Ho Dynasty Citadel to officially become World Heritage

A ceremony to celebrate the Ho Dynasty Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage site took place in the central province of Thanh Hoa on June 16, 2025.

Following the ceremony, an art program titled "Thanh Nha Ho – Niem Tu Hao Dat Viet" (Ho Dynasty Citadel – The Pride of Vietnam) was held to honor the historical and cultural significance of the citadel. A variety of cultural activities were organized to commemorate the event, including a traditional village market, a festival showcasing Ly-Tran dynasty folk games, and an exhibition featuring artifacts, photographs, and articles about the citadel and the Ho Dynasty aimed at promoting tourism in the region.

The 14th-century Ho Dynasty Citadel, constructed based on feng shui principles, is located in a landscape of stunning natural beauty along the axis connecting the Tuong Son and Don Son mountains in a plain nestled between the Ma and Buoi rivers. The architectural style of the citadel exemplifies a distinctive new type of Southeast Asian imperial city. It is the fifth site in Vietnam to be recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, following the complex of Huế Monuments, Hội An Ancient Town, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, and the central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long.