Hidden UNESCO World Heritage Site in the
Capital
UNESCO: Doan Mon Gate, Thang Long Citadel |
It is a question that how many foreign tourists know this UNESCO World Heritage site?. It is hidden in the appearance of typical yellowish Colonialism buildings that not outstanding in Hanoi. Hanoi Flag Tower is the visible landmark, located separately from Citadel and Archaeological Site without the information of a clear path.
The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of
Thang Long is worth to visit although the exterior is the Colonialism
architecture. There are a few mentioned among the attractions in Hanoi. The
heart of this World Heritage Site is the exhibition within the walls of the
Citadel, where you should have at least 1-2hrs for visit.
The Remarkable of Imperial Citadel of Thang
Long
These UNESCO World Heritage site was founded
on 1010 AD as power centre of the capital without interruption. Within the
citadel was the Forbidden City where emperors spend their personal life with
their women. Thang Long means ascending dragon and it is a former name of
Hanoi.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is divided into
three parts
Visits should start from the 1,2 and 3,
respectively
1. Flag Tower of Hanoi on Dien Bien Phu Street
within Army Museum area, opposite Lenin Statue & Park, adjacent to the base
of the tower is Highland Cafe
2. Citadel and Palaces on Hoang Dieu Street
3. 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site on Hoang
Dieu Street, opposite the Citadel and Palaces
Free Admission
8:00 to 17:00
After 2hrs lunch time, open at 14.00
UNESCO: Hanoi Flag Tower, Thang Long Citadel |
Flag Tower of Hanoi (Ky Dai Relic)
This edifice is the newest in the complex, built in 19th Century. Flag Tower was built on the three-tier base, height of 33m. It was used as a military post during French administration.
Inside the tower is quite simple. If climb up to the top, you can view old Hanoi and Thang Long Citadel at Doan Mon Gate.
This edifice is the newest in the complex, built in 19th Century. Flag Tower was built on the three-tier base, height of 33m. It was used as a military post during French administration.
Inside the tower is quite simple. If climb up to the top, you can view old Hanoi and Thang Long Citadel at Doan Mon Gate.
UNESCO: Inside Thang Long Citadel Wall |
Imperial City and Palaces
If you enter from Doan Mon Gate on Hoang Dieu
Street, a few hundred metres away from the Flag Tower, It is the Citadel in the
front. At the back of the Citadel is a small archeological site covered with a
glass roof. When walking down the street you will find the Kinh Tien Palace and
some display houses. French Colonialism architecture of these buildings, led
many to wonder about a thousand years old World Heritage property.
Do not let your disappointment stay longer,
just follow the sign to the exhibition hall. Treasures of the Imperial Citadel
of Thang Long are waiting for you. Thousand-Year History Underground Exhibition
is showcasing the history of this place. From 7th Century-20th Century of 8
royal dynasties from Dai La Dynasty to Nguyen Dynasty, they are depicted
exclusive Imperial Life, architectures of the eras and the collections of
priceless artifacts excavated in this area.
Vietnamese Dynasties Ruled Thang Long Citadel |
Thousand-Year History Underground Exhibition |
Dragon Feet Collection |
White Glaze Two Dragons Bowl for King's Use |
After visiting the exhibition and nearby
buildings, walking along the road to the back gate to visit other historical
sites, then walk out the side entrance, across Hoang Dieu Street to 18 Hoang
Dieu Archeological Site.
UNESCO: 18 Houang Dieu Archaeological Site |
UNESCO: Building Materials in Each Period |
18 Hoang Dieu Archeological Site
Located opposite the side entrance of Kinh
Tien Palace, the excavation site is demonstrated the ancient Hanoi communities that
continue their history more than 1,000 years, and also showing the materials
and construction methods that different in each period.