Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Ninh Binh - Vietnam

Location and History

As the capital of Vietnam's first significant government, Hoa Lu has been the site of numerous pivotal historical events. It played a crucial role in the unification of Vietnam following the "12 Lords Rebellion," the conflicts with the Song dynasty, the defense against ancient Cambodia, and the eventual establishment of modern-day Hanoi. Spanning a total area of 13.87 square kilometers, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu remains an essential destination for history enthusiasts.

Visiting Hoa Lu

Visitors to Hoa Lu old capital can explore a range of historical sites that are rich in culture.Photo: vietvisiontravel.com

Among the key attractions are various temples dedicated to the Emperors and significant royal figures who ruled over a millennium ago. Notable sites include the Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor Temple, the Le Dai Hanh Emperor Temple, and the Phat Kim Princess Temple, which honors the tragic life of Phat Kim, the daughter of Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor. The Ly Thai To Emperor Temple, constructed to commemorate Hanoi's 1000th anniversary, is another must-see. Additionally, Hoa Lu features the Four Sacred Temples (Hoa Lu Tu Tran) that pay homage to the deities of the four cardinal directions: Quy Minh Temple, Thien Ton Temple, Cao Son Temple, and Nguyen Temple. Unique to Hoa Lu is its own One Pillar Pagoda, reminiscent of Hanoi's famed structure, but distinguished by the Buddha inscriptions that adorn its front, dating back over a millennium. Alongside these sacred sites, numerous monuments, tombs, and shrines dedicated to other historical figures and deities are also found throughout the area.Photo: tranganretreat.com 

Moreover, the remnants of the ancient fortress established during the Dinh dynasty over 1000 years ago are well-preserved. The Imperial Palace lies approximately 3 meters underground, now serving as an intriguing site for exploration. Visitors can view ancient artifacts once used by the royal family. The fortress's exterior design took advantage of natural elements: mountains provide a solid backdrop, deep valleys serve as a foundation, and adjacent rivers offer water while acting as defenses against potential invaders. This fortress demonstrates remarkable strength, capable of withstanding prolonged sieges from even formidable foes. The landscape within the fortress presents beautiful photographic opportunities and a delightful environment for sightseeing. Furthermore, the historic town of Hoa Lu enchants tourists with its unique charm.Photo: justgola.com 

Lastly, an event that captivates visitors to Hoa Lu is the Truong Yen Festival held in February and March, according to the Lunar calendar. This celebration encompasses a series of activities that revive the legacy of the historical Emperors, including the March of Water, rituals honoring the Dinh and Le Emperors, performances of ancient traditions, reenactments of Dinh Tien Hoang's childhood battles, Cheo and Tuong theatrical performances, and a beauty pageant for the women of Hoa Lu. This festival serves to evoke the nostalgia of bygone eras and offers younger generations a chance to gain insights into their rich heritage.

How To Get There

Hoa Lu is conveniently located and can serve as a stopover when traveling from Hue to Hanoi. If you are already in Hanoi, booking a day tour to Ninh Binh, just 90 kilometers south of the capital, is a straightforward option.

Useful Information

• Location: Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Best for: Family, couple, solo
• Entrance: 20,000 VND
• Hours: All hours
• Distance to city center: None