1. A glimpse into Co Loa Citadel in Vietnam
Co Loa Citadel, located in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, lies approximately 17 kilometers north of the city center. This extensive site covers nearly 500 hectares, all preserved for its historical significance.
According to historical records, Co Loa Citadel was the capital of the Au Lac state in the 3rd century BC and later as the capital of the Van Xuan state in the 10th century AD. It was a prosperous land with bustling villages engaged in farming, fishing, and crafts. Co Loa’s strategic location allowed it to oversee both the fertile delta and surrounding mountains, making it a crucial hub for accessing major waterways between the Red River and the Thai Binh River.
In 1962, Co Loa Citadel was classified as a national historical and cultural relic by the Vietnamese government.
>>> Discover: Hanoi attractions: A complete guide to 17+ unmissable places
2. The milestones in the history of Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel’s history is marked by many milestones. As a former capital and now a celebrated cultural landmark, each milestone showcases its enduring importance in the country’s heritage.
- Prehistoric period: There is evidence of human habitation in the area of Co Loa from 20,000 to 11,000 years ago, which is linked to the prehistoric Son Vi culture from the Upper Paleolithic age.
- Au Lac - An Duong Vuong period: Co Loa Citadel was a military stronghold and commercial hub. It remained the most ancient urban site in Vietnam and one of the earliest in Southeast Asia.
- Chinese domination period: From a thriving center of an independent state, Co Loa became an administrative district under Chinese feudal dynasties.
- Ngo Quyen period: After defeating the Han army at the Battle of Bach Dang in 938, Ngo Quyen restored Vietnam’s independence and declared himself king. He established his capital at Co Loa.
- From the 11th to the 18th century: As Co Loa Citadel lost its status as the country’s political center, it transformed into a rural area, evolving into a network of new villages.
- From the 19th century to present: Co Loa played a key role in the First Indochina War and a supporting role for the southern front during the Second Indochina War. Today, it preserves and celebrates the heritage of Vietnam.
3. How is Co Loa Citadel structured?
Archaeological research has unveiled the lasting structure of Co Loa, revealing its impressive outer walls, middle walls, and inner citadel. These remnants provide a captivating insight into its historical grandeur. Constructed mainly from soil, stone and broken ceramics, each wall is surrounded by a moat that typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters in width. These moats interconnect and link to the Hoang River, forming a maze-like military complex. The strategic blend of the river, moats, and irregularly shaped walls made Co Loa highly effective for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
3.1. The outer walls
According to legend, Co Loa Citadel originally had nine spiral-shaped walls, though only three remain today. The outer walls span 8 kilometers, averaging 3 - 4 meters in height, with some sections of 8 meters tall. The citadel was built using a unique method: as the earth was dug up, the moats were created, and the walls were built in tandem. The ramparts feature steep outer faces and gently sloping inner faces, making them tough against attacks from the outside and easier to defend from the inside. The base of the ramparts measures between 20 and 30 meters wide, while the top ranges from 6 to 12 meters.
3.2. The middle walls
The middle walls feature an irregular shape with a perimeter of 6,500 meters and reach a height of up to 10 meters. Its walls are about 10 meters wide on average. There are five gates positioned to the east, south, north, northwest, and southwest. The eastern gate connects to the Hoang River.
3.3. The inner citadel
The inner citadel, a rectangular fortification, features walls oriented to the south, north, west, and east, with only a gate on the southern side. Surrounding it are 12 symmetrical earthworks known as "Firebacks." The inner citadel covers a perimeter of 1,730 meters. It includes communal houses, temples, shrines, and altars, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
4. The values of Co Loa Citadel in Hanoi
Co Loa Citadel functioned as a crucial defensive fortification. From a military perspective, it highlights the inventive strategies of the ancient Vietnamese in safeguarding their territory. Socially, the citadel's layout reveals a clear division between the areas designated for the king, officials, and soldiers, reflecting a well-defined class structure. Culturally, Co Loa is the oldest surviving heritage site. Archaeological finds, including bronze arrows, axes, coins, and drums, reveal the development of culture during the reign of An Duong Vuong.
5. What to do on your visit to Co Loa Citadel?
5.1. Visit historical temples
In Co Loa Citadel, you will be captivated by its many ancient temples. They offer a deep dive into Vietnam's heritage and provide a serene space to seek blessings.
- The Temple of King An Duong Vuong (Thuong Temple) honors King An Duong Vuong, the founder of the Au Lac state, celebrating his legacy.
- My Chau Shrine honors My Chau, the daughter of King An Duong Vuong. It boasts a charming front hall with a tiled roof. The rear hall houses the altar dedicated to My Chau along with her stone statue.
- The Temple of the Golden Turtle honors the Golden Turtle who aided King An Duong Vuong by ensuring the city's defenses remained strong. The Golden Turtle also provided the king with the schematics for the divine crossbow.
