Co Loa Citadel

What’s interesting about Co Loa Citadel? Keep reading the article to know more about historical and cultural values and things to do in Co Loa citadel.

• Opening hours: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Ticket Price: 10,000 VND/ person

Co Loa Citadel – The oldest citadel in Vietnam’s history

History & Legends

• III century BC – 10th century: Co Loa citadel was built under An Duong Vuong on an area of ​​500 hectares to be the capital of Au Lac country and continues to be used as the capital of Vietnam from the past to the reign of King Ngo Quyen (the 10th century).
• Legendary: The legend of Co Loa tells the story of the unrequited love of princess Mi Chau – the concubine Trong Thuy and the magical crossbow Kim Quy, praising the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people.
• 1962: Co Loa citadel was included in the list of the national cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Unique Structures

Co Loa Citadel has 3 main parts:

• The Outer Wall: The external citadel has a circumference of about 8km, and the old ramparts are 4-5m high, especially in places 8-12m high. The total amount of land is estimated at 2.3 million square meters.
• The Middle Wall: It has a circumference of about 6.5km and has the same structure as the outer citadel, but the area is narrower and more solid.
• The Central Wall: With an area of ​​about 2km2, it is the residence of King An Duong Vuong and his concubines, beauties, and mandarins under the court.

The distinctive architecture of Co Loa Citadel

Cultural & Historical Values

• In architectural terms: the Co Loa citadel represents the creativity in building the citadel against foreign invaders of the ancient Vietnamese, where the city walls and deep moats are combined.
• In social terms: With King An Duong Vuong built the Co Loa citadel, separate areas were established between kings, lords, mandarins, etc., showing the class division of society at that time.
• In cultural terms: As the oldest citadel that remains, the citadel is a cultural heritage, proof of the creativity and technical level of the Vietnamese thousands of years ago.

Things to Do at Co Loa Citadel

• Visit the Temple of An Duong Vuong

The An Duong Vuong temple, also known as Thuong temple, is located in the center of the inner citadel, considered the place where King Thuc Phan lived.

Temple of An Duong Vuong – A place of worship in Hanoi for the king of the Au Lac kingdom

Right in front of Thuong temple is a large lake; inside, there is the Jade Well – where Trong Thuy is said to have committed suicide in the legendary story.

In the temple, there are still some relics, such as the bronze statue of An Duong Vuong, two pink and white horses, bronze, porcelain, wood, cloth, etc.

• Discover Crescent Lake – Jade Well

Jade Well is located in the middle of Crescent Lake and also at the door of An Duong Vuong Temple. If viewed from a distance, the water in Ngoc well will be slightly bloodshot, striking between the clear blue lake water and remarkable trees.

Jade Well at the entrance of An Duong Vuong Shrine

According to an old legend, this is where Trong Thuy once threw herself down because she regretted and mourned for her.

• Take a Cycling Tour around Co Loa Village

At the Loa citadel area, you can rent a bicycle to cycle through the winding streets and explore exciting places here, including:

• • Jade well
  • Temple of An Duong Vuong
  • Dinh Ngu Trieu Di Quy
  • Village’s market
  • Temple village
  • Tomb of My Chau

Not only that, but you are also warmly welcomed by the locals, or enjoy a cup of tea and listen to stories about this place.

• Attend Co Loa Citadel Festival

Co Loa Festival takes place on January 6 every year, so if you like the festive atmosphere, this is the best time to visit Co Loa.

Co Loa Citadel festival is held annually to commemorate the event of moving the citadel

Co Loa festival takes place from early morning with processions, rituals, and folk games that are extremely interesting and unique. The festival lasts until January 16, with a sacrifice to heaven and earth.

How to Get There

Loa Citadel is only about 20km from the center of Hanoi, so you can quickly come here by many types of vehicles:

• Local Bus

Price: VND 7000 – VND 9000 ($0.36)

Visitors can choose the bus as a means of transportation. Some bus lines go directly to this location, such as no. 14, 17, or no. 43, 46, 59.

• Motorbike

Price: VND 50,000 ($2.01)

Since the distance from Hanoi to this place is not far, you can ride a motorbike to witness the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam along the way.

You can go by your motorbike or rent a “xe om” or grab.

• Taxi

Price: VND 120,000 ($4.83)

Taxi is the fastest and safest way to get to the citadel. But the price will be higher than other means.

Travel Tips

• Choose polite clothes, do not wear skirts or clothes that are too short.
• Avoid talking loudly or making noise, affecting all visitors as well as the purity and peace of the monument.
• Do not touch or mess around with historical artifacts stored and displayed inside the monument.