Son Tay Ancient Citadel

If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi the famous historical site in the suburb of Hanoi – Son Tay ancient Citadel.

Located in Son Tay town, more than 40 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, Son Tay citadel is an ancient and unique military architecture in Vietnam, which was built in 1822 under the reign of King Minh Mang.

Nowadays, the most famous and beautiful citadel in the North attracts numerous of tourists both in Vietnam the citadel is surrounded by a lot of old green trees
Most likely, when visiting Son Tay ancient citadel, the first impression of tourists is the image of ancient trees of hundreds of years. The rough roots get stretched and embrace the moss walls of the ruined ancient gate, which creates the ancient beauty of the citadel. Moreover, there is a moat surrounding the citadel as an addition for its tranquil beauty.

The rough roots of ancient trees of hundreds of years old embrace the moss walls of the ruined ancient gate.
Come back to the past, the citadel was solidly built for protecting the western gateway of Thang Long City (Hanoi now). Its walls, about 4.5 m high, were built of laterite – the typical building material of Son Tay. It currently remains three gates in the South, the North, and the West. All are made of old bricks. Especially, the citadel is surrounded by a moat over 25 meters wide, 4 meters deep and 1,792 meters long, connecting to the Tich River.

Another gate of the citadel.

The walls were built of laterite in Son Tay citadel.

A little romantic in the ancient citadel in autumn.
Today, some works inside the citadels are still preserved such as a flag tower of 18 meters high, Kinh Thien palace, and two lotus ponds in front of Kinh Thien Palace.

The works inside the citadel
The peaceful and ancient scenery of Son Tay Citadel has made it an ideal destination for young couples to take nice wedding photos.

The couple is happy in the wedding photo in Son Tay citadel.
Moreover, due to a lot of green and old trees covering the citadel, it is also an interesting place for walking and relaxing after a long day of hard work.
read more: old quarter Hanoi

The citadel is also an ideal place for walking.
Son Tay Citadel has belonged to the National Heritage of Vietnam since 1994. Along with Co Loa ancient citadel, Hanoi citadel, and Hue Imperial palace, Son Tay Citadel is one of the great symbols of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.