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Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Useful info for first-time visitors

12/03/2024 568 views

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital served as the political and cultural heart of the nation for over four decades. This historic site boasts ancient temples, royal tombs, and majestic landscapes, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage.

History lovers cannot miss a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to learn about Vietnamese history

History lovers cannot miss a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to learn about Vietnamese history (Source: Collected)

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, situated in Ninh Binh, holds significant historical and cultural importance as the former capital of Dai Co Viet. Here, visitors can explore ancient temples and learn about Vietnam’s early dynasties amidst stunning natural landscapes. Read this article and get ready for a journey into the country’s rich heritage and historical legacy.

1. An overview of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

  • Location: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
  • Opening hours: 
    • Summer: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Winter: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital entrance fee: 
      • Adults: 20,000 VND/person/visit
      • Children aged 6-15, seniors aged 60 and above: 10,000 VND/person/visit
      • Children under 6 years old, disabled individuals: Free
  • Phone number: 0229 362 0099
Hoa Lu tells the historical story of three feudal dynasties

Hoa Lu tells the historical story of three feudal dynasties (Source: Collected)

The ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Vietnam (Hoa Lu Ancient Capital), holds profound significance as a national historical and cultural relic site. It served as the capital of Dai Co Viet (the name of Vietnam during the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties) for 42 years, witnessing pivotal events in the nation’s history and  being a stronghold of military power for three successive dynasties. Beyond its historical importance, Hoa Lu is one of the three components of the renowned Trang An Landscape Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site—the first of its kind in Vietnam.

>>> Discover: Things to do in Ninh Binh: Unveil 16 MOST exciting activities

2. Best time to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

Visitors can explore Hoa Lu Vietnam at any time of the year, but some of the best times include:

The annual festival of Hoa Lu, with its vibrant activities, attracts visitors from across Vietnam

The annual festival of Hoa Lu, with its vibrant activities, attracts visitors from across Vietnam (Source: Collected)

  • Lunar March (around March or April in the Gregorian calendar): To immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional annual festival at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (8th–10th of Lunar March).
  • Spring from January to March: When the weather is pleasant and there are many festivals in Ninh Binh.
  • Summer from May to August: To admire ripe golden rice fields or fragrant lotus ponds.

>>> More on: Ninh Binh weather by season & by month: The ultimate guide

3. Best ways to get to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital from Hanoi

To reach the Hoa Lu relic site, visitors can travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and then proceed from the city center to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital by taxi or motorbike. The main transportation options are:

You can travel from Hanoi to Hoa Lu by coach, train, or private vehicle

You can travel from Hanoi to Hoa Lu by coach, train, or private vehicle (Source: Collected)

  • By coach: Several bus companies operate services such as Hieu Vien, Trang An Limousine, Cat Loi, Minh Long Limousine, etc. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with average ticket prices ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 VND per person.
  • By train: Travel by train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs about 130,000 VND per one-way ticket. There are around 6 trains per day, including SE7, SE5, SE35, SE9, SE3, and SE19, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • By private car/motorbike: Those traveling by car can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway or National Highway 1A. Motorcycles are not allowed on the expressway, so motorbike travelers should take National Highway 1A and then follow signs to Hoa Lu.

4. Insights into the map of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Ninh Binh

With nearly 10 centuries of history, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital covers an area of 13.87 square kilometers with over 30 relics, including 2 royal temples, several communal houses, and ancient pagodas. Due to its vast size, visitors should prioritize key sites for exploration. A common itinerary includes visiting the Eastern Gate – King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, then proceeding to King Le Dai Hanh Temple, King Ly Thai To stele house, Nhat Tru Pagoda, and more.

4.1. Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang

Visit the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang and admire its impressive architecture

Visit the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang and admire its impressive architecture (Source: Collected)

The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is a significant relic within the specially protected area of the heritage complex. It is the only place in Vietnam where King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents, sons, and courtiers are worshiped. The temple’s impressive architecture and remarkable historical significance make it one of the 100 famous 100-year-old works in Vietnam. In front of the temple lies Ma Yen Mountain, where King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb is located.

4.2. Temple of King Le Dai Hanh

Near the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh. Both temples are built in an architectural style reminiscent of ancient imperial capitals. The unique beauty of the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh lies in its wood carving art, with masterpieces dating back to the 17th century, along with numerous archaeological relics of ancient palaces and ceramic artifacts preserved in the temple’s museum.

