Buzz
When visitors have the opportunity to pass through Thanh Hoa, they must not miss the Ho Dynasty Citadel – the most talked-about scenic spot in Thanh Hoa. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2011, it is acknowledged as the top heritage among the 21 most outstanding and magnificent ones in the world.
The Ho Dynasty Citadel (Photo: Collection)
The Ho Dynasty Citadel is a unique architectural masterpiece of rare magnitude in Vietnam, the only one remaining in Southeast Asia, and one of the few stone fortresses left in the world.
The Ho Dynasty Citadel is situated 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 the Western Capital, An Ton Citadel, Western Capital City, or Western Defense Citadel.
Photo: Collection
How to Get to the 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.
Information on Ticket Prices for Visiting the 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
- Visitor groups serving local political activities.
- Visitor groups with press cards.
- Visitor groups requested by leaders or superiors.
- Mother Heroines of Vietnam, war invalids, revolutionary contributors, veterans, disabled orphans.
- School groups in Vinh Loc district for study tours (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 explanations along the historical sites (according to registration).
Visit the Ho Dynasty Citadel
The Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa is constructed with stone on the exterior and predominantly earth-filled on the interior, stretching over 900m on the South and North sides, and over 700m on the East and West sides.
The inner citadel is constructed almost square, featuring 4 gates in the middle of the fortress walls, with the main gate facing south. The gates have arched architecture, adorned with intricately carved stone pieces resembling pomelo segments, neatly arranged. The fortress walls have an average height of 5-6m, with the southern gate soaring to 10m.
Citadel Gate (Photo: Collection)
Surrounding the inner citadel is the moat, connected to the Bưởi River through a canal at the southeast corner. The moat has 4 stone bridges leading to the 4 gates of the inner citadel. Today, many parts of the moat have been filled, but remnants are still visible in the north, east, and half of the south.
Moat (Photo: Collection)
The outer citadel, known as La Thanh, serves as a protective barrier for the Inner Citadel and the residential area within. La Thanh stretches approximately 10km, constructed following the natural terrain, with earth embankments and intertwined bamboo fences connecting the mountains to the Bưởi and Mã Rivers.
La Citadel (Photo: Collection)
The Nam Giao Esplanade, also known as the Nam Giao Altar, is a significant architectural structure built in 1402 at the southwest foot of Mount Đốn Sơn, directly on the celestial road visible from the southern gate, approximately 2.5km southeast of Ho Dynasty Citadel. The Nam Giao Altar covers an area of 43,000 square meters, serving as a place for celestial worship, praying for favorable weather, peace for the nation, and the enduring prosperity of the dynasty. Moreover, it is a spiritual center for emperors, stars, and various deities. The Nam Giao ritual is a ceremonial expression of gratitude to the heavens and the earth for the presence of the royal dynasty, considered a courtly ceremony.
Nam Giao Altar (Photo: Collection)
King's Well at Nam Giao Esplanade (Photo: Collected)
Moreover, outside the main gate, there is a display room showcasing various drawings depicting elephants, horses, soldiers wielding spears, along with some relics such as large stone bullets, clay figurines of emperors... discovered by archaeologists.
Photo: Collected
Photo: Collected
Visitors exploring this site will unravel the mysteries of the citadel, discovering clues about the stone slabs, each with an average length of 1.5 meters, weighing an impressive 15-20 tons, stacked without the need for adhesive yet ensuring sustainable durability.
Enigmatic stone dragons without heads at Hồ Dynasty's Citadel (Photo: Collected)
Giant stone wall (Photo: Collected)
Travelers can ascend the towering walls via moss-covered stairs or dirt patches for a panoramic view of Hồ Dynasty's Citadel, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Alternatively, explore the nearby shrines on the way here: Đình Đông Môn, ancient houses, Đền Tam Tổng, Chùa Giáng...
Photo: Collection
Photo: Collection
Ancient House (Photo: Collection)
Recreational Retreats
After exploring the Hồ Dynasty Citadel, travelers should head back to the hotel for some rest to prepare for the next leg of the journey. Here's a recommended hotel in Thanh Hóa City:
Central Hotel
Rating: 5 stars
Address: 01 Nguyen Hoang Avenue, Dong Hai Ward, Thanh Hóa City, Thanh Hóa.
A hotel equipped with world-class amenities 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 renowned as one of the best resorts in Thanh Hóa.
Luxurious hotel (Photo: Collection)
Well-appointed room (Photo: Collection)
Palm Hotel Thanh Hoa
Rating: 3 stars
Address: 15 Phan Chu Trinh, Dien Bien Ward, Thanh Hóa City.
Located in the city center, just 500m from National Highway 1A and approximately 40km from Tho Xuan Airport, Palm Hotel Thanh Hoa offers a convenient and luxurious stay for travelers with modern amenities.
Photo: Collection
Well-equipped room (Photo: Collection)
Travelers can explore other hotels in Thanh Hoa on VNTRIP.VN
Visitors can also indulge in Thanh Hoa's culinary delights, including shrimp rolls, fish porridge, crab noodle soup, snail dishes, clam rice, and crab noodle soup.
When in Thanh Hoa, it would be a missed opportunity for travelers not to visit the Hồ Dynasty Citadel. This place offers an incredible experience as you explore the unique architecture from the Hồ Dynasty era, unravel the mysteries, witness breathtaking landscapes, and feel the essence of ancient life. It not only provides a journey back in time but also expands the visitors' knowledge significantly.
