From the end of the 19th century, the vast majority of the structures were seriously damaged due to neglect, leading to their gradual disappearance and leaving only a few original buildings and constructions. This systematic destruction continued during the French occupation, converting the land into offices and barracks of the capital of Indochina.

Except for a few surviving constructions, such as the Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội), the Main Gate (Đoan Môn), the steps of the Kinh Thiên Palace (Điện Kính Thiên) or the Rear Palace (Hậu Lâu), most of its structures would be restored between the end of the 20th century and well into the 21st century, at which time the Imperial City of Thang Long would be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. With its restoration and preservation, Vietnam's cultural and architectural heritage has been protected and transmitted through the centuries.

The Hanoi Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội), besides being one of the best surviving parts of the ancient citadel, is an iconic monument and symbol of Vietnam's capital. It was built in the 19th century by the Nguyễn dynasty on top of earlier structures. The building is approximately 33 meters high and consists of three levels. It is located at the southern entrance of the Citadel and is one of Hanoi's most recognizable landmarks.

Đoan Môn, the so-called Main Gate, is an archway leading to the Kinh Thiên Palace and was the main entrance to the citadel. The structure consists of five gates built of stone. Although originally dating back to the Lý dynasty, the structure still standing is from the 15th century with later additions and reconstructions from the 19th century, during the Nguyễn dynasty. This gate has played a very important ritual and ceremonial role along with the courtyard behind it.

Another very important building of the citadel is the Kinh Thiên Palace, of which only its foundations and the access stairs to it are preserved. The stairs, divided into three equal parts by two large statues of dragons, dating from the second half of the fifteenth century and are considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese architectural and artistic heritage.

The remains of the citadel also include the structure of the Rear Palace (Hậu Lâu), built during the Nguyễn dynasty to house concubines when the emperor was in Hanoi and in which fine pottery remains were found. The rest of the complex is completed by an archaeological site and Building D67, built on the northern part of the foundations of Kinh Thiên Palace by the Vietnam People's Army as headquarters during the Vietnam War.

As a whole, the Imperial City of Thang Long is an exceptional sample of Vietnam's history and culture that has managed to partially survive for almost 1000 years, of which, to this day, only a small fraction has been excavated and restored.

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