Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Dai Co Viet, an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom situated near Ninh Binh town, 90 km south of Hanoi. This Kingdom occupied a small area of only 300 hectares and ruled during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th century and the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century. The Kingdom was safeguarded by a citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills, which made it difficult for the Chinese to conquer it.
The site is located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, and is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
History and Highlights of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Located amidst the Trang An limestone mountains, the ancient city of Hoa Lu is bordered by the Hoang Long River and its tributaries, which provide convenient waterways and cool down the city’s weather.
As the first capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu boasts a plethora of historical landmarks dating back to 968 when King Dinh Bo Linh established his rule until 980. The city continued to exist for nearly 30 years during the Early Le dynasty (980-1009) and one year under the Ly dynasty (1009-1010). Following this, it became an ancient capital preserving numerous temples and relics of Vietnam after King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long in 1010.
The Royal Court was situated on 150 hectares in the eastern part of the city, while the western part served as a place for educating and protecting children. The idyllic surroundings feature ponds and jagged limestone ranges, creating picturesque scenery.
Today, the Hoa Lu ancient capital is a significant element of Vietnam’s architectural and historical complex and recognized as one of the four cores forming the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An Complex.
What to Do in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital?
1. Taking part in the annual festivals
Visitors to Hoa Lu have the opportunity to participate in a variety of traditional cultural festivals. The most significant and prominent of these is the Truong Yen Festival. This festival takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month, in honor of the Dinh and Le dynasty kings, Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. The festival involves two parts: worshipping at the Truong Yen water station on the Hoang Long river and paying respects at the two temples dedicated to the Kings.
The Truong Yen Festival spans three days and features various forms of entertainment, such as Co lau tap tran (Cỏ lau tập trận) performances, Han script writing competitions, chess tournaments, dragon dances, and more. These traditional games are amusing and reflect local legends accurately.
2. Visiting temples and tombs
Hoa Lu, which served as the capital city of Vietnam for 41 years, is a destination that most travelers include in their itineraries. The main attractions are two temples constructed in the seventeenth century, modeled after their 11th-century predecessors. The Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple honor the founders of the Dinh Dynasty and its successor. Visitors need to climb over 200 steps to reach the temples.
Various palaces, pagodas, tombs, and pavilions from different dynasties were constructed throughout Hoa Lu. Unfortunately, many of these historic sites have been damaged or destroyed due to time passage and weather conditions. One of the most renowned structures was the Bao Thien Tue Palace, which was adorned with silver and gold plating.
3. Contemplating Nhat Tru Pagoda (so-called One Pillar Pagoda in Ninh Binh)
The One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Nhat Tru, is a historical pagoda that was constructed during the 10th century in the Hoa Lu Complex. It was ordered to be built by Emperor Le Dai Hanh and Ly Thai Tong.
This ancient pagoda has managed to preserve numerous relics that are connected with the history of the old capital from the 10th to the 11th centuries. The most notable architectural feature of this pagoda is the stone scripture pillar located at its front.
The stone pillar, which covers an area of over 3,000 m2, has an octagonal body that serves as a prayer book, while a stone lotus sits on top. On the right side of the pagoda, there is a gate that is associated with a 2-story roof.
The exterior of the pagoda bears three Chinese characters that contain the meaning of the pagoda, and the main lobby boasts multiple carvings of clouds and leaves.
A visit to the Three-Chamber Buddha Worship House is a must-see when visiting. This place houses various Buddhist statues such as Guan Yin on Mountain, Tam Ton, Tam The, and others. Its structure is similar to that of the main lobby, and visitors can burn incense before praying for themselves.
Even today, the Nhat Tru Pagoda remains a spiritual destination for both locals and tourists alike. Every year on January 15, a worship ceremony takes place here, with people coming to pray for the peace of their nation.
