Discover the history and culture of Hanoi on a tour of 3 ancient citadels. Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Son Tay Ancient Citadel, and the Co Loa Citadel.

Highlights

  • Step back in time as you explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
  • Discover the unique architecture of the Son Tay Ancient Citadel
  • Learn about the legends and history of the Co Loa Citadel
  • Discover the vibrant Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau and make your own incense
  • Immerse yourself in the rich culture & paint your own hat in Chuong Hat Village

Full description

Explore three ancient citadels in Hanoi, each with its own unique history and architectural charm.

Begin at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the remnants of the Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen dynasties, and admire the Kinh Thien Palace, Doan Mon Gate, and the Hanoi Flag Pole.

Next, head to Son Tay Ancient Citadel, located 45 km from Hanoi. Built in 1822 under King Minh Mang, this citadel is made entirely of laterite and features Vauban-style military architecture. Explore the flagpole, Vong Palace, Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien headquarters, and Vo Temple.

Finally, visit Co Loa Citadel, a site steeped in legend. Built in the 3rd century BC, this citadel once had nine spiral circles, but today only three remain. Discover the Co Loa Temple, My Chau Shrine, Co Loa Communal House, and Ngoc Well, each with its own story to tell.

Option HALF DAY Group Tour : Visit 2 Villages: Conical Hat and Incense Craft Village + Train Street (optional)

Duration: ~ 6 hours
Morning from 7:45~13:30
Afternoon from 11:45~17:30

Start with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and head to Chuong, a village that has been well-known for the craft of conical hat-making for over 300 years. Get an observe how conical hats are made and decorate a hat by painting it then bring it home as a souvenir.

Depart for the Quang Phu Cau village, which has been producing incense for more than 100 years. Take a walk to the center of the village and see how locals make incense on the artisanal, family scale. Meet a family who specializes in dyeing incense sticks and take in the colorful bundles of incense.

Back to the city center. First place for drop off: Hanoi Train Street. If you don’t want to get drop off here, please wait in the car.

Includes

Visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Visit to Son Tay Ancient Citadel

Visit to Co Loa Citadel

Access to historical and archaeological exhibitions

Guided Tour ‘Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long’

Optional Drop off at Train Street Café

Entrance fees and activities

Guided tour of conical hat-making village

Guided tour of incense-making village

Incense souvenirs

Visit to Chuong Village

Visit to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Incense making demonstration

01 free conical hat for painting in the hat village and take it home as a personalized souvenir

Some free incense sticks after you made incense sticks yourself

Bottled water

All entrance fees

Professional local tour guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter area

Personal expenses

Optional Tips

Surcharge for Lunar New Year ( 250.000 vnd / person )

Important information

Know before you go

  • The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
  • Night tours are available on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
  • Son Tay Ancient Citadel is located 45 km from Ha Noi centre.
  • Co Loa Citadel is about 24 km from Ha Noi city centre.

Image from our customers:

HightLights

Travel says