Thang Long Imperial Citadel Hanoi: 2026 Review, Admission & Tips

Discover Hanoi's Must-Visit Historical Gem

Thang Long Imperial Citadel: Location, Tickets & Our Experience

Hey there, fellow travelers! We're BG Travel, your favorite husband-and-wife travel YouTuber duo, and we're back with another exciting destination.

Today, for those planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, we want to share our detailed review of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. We'll cover everything from its location and admission fees to our overall experience and why we think it's a must-see!

When you search for things to do in Hanoi, places like the Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Temple of Literature often pop up first. We initially thought of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as just a place to quickly pass by, with no major expectations.

But honestly, we personally enjoyed it even more than Hoan Kiem Lake! Its sheer size and the pleasant lack of huge crowds made it a truly memorable visit.

1. What is Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi?

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a place we highly recommend for your Hanoi itinerary, is a historic palace complex that served as Vietnam's political and cultural heart for nearly a millennium.

Thang Long was actually the city's name before it became known as Hanoi. This incredible site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing ancient ruins alongside structures like the command center and underground bunker used during the Vietnam War.

We explored the Citadel without much prior research, and we were constantly surprised by the fascinating spaces hidden around every corner.

Upon entering, we immediately thought, "Why does this feel so European?" A quick search revealed that after the old palace was dismantled, the French colonial government constructed new buildings on the site!

That large building, pictured above, is quite grand, and its garden has a distinctly European feel, making it a wonderful spot for photos!

It was truly intriguing to see a blend of French, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles all in one place at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

2. Thang Long Imperial Citadel: Location, How to Get There & Admission Fees

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is about a 10-minute drive from Hanoi's Old Quarter and isn't far from Hoan Kiem Lake. It's also conveniently located to be visited alongside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

We actually walked from the Old Quarter, grabbed breakfast along the way, stumbled upon the Citadel, and then continued our journey toward the Temple of Literature!

The Citadel is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. We spent about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring. If you prefer a more in-depth visit, taking photos and soaking everything in, you might want to budget around 2 hours.

There's no specific dress code, which makes it easy to visit comfortably.

However, since much of the site is outdoors and requires some walking, and given the hot weather and possibility of sudden tropical downpours, we highly recommend bringing an umbrella or parasol!

3. Our Review of Thang Long Imperial Citadel

We went in with low expectations but were so impressed by its size, the abundance of things to see, and how beautifully our photos turned out. If you're looking for things to do in Hanoi, we definitely recommend it!

Oh, and since it's a hot country, you'll find fans placed throughout the buildings, which was a nice touch. They aren't exactly arctic-blast cool, but standing in front of one felt like pure bliss!💫

One of the most intriguing parts was discovering the underground bunker at the Citadel!

This was a command post during the Vietnam War, designed to withstand even a nuclear attack. It felt like stepping into a movie set from an old war film. The bunker was surprisingly labyrinthine, which added a sense of mysterious thrill and was quite fun to explore!

On the day we visited, it was clear in the morning, but then a tropical downpour started!

So, we found a spot with a roof and large windows (we don't remember the exact name) and just sat there, sheltering from the rain. It was surprisingly peaceful and quite a lovely, calming moment!

If you're looking for a place in Hanoi that offers extensive historical sights, diverse architecture, and fantastic photo opportunities (especially on a sunny day), we highly recommend the Thang Long Imperial Citadel!

Wishing you all a wonderful and safe journey!✈️