HANOI: The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a revered UNESCO World Heritage site in Hanoi, has been expanded by an additional 13,800 square meters, thanks to a grant from the Ministry of National Defence. The newly acquired land, located at 28A Dien Bien Phu Street in the Ba Dinh District, has historically housed the Vietnam Army Museum, which later became known as the Vietnam Military History Museum.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnam Military History Museum, which has occupied the site since 1966, spans over 13,000 square meters. It includes exhibition buildings, functional zones, and the notable Hanoi Flag Tower. This expansion is expected to enhance the historical and cultural significance of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a complex of imperial constructions that dates back to 1011 during the reign of King Ly Thai To of the Ly Dynasty.
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel holds a prestigious place among the ten special national heritage sites designated by the Prime Minister in 2009. It was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee in 2010. This recent expansion is anticipated to provide visitors with a more comprehensive understanding of the historical narrative and cultural heritage of Vietnam, further solidifying the citadel’s role as a cornerstone of national history.