For any traveler arriving in Hanoi, if you want to visit famous destinations to gain a better understanding about people of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general, historical sites are places that should not be missed. In your journey of discovery Hanoi, Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be the place to help visitors have a deep insight into the history of Vietnam as well as admire the architecture lasted thousands of years.
In the ancient time, Thang Long was a big city, the capital of the country under different dynasties. The system of citadels, works of temples, pagodas, and tombs is numerous. Through the events of the time, the relics of Thang Long citadel has been destroyed almost completely. Thang Long imperial citadel is the complex of relics linked to the history of Thang Long - Hanoi starting from the pre-Thang Long period (in the seventh century) through the Dinh – Later Le, thrived under the Ly, Tran, Le dynasty and it became Hanoi under the reign of Nguyen dynasty. This is a massive structure, which was built by kings in many periods of history and become the most important relic in the system of Vietnam’s vestiges and UNESCO has recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel a World Heritage site on July 01/08/2012.
The center of Thang Long imperial citadel has a total area of 18,395 hectares, a combination of two parts: architectural works on the ground and archaeological ruins including 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological zone, relics remained in the area of ancient Hanoi Citadel as Hanoi Flag Tower, the main gate Doan Mon, the North Gate, Kinh Thien Palace, D67 tunnel and house, North gate, surrounding walls and 8 gates under Nguyen Dynasty. Walking in the center area of the citadel, visitors can still feel the old, quiet space isolated from the bustle of Hanoi streets.
An extremely important destination cannot be ignored when visiting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is archaeological relic zone 18 Hoang Dieu. Here, the archaeologists have excavated a lot of artifacts, architectural foundations and cultural stories that demonstrate the existence and immortality of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long through thousand years of history.
Besides, when you come here, tourists can visit the D67 house and tunnel located behind the Dragon house. In 7 years, the house was a place that Central Military Commission worked to plan the directions to make a successful implementation of the final phase of the war against America.
As visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, visitors will discover a historical process lasted 13 centuries, tied to the history of Vietnam nation, thereby understanding more about the country and people of Vietnam. This is a short trip but it will help you figure out the long history of thousands of years of Thang Long, Hanoi today, the land where many people spend lots of special emotions.
