Overview of Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a special complex of historical and cultural relics, once the capital of Vietnam for many dynasties, with great historical value.

Hoang Thanh Thang Long

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is located in the center of the Capital, in the area of Quan Thanh Ward and Dien Bien Ward (belonging to the new Ba Dinh Ward after the merger). The Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, and was the capital of Dai Viet through the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties, lasting nearly 13 consecutive centuries. The name Thang Long is associated with the legend of the Rising Dragon, representing the central position of the country. This complex is the clearest testament to the continuous development history of Hanoi Capital.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2010. The relic includes many important works such as Ky Dai (Hanoi Flagpole), Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace, and 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site. The value of the Imperial Citadel lies not only in its architecture but also in the layers and layers of archaeological relics stacked on top of each other, reflecting the continuous cultural development of the dynasties. Tourists can learn about royal culture, ancient rituals and the process of fighting to protect national independence.

Outstanding attractions at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a massive architectural complex, the center of power of Vietnamese feudal dynasties for more than ten centuries, preserving many precious vestiges and artifacts.

Doan Mon and Kinh Thien Palace

Doan Mon

Doan Mon is the main gate leading into the central area of the Imperial Citadel, built firmly of stone and brick. This is the place ancient kings used to enter and exit the forbidden area. Right behind Doan Mon is Kinh Thien Palace, where important ceremonies and court ceremonies of the court were held. Today, Kinh Thien Palace only has stone steps carved with exquisite dragon images, showing the power and greatness of the dynasty.

Ky Dai (Hanoi Flagpole)

Ky Dai

Ky Dai, also known as Hanoi Flag Tower, is one of the rare architectural works that remains almost intact after many wars. The building has a sturdy tower-shaped architecture, about 33 meters high, and is an important historical and cultural symbol of the capital. Ky Dai is not only a prominent tourist attraction but also a place where visitors can feel the spirit of independence and patriotism, because here the National flag always flies proudly.

18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site

18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site

18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site is one of the most valuable sights of the Imperial Citadel, located right within the monument grounds. This is where archaeologists have discovered layers upon layers of vestiges, palace foundations and tens of thousands of artifacts from the Dai La period (7th century) to the periods of the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. This area shows historical and cultural continuity, which is an important scientific basis for UNESCO to recognize the Imperial Citadel as a World Heritage Site. Visitors can witness the excavation process and results with their own eyes.

Cua Bac and Hau Lau

North Gate

Cua Bac is one of the five remaining original city gates of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, bearing the bold architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The citadel wall at Cua Bac still retains traces of cannonballs from the French invasion, a tragic historical testimony. Hau Lau (or Tinh Bac Lau), located behind the Imperial Citadel, is a building built according to royal architecture, a place formerly reserved for the harem. These are attractions that help visitors better visualize the scale and structure of the ancient Forbidden City.

In addition to the famous destinations mentioned above, the area around the Imperial City also contains countless beautiful corners and relics rich in cultural and historical value. Taking the time to explore more of the places below, you will better feel the ancient and modern beauty of the capital of thousands of years of civilization:

  • One ​​Pillar Pagoda: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Ba Dinh Ward (new administrative unit). This is a pagoda with unique architecture, shaped like a thousand-year-old lotus, symbolizing Vietnamese Buddhist culture.

  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho Ward (new administrative unit). It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on the romantic West Lake peninsula.

  • Ho Chi Minh Museum: Located in the Mausoleum Complex of President Ho Chi Minh, is a place to display the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh.

  • Vietnam Military History Museum: Located right near the Imperial Citadel, is a place to display war artifacts and the nation's military history.

Best time to travel

Visiting Thang Long Imperial Citadel is an outdoor and historical experience, so the best time to visit often depends on weather factors and special cultural events.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (February to April) are the best times to visit Hanoi is cool, dry and most comfortable. This weather condition is ideal for walking and exploring the vast outdoor areas of the Imperial Citadel (such as Doan Mon, Ky Dai and the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological site) without being exposed to harsh sunlight or showers. Visiting during these seasons helps visitors comfortably admire the architecture and learn about history.

The beginning of the lunar year (around January and February) is when Thang Long Imperial Citadel often organizes many unique cultural activities and traditional festivals. Highlights are incense offering ceremonies, royal art performances, and thematic displays about the Lunar New Year. Visiting the Imperial Citadel on this occasion is not only a visit to the monument but also an opportunity for visitors to experience the festive atmosphere and explore the profound traditional culture of the Vietnamese people.

