Exploring the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi on an evening tour is an opportunity to discover the setting, activities of the ancient royal court, and artifacts dating back thousands of years.
Although the 90-minute journey may seem short, it will certainly provide you with the most original and unique experiences of your stay in Hanoi.
Located in the 19c. of Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh District, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi was erected in 1010 when King Ly Thai To issued a decree moving the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. After numerous embellishments and renovations , it remains a majestic architectural work and has become one of the most significant monuments in Vietnam.
This site, linked to a thousand years of history of construction and defense of the nation, is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage. On the 90-minute night tour to explore Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you will marvel at the unique architectural space, learn about ancient royal activities, and have the opportunity to see millennia-old antiquities with your own eyes.
Night Tour Ticket Price to Explore Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi
Once you enter the main entrance of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you will find the ticket sales and parking area. The standard price for a night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi is 300,000 VND per visit, but it can be reduced to 200,000 VND per visit at certain specific times.
Entrance is free for children under 5 and children aged 5-11 receive 50% off the adult ticket price. Once you have purchased your ticket for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel tour in Hanoi, the tour guides will give you an overview of the itinerary for this experience before the tour begins.
Night tour “Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”
Address : 19C Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Hours of operation : 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday
Duration: 90 mins
Experience a night tour to explore Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi
At 7 p.m., the night tour to explore Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi will officially begin. This journey begins from the Doan Mon relic, the largest gate leading to the Forbidden City (the place where the king lived and worked in the past). Here you will have the honor of traveling the middle path which was once reserved for kings.
As you enter Doan Mon Relic, you will have the opportunity to admire talented actors recreating the king’s court ceremony and the “Thang Long Royal Court” dance.
Continuing the night tour to explore the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you will arrive at the gallery whose main theme is “A Thousand Years of Thang Long – Hanoi from the Underground”.
You will be able to observe with your own eyes ancient artifacts associated with the feudal dynasties of Vietnam. The tour guide will explain each artifact and stories through 1,300 years of history. These experiences help people better understand the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the ceramics used in the palace in each era.
After leaving the gallery, you can participate in the incense offering ceremony and express your gratitude to the 52 emperors who contributed to the preservation and protection of the river and the construction of the Thang Long Citadel on the steps Kinh Thien Palace – The place where important royal emperors ceremonies take place.
After the night tour of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi, you will enter the archaeological relic site located just behind the National Assembly building.
One of the highlights here is the ancient Tran dynasty well, also known as the King’s Well (formed around the 13th and 14th centuries). During excavations, archaeologists found many ceramics and architectural materials from the Tran dynasty in the well.
Each person will receive a glass bottle to personally drink the water which, in the past, was reserved for the king and his close friends.
After collecting water from the well, you’ll begin decoding the artifacts revealed during the final leg of the nighttime tour to explore Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
You will be provided with suggestions using laser projection technology above the archaeological relics. This decoding process is one of the interesting activities that helps people better understand the history of Vietnam.
At the end of the night tour to explore Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel, those who decode correctly will receive gifts.
