January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage site that holds more than a thousand years of Hanoi’s royal history.
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 100,000 VND
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Morning
Overview
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was the political centre of Vietnam for about 13 centuries and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010. The first citadel was founded in the 11th century, and the layers of later dynasties lie one above the other.
Today you can see the Doan Mon gate, the Kinh Thien Palace steps with stone dragons, and the excavation area where archaeologists found old foundations and objects. It is an open and quiet place, so bring a hat and take your time.
Highlights
- Walk through the Doan Mon gate
- See the stone dragons on the Kinh Thien Palace steps
- Visit the archaeological area with old foundations
- See the Hanoi Flag Tower nearby
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily 8:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 100,000 VND |
| Time needed | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | History fans, photographers, quiet walkers |
| Accessibility | Wide flat paths; long distances in the open with little shade |
| Facilities | Toilets, cafe, small exhibition rooms |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The Citadel is about 10 minutes by taxi or Grab from the Old Quarter, or a 30 to 35 minute walk. It is very close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area.
Tips before you go
- Bring a hat and water because there is little shade
- Go early in the morning in the hot season
- Combine it with the Mausoleum area, about 10 minutes on foot
- Read the signs: the history is easier to follow with a guide or audio app
Location
19C Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
About 2 km north-west of Hoan Kiem Lake
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Why is the Imperial Citadel a UNESCO site?
It shows more than a thousand years of continuous royal history, with the remains of several dynasties in one place.
How long do I need?
One to 1.5 hours is enough for the main sights and the excavation area.
Can I visit it on the same day as the Mausoleum?
Yes. They are close together, so many visitors do both in one morning.