Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi

Great experience if you're looking for nature, a historical site, a museum, and a park. 30k to enter. I recommend bringing an umbrella or sunblock. There are areas where there is no shade and it will get hot. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Don't forget to check out the underground bomb shelter and the museums inside the buildings, they're easy to miss. Great place to take kids. Some drinks and snacks are available to purchase inside.

The tickets are extremely reasonably but the experience is outstanding. Despite being destroyed most parts on the ground, the remnants are of great historic value. Also the artefacts excavated from underground are very diverse and reflect the rich heritage of culture, architecture and religion throughout different dynasties of feudal Vietnam. There are 5 exhibitions focusing on different topics, all of which are worth seeing (with great care and attention). The landscape is beautiful and peaceful with many green trees and colourful flowers and wildlife (birds). Next time I will bring homemade food and have some little picnic here.

Being the ex-imperial city if Vietnam, it is definitely a place to visit for Vietnam-goers. However, much work should have been done to maintain the vast gardens, which have been strewn with weeds. Having said that, the citadel vast compound provides you with the space to take a walk and enjoy the tranquility; much scope for provocative thinking when it comes to the history of Vietnam. It also offers many corners for you to take a photo or two. You cannot say you have been to Hue without visiting the citadel.

This is just one of those places you really must go when you are in Hue. Best tip is to be there first thing in the morning when they open. Otherwise it can be extremely hot, most any time of the year. Get the headset as it makes everything easier to understand. They do not have lots of descriptive plaques. Also the headsets help guide you around the vast property. Otherwise it can be quite overwhelming. My photos do not show anything inside. I live in the area and have been here many times.

Hard not to compare to Hue citadel which is more extensive and better preserved, having perhaps not been bombed quite so much. However, perhaps UNESCO status has given this site the resources to have some really interesting exhibits. Information on the examination and graduation process may seem pretty prosaic but brings to life the reality of life at the time.