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Co Loa Citadel
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Co Loa Citadel - an ancient citadel over 2,000 years old in the outskirts of Hanoi @shutterstock
1. Introduction to Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel
Many structures within the Co Loa Citadel complex are classified as National Heritage Sites @shutterstock
Co Loa is the largest and most unique citadel in our country. The archaeological site contains about 60 ancient relics, including 7 nationally recognized ones. Moreover, the site is also preserving a system of intangible cultural heritage including unique folk customs, festivals, traditional craft villages, and distinctive culinary culture.
Many structures within the archaeological site are still preserved intact @shutterstock
Co Loa Citadel
2. Latest updates on Co Loa Citadel ticket prices
The Co Loa historical site is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. The ticket prices range from 5,000 to 10,000 VND per person, with free admission for children under 15 years old and revolution contributors. The cost for offering incense is 600,000 VND per group, and the fee for hiring a tour guide ranges from 300,000 VND per guide.
3. Ideal time to travel to Co Loa Citadel
If you want to enjoy the scenery, you can visit this archaeological site at any time of the year as you like. However, the best time is still in the summer when Bauhinia and Flamboyant flowers are in bloom. At this time, the weather is quite pleasant, with ample sunshine suitable for outdoor activities.
Co Loa Citadel is a popular destination for many young people. Source: @goitoila_datog
Co Loa Citadel
Moreover, visitors can also come here on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th days of the lunar month to participate in the Sa market session. The market session has been around for a long time, meeting only 5 days each month. The market operates from 5 am to 11 am, right on the main road leading to the citadel.
3. Transportation and ways to get to Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel
Bus is an affordable means of transportation, chosen by many tourists. @shutterstock
explore Cổ Loa
4. Accommodation Options near Cổ Loa
hotels in Hanoi
Travelers can stay at hotels in Dong Anh or Tay Ho district. @shutterstock
List of budget-friendly hotels near Cổ Loa citadel for your reference:
Location: At the foot of Nhat Tan Bridge, Ngoc Chi Hamlet, Vinh Ngoc Commune, Dong Anh.
Price range: from 421,670 VND/night.
Nhat Tan Hotel offers quality accommodation at an unbeatable price for your trip. At this rate, you'll still get all the essential amenities for your stay. The rooms are extremely luxurious, clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Location: 493 Au Co Street, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho.
Price range: from 379,843 VND/night.
Thành Cổ Loa
Location: 713 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District.
Price range: from 2,165,523 VND/night.
Blossom Hotel offers you moments of relaxation and comfort with its high-quality accommodation. The hotel features a variety of rooms with different price ranges for guests to choose from. Rooms are fully equipped with amenities and offer stunning views. Make sure to book your hotel room early to enjoy the best deals.
5. Unique Architecture of Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel
A part of the ancient citadel still remains. Source: Co Loa Citadel
The outer citadel has a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers, constructed by digging trenches and building ramparts adjacent to each other. The ancient ramparts range from 4 to 5 meters in height, with some sections reaching 8 to 12 meters. It is estimated that about 2.3 million cubic meters of earth were used in its construction.
The middle citadel has a circumference of 6.5 kilometers, with a structure similar to the outer citadel. However, it has a narrower area and is more robust in construction.
The triple-ring structure of the citadel is extremely solid and secure. Source: Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel
6. Prominent Attractions in Co Loa Citadel
As one of the largest and most unique ancient citadels in Vietnam, the Co Loa Citadel archaeological site boasts numerous fascinating attractions waiting for you to explore.
6.1 An Dương Vương Temple Site
The An Dương Vương Temple, also known as the Upper Temple, is built on a hill that was once the palace of the king. The temple faces south, and its main structures are located on the Dũng Đạo axis (the Divine Path). Inside the temple, there is a bronze statue of An Dương Vương along with numerous historical artifacts and antiques made of wood, porcelain, and fabric.
The Upper Temple is located on the land that used to be the king's palace.
6.2 Ngọc Well Site
Cổ Loa Citadel
Ngọc Well - a site intertwined with the story of Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thuỷ.
