Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Tours

Hanoi Citadel featuring a park and a temple or place of worship
Hanoi Citadel featuring a temple or place of worship
Hanoi Citadel showing a temple or place of worship
Hanoi Citadel featuring a park and a temple or place of worship
Hanoi Citadel featuring a park and heritage architecture


For over a thousand years, from Chinese and French colonialism to the war with America, this citadel has been key to the country's political and military history.

The monuments and buildings in the Hanoi Citadel have testified to Vietnam's fight for independence for over 10 centuries. Steeped in history, the iconic buildings, bunkers and military structures portray years of political power and military resistance. Relax in the tranquil gardens and explore the nearby Vietnam Military History Museum.

Early Chinese culture, the southern Kingdom of Champa and religious traditions influenced the architectural style of the citadel. It was built in the 11th century on remnants of a 7th-century Chinese fortress some of the original Chinese wells and structures still stand. Enter under the Doan Mon Gate, which is one of eight Nguyen Dynasty gates. See the stone dragons and relics of the Kinh Thien Palace, admire the Hau Lau (Princess Tower) and climb the Flag Tower at the military museum for panoramic views of the city.

In the 1880s Thang Long was the center of French Indochina. Notice the impressions on the Cua Bac Northern Gate. These were created by cannonballs fired by French warships. In 1954, after the First War of Independence, North Vietnam’s military headquarters were based in the Forbidden City. Explore the underground D67 command bunker, where General Giap was sheltered during the Vietnam War.

Until 2010, when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel was used as a military base.

The informative Vietnam Military History Museum across the gardens is well worth a visit. Learn about the country’s fight for independence from Chinese, French and American interventions.

Despite its cultural significance, the Hanoi Citadel is a relatively unknown attraction. It is located by Ba Dinh Square, opposite the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Nearby are a number of other significant attractions, including the One Pillar Pagoda and the 18 Hoang Dieu Archeological Site, which has an excavation of Vietnam’s old capital with monuments that date back to the 7th century.

Walk to the Hanoi Citadel easily from the center of the city. Adults are charged an admission children under 15 years enter free. The citadel is open daily with the exception of Mondays.

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Best Lodging Options Near Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel

Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Phu Doan street, Old Quarter, Hanoi
Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
38A Tran Phu St., Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi
Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

5 out of 5
18-20-22-24 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa

O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
122 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
Champton Hanoi Hotel

Champton Hanoi Hotel

4 out of 5
128-130 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Champton Hanoi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

At the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours that delve into the rich history of the site, leisurely walks through its beautiful gardens and ancient architecture, and shopping at nearby markets for local crafts and souvenirs. This blend of exploration and cultural immersion makes for a memorable experience in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots are Hanoi Old Town Night Market and Dong Xuan Market, both offering vibrant local goods just 0.8 and 0.7 miles away, respectively. Trang Tien Plaza is also nearby at 1 mile, perfect for family-friendly shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at My Dinh National Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at King's Island Golf Resort, where the outdoor setting enhances your game. For a serene escape, visit SEVT Park, a tranquil spot ideal for relaxation and wellness activities.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, visit Ho Tay Water Park, located 3 miles away, offering thrilling slides and family fun. Explore VinWonders Water Park, 10 miles away, for exciting rides, or head to Royal Wave Park, 11 miles away, for more water-based adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long by catching a captivating show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or the Lotus Water Puppet Theater, both just 0.9 miles away. For a broader entertainment experience, visit the Mega Grand World Hanoi, located 11 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi offers a rich blend of culture and history, featuring must-see attractions like the Hanoi Citadel and Thang Long Citadel. Visitors can explore nearby temples, vibrant streets, and the military museum, all while soaking in the outdoor ambiance of the area. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking a cultural experience in the heart of the city.

  • St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi: This stunning neo-Gothic cathedral, located 0.8 miles from the Imperial Citadel, is a serene retreat amidst the bustling city. Admire its striking architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere that captures the essence of local culture.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Situated only 0.3 miles away, this monumental mausoleum pays tribute to Vietnam's founding father. Experience the solemnity of the site as you learn about Ho Chi Minh's legacy and the country's history.
  • Train Street: Just 0.5 miles from the citadel, this unique street offers a glimpse into local life as trains pass just inches away from homes and cafes. Enjoy the vibrant city vibes, capture amazing photos, and savor local treats in this lively area.

Best time to go to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Visitor numbers around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. June is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
April77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May82.9°F (28.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July85.3°F (29.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
December64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

To save money during your visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, consider traveling in the cheaper months of June, July, and September, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturdays typically offer the lowest accommodation prices, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s tools to compare prices, explore last-minute deals, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, look for eco-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for greater savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are June to July and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to tailor your travel experience. You can specify your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. To find the most affordable hotels, simply sort the results by price, starting from the lowest. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.