Explore the rich history and culture of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Our travel guide offers insider tips, must-see attractions, and local insights to help you make the most of your visit. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders of this fascinating destination.
Besides the famous tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is always an ideal place for those who love to explore and learn about history and culture. Let’s check Hoa Lu Ancient Capital travel experience and suggest the latest schedule below.
How to Hoa Lu Ancient capital is unique?
The relic system in Hoa Lu is related to the history of three dynasties. There are Dinh, Le, Anh Ly dynasties. Hoa Lu is the first capital of the feudalist state of centralized power in Vietnam with historical landmarks. The capital of Vietnam was held here from 898 to 1010.
Under King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (Formed name of Hanoi). So the Hoa Lu became the ancient capital of Vietnam.
1. Where is Hoa Lu ancient capital?
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital belongs to Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, where it is contiguous between Gia Vien and Hoa Lu districts, Ninh Binh province. Hoa Lu is also very close to other attractions such as Trang An, Tuyet Tinh Coc and the sacred temples.
Formerly, this place was the ancient capital of Hoa Lu under the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties. Therefore, Hoa Lu still retains for itself the cultural features as well as historical relics with long-standing values. In particular, this place also has sediments from the early Stone Age more than 30 thousand years ago.
Along with Trang An Bai Dinh tourist area. Hoa Lu is recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Over 1000 years witnessed so many ups and downs and changes in history.
But so far Hoa Lu still retains the beauty from its pristine beauty with solid walls covered with moss. Coming to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh. You can not only explore the culture but also visit the ancient temples too.
2. Directions to Hoa Lu ancient capital?
To be able to stop exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you will first have to visit Ninh Binh. From Hanoi to Ninh Binh there are many different options to choose from. Such as bus, train or motorbike. If traveling by train or bus, you will stop at the bus station or Ninh Binh station and from here you can rent a motorbike or taxi to go to Hoa Lu.
In contrast, traveling by motorbike or Ninh Binh private tour is more popular because the moving process is quite simple, without many difficulties. Also helps you be more flexible and proactive when traveling to other Ninh Binh tourist destinations.
Hoa Lu ancient capital is more than 8km from Ninh Binh city, from the center of the city you move in the direction to the city post office. Then turn left and go along Trang An road, after passing Trang An tourist resort. You will see a Hoa Lu signpost about 200m away.
3. When is the best time to travel to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh?
Like other places in Ninh Binh you can visit this place at any time of the year. However, if you want to visit to enjoy the lively and bustling festive atmosphere, from March to May of the lunar calendar is considered an ideal time. Moreover, at this time, the weather is quite comfortable, not yet entering the peak hot season.
On 8-10 of the 3rd lunar month every year is the traditional festival of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. So that it often attracts many tourists to come to pilgrimage as well as participate in fun activities. Like folk games…
If you do not want to be crowded, May is also a good suggestion. Because at this time, Ninh Binh’s panoramic view is like wearing a yellow shirt of ripe rice fields. Do not forget to combine visit Mua cave & Tam Coc Bich Dong or surrounding places to admire this beautiful scene.
4. Tourist destinations in the ancient capital Hoa Lu Ninh Binh
Temple of Dinh Tien Hoang
The first place that you must definitely visit when coming to Hoa Lu and the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Who chose Hoa Lu as the capital of Dai Co Viet. The temple is built on an area of over 5ha surrounding, covered with magnificent rock mountains with the front is Mount Ma Yen. Especially above the mountain is the tomb of King Dinh. If you want to visit, you can try the trekking experience which is also very interesting.
The temple is designed with ancient architecture and features the Dinh dynasty when choosing stone as the main material. So right from entering the temple courtyard you will come across the floor of the stone floor and the carvings are also carved out of very fine monolithic green stone.
Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
After visiting King Dinh temple, do not forget that only about 300m away is the temple of Le Dai Hanh. Also designed with a similar architecture. But compared to King Dinh temple, this place is smaller in scale.
In front of the temple is the central square of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh. Behind is a moat which is used to protect the whole capital. What every guest visiting here feels like is the fresh air, peaceful and extremely quiet. But in each tourist season, this place becomes more vibrant and more crowded.
Thien Ton Pagoda
Besides the sacred temples, Hoa Lu ancient capital also has ancient temples and attracts visitors with unique architecture, one of which is Thien Ton pagoda and cave. If you want to visit the cave, start from Hoa Lu because the cave is at the Western gateway, the area of Dung Duong mountain. Although compared to other caves in Ninh Binh, Thien Ton cave is somewhat smaller. But inside it’s very beautiful stalactites it-selves.
5. What to eat in Hoa Lu?
Steamed rice – goat meat
Referring to the dishes still in the land of the ancient capital Hoa Lu Ninh Binh. It is certainly not impossible to not mention the delicious specialties of cooked goat meat here. Steamed rice is processed manually and does not need to be soaked in spices like other places, when eating you will see the crispy, greasy but not tired at all. Burning rice often appears in meals here.
Apart from burnt rice, going to Ninh Binh without enjoying goat meat is indeed a small flaw at all. Goat meat is processed into many different delicacies such as stir-fried, steamed, grilled porridge, hotpot … Under the processing hands of chefs, goat meat is soft, tough enough and special. The taste is unmistakable. Some famous goat eating restaurants in Ninh Binh for your reference. Such as Duc De, Truong De, Hoang Giang, Thang Long restaurants …
Ninh Binh snails
Mountain nails is a famous specialty in the land of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. So if you have the opportunity to visit, do not forget to enjoy this extremely delicious and attractive dish! However, mountain snails usually only range from April to August each year. After a day exploring the tourist destinations that are sipping hot snails, there really is nothing better than that, right?
Notes when traveling to Hoa Lu ancient capital
- Because most of the tourist attractions in Hoa Lu Ninh Binh are temples and shrines. So when you come here you should choose discreet, polite costumes. Don’t talk too loud when visiting temples.
- Need to comply with the regulations of the monuments management, avoid fighting, graffiti on the architecture here. No littering. Not organizing and spreading superstitious activities …
- If you want to learn about the culture and history of Hoa Lu ancient capital. Do not hesitate, try asking the elderly people to look after the temple. They will be an extremely good guide to tell you these interesting stories!
What can do here?
- Biking around rural villages
- Visit local family to know authentic of Vietnamese people daily life
Quick tips:
- If do biking and visit family in this area. The visitor should book private tour Ninh Binh in advance
Above is the experience of exploring and traveling to the ancient capital Hoa Lu Ninh Binh. Hopefully, with the above suggestions, it will help you to have a complete trip and many useful experiences with these spiritual places. Let’s refer to the other useful travel experiences.
