Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Vietnam (opening hours)

Where is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Hanoi in Vietnam?

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an area which located between Hanoi Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, center of Hanoi capital city

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Vietnam
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: hoangthangthanglong.vn

If you book a hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake, you just need walking about more than 10-15 minutes to come here.

Thang Long means "Dragon Up" or Flying Dragon. That is a specially historical story which tells of Ly king, who had built this capital. Thang Long Royal Citadel has a history of 2,000 years, but only really been chosen as the capital of Vietnam since 2010, when Ly king saw a dragon-shaped cloud was flying up and then decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu ancient capital to Hanoi.

Thang Long Royal Citadel was the place of the Vietnamese kings reigned in feudal times, from the 11th century until the 17th century. This was also the residence of the Vietnamese kings.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Photo
Stone dragon is one of the hiretages in Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Photo: Quoc Thien

At about 17th century, Vietnam's capital was moved to Hue ancient capital in the central region of Vietnam, located 700km from Hanoi.

You can get more infomations if read this article: Hanoi

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - You can also call it the forbidden area. Because around Imperial Citadel of Thang Long of Thang Long was 4 solidly walls, is composed of 5 gateways. However so far, it has only remaining a gateway, relatively intact, is called Cua Bac (North Gate), which located on Phan Dinh Phung street, Hanoi.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Photo: laodong.com.vn

Most of the buildings in the center of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has been collapsed, burned and devastated by the wars.

It was a really pity because there were not many heritages of Thang Long Royal Citadel that has been retained until nowaday. Hanoi only has a place which has still retained works with ancient architecture, completely intact, until today, that is Temple of Literature

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Map: 


How to go to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Main gate to go into Imperial Citadel of Thang Long located on Nguyen Tri Phuong street. If you are from Hanoi Old Quater, you walk along to Hang Gai - Hang Da - Cua Nam and come to Dien Bien Phu street. When you see Hanoi Flag Tower, you turn right to Nguyen Tri Phuong street.

The distance from Hoan Kiem Lake to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is about 1-1,5km.


Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Photo
A corner of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Photo: John Nguyen

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long opening hours and fares

Ticket prices to visit:

Adults: 30,000 VND per person.
Free the fares for children under 15 years of age

Time and hours to visit: Every day of the week (but except Monday).

At the morning: From 8:30 to 11:30
At the afternoon: From 14h00 to 17h00.