Co Loa Citadel

Cổ Loa Citadel is an ancient fortified complex in the Red River Delta region and was the capital of the early Vietnamese polity Âu Lạc under An Dương Vương in the 3rd century BC. The site is characterised by concentric earthen ramparts and moats that mark the plan of the former citadel.

The principal attractions are the surviving earthwork rings, stretches of embankment and the temple complex on the citadel’s inner ring. Visitors also see ritual shrines connected to foundation legends and a small museum displaying archaeological finds and explanatory panels.

According to Vietnamese tradition and historical sources, the citadel was established as a planned capital by An Dương Vương in the late 4th to 3rd centuries BC and was the political centre of Âu Lạc. The site has been modified, repaired and partially rebuilt many times over the centuries; archaeological work has focused on clarifying the plan and dating the surviving earthworks.

Cổ Loa sits on the plain north of Hanoi in Đông Anh District, roughly 15 kilometres from Hanoi’s city centre. The surrounding landscape is low-lying delta and agricultural land, and the citadel is accessible by road from Hanoi.

• Proximity to Hanoi: Located about 15 kilometres north of central Hanoi, making it a common half-day trip from the capital.
• Visitor tip: Best views of the concentric earthworks are from the higher surviving ramparts; bring walking shoes as the site is uneven.

What to See #

• Ramparts: A system of concentric earthen ramparts and moats that form the principal archaeological remains; several of the outer and inner embankments survive as raised earthworks and terraces.
• Đền Thượng (Upper Temple): Đền Thượng (Upper Temple) and associated shrine complex located near the core of the citadel, visited for its historical and ritual associations.
• Site museum: On-site archaeological displays and a small museum that show recovered artifacts and explain the site's layout and excavations.