Fifteen years of intensive research on the Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site - have helped decode many historical mysteries surrounding royal life in ancient Vietnam.
On November 4, the Institute of Archaeology under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences hosted an international conference titled “Thang Long Imperial Citadel site - Achievements and future issues after 15 years of research (2011-2025).”
The conference aimed to summarize and evaluate key scientific findings from a long-term project led by the Imperial Citadel Research Institute (now part of the Institute of Archaeology), which involved cataloging, researching, and assessing the historical value of the Thang Long Citadel site from 2011 to 2025.
An excavation of unprecedented scientific value
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri presents a model of the reconstructed Kinh Thien Palace.
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri, former Director of the Imperial Citadel Research Institute, emphasized the unique significance of the project, marking a milestone in the study of the Thang Long Citadel.
He outlined several major achievements:
Decoding the architectural mysteries of the royal palace and clarifying the layout of palaces during the Ly, Tran, and early Le dynasties, especially the Kinh Thien Palace.
Reconstructing royal life through millions of artifacts, particularly royal ceramics, reflecting both material culture and spiritual life, as well as evidence of international trade.
Highlighting the site’s global value and making its underground archaeological findings more accessible to the public, laying a foundation for future preservation and promotion.
Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin noted that excavations at 18 Hoang Dieu Street (2002-2004) and beneath the National Assembly building (2008), spanning over 30,000 square meters, yielded exceptional findings. They revealed over 1,300 years of continuous cultural and architectural layers, from the Dai La, Dinh, Pre-Le, Ly, Tran, early Le, Mac, to the Le Trung Hung periods.
He described the excavation as an unparalleled milestone in Vietnam’s archaeological history.
Key discoveries included:
First-ever architectural remains from the Dai La period, such as foundations, wells, and drainage systems, confirming the central position of Dai La - the capital referenced in Emperor Ly Thai To’s relocation edict.
Unique corner post foundations from the Dinh and Pre-Le dynasties, confirming the site’s role as a major political center second only to Hoa Lu.
The Ly dynasty's grandest architectural complex with over 50 palace foundations, wells, drainage systems, and boundary walls, showcasing advanced planning, artistic design, and refined Ly dynasty ceramics - proof of a flourishing royal court.
The Tran, early Le, and later periods introduced major transformations to the capital’s structure. Artifacts from the Le dynasty, including blue-and-white porcelain, royal wares, and bronze cannons, mark a peak in Vietnamese ceramic art and international exports.
Turning archaeology into economic and social development
Model of Kinh Thien Palace.
From these “unprecedented” results, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri proposed three major research directions:
Decode and evaluate palace architecture in comparison with other East Asian royal palaces to determine historical value and inform restoration strategies.
Reconstruct royal court life through ancient documents and archaeological artifacts.
Examine Thang Long’s economic and cultural exchanges with other Asian capitals.
He also presented four strategic priorities:
Increase investment in research and restoration, using archaeology as a foundation and mobilizing interdisciplinary expertise (archaeology, architecture, 3D technology) to revive the heritage.
Build a comprehensive digital database using GIS, 3D scanning, and AI to reconstruct the ancient capital’s appearance for research and tourism.
Promote scientific publications and themed book series from 2026-2030 to raise public awareness of the site's heritage value.
Link research, conservation, and heritage-based economic development, transforming the Thang Long Citadel into a “living museum” like other East Asian imperial capitals.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau from Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities cited York City in the UK as a successful model that harmonizes urban archaeology, community engagement, and heritage tourism. She emphasized that Thang Long could adopt a similar strategy.
Though research began only in 2002, it has already provided enough perspective to evaluate Thang Long’s historical value and its place in Vietnam’s cultural heritage system.
“With its unique status as a world heritage site, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel can adapt York City’s model to suit Vietnam’s conditions,” she said. “We need a national heritage strategy to make Thang Long a living heritage city, not just an archaeological site.”
She stressed that this requires tight coordination among authorities, scholars, communities, and businesses toward a shared goal: turning archaeological heritage into a living part of modern urban life. Developing heritage for and with the community is the essence of sustainable growth.
AI and 3D technology to transform heritage tourism
3D reconstruction of Ly dynasty palace architecture. Image: Imperial Citadel Research Institute
Associate Professor Dr. Dao Tuan Thanh from Hanoi National University of Education emphasized that artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for Vietnam’s cultural and tourism industries in the digital era.
He proposed several solutions:
First, build an “AI Thang Long Citadel” system based on a comprehensive digital archive of archaeological data, research, artifacts, and tourism statistics. With big data, AI could forecast tourist trends, guide heritage tourism product design, and promote values more effectively.
Second, develop a digital ecosystem for Thang Long Citadel, connecting and digitizing all relic information. Cross-referencing with other Asian imperial capitals would highlight Thang Long’s unique cultural identity.
Third, integrate Thang Long Citadel into Hanoi’s cultural and tourism hub, connecting it with the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Cultural tourism products must be distinctive and infused with creative technologies.
Fourth, establish a digital Thang Long Citadel Museum with AI-powered exhibitions and public interaction, bridging the gap between heritage and community while enhancing global promotion.
Fifth, expedite the digitization of scientific records on relics and artifacts, providing essential data for the “AI Thang Long Citadel.” This process should involve archaeologists, IT experts, and multimedia communication teams to ensure wide outreach.
Vietnamnet.vn
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