Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

With a history spanning more than 13 centuries, the site dates back to the 7th century, when it was known as Dai La Citadel under the Tang Dynasty. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (present-day Ninh Binh) to Dai La and renamed it Thang Long, marking the birth of a new imperial capital and a turning point in Vietnamese history.

Throughout the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, the Imperial Citadel continued to develop, with each era leaving distinct architectural and cultural imprints. The remaining structures and archaeological remains testify to the prosperity of Thang Long as a major political, cultural, and administrative center. Over Vietnam’s long history of nation-building and defense, Thang Long played a vital and enduring role.

Covering an area of approximately 18.3 hectares, the site includes notable landmarks such as The Main Gate (Cong Doan Mon), Kinh Thien Palace (Dien Kinh Thien), Hanoi Flag Tower (Cot Co), and Princess Pagoda (Hau Lau). As a representative historical and archaeological monument, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long provides tangible evidence of advanced construction techniques and preserves exceptional values in history, architecture, and art. It also reflects centuries of cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions of the world, embodied in its artifacts, architectural remains, and urban landscape shaped over thousands of years.

1. Opening Hours

• Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

• Note: In the past, the site was usually closed on Mondays. However, recent updates indicate it is now open every day of the week. That said, some specialized exhibition areas may undergo maintenance on Mondays, so it is advisable to check in advance if visiting on this day.

2. Daytime Admission Fees

• VND 100,000 per person

3. Night Tour “Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.”

This is a special guided night experience lasting approximately 90 minutes, usually held on weekends.

• Operating days: Friday and Saturday evenings.

• Starting time: Usually from 7:00 PM.

• Night tour ticket prices:

  • Adults: VND 300,000 per person.

  • Children (ages 5–11): VND 150,000 per person (50% discount).

  • Children under 5: Free of charge.

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nMUPXjuSpVkrhtaWA