“They call it the Citadel of Bien Hoa” a local whispered. “But it has many names”.
The Citadel of Bien Hoa stands before you. It is more than just a historical site. It’s a testament to centuries of Vietnamese resilience. Originally built of earth in the 14th or 15th centuries by the Lap Man Chan Lap people it was a significant structure. It’s the only remaining citadel in Southern Vietnam.
In 1834 Emperor Minh Mang ordered its reconstruction. This time it was built with brick and laterite. The Dai Nam Thuc Luc the official chronicles of the Nguyen Dynasty detail this. They record that 1000 people were conscripted for the work. They were given wages and food. Earlier accounts from 1820 in the Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi suggest a different size and construction. This shows how historical records can vary. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in piecing together a complete picture of the Citadel’s early history.
The Citadel’s dimensions were impressive. The initial structure boasted walls approximately 467 meters long and 1.82 meters high. A moat 8.48 meters wide and 2.54 meters deep protected it. Four gates allowed access. The Citadel of Bien Hoa was strategically located. Its west-south facing wall was naturally defended by the Dong Nai River. The Dong Nai River was the only waterway between Bien Hoa and Saigon. This ensured a crucial trade route. The river also provided significant protection. The back of the citadel faced the Bau Long plain. This was connected by the only road to Hue. It was a major strategic location in its time.
The French occupation of 1861 changed everything. They reduced the Citadel’s size to about one-eighth of its original dimensions. They built barracks and residences inside. These were mainly for their high ranking officers. The French redesigned the Citadel based on the Vauban style of fortification. They made it a strongpoint. Locals called it Thanh Soldat or Thanh Xang Da. This shows the impact of colonialism.
After 1975 the Citadel of Bien Hoa was handed over to the Dong Nai Provincial Police. Later the structures inside were given to the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee. Today the Citadel of Bien Hoa is a national historical and cultural relic. It underwent significant restoration from 2014 to 2018. This restoration was controversial. Experts believe it prioritized the French-era structures. It hasn’t completely revived the original military features.
But even in its current state the Citadel stands as a powerful symbol. It embodies the spirit of a people. It has witnessed countless battles and transformations. It offers us a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich past. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Citadel of Bien Hoa.