Son Tay citadel is a square fortress built in 1822 under Emperor Minh Mang, entirely of laterite, in the town of Son Tay a few kilometres from Duong Lam. Its walls, moat and gates survive, and it was captured by French forces in the 1880s.
Half an hour is enough to walk through a gate, along the wall and past the moat; it pairs naturally with a morning in Duong Lam.
Add the citadel to your village morning
Every tour can be tailored; the citadel is a short drive from Duong Lam.
★Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourThe laterite lanes, a 400-year-old house and a che lam kitchen, with your own guide · About 5.5 hoursSee the tour →Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourDuong Lam in depth, lunch cooked in an old house, then the pagoda where water puppetry began · About 9 hoursSee the tour →What remains
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1822, reign of Emperor Minh Mang |
| Material | Laterite throughout |
| Size | About 16 hectares, each side roughly 400 metres |
| Gates | Four, one on each side |
| Moat | Still circles the walls |
The same stone builds the houses of Duong Lam.
Visiting
The walls, gates and moat are open to walk around; the inside is partly parkland. Weekend evenings bring a pedestrian area with local families.
Want the citadel too?
Ask us to add it to the half day; we quote any change in writing.
Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourAbout 5.5 hoursSee the tour →Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourAbout 9 hoursSee the tour →Questions people ask
When was Son Tay citadel built?
In 1822, under Emperor Minh Mang.
What is it built of?
Laterite, the same stone as Duong Lam’s houses.
How far is it from Duong Lam?
A few kilometres, about ten minutes by car.
Village and citadel, one easy morning
Guide, car and tickets in one price, free to cancel until 3 days before.
★Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourThe laterite lanes, a 400-year-old house and a che lam kitchen, with your own guide · About 5.5 hoursfrom$45/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$165BOOK →2 guests$170BOOK →3 guests$175BOOK →4 guests$180BOOK →See the full tour page →Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourDuong Lam in depth, lunch cooked in an old house, then the pagoda where water puppetry began · About 9 hoursfrom$93/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$275BOOK →2 guests$305BOOK →3 guests$340BOOK →4 guests$370BOOK →See the full tour page →Historical details from Vietnamese heritage sources, checked September 2026.