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When visitors have the chance to visit Thanh Hoa, they must explore the Ho Dynasty Citadel – the most famous landscape in Thanh Hoa, recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2011, standing at the forefront of the 21 most outstanding and grandiose world heritages.
Ho Dynasty Citadel (Photo: Collection)
The Ho Dynasty Citadel is a unique architectural monument of rare scale in Vietnam, the only one remaining in Southeast Asia, and one of the very few stone citadels still standing in the world.
The Ho Dynasty Citadel is located in the areas of Vinh Tien, Vinh Long, Vinh Khang, Vinh Thanh, and Vinh Loc town (Vinh Loc district), Thanh Hoa province. Constructed in 1397 by Ho Quy Ly, who was the prime minister during the Tran dynasty, the citadel is also known as Thanh Tay Do, Thanh An Ton, Thanh Tay Kinh, or Thanh Tay Giai.
Photo: Collection
Transportation to Ho Dynasty Citadel
Travelers can reach Thanh Hoa by bus or train. If coming from Hanoi, they can also travel by motorbike. Thanh Hoa is 150km away from Hanoi, making it a suitable distance for a weekend adventure.
Entrance Fee Information for Visiting Ho Dynasty Citadel
- Adults: 10,000 VND/person
- Children from 10 to 15 years old: 5,000 VND/person
- Free of charge:
- Foreign visitor groups
- Groups visiting for local political affairs.
- Groups with journalist ID cards.
- Groups requested by leaders or superiors.
- Groups of heroic Vietnamese mothers; war veterans; revolutionary contributors; disabled orphans; children with disabilities – orphans.
- School groups in Vinh Loc district for sightseeing and experiential learning (organized by the school).
- Children under 10 years old.
- 50% Discount on Entrance Fee:
- Students from 10 to 15 years old.
- College students, junior officers, and armed forces soldiers.
- With guided tours along the heritage routes (by appointment).
Exploring Ho Dynasty Citadel
Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa features exteriors built with stone and interiors predominantly made of earth. The South and North sides of Ho Dynasty Citadel are over 900m long, while the East and West sides are over 700m long.
The inner citadel is almost square, featuring four gates in the middle of the walls, with the main gate facing south. The gates have arched architecture, adorned with intricately carved stone resembling pomelo leaves, fitting seamlessly together. The walls of the citadel are on average 5-6m high, while the southern gate stands at 10m.
Citadel Gate (Photo: Collection)
Surrounding the inner citadel is a moat, connected to the Bưởi River through a channel at the southeast corner. The moat has four stone bridges leading to the four gates of the inner citadel. Today, many parts of the moat have been filled, but traces are still visible in the north, east, and half of the south.
Moat of Ho Dynasty Citadel (Photo: Collection)
The outer citadel, known as La Thanh, acts as a protective ring for the Inner Citadel and serves as the residential area for the inhabitants within. La Thanh stretches about 10km, constructed in harmony with the natural terrain, using soil and bamboo fences to connect the mountains with the Bưởi and Mã rivers.
La Thanh (Photo: Collection)
The Nam Giao Esplanade, also known as the Nam Giao Temple, is a significant architectural structure built in 1402 on the southwest side of Mount Đốn Sơn, directly visible from the South Gate, approximately 2.5km southeast of Ho Dynasty Citadel. Covering an area of 43,000 square meters, it is a place for celestial worship, praying for favorable weather, national prosperity, and the enduring reign of the dynasty. Additionally, the temple serves as a sacred space for emperors, stars, and various deities. Nam Giao rituals are expressions of gratitude to the heavens and the earth for the dynasty's presence and are considered courtly ceremonies.
Nam Giao Esplanade (Photo: Collection)
King's well at Nam Giao Temple (Photo: Collection)
Additionally, outside the main gate, there is an exhibition room displaying numerous drawings depicting elephants, horses, soldiers wielding spears, as well as some artifacts such as large stone bullets, pottery statues of kings... all discovered by archaeologists.
Photo: Collection
Photo: Collection
Visitors exploring this site will uncover the mysteries of the citadel, discovering clues about the stone slabs, each averaging 1.5m in length, weighing a staggering 15-20 tons, stacked on top of each other without the need for adhesive but ensuring sustainable durability.
Mysterious stone dragons without heads at Ho Dynasty Citadel (Photo: Collection)
Large stone wall (Photo: Collection)
Visitors can ascend the heights of the citadel via staircases or moss-covered mounds to gain a panoramic view of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, or explore the ancient temples along the way: Dong Mon Pagoda, ancient houses, Tam Tong Temple, Giang Pagoda, and more.
After exploring the Hồ Dynasty Citadel historical site, travelers are advised to return to the hotel for some rest and preparation for the next journey. One recommended hotel in Thanh Hóa City:
Central Hotel
Rating: 5 stars
Address: 01 Nguyễn Hoàng Avenue, Đông Hải Ward, Thanh Hóa City, Thanh Hóa.
A world-class hotel with full facilities is an excellent choice for travelers. The nearest airport to Central Hotel is Vinh Airport, which is 136km away from the hotel.
The hotel is acclaimed as one of the best resorts in Thanh Hóa.
Luxurious hotel (Image: Collected)
Comfortable and well-equipped room (Image: Collected)
Palm Hotel Thanh Hoa
Rating: 3 stars
Address: 15 Phan Chu Trinh, Điện Biên Ward, Thanh Hóa City.
The hotel is situated in the city center, just 500m from National Highway 1A, approximately 40km from Tho Xuan Airport. With its convenient location and luxurious, modern amenities, Palm Hotel Thanh Hoa is a worthwhile choice for travelers.
Image: Collected
Comfortable Bedroom (Image: Collected)
Travelers can explore other hotels in Thanh Hóa on mytour.VN
Visitors can also enjoy Thanh Hóa's specialties such as Shrimp Cake, Fish Porridge, Crab Noodle Soup, Snail Dishes, Baby Clam Rice, Crab Noodle Soup, etc.
When in Thanh Hóa, it would be a great regret if travelers don't visit the Hồ Dynasty Citadel. This place will offer visitors a wonderful experience exploring the unique architecture of the Hồ Dynasty, discovering the mysteries, admiring the landscapes, and feeling the life of ancient times. It's an opportunity for travelers to broaden their knowledge in a very meaningful way.