Follow the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital map to visit the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh

Follow the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital map to visit the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh and worship (Source: Collected)

4.3. Temple of Princess Phat Kim

Another must-visit place on the journey back to the Hoa Lu relic site is the Temple of Princess Phat Kim, built during the Early Le period. The temple honors a virtuous Vietnamese woman who endured many hardships throughout her life. There are hypotheses that the temple was constructed on the site of the Vong Nguyet palace, where the princess once resided. The well where she is said to have taken her life still exists in front of the temple.

4.4. Temple of King Ly Thai To

The next destination is a new temple built on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, dedicated to honoring the contributions of King Ly Thai To to the nation’s history. The temple is constructed with a unique design resembling a pagoda instead of traditional temple architecture. However, construction was temporarily halted due to the discovery of ancient artifacts underground, so currently, only the King Ly Thai To stele house is present.

4.5. Nhat Tru Pagoda

The oldest stone pillar in Nhat Tru Pagoda is currently under proposal as a World Documentary Heritage

The oldest stone pillar in Nhat Tru Pagoda is currently under proposal as a World Documentary Heritage (Source: Collected)

Visitors taking a trip to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Vietnam cannot overlook a particular relic, the Nhat Tru Pagoda. This pagoda also inspired the construction of the famous One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. Despite undergoing several renovations, the pagoda still houses a stone pillar engraved with Buddhist scriptures dating back thousands of years, making it the oldest stone pillar in Vietnam.

4.6. Phu Vuon Thien

Phu Vuong Thien is also a notable relic in Hoa Lu Vietnam Ancient Capital, with a temple-like architecture of three main halls in the middle of a courtyard. The palace was built as a shrine for Prince Le Long Thau, the eldest son of King Le Dai Hanh. He was an intelligent prince who managed the Tu Thien observatory tower, a tower used to observe natural phenomena and predict daily weather for the king.

4.7. Am Tien Ninh Binh/Tuyet Tinh Coc

Check-in at Tuyet Tinh Coc for the most beautiful Hoa Lu Ancient Capital photos

Check-in at Tuyet Tinh Coc for the most beautiful Hoa Lu Ancient Capital photos (Source: Collected)

Am Tien Cave, also poetically known as Tuyet Tinh Coc, is a beautiful scenic spot within the national relic complex of Hoa Lu. It emanates picturesque natural beauty, with a crystal-clear jade-colored lake, a temple atop a mountain, majestic gateways, and more, all surrounded by rocky cliffs. Visitors to Am Tien Cave experience the sensation of entering a mysterious land steeped in historical colors amidst the majestic mountains.

4.8. Thien Ton Cave – One of the four guardian temples of Hoa Lu

Thien Ton Cave is another noteworthy site within the ancient capital. In ancient times, the cave served as an important gateway to the imperial capital of Hoa Lu, closely associated with the name of King Dinh Bo Linh. Nowadays, the cave is a beautiful tourist attraction with impressive stalactites and is a place of solemn worship of the Buddha and the deity Tran Vu Thien Ton.

5. Travel tips for visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Follow some regulations to have a smooth trip to Hoa Lu

Follow some regulations to have a smooth trip to Hoa Lu (Source: Collected)

Some regulations when visiting the Hoa Lu relic site complex include:

  • Visitors must responsibly maintain security, environmental hygiene, and landscape protection, adhere to cultural and civilized living, and comply with regulations on fire prevention.
  • Dress modestly, and maintain quietness in solemn areas. No filming or photography unless authorized.
  • Any form of intrusion on artifacts and sabotage, such as picking flowers, breaking branches, writing, or drawing on architectural structures, is strictly prohibited.
  • No smoking in public areas; no lighting incense within temple interiors.
  • Prohibit the use of all types of vehicles within the temple grounds and designated areas.
  • Visitors must purchase tickets as required and keep them for presentation when requested.
  • Visitors can register for guided tours at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Historical and Cultural Conservation Center for a better understanding.

In addition to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visitors can explore other fascinating destinations in Ninh Binh, such as Tam Coc, Trang An, Cuc Phuong National Park, Bich Dong Pagoda, Mua Caves, Bai Dinh Pagoda, etc.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. Whether marveling at its architectural splendors or delving into its storied past, a visit to Hoa Lu promises an unforgettable experience for travelers from around the world.

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