Dien Hai Citadel is one of the most important historical sites in Da Nang city. It’s built to protect the city from invasions by boat. In the second half of the 19th century, it’s linked to the first war ever between Vietnamese and European conquerers. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang, Vietnam.
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Must Knows about Dien Hai Citadel
– Location/address: Tran Phu Street, Thach Thang ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city (near Da Nang Administrative Center Building)
– Vietnamese name:
– Other name(s):
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm everyday
– Ticket price: free
– Year of construction: 1923
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the most important historical sites in Da Nang
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 30-45 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/dien-hai-citadel
– Recognition(s):
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Parking lot: free
– Food & drink:
– Shopping:
– Fact:
Dien Hai Citadel on Map
History & Architecture of Dien Hai Citadel
Dien Hai Fortress was constructed in 1813 (reign of Gia Long king) near the estuary of the Han River. Ten years later (1823), it was moved inland and rebuilt by request of Minh Mang king (the son of Minh Mang king) on the top of a mound. In 1825, it’s renamed ‘Dien Hai Citadel’ and this name is still in use today. This is the most important stronghold in the city.
In 1827, in the reign of Thieu Tri king (son of Minh Mang king), Dien Hai Citadel was enlarged. After that, it became a Vaulan style fortress with 5-meters-tall walls that are surrounded by 3-meters-deep moats. This building has two gates, including the south gate (main entrance) and the east gate (looking to the river). Today, visitors go to the citadel by the east gate. Within it, there are military houses, a flag tower and other constructions. Unfortunately, none of them survives until modern times. Compared to other citadels, Dien Hai Citadel is relatively similar to Dien Ban Citadel near Hoi An and is much smaller than Hue’s Imperial City.
From 1858 to 1860, Dien Hai Citadel was associated with the first war between Vietnamese and French/Spanish. This event marked a turning point in Vietnam’s history. Today, here visitors will see a statue to commemorate Nguyen Tri Phuong (1800-1873, a military general) who led the army to win the invaders as well as a collection of bronze cannons which the army of the Nguyen dynasty used to fight in the battles. By the way, Nam Duong Park or Phuoc Ninh Cemetery is the burial place for Vietnamese soldiers and citizens falling down, and Y Pha Nho Cemetery (Son Tra Peninsula) is the burial place for French and Spanish soldiers.
In 1888, Da Nang city was a protectorate of French people and it’s called Tourane then. In 1895, buildings lying inside this fortress were destroyed by them. In 1895 and 1990, a hospital and a chapel were built respectively here.
On 16th November 1988, Dien Hai Citadel was recognized as a national heritage site of Vietnam. On 25th December 2017, it’s upgraded to be a special national heritage site.
On 29th March 2025, Da Nang Museum, the largest museum in Da Nang, was moved to the new location – 42 Bach Dang Street, after staying inside Dien Hai Citadel from 1989. This is one of the steps to reconstruct buildings within the citadel.
How to Get to Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang
Dien Hai Citadel is located in Thach Thang ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city. On the west bank of the Han River, this place is next to the Da Nang Administrative Center building.
If stay in the hotel within Thach Thang ward, visitors can walk to Dien Hai Citadel.
From places on the same bank (Hai Chau district, Thanh Khe district), visitors can take a taxi, private car/bus or ride the motorbike to Dien Hai Citadel. From other side of the river (east bank of the Han River), it’s needed to go cross Thuan Phuoc Bridge/Han River Bridge/Dragon Bridge/Tran Thi Ly Bridge and then find the quickest way to the citadel.
From Hoi An, the distance to Dien Hai Citadel is some 30 kilometers. If go by car, the drive is around 1 hour long. It’s longer a bit if riding the motorbike by your own. The best motorbike route is the coastal road Lac Long Quan Road (Truong Sa Road, Vo Nguyen Giap Road in Da Nang). At the crossroad of Vo Nguyen Giap Road and Pham Van Dong Road (Bien Dong Park), turn left and go straight, cross Han River Bridge to see Bach Dang Street (under the bridge). The road leading to the entrance of Dien Hai Citadel lies on the left hand side.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers to Da Nang and Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit Near Dien Hai Citadel
Near Dien Hai Citadel, visitors can go to these places in Da Nang city center: Han River (distance: 50m), Han Market (distance: 300m), the Dragon Bridge (distance: 950m), Son Tra Night Market (distance: 1,8km), Han River Bridge (distance: 650km), Museum of Cham Sculpture (distance: 1km), APEC Park (distance: 1km), Bach Dang Walking Street (distance: 1km), Da Nang Fresco Village (distance: 1,1km), Phap Lam Pagoda (distance: 1,5km), Con Market (distance: 1,3km), Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts (distance: 1,2km), Da Nang Museum of History and Culture (distance: 1,2km), Dien Hai Citadel (distance: 1,3km), the Love Lock Bridge (distance: 2km), Statue of Carp Dragon (distance: 2km).
Photos, Videos about Dien Hai Citadel
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang:
