The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 7th century when Vietnam was under Chinese invasion. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La (the former name of Hanoi), renaming it Thang Long. The citadel was constructed on its original site, and from then on, it remained the political center of the region for 13 consecutive centuries.
The citadel was expanded under the Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, suffering significant damage due to wars. It remained the center of the Vietnamese court until 1810, when Emperor Quang Trung moved the capital from Thang Long to Phu Xuan (now the Imperial City of Hue), and Thang Long ceased to be the capital of the country. During the French colonial period, royal palaces and most of the architectural works were heavily damaged. In the 20th century, some remaining structures were also demolished. The citadel was used by the Japanese Imperial Army to imprison over 4,000 French colonial soldiers in March 1945. When the Vietnam People's Army took control of Hanoi in 1954, the citadel became the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.
In the 21st century, the ruins of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel were systematically excavated. In 2004, several artifacts and items dating from the 6th to 20th centuries were uncovered, including the foundations of ancient palaces, old roads, ponds, and more.
2. Cultural Significance of Thang Long Imperial Citadel:
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a notable tourist destination not only in Hanoi but also in Vietnam as a whole. The ancient citadel has witnessed numerous significant changes throughout Vietnam’s history and has endured many fierce wars. A key feature of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is its central area, which displays a variety of multicultural influences from China to the north and the Champa Kingdom to the south. This place has been the center of political power from the 7th to the 20th century. The cultural values of the citadel are expressed in its architecture, decorative art, and landscape design. Despite the loss of many original structures, the site is still being excavated and studied by archaeologists today.
3. Architectural Features of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel:
Standing at the Doan Mon Gate, you will see the iconic Hanoi Flag Tower, which stands 33.4 meters tall. It was built in 1812 during the Nguyen dynasty and is nearly 200 years old. When the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was founded, this image was prominently featured on the old 1-dong banknote issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. During the two prolonged wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, the flag tower served as an observation post. From the top of the tower, one could view Hanoi and its surrounding areas.
At the citadel, you will also find a high gate, standing proudly like a wall, known as Doan Mon. Built during the Ly dynasty, this gate lies to the south of the Forbidden City of Thang Long. It was constructed during the early Le dynasty (15th century) and remains intact today. In the 19th century, under the Nguyen dynasty, Doan Mon was renovated, and a pavilion (observation tower) was added. The Thang Long citadel used to have a "Tam Tong" structure, consisting of three parts: the inner city, the imperial residence called the Forbidden City, and the outer city where the common people lived, called Dai La.
At the center of the citadel stands the Kinh Thien Palace, a key monument in the area. It was used for royal ceremonies and important state affairs. The palace's platform, 57 meters long, 41.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high, is all that remains of the Kinh Thien Palace today. The only remnants are the stone steps, decorated with intricately carved dragon statues along the staircase. The palace was built on Mount Nung, right above the old foundation of the Can Nguyen - Thien An Palace during the reign of King Le Thai To in 1428, and was completed under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong.
The North Gate, built in 1805, is located on the northern side of the citadel. Together with Doan Mon, this is one of the only two surviving gates of this historical monument. Archaeological research has revealed multiple layers of remains from previous dynasties beneath this towering gate. Currently, the site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of the two Hanoi governors, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu, in defending the nation.
Behind the North Gate stands a building once known as the Hau Lau (Tinh Bac Lau). Built during the Later Le dynasty for the queen and princesses, it later became the residence for the king’s concubines and beauties in the Nguyen dynasty. The structure, made primarily of bricks, features three floors and a box-like base. The roof follows a traditional Vietnamese architectural style often seen in temples and pagodas, constructed using bricks and concrete with a tile roof. The French referred to this building as the Princess Pavilion or Pagode des Dames.
From 1954 to 1975, the Thang Long Citadel served as the headquarters of the Vietnam People’s Army. An emergency evacuation tunnel was built here in 1967, featuring modern architecture, with thick walls for soundproofing. The rooms were used for various purposes, including meetings, rest, and offices, and included artifacts from the Vietnam War, such as maps, telegrams, and aircraft notifications.
4. Some Important Notes:
Before visiting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, it is important to dress appropriately, as is the case with most historical sites. Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is one of Hanoi’s most remarkable historical monuments. The artifacts uncovered and the fascinating models of the ancient citadel will certainly help you better understand Vietnam's culture and history over the centuries. We hope this article provides useful information about this beautiful destination.