Ancient capital of Vietnam

Ancient capital of Vietnam

Van Lang, Vietnam’s first feudal government, was founded during the Dong Son culture period around the 7th century BC. Founded at the same time as the Chu dynasty in China.. Since that time, Vietnam has experienced many feudal dynasties and many capitals as well. However, only 3 ancient cities are the most famous today.

HOA LU

This ancient capital of Vietnam is 90 km south of Hanoi, protected by high limestone mountains and earth walls. Hoa Lu is a beautiful ancient city that was the economic and political center of Dai Co Viet, a kingdom in the north of Vietnam today that stretched during 10^th and 11^th century.

For a capital, Hoa Lu was a natural geographic choice due to the limestone mountains that hid the city from potential intruders. Even today, most of the mountains around Hoa Lu are only accessible to mountain goats! The northwest of the city is bordered by the Hoang Long River, which also flows through the citadel. In some cool summer months, the city offered a good waterway for trade and other businesses.

Hoa Lu flourished during the Dinh and after the Le Dynasties until the founder of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Cong Uan, moved the capital to Hanoi in 1010. Hoa Lu was abandoned and succumbed to natural decay, so that several parts had to be excavated by archaeologists. There are very few real remains of Hoa Lu; the citadel was rebuilt in the 17th century based on the original temples and courtyards.

THANG LONG (HANOI)

Thang Long was the capital of Dai Viet country under the Ly, Tran, Le, Mac and Le Trung Hung dynasties (1010 – 1788). In 1010, it was said that when King Ly Cong Uan left Hoa Lu capital to Dai La land, he saw a dragon soar, so he named the new capital Thang Long.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a fascinating relic of Vietnamese history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, it contains many artifacts and objects from the 6th to the 20th century that were discovered in 2004, including the foundations of ancient palaces, ancient streets, ponds and fountains.

A notable attraction of Thang Long’s Imperial Citadel was the Hanoi Flag Tower, a restored 40-meter stone fortress that offers sweeping views of Ba Dinh Square and the center of Hanoi.

HUE

On the north bank of the Perfume River there are relics consisting of palaces built in the form of 11 km long, arched defensive walls. This valuable building contains more than 100 architectural works that greatly influenced the lives of emperors and tangerines during the Nguyen reign. In the middle of the hills on the south bank of the river, there are very beautiful tombs of the kings of Nguyen. Of these tombs, four are famous for the name and location of the tomb, reflecting the point of view, character, and taste of each emperor. This is the magnificent tomb of Gia Long, the impressive tomb of Min Mang, the poetic tomb of Tu Duc and the magnificent tomb of Khai Dinh.

In addition, Hue is a place where royal music was born and a place with traditionally famous dishes and refined craftsmanship.

Since the unique city of Vietnam is still its urban form in the Middle Ages and in the buildings of the monarchy, Hue has become a large and priceless museum. The remains of the old capital, Hue, were recognized by the government as a very valuable asset, and in December 1993, Hue was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a flight route and a railroad from Hanoi to Hue, but a motorcycle tour from Hanoi to Hue on the Ho Chi Minh Trail is always a good choice for all bikers.

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