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An Entertainment Empire Like a Dungeon! Explore Royal City with VietGo Editor
If you ask the VietGo editor about places to visit in Hanoi during a free trip, especially when encountering summer afternoon rain or the sweltering heat, where can you enjoy cool air conditioning, savor international cuisine, and have fun all day with family or friends? The answer is definitely the "Vincom Mega Mall Royal City," located in Thanh Xuân District! This super shopping center, resembling a dungeon castle, features an impressive Baroque-style residential area and a giant square above ground, while an astonishing entertainment world lies hidden underground. From Vietnam's largest ice skating rink to the contemporary art center filled with artistic vibes, and a shopping and dining street with hundreds of brands, follow the editor's footsteps to explore Hanoi's most talked-about underground entertainment city!
Attraction Introduction: The European Royal City Underground
Vincom Mega Mall Royal City is developed by Vietnam's leading enterprise group Vingroup, situated on Nguyễn Trãi Road, a major traffic artery in Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi. Vincom Mega Mall Royal City officially opened on July 26, 2013, covering a total area of 230,000 square meters. [Vincom Retail]
Vincom Retail Official Website: TTTM Vincom Mega Mall Royal City ↗
The entire mall is cleverly planned across underground levels B1 and B2, breaking the stereotype of dark and oppressive basements. The ground level features towering Roman arches, bronze statues of winged horses, fountains, and a European garden square that remains evergreen; once you step underground, the high atrium design allows natural light to flow in, and the spacious, bright corridors connect diverse sections of shopping, leisure, sports, and dining, resembling a miniature city hidden beneath the bustling metropolis.
Main Features: Diverse Facilities and Entertainment Highlights
The reason this underground giant mall is beloved by local residents and international travelers lies in its comprehensive indoor leisure and entertainment facilities:
- Vincom Ice Rink: The largest indoor ice skating rink in Vietnam, featuring an international-standard ice surface cooling system and professional ice skating equipment. Whether you are a beginner or an expert skater, you can experience the thrill of gliding on ice in a cool atmosphere.
- VCCA (Vincom Center for Contemporary Art): Located on level B1 (R3 area), covering approximately 4,000 square meters. This venue regularly hosts high-quality domestic and international modern art exhibitions, installation art, and cultural lectures, with a modern design that is usually open for free visits.
- International Cuisine Street: The food area is impressively large, gathering over a hundred restaurants and beverage shops. Whether it's the popular Vietnamese Pizza 4P's, Korean barbecue GoGi House, Japanese sushi, Thai hot pot, or local Vietnamese snacks, you can satisfy all your cravings in one stop.
- Indoor Entertainment and Cinema: The mall features a large arcade (Hero World), a bowling alley, an indoor roller skating rink, and a cinema equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, making it an excellent place for people of all ages to spend time on rainy days.
Suitable for Travelers: Who Should Plan a Visit to Royal City?
The diverse functions of Vincom Mega Mall Royal City make it suitable for various types of travelers:
- Family Travelers: The indoor space is not affected by weather, making it easy to navigate with strollers, and it offers a wealth of children's entertainment facilities and affordable family restaurants.
- Couples and Young Friends: The ice skating rink is perfect for sweet dates, while the VCCA and European square are excellent spots for capturing beautiful photos.
- Rainy Day and Heat Escapers: During Hanoi's afternoon thunderstorms or hot seasons, this is the top choice for an all-weather plan.
- Food and Shopping Enthusiasts: With local brands, international fast fashion, and large chain supermarkets, along with hundreds of dining options, you can easily enjoy the shopping experience.
Recommended Activities and Itinerary Suggestions
Classic Half-Day Tour Recommended Route
It is suggested to schedule your visit to Royal City in the afternoon to evening, combining it with nearby historical and cultural attractions for a well-rounded day in Hanoi:
- Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in the city center to experience Hanoi's historical and cultural heritage.
- Lunch: Head to Vincom Mega Mall Royal City for lunch at the food street (recommended Pizza 4P's or Korean barbecue).
- Afternoon: Stroll to the VCCA on level B1 to appreciate modern art exhibitions, then head to the Vincom Ice Rink to experience indoor ice skating.
- Evening: Capture photos of the European fountain and bronze statues at Royal Square, then take a ride to the city center or a rooftop bar to enjoy the night view.
Key Points to Visit and Tips to Avoid Getting Lost
Due to the vast scale of Royal City and its long, similarly structured underground layout, first-time visitors can easily lose their way. Here are some tips compiled by the editor to help avoid getting lost:
- Recognize Building Codes (R1 - R6): The underground areas of the mall correspond to the residential buildings above ground (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6). When settling down or arranging a meeting, be sure to remember the nearby building and entrance codes (e.g., R3 lobby or R5 entrance).
- Utilize Electronic Navigation Screens: Major intersections have touch-screen electronic maps (Map Directory) that allow you to check your current location and target stalls at any time.
- Ride-Hailing Positioning Tips: When using Grab or hailing a taxi, do not just enter the mall name; it is recommended to specify a particular entrance (such as