Co Loa Citadel - the Oldest Citadel in Vietnam
Co Loa Citadel consists of three concentric walls: the Outer Wall, the Middle Wall, and the Inner Wall. Each wall has a closed structure made of bricks and clay, with heights ranging from 5 to 12 meters and widths from 13 to 20 meters. The outer surface of the walls is adorned with decorative columns, vertical frames, fake doors, decorative corner towers, and stone petals resembling fairy wings. Inside the Inner Wall, there is a spacious worship chamber with an earthen pedestal for a Buddha statue.
The historical and cultural value of Co Loa Citadel is rich and diverse. The citadel symbolizes Vietnam's national unification after Ngo Quyen gained independence from the Tang Dynasty in 938. It is also associated with fascinating Vietnamese legends about King An Duong building the citadel, the mythical crossbow of the Golden Turtle defeating enemies, and the tragic love story of My Chau and Trong Thuy. Co Loa Citadel has been the dwelling place for various ethnic groups throughout history, such as the Cham Pa, Han, Tay, Nung, and has witnessed numerous resistance battles against foreign invaders.
Co Loa Citadel is a historical and tourist site, and there is no entrance fee. Visitors are free to explore and admire the unique architecture of the citadel without any admission cost. However, if you wish to hire a guide to learn more about the history and stories surrounding Co Loa Citadel, an additional fee for this service may apply. Additionally, if you travel by motorcycle or car, you will need to pay for parking in the designated parking area.
Co Loa Citadel is open throughout the year. You can visit the citadel at any time during the day, but it is advisable to avoid peak hours to prevent traffic congestion and crowds. The ideal time to visit the citadel is in the morning or evening when the sunlight is not too harsh, allowing you to capture beautiful photos of the citadel.
Co Loa Citadel is an attractive tourist destination for those who appreciate ancient architecture and Vietnamese culture. A visit to Co Loa Citadel provides an opportunity to explore a unique architectural marvel, full of mystery and history.