4. Paying a visit to Tam Coc – Bich Dong (Halong on land)
Tam Coc – Bich Dong, an architectural marvel located in Hoa Lu, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views of mountains, caves, and waterways. The rice paddies along the Ngo Dong River add to the charm of the place.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique beauty. Summer is considered the most beautiful season here when the green rice fields transform into a sparkling yellow against the backdrop of clouds. Often termed as “Halong Bay on land,” Tam Coc – Bich Dong is mesmerizing and captivating.
The Classic Culture 1-day tour from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc – Bich Dong includes transfers, meals, entry tickets, tour guide, and two additional services. The tour starts at US$50 per person.
5. Climbing to Ma Yen Mountain
Ma Yen Mountain is a legendary site in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, with an altitude of approximately 200m. It earned its name because it resembles a saddle, with a low elevation in the middle and high elevations on both ends.
According to legend, Dinh Bo Linh chose to establish Vietnam’s capital in this mountainous area in 968. Upon his death after ruling the country for 12 years, locals buried his body at the top of Ma Yen Mountain. At the foot of the mountain’s south lies the tomb of King Le Dai Hanh, where visitors can offer incense to pay respects.
For an excellent view of the ancient Hoa Lu capital, ascend Ma Yen Mountain’s peak. To experience the area’s serene ambiance fully, visit Hoang Giang River near Kiem Mount.
To access Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, take a day tour from Hanoi that covers 110km and lasts two hours. There are three primary routes available.
1. By bus
To travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, head to either Giap Bat or My Dinh station. Look for buses operated by Non Nuoc Ninh Binh, Hoang Long, Man Tinh, or Cuc Mung companies. The fare per person ranges from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND. Buses run every 30 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm daily. For more information, contact the respective bus company’s telephone number provided above.
2. By car or motorbike
To reach Hoa Lu ancient capital, depart from Giai Phong Street and turn onto Phap Van – Cau Gie Highway. Follow the signposts and continue straight until you arrive at Ninh Binh Province. Once there, it is easy to access Hoa Lu ancient capital.
3. By train
To reach Hoa Lu from Ninh Binh Railway Station, you’ll need to take a taxi. When visiting Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh, there are some delectable local dishes that you simply can’t miss out on. The rice crust is fried to crisp perfection and served with a special dipping sauce. Mountain Snail is another must-try dish, which is sweet, crispy and prepared in various ways. Additionally, Mountain Meats are cooked in different styles, including steamed goat, goat pudding, goat spring rolls and goat with lemon juice.
Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
When visiting Hoa Lu, there is no need to stress about timing. However, according to the Vietnamese locals, spring is often regarded as the most picturesque season to visit Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh. This is because of the numerous festivals that take place after Lunar Tet holiday, where visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and enjoy the bustling crowds.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more serene experience, it would be advisable to plan your visit on days when there are no such events happening in Hoa Lu.
Where to Stay in Hoa Lu?
There has been a rapid increase in the demand for visiting Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh province. As a result, there are now numerous hotels, resorts, homestays, and hostels offering excellent services to customers. Among the most comfortable options for relaxation around Hoa Lu are the Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort, Trang An River View Homestay, and Trang An Mountain House.
The Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort is situated in Hai Nham Village, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. You can contact them at 096 477 33 66.
Trang An River View Homestay is located in Trang An Village, Trang Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. Their contact number is 0985 469 608.
Finally, the Trang An Mountain House is also in Trang An Village, Trang Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, and you can reach them at 0979 952 234.
Tips and Tricks
Hoa Lu, located in Ninh Binh, is a significant historical site that provides valuable insights into Vietnamese history. For an enhanced experience, it is recommended to hire a tour guide to accompany you during your visit. As Hoa Lu holds spiritual significance, it is important to dress modestly. Please avoid littering outside of designated areas and maintain quietness within the temples. Lastly, be sure to visit during the specified opening hours of 7 am to 4 pm. It can be concluded that Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a culturally and historically valuable location in Vietnam.
