dynasty in the early 20th century. Visiting the Imperial Citadel offers an immersive journey through dynastic capitals, wartime bunkers, royal palaces, and modern discoveries — all within one vast and serene compound.

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A Deeply Layered History of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The history of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is as layered and enduring as the city of Hanoi itself. The site was originally part of Dai La Citadel, built in 866 AD by Gao Pian (Cao Biền), a Chinese military governor during the Tang Dynasty, when northern Vietnam was under Chinese rule.
In 938 AD Vietnamese military leader Ngô Quyền defeated the invading Southern Han navy from China by luring their ships into the Bạch Đằng River and destroying them with a trap of submerged wooden stakes. This decisive victory ended over a thousand years of Chinese domination and marked the beginning of Vietnam's independent era.
Ngô Quyền then declared himself king in 939 CE, establishing the capital at Cổ Loa and founding the Ngô Dynasty, Vietnam’s first fully independent native dynasty after centuries of Chinese rule. At that time, the citadel became a Vietnamese stronghold.

In 1010, Emperor Lý Thái Tổ of the Lý Dynasty moved the capital from Hoa Lư (Ninh Bình) to this location and renamed the city Thăng Long, meaning ‘Soaring Dragon’. He built a new imperial citadel on the remains of Dai La, laying the foundations for what would become Vietnam’s political heart for centuries.

From the 11th to 18th centuries, the Thăng Long Citadel was expanded and rebuilt by successive dynasties, including the Trần, Lê, and Mạc dynasties, each leaving behind architectural imprints. Although the Nguyễn Dynasty moved the capital to Huế in 1802, the citadel remained an important administrative and military center.
During the French colonial period, many of the original palace structures were demolished or repurposed by the French army. The site gained renewed strategic significance during the Vietnam War, when it housed a secret military command bunker used by the Vietnamese People’s Army, which is still intact and open to visitors today.

Archaeological excavations, especially after 2002, have uncovered thousands of artifacts and foundations of royal buildings, confirming the site’s continuous use and evolution over more than a millennium.

What to See When You Visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel complex covers over 44 acres (18 ha) and includes surviving buildings, reconstructed sections, excavation zones, and informative exhibits. While much of the original grandeur is now lost to time, what remains (and what has been discovered) tells an incredible story.

Đoan Môn Gate (South Gate)

This is the main ceremonial entrance to the old Forbidden City, built in the Lê Dynasty and reconstructed during the Nguyễn era. The imposing gate features five arched doorways and a majestic upper pavilion. From here, emperors would lead processions into the central palace precincts.

Kính Thiên Palace Foundation

At the heart of the citadel stands the stone platform of Kính Thiên Palace, built in 1428 by the Lê Dynasty. Though the palace structure no longer survives, its base and stone dragons remain. These four carved stone dragons flanking the steps are some of the finest examples of 15th-century royal sculpture in Vietnam.

Hanoi Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội)

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Hanoi, the 33.4-meter-high Flag Tower, built in 1812, is located just outside the citadel's central area. It offers panoramic views of the complex and is a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s enduring sovereignty.

D67 House and Underground Bunker

This modest-looking building hides a secret command bunker used by the Vietnamese military from 1954 to 1975, particularly during the American War. Inside are original communications equipment, maps, meeting tables, and even the emergency exit tunnels used by General Võ Nguyên Giáp and other leaders. This area gives visitors a stark contrast between the ancient and modern military functions of the site.

Archaeological Site 18 Hoàng Diệu Street

Across the street from the main entrance lies an active archaeological zone, where foundations of ancient palaces, drainage systems, wells, and decorative tiles from the Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties have been unearthed. Informative panels and glass walkways let you observe these ancient remains up close.

Display Halls and Exhibits

The complex includes museum-like exhibition areas showcasing artifacts such as porcelain, terracotta roof decorations, dragon tiles, ancient seals, coins, and weaponry—providing a chronological overview of Vietnamese royal culture and life at court.

Admission Fees and Opening Times for Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Entry Fee (at the time of writing)

• Adults: 100,000 VND cash-only

• Night Tour: 300,000 VND

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday

• From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Closed on Mondays

• Guided Tours: Available in Vietnamese and English for an additional fee (or by booking through local tour agencies)

• Night Tour: Every Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm - 1.5h

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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