Ho Citadel

Loi Nguyen Duc · CC BY 2.0

A massive late-14th-century stone citadel, a wonder of military architecture honored by UNESCO amid the Thanh Hoa countryside.

Built in 1397 by order of King Ho Quy Ly, the Ho Citadel is one of the few remaining stone citadels in Southeast Asia. Blue-stone blocks weighing dozens of tons were fitted together without any binding mortar, raising four majestic arched gates that have stood through more than six centuries of sun and rain. Beneath the South Gate, visitors seem to touch the craftsmanship of the ancestors and the bold reformist ambitions of a bygone era. In 2011, UNESCO inscribed it as a World Cultural Heritage Site, affirming the unique value of a symbol of Dai Viet's power and intellect.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Ho Citadel?

October to April

How much does it cost to visit Ho Citadel?

40,000 VND

How long do you need at Ho Citadel?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Ho Citadel?

07:00 - 17:30

Did you know

Built within about three months in early 1397.
The walls are assembled from stone slabs weighing up to 20 tons.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2011.
It briefly served as the capital of the Ho Dynasty.

Travel tips

Come early in the morning to photograph the stone gates in soft light.
Rent an electric cart to tour the citadel perimeter and the Nam Giao esplanade.

Source: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q190060

Updated: 2026-08-06