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Co Loa Citadel: One of the most ancient relics in Vietnam

21/07/2024

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Co Loa Citadel, situated in Dong Anh District of Hanoi, is one of the oldest relic sites in Vietnam, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is associated with the legendary King An Duong Vuong and the establishment of the ancient kingdom of Au Lac. Today, the citadel is a protected national heritage site and a popular attraction for tourists.

1. Overview of Co Loa Citadel
2. Unmissable attractions on the map of Co Loa Relic Site
3. Information about the Co Loa Citadel Festival
4. Frequently asked questions about Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel resides in Dong Anh District, Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Co Loa Citadel

1.1. Location, opening hours & ticket price

Co Loa Citadel is about 17 kilometers to the north of Hanoi’s city center. It is a relic site that spans a large area, with a conserved area of nearly 500 hectares. The citadel welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a ticket price of 30,000 VND. For children under the age of 15, tickets are free of charge.

1.2. History and legend

Co Loa Citadel was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Au Lac during the 3rd century BC, established by King An Duong Vuong. It later became the capital of Van Xuan, an independent kingdom during the Chinese domination of Vietnam.

There is a captivating tale regarding the construction of the citadel. According to legend, the walls of the citadel kept collapsing during construction. Not until King An Duong Vuong received divine help from a sacred golden turtle was the citadel finally built.

Co Loa Citadel was the capital of Au Lac (Source: Collected)

1.3. Structure

Originally, the citadel had nine spiral-shaped walls, so the ancient locals also called it Snail Citadel. Due to the ravages of time and war, the citadel currently has only three walls left, which are the outer walls, the middle walls, and the inner citadel.

The outer walls of the citadel have a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers, encircling the entire site. These walls were designed for defense, with an average height of 4-5 meters.
Within the outer walls are the middle walls, which form a secondary circle of defense. These walls have the same structure as the outer walls, just narrower and more durable.
The inner citadel, where the main palaces and temples buildings were located, spans roughly 2 square kilometers. This innermost circle served as the residence of King An Duong Vuong, his mistresses, and mandarins.

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2. Unmissable attractions on the map of Co Loa Relic Site

While visiting Co Loa Citadel as part of your Hanoi itinerary, there are several attractions that you should explore.

2.1. Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong Temple

Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong Temple, also known as Thuong Temple, was built on a hill that was thought to house the king’s palace. There is a lake in front of the temple, which used to be connected to the moat of the two outer walls. According to legend, this is the lake where My Chau (King An Duong Vuong’s daughter) and Trong Thuy (My Chau’s husband) often went boating before the invasion of Trieu Da. After manipulating My Chau into unknowingly committing treason, which led to her execution, Trong Thuy jumped into the lake to commit suicide out of grief.

Thuong Temple is one of the main relic sites within Co Loa Relic Site (Source: Collected)

2.2. Ngoc Well

Ngoc Well is an ancient well that lies at the center of the lake in front of Thuong Temple. It is also associated with the local legend regarding My Chau – Trong Thuy. After My Chau was executed by her father for treason, her blood dripped into the sea. Were a mussel to sip on such blood, it would become a pearl. If this pearl were to be soaked in Ngoc Well, it would shine even brighter.

2.3. Ba Chua Temple

Ba Chua Temple is dedicated to My Chau, her loyalty, and sacrifice, making her a symbol of fidelity and devotion in Vietnamese culture. This temple follows the traditional architecture of Vietnamese temples, featuring an altar in the front and a compartment in the rear.

2.4. Ngu Trieu Di Quy Communal House

Ngu Trieu Di Quy Communal used to serve as a communal gathering place. It was also dedicated to the worship of the local deities and ancestral spirits. The communal house played a pivotal role in preserving the traditions and spiritual beliefs of the community.

Ngu Trieu Di Quy Communal House (Source: Collected)

2.5. Mach Trang Pagoda

Mach Trang Pagoda is located in an open area near Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong Temple and Ba Chua Temple. As a Buddhist temple, the pagoda holds great spiritual significance for the local community, especially for Buddhist practitioners. It serves as a place of worship, meditation, and religious rituals dedicated to Buddhism.

2.6. Ancient houses

In Co Loa Citadel, there are many ancient houses remaining from the late 19th century. These houses often feature a layout of five compartments facing south, adhering to ancient feng-shui principles for balance and harmony. Inside, these houses are typically furnished with ornamental elements like calligraphic couplets or lacquered boards.

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3. Information about the Co Loa Citadel Festival

The Co Loa Citadel Festival is held at Thuong Temple on the 5th and 6th day of the first lunar month (around February) to honor the merits of King An Duong Vuong, the one who built the citadel. This festival is a vibrant celebration that brings a variety of traditional activities, performances, rituals, and games.

Throughout the festival, visitors can witness or participate in many activities, such as wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, and folk singing contests. Attending the Co Loa Citadel Festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s rich history, tradition, and community spirit.

The Co Loa Citadel Festival is held in the first lunar month (Source: Collected)

4. Frequently asked questions about Co Loa Citadel

4.1. How to get to the citadel?

To get to Co Loa Citadel, you have several options:

By motorbike: If you have rented a motorbike, you can get to Co Loa Citadel by yourself. There are three choices of routes available, each following one of these three bridges: Thang Long, Nhat Tan, or Chuong Duong.

By taxi: If you want a convenient trip and your budget allows, just take a taxi ride. You can either hail a taxi on the road or utilize a ride-hailing mobile application like Xanh SM.

By bus: If you want to save money and enjoy a more local means of transport, you can take a bus ride. The bus routes number 15, 17, 43, 46, and 59 all have stops near the citadel.

4.2. When is the best time to visit Co Loa Citadel?

The best time to visit Co Loa Citadel is during the cooler and drier months of the year, typically from October to April. Especially on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st and 26th of every month, there is a local fair. Besides, tourists should not miss the opportunity to visit Co Loa Citadel during the time of the festival.

Fairs are held every month in Co Loa Citadel (Source: Collected)

Remember to check the weather in Hanoi before planning your visit!

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4.3. What to eat on your trip to Co Loa Citadel?

Coming to Co Loa, tourists will get to try the dishes that originated during the reign of King An Duong Vuong, which are Mach Trang noodles and Bong Chu cakes. Mach Trang noodles are made from rice flour, distinct by its natural ivory color. The noodles are usually stir-fried with celery, creating a simple dish on the king’s menu from ancient times. On the other hand, Bong Chu cake is a snack made from rice flour, sugar, and sometimes sesame seeds, created as the main food during military parades at that time.

Today, both these specialties are still served as the offerings in the Co Loa Citadel Festival. They are a tribute to the culinary quintessence of the locals that has been passed down through generations.

Co Loa Citadel serves as a symbol of resilience and heritage. It has witnessed periods of prosperity and conflict which shaped the identity of Vietnam. Today, the citadel remains a cherished site for both locals and tourists, offering insights into Vietnam’s ancient past through its well-preserved relics and festivals.

When in Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ocean City, a brand new urban area situated to the east of the city. It is becoming an increasingly popular hotspot for entertainment with a wealth of modern attractions. With a series of thrilling water games, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park is ideal for a trip out in the sun. Meanwhile, Grand World is a perfect place for dining and shopping amidst a fusion of Asian and European architectural marvels.

To make the most of your trip to Ocean City, it is recommended that you choose a place to stay nearby, specifically StaynFun. StaynFun is the first homestay brand under Vinpearl – Vietnam’s leading hospitality service provider.