Ho Citadel

Definitely worth a visit. The historic site listed in UNESCO's world heritage has been constantly improved both in services for tourists and surrounding landscapes.

Designated a World Heritage site in 2011, Ho Citadel still doesn't receive many foreign visitors. Built at the end of the 14th century, the inner walls and four main gates of the citadel are still standing. Called Thành Nhà Hồ in Vietnamese, the complex is surrounded by a fertile rural landscape. The walls are overgrown with creepers and grass, but still make an impressive sight rising from the rice fields. Vietnamese farmers go about their work, both outside and inside the citadel grounds; sitting down to rest in the shade of its arched gates during the hottest part of the day. The grand royal ruins and the agricultural work going on around it, remind me of sketches by Piranesi of Rome in the 18th century, when Italy was rediscovering its past, just as Vietnam is doing today. Located near the town of Vĩnh Lộc in Thanh Hóa Province, Ho Citadel can be reached by several rural back-roads. Although the enclosure is very large (close to 1km2) it's not immediately visible, especially if you arrive at either the north, east or west gates (the south gate being the main entrance). From some positions the wall is so overgrown it's almost indistinguishable from the farmland it abuts. The main entrance (10,000vnđ) is through the south gate, where there are guides available and a small museum. The latter tries very hard – with English language labels and information boards – but doesn't amount to much more that bits and pieces of pottery, cannonballs, bricks and tiles. The other gates also have small ticket offices, but most of the ticket inspectors seem to be either asleep or drunk and drowsy. If you avoid weekends and public holidays chances are you'll have the whole citadel to yourself, making you feel as though you're the first foreigner to have stumbled upon these imperial ruins.

My mother’s hometown is here. The citadel was built in the 15th century when Thăng Long Hanoi was attacked by Ming dynasty (old name of China) at that time. UNESCO had recognized this place as one of its heritage in Vietnam

It is a great historical place to visit. Hoping in the next few years the local gov shall rebuild the wall and castle etc.

Ho Citadel is the world heritage UNESCO in Thanh Hoa province

very clean and nice airport

Great place to learn about Vietnam history

Nice culture, historic, architecture value place

Great citadel dated 600 years ago.

Aaaa

Nothing to say about this place but perfect

Good

The art of building this citadel is great. Beautifully but the management of goverment is poor.

Historical place must see to understand Vietnam history

Very nice, and hot. Should bring umbrella, and water

Interesting place

Good historic site

OK

Historic site over 600 years ago

800 years old History rock citadel