Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
Hoàng thành Thăng Long
The palace ruins of a thousand-year-old Vietnamese dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Đoan Môn Gate, the foundations of Kính Thiên Palace, and a Vietnam War command bunker share one site.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was the palace complex from the Lý dynasty in the 11th century through the Nguyễn dynasty in the 19th century. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Within the grounds, you can climb the tower of Đoan Môn Gate, see the stone dragon steps of Kính Thiên Palace, the rear hall, and the North Gate, and visit the D67 underground command post and war conference room used by the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army during the Vietnam War. Across the road, the archaeological site at No. 18 Hoàng Diệu Street displays the layered foundations of successive imperial palaces and excavated artifacts. It is about a 10-minute walk from Ba Dinh Square and requires a ticket. The grounds are open and offer little shade, so visit in the morning or late afternoon.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Hanoi Train Street
- Hỏa Lò Prison
- St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Hanoi Old Quarter