A wonderful insight into the Citadel of Hanoi. October 2015

[firth1974 2,659]

fantastic place to visit, and if anyone here does head off to Hanoi, i highly recomend that you add this place to your visit.

The central old citadel of Hanoi was the former residence of Vietnamese monarchs dating back to Đại Việt, when the city was known as Thăng Long.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was constructed earliest by the Ly dynasty in 1010 and remained the seat of the Vietnamese court until 1810, when Huế became the capital city. The royal palaces and other various structures were largely destroyed by the colonial French in the late 19th century. Some structures remain such as Doan Mon gate and the Flag Tower of Hanoi, as well as the steps of Kinh Thiên Palace and the Hậu Lâu (Princess' Palace).

The Vietnamese military command under General Giap, had its headquarters in the citadel in the building known as D67. An underground tunnel enabled the military to flee to other parts in case of a raid.

Construction work for the National Assembly building in 2003 uncovered large remains of the citadel dating back to Thăng Long. Some of the remains are now exhibited in the Vietnamese History Museum. Where the planned new National Assembly building should not be located is still open.

Starting in 2000, some of the old French barracks and buildings have been destroyed to make place for a new museum within the citadel.

In 2010 the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi".

This is the back entrance to the Citadel, but you can enter here, as it leads straight into the Officers compound of the Vietnamese army..............................

At least he is not asleep on the job....................................

The Citadel is home to the NVA command bunker of Uncle Ho and Giap during the war. Apparently the underground complex was built under the nose's of the Americans, who only realised when it was too late in the conflict. There is not really a lot of difference between the NVA and the South in terms what they were using for command structure................................ This is the entrance way to the 1st site. There are 2 underground commands here, this one for the day to day operations.................................

The ventilation system.............................................

Drink of champions........................................

This is the area called "D57". This is the command post of Ho Chi Minh, Giap and all the other top ranked generals of the NVA. Directly underneath these rooms lay the war bunker and bomb shelters to Minh and Giap............................................

Not actually much down there, except alot of locked doors. Can only imagine as to what other rooms and passageways are beyond them, and what other artifacts they have stored in them. Would be interesting to explore them. Now back up top and into the offices and meeting rooms of the men who directed the war.................................

[firth1974 2,659]

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If you come out of the Citadel, cross over Hoang Dieu street, you come to the 2nd part of the Citadel, which is actually a(huge) archaeological site. Its only when you see here, that you can truly see how big the original Citadel was once, until the French arrived and decided to pull it all down in a what was nothing more than a show of force to prove to the Vietnamese that they could and they could do whatever they wanted!!!!......................................

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

Great stuff. I'm glad the Vietnamese, with such a rich history, sent the French and Americans packing. God bless Vietnam.

[Lucky 47]

Thanks for the photos and report, it was very informative. I've been to Vietnam a few times and Hanoi a couple of times and while I saw the Hanoi Hilton, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Halong Bay I never made it to see this citadel, I'll be sure and do that my next visit.

[ozboy 31]

Great report, will definitely have to try and remember to try and find this place and check it out myself next time we are in Hanoi.

[Dungheap 243]

Nice pics, thanks for the effort.

[Cinali 8]

Another nice piece of work from you. Thanks.