Transportation information

Transportation From Noi Bai Airport (HAN)

For visitors arriving by air, there are many options for traveling from the airport to the Imperial Citadel. choose:

  • Taxi/Technology car: This is the fastest and most convenient means of transport. Travel time is about 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Prices range from 250,000 - 400,000 VND.

  • Public bus (Route 86/86CT): High quality bus route from the airport to the city center. Visitors can get off at points near Hanoi Station or Hoan Kiem Lake, then transfer to a city bus or taxi to get to the Imperial Citadel. The ticket price is about 45,000 VND/way.

Traveling by Rail and Road

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located near the main stations and bus stations, helping tourists from the provinces to travel conveniently:

  • Hanoi Railway Station (Hang Co Station): Located 10 km from the Royal Citadel. The citadel is about 2.5 km. Visitors can take a taxi, motorbike taxi or bus to get there.

  • Bus Stations: From major bus stations such as My Dinh and Giap Bat, visitors should choose inner-city buses or taxis to travel. The distance is not too far so travel is quite quick.

  • Rail routes: Thong Nhat Train from Ho Chi Minh City or trains from Da Nang all stop at Hanoi Station, creating convenient conditions for tourists.

Moving Within the City

The Imperial Citadel is located at the intersection of many Large route, visitors can easily access by many means:

  • Public bus: Bus routes 09, 14, 22 and 33 have stops near the Imperial Citadel area (on Hoang Dieu or Nguyen Tri Phuong streets). This is the most economical means of transportation.

  • Technology motorbike taxi/motorbike taxi: Popular and convenient. Visitors just need to book a car to 19C Hoang Dieu or 18 Hoang Dieu (main gate/archaeological site).

  • Walk/Bike: If visitors are in the Old Quarter area (Hoan Kiem Ward), walking through the Presidential Palace or Uncle Ho's Mausoleum to get to the Imperial Citadel is an interesting experience (about 20–30 minutes).

Accommodation information

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is located in the administrative center area (Ba Dinh Ward), with many large hotels, convenient for tourists to visit monuments and Old Quarter sites.

Luxury (4–5 Stars)

Pullman Hanoi Hotel Located at 40 Cat Linh Street (in New Giang Vo Ward, about 3.5 km from the Imperial Citadel). This is an international 5-star standard hotel, featuring modern facilities, including a swimming pool, spa area, meeting rooms and international buffet restaurant. Convenient location to move to both the Imperial Citadel and commercial areas. Room prices at Pullman Hanoi range from 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Pullman Hanoi Hotel

Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel is located at 1 Thanh Nien, next to West Lake and about 3 km from the Imperial Citadel. This is a high-class 5-star hotel, featuring beautiful views of West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a rooftop bar and a restaurant serving classy Asian and European cuisine. The average room price is about 3,500,000 - 6,500,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation near Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • Hanoi Club Hotel & Lake Resort – No. 76 Yen Phu (Tay Ho Ward) – Price about 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND/night

  • The Lapis Hotel – No. 21 Tran Hung Dao (Hang Bai Ward) – Price about 2,200,000 – 3,800,000 VND/night

  • Aparthotel The Five Residences Hanoi – No. 3 Nguyen Dinh Thi (Tay Ho Ward) – Price about 2,800,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night

Experience (2–3 Stars, Homestay & Guesthouse)

Sunny Hotel is a 3-star hotel chain, usually located on convenient streets near the Imperial City such as Van Phuc Street, Doi Can Street (belonging to Ngoc Ha Ward or Ba Dinh Ward). These hotels have clean rooms and provide basic amenities. This type is very suitable for travelers who want a convenient location at a reasonable cost. The average price is about 650,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night for 2 adults.

Fortuna Hanoi Hotel is located on Lang Ha Street (about 4km from the Imperial Citadel, in Lang Ward). This 4-star hotel is famous for its attentive service and has a swimming pool. Although it requires a bit of travel, the hotel offers good quality and amenities, especially for business travelers or groups.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

  • Hanoi Focus Hotel – No. 48 Nguyen Truong To (Ward Ba Dinh) - Price from 550,000 - 900,000 VND/night

  • Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel - No. 58 Quang Khanh (Tay Ho Ward) - Price from 700,000 - 1,100,000 VND/night (Suitable for a quiet West Lake experience)

  • Hanoi Little Town Hotel – No. 65 Hang Bac (Hoan Kiem Ward) – Price from 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND/night

Festival cuisine and culture

High-class restaurant

Stellar Steakhouse is located on the 66th floor of Lotte Center (54 Lieu Giai, Ngoc Ha Ward). This restaurant is famous for its luxurious space, panoramic view of Hanoi city from above and specializes in serving high quality imported steaks. Stellar Steakhouse offers a world-class dining experience, with professional service and a premium wine list. This is the ideal location for receptions or romantic dinners. The average price per capita is about 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 VND.

