Dating back to 1822, during the reign of King Minh Mang, Son Tay Ancient Citadel was erected as a formidable bastion of defense, safeguarding the esteemed Thang Long Citadel, now known as Hanoi. Constructed entirely from locally sourced laterite, and renowned for its resilience, the citadel sprawls across approximately 16 hectares, boasting walls stretching 400 meters in length with an average height of 5 meters.
Embracing the Vauban style of military architecture, named after the esteemed French engineer, the citadel features four imposing gates—Front, Back, Left, and Right—each fortified with cannons and crowned by watchtowers, standing as vigilant sentinels against potential threats.
The citadel gate is surrounded and covered by ancient tree roots. Photo: Vu Duc Hung
Today, only two cannons are remaining at the Northern gate. Photo: Vu Duc Hung
Encircling the citadel is a formidable moat, 20 meters wide and stretching over 2,000 meters, intricately linked to the Tich Giang River. This natural barrier is complemented by La Thanh, an additional defensive layer cloaked in earth, fortifying the outer perimeters of the citadel.
Traversing the citadel’s central axis, flanked by magnificent structures such as flagpoles, lookout palaces, and sacred temples, visitors are transported back in time to an era of valor and resilience. The serene ambiance is further heightened by the presence of ancient trees, their sprawling canopies casting dappled shadows over the weathered walls, evoking a sense of timeless tranquility.
The flagpole is about 18m high and is built on two floors of solid laterite pedestals located inside the citadel. Photo: Vu Duc Hung
Doan Mon Gate is located in line with the flagpole, behind is a spacious, clean-tiled courtyard leading straight to Kinh Thien Palace, where the king and his courtiers held meetings. Photo: Vu Duc Hung
Recognized as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Son Tay Citadel invites travelers to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of history and culture. Accessible within just over an hour from Hanoi, visitors can embark on a journey of discovery via various bus routes or opt for the convenience of personal transportation along Highway 32.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with complimentary admission, while those arriving by private vehicle can avail themselves of affordable parking options. With its captivating blend of heritage and natural beauty, a visit to Son Tay Ancient Citadel promises an enriching experience steeped in history, offering a poignant glimpse into Vietnam’s illustrious past amidst the tranquil embrace of nature.
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Source: Vietnam Insider