Co Loa Citadel In Hanoi: Location, History & Things To Do

Co Loa Citadel is a fascinating historical site that served as the ancient capital of Vietnam. Regarded as the oldest and most uniquely designed fortification in the nation's history, it offers a profound journey into the origins of Vietnamese civilization. This comprehensive guide by GTrip covers its unique spiral architecture, sacred temples, and practical tips for planning your visit. Here, you'll uncover the legends of kings and magic crossbows, explore millennia-old earthen ramparts, and experience a vital piece of Vietnam's cultural heritage firsthand.

Overview of Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel, the first capital of ancient Au Lac, is a cultural treasure that showcases Vietnam’s early nation-building, defence, and spiritual heritage. Today, it remains a symbol of resilience and pride for the Vietnamese people.

Necessary information about Co Loa Citadel

• Location: Dong Anh Commune, Hanoi (Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi)
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Ticket fee: 30,000 VND ($1.15), free for children under 15 years old

Co Loa Citadel is the oldest and largest ancient citadel in Vietnam, dating back to the 3rd century BC during the reign of King An Duong Vuong. The citadel features a unique spiral-shaped design with three remaining defensive walls surrounded by deep moats, covering an area of nearly 500 hectares. It served as the political and military capital of the ancient Au Lac Kingdom and played a crucial role in protecting the region from invasions.

Co Loa Citadel is a military stronghold and a cultural heritage site showcasing the creativity, architecture, and social organization of early Vietnamese civilization. It is tied to legendary tales, including the magic crossbow bestowed by a golden turtle. The tragic love story of My Chau and Trong Thuy further embeds Co Loa into Vietnam’s historical consciousness.

Co Loa Citadel, Vietnam’s oldest and largest ancient citadel, is both a cultural treasure and legendary symbol of the Au Lac Kingdom’s history and resilience

How to get to Co Loa Citadel?

Reaching the citadel from Hanoi is straightforward, with several convenient options available:

• By motorbike: For those who enjoy independence and adventure, exploring on two wheels is a fantastic choice. Our detailed guide on motorbike rental in Hanoi provides all the tips you need for a safe journey. The journey takes around 45 - 60 minutes, and you can take one of three primary routes via the Thang Long, Nhat Tan, or Chuong Duong bridges.
• By taxi: The most convenient and comfortable way to travel is by taxi. You can easily hail a traditional cab or book a ride through a popular ride-hailing app like Xanh SM, Grab, and Be for a hassle-free trip directly to the citadel entrance.
• By bus: As the most budget-friendly option, taking a public bus offers a glimpse into local life. Several routes stop near the citadel, including buses 15, 17, 43, 46, and 59.

History of Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel holds a significant place in Vietnamese history as the oldest and largest ancient citadel, constructed around the 3rd century BCE by King An Duong Vuong. He was the founder of the Au Lac Kingdom. The citadel was designed in a unique spiral shape with multiple defensive walls and moats, spanning a total length of approximately 16 kilometers in its prime, though only three walls remain today. The walls, made from earth and stone, were remarkably high and thick, symbolizing advanced ancient military engineering. Co Loa served as the political and military center of the Au Lac Kingdom and later became a symbol of early Vietnamese civilization's social and cultural development.

Archaeological evidence found at Co Loa dates back to the Bronze Age, linked to the Phung Nguyen and Dong Son cultures, with many priceless artifacts from this period now carefully preserved at the National Museum of Vietnamese History. The site included guard towers, extensive moats fed by surrounding rivers, and elite artifacts suggesting centralized royal control. The history of Co Loa is also closely tied to Vietnamese legends, such as the story of the magic crossbow given by a divine golden turtle to King An Duong Vuong. Which was said to protect the kingdom. Historical transitions include its role as a strategic fortress and capital through various dynasties, including the subsequent Ngo dynasty in the 10th century.

Co Loa Citadel is Vietnam’s oldest and largest ancient citadel, famed for its spiral design, military significance, and legendary tales

Architecture of Co Loa Citadel

The architecture of Co Loa is one of its most defining features, celebrated for its unique spiral layout, which earned it the name "Thanh Oc" (Snail Citadel). Legend says the Golden Turtle God crawled in a spiral path, and King An Duong Vuong ordered his men to build the walls following the turtle's tracks. This concentric design was a sophisticated defensive strategy for its time.

Originally, the citadel was said to have nine ramparts, but today only three principal rings remain: the Outer, Middle, and Inner Citadels. These massive earthen walls were constructed by skillfully utilizing the natural terrain of hills and mounds.

• Outer Citadel: With a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers, this was the first line of defense. The ramparts once stood between 4 and 12 meters high, forming a formidable barrier.
• Middle Citadel: This polygonal rampart had a circumference of about 6.5 kilometers and was built with a more durable and fortified structure than the outer wall.
• Inner Citadel: Spanning an area of roughly 2 square kilometers, this was the heart of the capital. It served as the royal residence for King An Duong Vuong, his family, and high-ranking mandarins.

Co Loa Citadel is famed for its unique spiral architecture with three remaining ramparts that once formed a sophisticated defensive system and royal residence

Things to do in Co Loa Citadel

Beyond its ancient walls, Co Loa Citadel is home to several sacred and fascinating sites that tell the story of its past. The complex includes important spiritual and cultural points of interest, such as the An Duong Vuong Temple, Pearl Well, and the Ba Chua Temple.