Stellar Restaurant Steakhouse

Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill Restaurant is located in Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho Ward), about 3 km from the Imperial Citadel. The restaurant stands out with its cozy space, modern design and serves European dishes, especially fresh seafood and premium beef. The restaurant is located on the banks of West Lake, creating a relaxing and romantic dining space. The average price per capita is about 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 VND.

If you want to explore other luxury culinary destinations near the Imperial Citadel, here are some outstanding suggestions worth experiencing:

  • French Grill – No. 8 Do Duc Duc (need to travel by taxi): Phuc Serves traditional French cuisine, famous for grilled lobster and foie gras. Average price 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND/person.

  • Vi Quan Restaurant - No. 16 Phan Boi Chau (near Hoa Lo): Serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine in an ancient space. Average price 400,000 - 800,000 VND/person.

  • Pizza 4P’s Phan Ke Binh - No. 106 Phan Ke Binh (Cong Vi Ward): Serving famous Japanese Pizza, a favorite international cuisine choice. Average price is 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person.

Local Cuisine

Bun Cha Dac Kim is one of the most famous Bun Cha addresses in the Old Quarter, located on Hang Ma Street (Hoan Kiem Ward), about 1.5 km from the Imperial Citadel. Bun Cha Dac Kim is mentioned by many people for its fragrant grilled meat, rich grilled meatballs, and dipping sauce mixed with the true taste of Hanoi. This dish is an indispensable part of the Hanoi street food experience.

Xoi Yen is a famous sticky rice brand, located at 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street (Hoan Kiem Ward). The restaurant serves a variety of sticky rice such as sticky rice with corn, sticky rice with corn, sticky rice with green beans, served with braised meat, fried eggs, or mushroom floss. Xoi Yen is a breakfast or dinner dish loved by many people because of its convenience and traditional flavor.

Additional suggested address:

  • Xoi Yen - 35B Nguyen Huu Huan (Hoan Kiem Ward): Serves sticky rice with a variety of fillings, a traditional culinary choice.

  • Hang Bo Rib Porridge - 32 Hang Bo (Hoan Kiem Ward): Hot fried rib porridge, an ideal nighttime dish.

  • Giang Egg Coffee - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan: The place where Hanoi's famous egg coffee was created.

Trai Culture & Festival Experience

Quan Thanh Temple Festival

The Quan Thanh Temple Festival is held on the full moon day of the first lunar month every year at Quan Thanh Temple (one of the Four Towns of Thang Long), located right near the Imperial Citadel (Ba Dinh Ward). This festival is to pray for peace and luck at the beginning of the year. The ceremony takes place solemnly, visitors can immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere and learn about Vietnamese worship beliefs. This is an opportunity to explore the ancient spiritual culture of the Capital.

Quan Thanh Temple Festival

Kim Lien Temple Festival

Kim Lien Temple Festival (held on the 16th day of the third lunar month) in Kim Lien Ward (near the Imperial Citadel) is another important festival, commemorating God Cao. Son. The festival has a solemn procession, with the participation of a large number of local people.

Other cultural activities near the Imperial Citadel:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Flag Raising Ceremony: Takes place every day at 6 am and Lowering the flag at 9 pm at Ba Dinh Square (right next to the Imperial Citadel). The solemn and majestic ritual attracts a large number of tourists.

  • Co Loa Festival: Takes place in Dong Anh commune (outer city, need to travel further), commemorating An Duong Vuong and the legend of My Chau - Trong Thuy.

  • Art performances: Hanoi Opera House (near the Imperial Citadel) regularly organizes organizes major concerts, ballets, and art events.

Amusement area

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel neighborhood (Ba Dinh Ward) is home to entertainment, entertainment, and ecological attractions, offering many options to relax after visiting the monuments.

Thu Le Park and Botanical Garden Thao

Thu Le Park (Hanoi Botanical Garden) is located on Buoi Street, in the new Ngoc Ha Ward, about 4 km from the Imperial Citadel. This is an ideal destination for families and children. The park is both a zoo with many diverse animal species and a large green park with a lake. Visitors can rent duck boats on the lake, visit the animal park or rest in the cool green space. The Botanical Garden (located near Uncle Ho's Mausoleum) is also a historical green park, suitable for walking and exercising.