Additionally, you can explore other historical sites such as:
- Xom Cho Pagoda
- Xom Chua Pagoda
- Thu Cuu Temple
- Cau Ca Temple
- Mach Trang Temple
- City gate shrines
5.2. Explore cultural sites
In Co Loa Citadel, visitors can explore cultural sites and immerse themselves in the traditional architecture that reflects the region’s history.
- Co Loa Temple (Ngu Trieu Di Quy Temple) is designed in the shape of the Chinese character 'Dinh' and consists of five main rooms, four side rooms, and a central hall. Its timeless charm is highlighted by intricate wooden carvings and inscriptions.
- Old houses usually consist of five rooms and face south. These houses are adorned with everyday items, elegant wooden calligraphy, and decorative Chinese couplets, which are either gilded or plastered on the walls.
- Xuan Canh Temple, also known as Thuong Lao Temple, is dedicated to Cao Son Dai Vuong, an important figure in ancient Vietnamese beliefs.
5.3. Tour ancient pagodas
Ancient pagodas are a vital component of Co Loa Citadel. They function as spiritual sites for local worship.
- Mach Trang Temple: This tranquil temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, making it an ideal spot for meditation and reflection. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the temple's design and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Bao Son Temple: Renowned for its historical significance and spiritual ambiance, Bao Son Temple is a sacred site that attracts both locals and tourists. The temple's stunning architecture and serene gardens provide a perfect setting for contemplation and prayer.
5.4. Learn more about My Chau Shrine
My Chau Shrine is linked to a poignant Vietnamese legend. The princess My Chau fell in love with Trong Thuy, a prince from a rival kingdom, then unknowingly revealed to him the secret of the divine crossbow. Trong Thuy sabotaged the crossbow shortly before his kingdom attacked Co Loa Citadel. Without the might of the crossbow, the citadel fell. My Chau was ultimately executed by her father for treason. Under grief, Trong Thuy committed suicide by jumping into a deep well in the citadel, reuniting himself with My Chau. Today, the shrine stands as a memorial to her tragic love.
5.5. Stop by other relics
While exploring Co Loa Citadel, make sure to stop by these notable relics. Each of them offers unique insights into the ancient civilization that once thrived here:
- Bronze Arrowhead Casting Site
- Ma Tre Relic
- Cau Vuc Relic
- Duong May Site
- Dong Vong Site
- Dinh Trang Site
- Bai Men Site
5.6. Take part in the Co Loa Citadel Festival
The Co Loa Citadel Festival, held at Thuong Temple on the 5th and 6th days of the first lunar month, celebrates King An Duong Vuong, the founder of the Au Lac state and the citadel. The festival begins with offerings made by the eight villages in a ceremonial procession. After the rituals at Thuong Temple, the procession moves to Ngu Trieu Di Quy Temple and My Chau Shrine. The festivities include traditional art forms like tuong, water puppetry, quan ho singing on boats, and various games such as crossbow shooting, wrestling, and rooster fighting.
>>> Read more: Festivals in Hanoi: TOP 11 occasions to immerse in timeless traditions
6. Guide for tourists to Co Loa Citadel
6.1. When to visit?
Co Loa Citadel is best visited in the fall (from August to October) when the weather is cool. You can time your visit on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th of each month to take part in the traditional fairs. The citadel is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.
6.2. How to get there?
Situated just 17 kilometers from Hanoi's city center, Co Loa Citadel is easily accessible:
- By bus: Hop on one of the local buses (route 46, 43, 15, 17, or 59) for a direct trip to Co Loa Citadel.
- By motorbike: For a more flexible journey, you can rent a motorbike and drive to Co Loa Citadel yourself, using Google Maps for clear directions.
6.3. How much is the ticket?
- Adults: 30,000 VND
- Children under 15: Free of charge
6.4. What to note?
Here are some tips to make your visit to Co Loa Citadel more enjoyable:
- Dress appropriately: Choose modest clothing, avoiding anything too short to ensure a respectful visit.
- Keep your voice down: Avoid making loud noises to maintain the peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
- Respect the atmosphere: Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the site management to help preserve this historical treasure.
- Keep it clean: Please dispose of trash properly to help keep the citadel clean and beautiful for future visitors.
>>> Discover: Hanoi itinerary: An A-Z guide for first-time travelers
Co Loa Citadel in Hanoi is a treasure trove of culture, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Vietnam's ancient past. With impressive architecture, fascinating legends, and serene temples, it provides an enriching experience for all who visit.
After exploring the cultural beauty of Hanoi, it is time for some fun! Take your time to visit Ocean City, a must-visit destination for entertainment located to the east of Hanoi. Some attractions that visitors should not miss out on in Ocean City include VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, where visitors can dive into exhilarating water slides and wave pools, and Grand World, a lively hub for dining and shopping opportunities.
To explore Ocean City with ease, it is recommended that you spend the night at StaynFun. This homestay complex provides comfortable and stylish lodgings, ensuring a pleasant stay amidst all the excitement.
Book tickets of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park now