Visit Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong Temple

The Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong, also known as the Thuong Temple, is located in the center of the Inner Citadel and is believed to have once been the residence of King Thuc Phan. The temple sits on a dragon-head-shaped mound, flanked by two forests, with two round holes below symbolizing the dragon’s eyes. In front of the Thuong Temple lies a large lake, within which is the Gieng Ngoc (Pearl Well), where, according to legend, Trong Thuy took his own life.

Inside the temple are preserved relics such as a bronze statue of An Duong Vuong, two horses (one red, one white), and various objects made of bronze, porcelain, wood, and fabric. At the entrance stand two intricately carved stone dragons with sinuous bodies and beard-stroking claws, reflecting the refined architectural style of the Le Dynasty.

Stroll around Gieng Ngoc (Pearl Well)

In front of Thuong Temple lies a large lake, at the center of which is an ancient well, where Trong Thuy is said to have taken his own life. Legend has it that washing pearls with this well’s water makes them shine even brighter. For this reason, the well was named Pearl Well, and it remains one of the most popular attractions in Co Loa Citadel.

Pearl Well is circular in shape, with naturally curved banks reinforced by stone, surrounded by walkways and greenery. In the past, the lake connected to the moats of the two outer citadel walls and to the river wharf on the southeast side of the outer citadel. According to legend, Princess My Chau and Trong Thuy often rowed boats together on this very lake before the war broke out.

Pearl Well, one of Co Loa’s most famous attractions, is a legendary site tied to the tragic love story of My Chau and Trong Thuy

Pray at Ba Chua Temple (Am My Chau)

Behind the thousand-year-old banyan tree, whose shade covers a wide courtyard, the tree’s split trunk forms a natural archway leading to Ba Chua Temple. Inside stands the so-called statue of Princess My Chau, a natural stone shaped like a headless figure, believed by locals to be her tomb.

Legend has it that after throwing herself into the sea, My Chau was transformed into a large stone that drifted to Duong Cam Beach on the eastern side of Co Loa Citadel. The townspeople carried the stone back on a hammock, but when they reached the banyan tree, the hammock broke and the stone fell. On the shrine’s wall hangs a carved wooden panel featuring a classical Chinese poem by the poet Chu Manh Trinh. Though it remains uncertain whether the legend is true, the shrine continues to honor Princess My Chau, depicted in elegant attire. Today, many visitors and locals come daily to offer incense and pay their respects.

Discover Ngu Trieu Di Quy (Co Loa Communal House)

Ngu Trieu Dinh Quy is located on the foundation of the former royal audience hall, relocated from another site and rebuilt in the late 18th century. The communal house stands near the center of the Inner Citadel, about 300 meters east of An Duong Vuong Temple, with Ba Chua Temple to its west. It is the most solid and imposing structure in the Co Loa Citadel complex and now serves as a display space for numerous archaeological relics.

Ngu Trieu Dinh Quy features a two-tiered ceremonial gate with plastered construction and a roof moulded to resemble tiled tubes. The entrance has one main door and two side doors connected to the wall, forming a front partition. To the left is a path leading to Ba Chua Temple, while inside the communal house stands a carved wooden panel decorated with motifs of the four seasons and the four sacred creatures.

Ngu Trieu Dinh Quy is an 18th-century communal house now showcasing archaeological relics and traditional carvings

Visiting the historical exhibition area at Co Loa Citadel

The historical exhibition area at Co Loa Citadel preserves and introduces numerous precious artefacts related to the history and culture of the ancient Au Lac capital. You can see relics such as ancient ceramics, tools, weapons, and original remnants of the unique spiral-shaped walls of the citadel. This exhibition helps visitors gain a deep understanding of the heroic legend and rich history of Co Loa, reflecting the creativity and resilience of the ancient Vietnamese people.

Besides the exhibition, you can explore cultural and religious sites connected to the citadel's history. It includes the An Duong Vuong Temple and various shrines dedicated to historical and legendary figures like Princess My Chau and Trong Thuy. The site offers a blend of well-preserved ancient architecture and natural surroundings, creating an engaging experience that honors the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic relic.

Tips for visitors when visiting Co Loa Citadel

To make the most of your trip, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Best time to visit: The annual Co Loa Festival is one of the most significant traditional festivals in Hanoi, offering a vibrant time to experience local culture and rituals.
• What to wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is large. When visiting temples and pagodas, choose respectful attire that covers your shoulders and knees.
• What to bring: The complex is quite open, so pack water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you are visiting during the hot and sunny summer months.
• Respect local customs: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor when entering sacred places like temples and communal houses. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people.
• Be aware of vendors: You may encounter vendors selling souvenirs or other items. A polite "no, thank you" is usually sufficient if you are not interested in buying anything.

When visiting Co Loa, dress comfortably and respectfully, bring essentials for the weather, respect local customs, and be mindful of vendors

Read more: Thang Long Imperial Citadel: History, Things To See & Travel Guide

A trip to Co Loa Citadel is more than just a visit to a historical site, it's a journey back to the very dawn of Vietnamese statehood. Here, the echoes of legends, the sheer scale of the ancient ramparts, and the serene atmosphere of its temples combine to create a powerful experience. It offers a unique and authentic glimpse into Vietnam's foundational stories and the ingenuity of its ancestors. Use this guide from GTrip to plan your unforgettable visit and connect with the profound history of this significant cultural heritage site located just a short trip from Hanoi.