The area around the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long also has many other attractive entertainment and cultural venues, suitable for tourists who want to relax and explore:

  • Hanoi Opera House: Beautiful classical French architecture (about 2 km from the Imperial Citadel), regularly hosts major concerts, operas and art events. This is a unique cultural entertainment activity.

  • Hanoi Book Street: Located on December 19 Street (near Hoan Kiem Ward), is a quiet cultural space where visitors can read books and enjoy coffee.

  • Bars/Pubs: Scattered on Ly Thuong Kiet streets, Hai Ba Trung and the surrounding Old Quarter area, provide rich nightlife entertainment services.

Suggested tours

Experiential tours

Royal Citadel Night Tour

Citadel Night Tour

  • Itinerary: This is a unique experience tour, usually taking place on Friday or Saturday nights. Tourists participate in the incense offering ceremony, watch royal rituals being recreated and explore relics in the Imperial Citadel under magical lights.

  • Transportation: Walking inside the relic area.

  • Reference tour price: About 300,000 - 500,000 VND/person (Tickets and art experiences included).

  • Organizer: Thang Long Imperial Citadel Relics Management Board.

Family tour

Tour of Temple of Literature - Imperial Citadel - West Lake 

  • Itinerary: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Explore the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam's first university) - Lunch at Ba Dinh area - Afternoon relax and have fun at Thu Le Park (Botanical Garden) or West Lake (Cycling, enjoy coffee).

  • Transportation: Small tourist car or taxi.

  • Reference tour price: 700,000 - 900,000 VND/person (Including lunch and entrance ticket).

  • Organizing unit: Travel companies specializing in organizing family tours.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The souvenir shop located right within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage site is the only place that sells exclusive historical gifts. The products here are often miniature models of buildings in the Imperial Citadel (such as Ky Dai, Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace) or book publications, postcards recreating architecture and archaeological artifacts. In particular, visitors can buy products inspired by royal patterns and motifs excavated at 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site. Shopping here is a great way to preserve memories of the World Cultural Heritage.

For modern shopping or looking for culinary specialties, visitors can go to Lotte Center Shopping Center (Ngoc Ha Ward, about 3 km from the Imperial Citadel), which offers high-end products, consumer goods and international gifts. Regarding cuisine, the area around West Lake and Hang Duong Street (Hoan Kiem Ward) has many shops selling lotus tea, apricot blossoms and other Hanoi specialties. Visitors can also buy historical and cultural publications at nearby Hanoi Book Street (December 19th Street).

Lotte Department Store Center

Support information and other information

Security Support

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel area (Ba Dinh Ward) is the political center of the city, the security system is always strictly guaranteed.

  • City Police Hanoi/Emergency Switchboard:

    • Emergency reporting/security support: 113

    • Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

    • Ba Dinh Ward Police: This is the unit Direct security management at the Imperial Citadel and surrounding areas. Tourists who need security or administrative assistance should contact this agency.

  • General Department of Market Management - Consumer Rights Protection:

    • Contact switchboard: 1900.888.655

    • Contact if you encounter problems with non-transparent prices, counterfeit goods or illegal business practices.

Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

When needing urgent medical assistance, visitors should quickly contact the emergency number and know the major hospitals near the Imperial City area.

  • Emergency switchboard: 115

  • Xanh Po General Hospital:

    • Support phone number: 024 3823 3073 (The hospital is located right in the old Ba Dinh Ward, very close to Hoang Thanh).

    • Address: No. 12 Chu Van An Street, Dien Bien Ward (belongs to the new Ba Dinh Ward).

  • Viet Duc Friendship General Hospital:

    • Support phone number: 1900 1902

    • Address: 40 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (about 2 km from the Imperial Citadel).

Service and Tourism Support

To have the best experience and protect tourism rights, visitors should use Use the following support channels:

  • National tourism support hotline:

    • Contact phone number: 0941 33 66 77

    • Useful for answering questions and consulting information tourism and receiving feedback.

  • Noi Bai Airport – Guest support center:

    • Contact phone number: (+84) 024 3886 5047

    • Useful if you need information about luggage or services at the airport after landing or before departure.

Wish you a truly wonderful journey, fully exploring the World Cultural Heritage of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which preserves more than a thousand years of the Capital's history!