King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during their visit to Thang Long Imperial Citadel

04/04/2025

On April 1, 2025, within the framework of the State visit to Vietnam, King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde, together with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong and his wife Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, visited the World Heritage Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. This event not only demonstrated the Belgian Royal Family’s respect for Vietnam’s cultural heritage but also marked a new development in the friendly relations between the two countries.

At the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site, President Luong Cuong and his wife, along with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, walked through the Doan Mon Gate, an important historical architectural work of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Doan Mon, built during the Ly Dynasty, has a U-shaped structure with 5 arches, of which the central arch is reserved for the king. This is where many ceremonial activities of the ancient court took place. Next, the delegation visited the archaeological pit and the stone dragon steps of Dien Kinh Thien, which preserves many important vestiges of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel through historical periods. The artifacts here clearly reflect the development and ups and downs of the Thang Long citadel, from the Dai La period, through the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties, etc. The delegation also visited the Thang Long Exhibition House, a thousand-year-old underground history, which displays many valuable artifacts recognized as “National Treasures”. Among them, the most prominent are precious metal objects and high-class ceramics crafted by the Thang Long kilns, serving the king, queen, royal family and court. These artifacts not only have high artistic value but also reflect the rich and sophisticated court life of the feudal dynasties of Vietnam.

The visit to Thang Long Imperial Citadel by the King and Queen of Belgium, along with the President and his wife, is a symbol of the profound cultural exchange between Vietnam and Belgium. The fact that high-ranking leaders come together to learn about Vietnam’s cultural heritage demonstrates their respect and appreciation for the history and traditions of the Vietnamese people. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have both visited Vietnam many times before in different positions, leaving many beautiful impressions and memories. However, this is their first State visit to Vietnam, marking a meaningful “return” to the land they have so much affection for. This visit demonstrates Belgium’s special respect for Vietnam as well as Vietnam’s role and position in the Asia-Pacific region.

The visit to Thang Long Imperial Citadel by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, along with President Luong Cuong and his wife Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, is an important event, demonstrating the solidarity and mutual respect between the two countries. This is also an opportunity to introduce to international friends the rich cultural heritage and glorious history of Vietnam, while opening up new cooperation opportunities, contributing to promoting the increasingly developed and sustainable Vietnam – Belgium relationship.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during their visit to Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The significance of heritage education at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

President Luong Cuong offers incense to celebrate the New Year of At Ty 2025 at the Central Heritage Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Hanoi