The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a historic site in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam. It was the seat of power for almost 13 centuries, from the 7th to the 19th century. It reflects the rich cultural heritage and unique identity of the Vietnamese people.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel consists of three sectors: the outer wall, the imperial city, and the forbidden city. The outer wall was the main defense of the citadel, while the imperial city was where the royal palace, temples, and administrative buildings were located. The forbidden city was the most sacred and private area, where only the emperor and his family could enter.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is open to visitors every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel entrance ticket costs 30,000 VND (about 1.3 USD) for adults and 15,000 VND (about 0.65 USD) for students and children. You can also book a guided tour for an additional fee.
To get to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you can take a bus, taxi, or motorbike. The nearest bus stop is Hoang Dieu, which is about 300 meters from the main gate. You can also walk from the Old Quarter, which is about 2 kilometers away.
Some tips for visiting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will have to walk a lot and climb some stairs.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops or restaurants inside the citadel.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the site, such as not touching or climbing on the relics, not littering, and not making loud noises.
- Enjoy the beauty and history of the citadel, and learn more about the Vietnamese culture and identity.
Some of the highlights of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel are:
- The Doan Mon Gate, which is the main entrance to the imperial city. It has five arches and a watchtower on top.
- The Flag Tower, which is one of the symbols of Hanoi. It stands 33 meters high and has three tiers.
- The Hau Lau Palace, which was the residence of the royal concubines and princesses. It has a yellow roof and a red facade.
- The D67 House, which was a secret bunker used by Ho Chi Minh and other leaders during the Vietnam War. It has a museum displaying weapons and documents from that period.
- The 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site, which reveals layers of history from different dynasties. It has artifacts such as pottery, coins, bricks, and wells.
