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Hoang Thanh Thang Long is the historical site of the ancient Thang Long capital, spanning from the pre-Thang Long period (7th century) through the Dinh-Tien Le era, flourishing during the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties, and evolving into the Hanoi capital under the Nguyen dynasty. This monumental architectural complex was constructed by various dynasties throughout history, becoming the most important heritage site in Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage, Hoang Thanh Thang Long is a testament to the country's rich history. Now, let's explore this historical relic with VNtrip.vn.
1. Introduction to Hoang Thanh Thang Long
Hoang Thanh Thang Long is now located in the area of Dien Bien Phu ward and Quan Thanh ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. The Hoang Thanh Thang Long historical site covers a total area of 18,395 hectares, including the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu and other remaining relics within the ancient Hanoi Citadel such as Doan Mon, Hanoi Flag Tower, Kinh Thien Palace, D67 House, Bac Mon, Hau Lau, city walls, and the eight gates of the royal citadel during the Nguyen dynasty.
Hoang Thanh Thang Long (photo by VNtrip.vn)
These historical relics are located in Ba Dinh district, bounded by Phan Dinh Phung Street to the North, Bac Son and the National Assembly building to the South, Dien Bien Phu Street to the Southwest, Hoang Dieu, Doc Lap, the National Assembly, and finally Nguyen Tri Phuong Street to the East. It is an unmissable destination when visiting Hanoi.
2. How to get to Hoang Thanh Thang Long?
To visit Hoang Thanh Thang Long, you can go to 19C Hoang Dieu, which is the main entrance for tourists. From the center of Hanoi, you can easily reach the historical site by various means of transportation such as motorbike, taxi, car, or bus. If you take the bus, you can catch route 22, and it will stop in front of the entrance to Hoang Thanh.
Tourist map of Hoang Thanh Thang Long
3. Ticket prices and opening hours for visiting Hoang Thanh Thang Long
– Hoang Thanh Thang Long opens every day of the week (except Monday).
– Opening hours:
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM;
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
– Admission ticket prices for the historical site are: 30,000 VND/visit
– For students, students aged 15 and above (must have a student card), and seniors aged 60 and above, the entrance fee is: 15,000 VND/visit
– Children under 15 and revolutionary contributors are exempt from entrance fees.
4. Explore the attractions in the Hoang Thanh Thang Long historical site
Zone 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site
This site includes the bottom layer, which is part of the east side of the Dai La Citadel during the time of Cao Bien, the Tang and Ly dynasties. The upper layer is the palaces of the Ly and Tran dynasties, followed by a part of the central area of the eastern palace of the Le dynasty, and the top layer is a part of the central area of the Hanoi provincial citadel in the 19th century.
Archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu (photo collection)
Hanoi Flagpole
The Hanoi Flagpole is a monument built in 1812 under the reign of Gia Long. Standing at 60m tall, it consists of the base, the column shaft, and the observatory. The square-shaped base covers an area of 2007m² and includes 3 gradually ascending levels. Each level features floral patterns and decorations. To reach the second level from the ground, one must climb 18 steps on both the East and West sides. Climbing from the second level to the third also requires ascending 18 steps at both the East and West entrances. The third level has 4 entrances: East, West, South, and North.
Hanoi Flagpole
Kinh Thien Palace
This is the central historical site, the main nucleus within the overall historical sites of Hanoi's ancient citadel. Kinh Thien Palace is located at the center of the historical site. In front of Kinh Thien Palace is Doan Mon, followed by Hanoi Flagpole, behind which are Hau Lau and Cua Bac. There are small gates on both the east and west sides, with walls surrounding the area.
Currently, the remnants of Kinh Thien Palace are only the old foundation. To the south of the palace, there is a railing that is over a meter high. The front, facing the southern direction of Kinh Thien Palace, is constructed with a system of steps made from large stone slabs. The palace's terrace consists of 10 steps, with 4 stone dragons dividing it into 3 even ascending paths, creating an elegant dragon terrace.
Dragon Terrace at Kinh Thien Palace (photo collection)
The four stone dragons were sculpted in the 15th century during the Le dynasty. The dragon sculptures at Kinh Thien Palace are architectural and artistic masterpieces, representing the sculptural art of the early Le period. The dragons are carved from green stone, with tall heads, round protruding eyes, long branched horns, flowing manes, open mouths, holding pearls. The dragon's body twists gently in multiple arcs, gradually decreasing in size towards the palace's foundation. On the dragon's back are long undulating lines resembling clouds and flames. The two dragons on the two sides of the palace terrace are stylized. The foundation of Kinh Thien Palace and the pair of dragon statues somewhat reflect the grandeur, majesty, and splendor of the ancient Kinh Thien Palace.
Hau Lau
Also known as Tranquil North Pavilion, Hau Lau is a pavilion located behind the architectural complex of Kinh Thien Palace, part of the ancient citadel of Hanoi. Despite being behind the ceremonial palace, it is positioned to the north, built with the intention of maintaining peace and tranquility to the north of the ceremonial palace. This was also the residence of the queen and princesses during the feudal period.
Hau Lau (photo collection)
Cua Bac
This is one of the five gates of Hanoi under the Nguyen Dynasty. At Cua Bac, two large scars caused by French warships firing from the Red River in 1882 during the second French invasion of Hanoi are still preserved. Today, on the gate, there is a place of worship for two Hanoi governors, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu.
Cua Bac (photo collection)
Nha D67
This is where the Ministry of Defense, the Central Military Party Committee, and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam made historic decisions marking milestones of the Vietnamese revolution. It witnessed the general offensives during the 1968 Tet Offensive, in 1972, and the climax, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975, liberating the South and unifying the country.
D67 House (photo collection)
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Hoang Thanh Thang Long to gain a deeper understanding of the glorious history of the capital if you have the chance to travel to Hanoi.