Ngọc Well features a round shape with naturally curved stone edges, surrounded by pathways and trees. Legend has it that Princess Mỵ Châu and Trọng Thuỷ used to row boats around this lake before the war broke out.
6.3 Am Bà Chúa Site
Am Bà Chúa, also known as Mỵ Châu's Tomb, is a structure located behind the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Inside the shrine lies a statue of Mỵ Châu - a natural stone resembling a headless human figure. Legend has it that after her death, Mỵ Châu transformed into a large drifting stone, eventually washing up at Đường Cấm Beach, east of Cổ Loa Citadel. Locals brought nets to carry it, but as they reached the banyan tree, the net broke, causing the stone to fall. Witnessing this, the locals built a shrine there, known as Am Bà Chúa.
The headless stone statue inside Am Bà Chúa Shrine. Source: Redvn
6.4 Cao Lỗ Temple Site
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The statue of General Cao Lỗ stands amidst the lake in front of the temple. Source: Redvn
In commemoration of his contributions, the locals cast a statue and built a small-scale temple. Cao Lỗ Temple, situated by a pond, features a statue of Cao Lỗ wielding a bow. Inside the temple, numerous bronze arrows excavated by archaeologists are still preserved.
6.5 Ngự Triều Di Quy - Cổ Loa Court Site
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The majestic architecture of Ngự Triều Di Quy. Source: Shutterstock
Ngự Triều Di Quy's main gate is built in a two-story structure, with a roof resembling tiled roofs. There are two entrances, one main and two auxiliary doors adjacent to the wall, forming a front partition. On the left is the path leading to Am Mỵ Châu, and in the middle of the courtyard is a gate with carvings of the Four Holy Beasts and the Four Supernatural Creatures.
6.6 Exhibition Area of Archaeological Artifacts in Cổ Loa
The exhibition house showcases ancient artifacts excavated within the Cổ Loa relic site. Here, visitors can witness the ancient map of Cổ Loa Citadel with its nine concentric walls, the shape of the divine crossbow, and many other valuable artifacts.
The exhibition area showcases numerous valuable archaeological artifacts. Source: Redvn
7. What to Eat When Visiting and Touring Cổ Loa Citadel
When visiting Cổ Loa, the first dish you must try is Mạch Tràng vermicelli - a specialty of Mạch Tràng village in particular and Đông Anh district in general. Mạch Tràng vermicelli strands are larger than regular vermicelli, slightly opaque in color, and have a distinctively crisp and chewy texture when eaten.
Mạch Tràng vermicelli - a specialty of Đông Anh region. Source: Đỗ Thuỳ Linh
Additionally, there are plenty of great eateries near the citadel area for tourists to choose from. Among them, the most famous is undoubtedly the delicious Cổ Loa clam porridge, which is sold inside the market and usually sells out within just 2 hours from 2 PM to 4 PM.
The main ingredient of the porridge is clams caught from the Hoang Giang River, which are chewy, fatty, and very sweet. The porridge is typically served with fried dough sticks and pickled eggplant, which not only prevent monotony but also enhance the flavor. Each bowl of clam porridge here is very affordable, starting from only 15,000 VND per bowl.
8. What's Near Cổ Loa Citadel to Explore?
After exploring Cổ Loa Citadel, you can consider some activities from Mytour Xperience in Hanoi such as:
You can book amusement park tickets and day tours in Hanoi with Mytour to get the best surprise deals.
Located near famous tourist attractions in Hanoi, Co Loa Citadel allows visitors to combine multiple sightseeing spots in one day. After exploring Co Loa Citadel, you can visit:
Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is a theater designed and built by the French in 1901. Situated on August Revolution Square, it mimics the architecture of the Opera Garnier in Paris. This location is one of the most beautiful check-in spots in the capital city of Hanoi.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Hanoi's St. Joseph's Cathedral is the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi. Beyond its ancient beauty, the cathedral serves as a familiar place for worship, religious activities, and leisure for Hanoians.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Conclude your visit to Co Loa Citadel by strolling through the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, you can explore the lifestyle, culture, and unique culinary arts of the refined Trang An people. Additionally, the moss-covered walls of the Old Quarter serve as an artistic background for Instagram-worthy photos!
Conclusion
Co Loa Citadel
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