About 16 kilometers from Hanoi Old Quarter lies Co Loa Citadel, one of Vietnam’s most renowned historical treasures. Nestled in Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, this citadel holds significant cultural importance for both Hanoi City and Vietnam as a whole. Rich in legends and mythical tales, it serves as a testament to the country’s illustrious past.
Built by the Vietnamese people themselves, Co Loa Citadel has borne witness to their glorious historical journey and preserved their unique cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the creativity and technical skills of ancient Vietnamese civilizations.
Unveiling Vietnam’s Oldest Citadel
Co Loa Citadel holds the distinction of being the oldest building in Vietnam associated with legends and historic stories. From the 3rd century B.C., it served as the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom under the reign of King An Duong Vuong. Over 1000 years later, during the Dai Viet Kingdom, Co Loa once again became the capital under the rule of Ngo Quyen, a renowned general who ended a millennia of Chinese occupation in 938. This historic site showcases the continuous development of the Vietnamese people from their early beginnings through various periods in history. Archaeologists exploring Co Loa Citadel have discovered remnants of the unique and valuable Dong Son culture, also known as the Red River civilization of the Vietnamese people in prehistoric times.
Structure and Architecture of Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel was ingeniously constructed in a spiral-shaped design. According to legend, it boasted nine walls; however, archaeological findings have revealed the remains of only three main walls.
- The Outer Wall (Thanh Ngoai): This wall, approximately 8 kilometers in circumference and 4-5 meters in height, was created by digging soil to form moats.
- The Middle Wall (Thanh Trung): Resembling the Outer Wall in structure, the Middle Wall was narrower and more fortified, with a circumference of about 6.5 kilometers.
- The Central Wall (Thanh Noi): Serving as the royal residence and housing select mandarins, this wall encompassed a smaller area, spanning approximately 1.65 kilometers. Over time, various historical structures including An Duong Vuong Temple and the Temple of My Chau Princess were constructed within this area.
Must-See Attractions within Co Loa Citadel
When visiting Co Loa Citadel, several captivating attractions should not be missed:
An Duong Vuong Temple (Thuong Temple)
An Duong Vuong Temple stands as the highlight of Co Loa Citadel. Built in 1687 during the reign of King Le Hi Tong and restored in 1893, it is located on an ancient hill that once served as the king’s palace. The temple showcases exquisitely carved stone dragons, iconic representations of sculpture art from the Le Dynasty. Additionally, Ngoc Well, situated in front of the temple, holds a legendary significance as the place where Trong Thuy tragically ended his life.
Co Loa Communal House
Originally built in the late 18th century, Co Loa Communal House was a gathering place for social events and community observances under the rule of King Thuc Phan. The temple’s entrance is adorned with intricately carved sculptures depicting Vietnam’s four sacred creatures (dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix) and four representative flowers (peach, chrysanthemum, bamboo, and apricot). Its grand architecture houses ancient artifacts of immense historical value.
Temple of My Chau Princess
Also known as the tomb of Princess My Chau, this temple hosts a peculiar stone called My Chau Stone, resembling a headless person. Legend has it that after Princess My Chau’s demise, her stone form drifted to Duong Cam, located east of Co Loa Citadel. The stone was eventually brought back to its current location, where the temple was built. Notably, the temple’s wall features a lacquered board adorned with a Chinese character poem by poet Chu Manh Trinh.
Cao Lo Temple
Constructed in honor of the talented general Cao Lo, who invented the Lien Chau crossbow and played a crucial role in the construction of Co Loa Citadel, this temple holds great historical significance. In front of the temple, visitors can admire the statue of Cao Lo wielding his crossbows, exhibited in the middle of a nearby lake.
Ideal Time to Visit
If you crave a festive atmosphere and want to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and customs, plan your visit to Co Loa Citadel on the 6th day of Lunar January. This is when the Co Loa Festival takes place, featuring processions, liturgies, and engaging folk games. However, if you prefer a peaceful and unhurried experience, it’s best to avoid the festival day and weekends to avoid the crowds. This will allow you to leisurely appreciate the monumental architecture, delve into captivating stories, and absorb the citadel’s rich history.
How to Reach Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa Citadel is located in the outskirts of Hanoi and serves as an enticing destination for those seeking to explore Vietnamese culture and history. Situated approximately 15 kilometers from Hanoi Old Quarter, you can reach the citadel by motorbike or car via Highway 1A, crossing the Duong River bridge, and turning left from Yen Vien Town onto Highway No.3. A 5-kilometer journey will lead you to Co Loa Citadel.
For those looking to save on travel costs, buses provide an affordable option. Bus No. 46 from My Dinh area, or Bus No. 15 and 17 from Long Bien transit station, can transport you to Co Loa Citadel conveniently.
- Location: Co Loa, Dong Anh, Hanoi
- Best for: All visitors
- Entrance: N/A
- Hours: Daytime visits are recommended
- Distance to city center: 10.4km (6.5 mi)
To explore more about Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage, plan a visit to Co Loa Citadel. It’s a destination that immerses you in captivating legends, remarkable architecture, and the fascinating chronicles of the Vietnamese people. For more travel guides and valuable insights, check out Travel Guide – your ultimate companion for unforgettable explorations.