Close-up of the largest ancient stone citadel in Southeast Asia in Thanh Hoa

Thanh Nha Ho - the only solid stone citadel with unique stone architecture remaining in Southeast Asia, is one of the few remaining stone citadels in the world and has outstanding global values, becoming a destination for adventurous tourists.

The ancient stone citadel was built by Ho Quy Ly in 1397 in Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa .

The Ho Dynasty Stone Citadel Heritage includes the Inner Citadel, La Thanh, and Nam Giao Altar, covering an area of 155.5 hectares and surrounded by a buffer zone of 5,078.5 hectares.

The location of the stone citadel was chosen according to feng shui principles in the beautiful natural landscape between the Ma River and the Buoi River in Vinh Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province.

Today, the stone citadel still retains four gates, built with large blocks of stone, many weighing from 10 to 26 tons.

The stone wall has a circumference of more than 3.5 km with many sections of the wall almost intact.

Once considered the capital, political, cultural and social center, and at the same time, the largest military defense structure of the Ho Dynasty.

Once considered the capital, political , cultural and social center, and at the same time, the largest military defense project of the Ho Dynasty.

Visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel, visitors cannot help but be amazed by the huge volume of stones and the way the stones were assembled to build the massive, sturdy stone walls and gates.

Visitors are even more surprised and amazed to learn that more than 600 years ago, this huge stone citadel was built in just 3 months.

The outstanding value of the citadel is the stone blocks weighing tens of tons, hand-carved but achieving maximum functionality and efficiency, unique and only found in East Asia.

In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Ho Dynasty citadel was an

In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Ho Dynasty citadel was an "unprecedented" miracle that has yet to be explained by science.

Archaeological excavations have revealed architectural vestiges and many artifacts that once contributed to creating a magnificent and majestic Tay Do.

All have proven that: Thanh Nha Ho is an ancient capital that was completely built with palaces, temples, shrines inside and was used continuously throughout the history of Dai Viet civilization.

The heritage becomes even more attractive when in the inner city area and the ancient village area surrounding the citadel, there are many cultural and historical relics and legendary stories related to this special citadel.

With its outstanding global values in culture, architecture and history, on June 27, 2011, Ho Dynasty Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.