Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel is an ancient fortified settlement located in Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, about 17 km north of central Hanoi. Built in the 3rd century BC as the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom under King An Duong Vuong, it is Vietnam's oldest and largest ancient citadel. Notable for its distinctive spiral-shaped triple earthen ramparts, the site includes temples, archaeological remains, and an exhibition house displaying Bronze Age artifacts.

Visitors can explore a large rural archaeological park with three concentric earthen ramparts, moats, and gates surrounding a village landscape. Inside are temples and shrines including An Duong Vuong Temple, Cao Lo Temple and My Chau Temple, an exhibition house with Dong Son culture artifacts, excavated wall sections, banyan trees, ponds and rice fields. The site is mostly outdoors with walking and cycling paths connecting dispersed relics.

Built in the 3rd century BC by King An Duong Vuong as the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom, formed by the union of Au Viet and Lac Viet. It is considered the earliest and largest ancient citadel in Vietnam, with a distinctive spiral design of three earthen walls. Archaeological excavations have revealed Dong Son culture remains, bronze drums, and thousands of bronze arrowheads, indicating its role as a political, military and cultural center.

The citadel is central to Vietnamese legends including the magic crossbow of An Duong Vuong and the love story of My Chau and Trong Thuy. It hosts the annual Co Loa Festival on the 6th day of the first lunar month honoring King An Duong Vuong, with processions, offerings and traditional performances. Temples and shrines within the complex remain active places of worship.