Hoa Lu: Vietnam’s Ancient Capital That Time Almost Forgot!

Hoa Lu, the former glorious imperial capital, is located in Ninh Binh Province, north of Hanoi, just 100 kilometers away. This place is regarded as rich in history, culture, and nature because it was the center during the reign of three feudal dynasties in Vietnam between AD 968 and AD 1010.

When you visit Hoa Lu, you will probably also visit sites such as Tam Coc Nature Reserve and the Trang An Ecological Complex, where you will enjoy scenic boat rides on lakes and rivers among dense karst formations and rice paddies. Follow this all-inclusive guide, along with all our wonderful tips, for your next trip to Hoa Lu.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 19-02-2025

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Where is Hoa Lu Captial located?

The ancient city of Hoa Lu (Cố đô Hoa Lư in Vietnamese) is situated northwest of Ninh Binh, in Hoa Lu and Gia Vien districts. This is where, in 968, King Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, the first emperor of Vietnam after 1,000 years of Chinese authority, unified the nation and made it his capital. This place is one of the first foundations of what would later become Vietnam.

The capital of Hoa Lu existed for only 42 years (968-1010), but it left many vestiges linked to the most important events that influenced the destiny and history of Vietnam. Therefore, just seeing this place at least once should be a "must-go" on your travels in Vietnam!

In 2014, UNESCO recognized the historical and cultural relic of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu in the Trang An landscape complex as a World Heritage Site.

How to get there?

From Hanoi, you can arrive there by bus, train, or car. Definitely consider taking the bus for a more comfortable journey. Train travelers arriving in Ninh Binh must rent motorbikes or take taxis directly from the train station to Hoa Lu.

Opening hours and ticket prices in Hoa Lu

• Opening hours: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• Ticket price: VND20,000/adult; 10,000 VND/child

Top Things to See and Do in Hoa Lu

Before we start, we’d like to suggest a panoramic map of Hoa Lu to help you easily visualize the area.

• Vietnamese Feudal Architecture: Temples of Kings Dinh and Le

The Imperial Citadel entrance gives access by levitating a wide stone bridge across the river and stepping into a well-groomed, sophisticated portico. Then, you come to a wide square, which to the left empties into an array of limestone rocks and rice fields. Turning right leads to the city center of Hoa Lu. To the left in front of you, two temples greet you: Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple, both examples of architectural magnificence during Vietnamese feudalism.

The temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is the most finely ornamented and preserved legacy. It faces the east and has a 5-hectare geomantic enclosure with imposing centenary trees and various species of fruit bushes. To admire it, one can observe a harmonious and refined architectural composition, wood-and-stone sculptures, beautiful lacquered columns and parallel inscriptions, and a great richness of painted wooden ornaments, skillfully crafted by artisans from the seventeenth century.

Near Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, the temple of Emperor Le Dai Hanh stands on the former site of the royal palace of Hoa Lu. This temple is called Ha Temple. In this temple, statues of Emperor Le Dai Hanh (941-1005), Empress Duong Van Nga, and their fifth son Le Ngoa Trieu are enshrined. The architecture and sculpture demonstrate the characteristic style of a more recent period; however, the temple is remarkable for its spectacular refinements, which testify to the artistic genius of seventeenth-century craftsmen.

• Cycling Through Rice Paddies and Limestone Formations in Hoa Lu

A trip to Hoa Lu by bicycle is a suggestion we highly endorse. This is a perfect opportunity to ride through the enchanting countryside of Ha Long Land Bay in Ninh Binh. You'll enjoy pedaling through magnificent views of karst cliffs and sugar loaf hills, with lotus-covered ponds and rice paddies stretching below. The region is completely flat, making cycling easy for all. For more information: TOP 7 Best Rice Paddies in Vietnam.

• Vietnamese Traditions and Culture at the Hoa Lu Festival

Each year, from March 8 to March 10 (lunar calendar), the traditional festival is celebrated in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, to commemorate national kings and heroes. They established and glorified the capital by defining the State of Dai Co Viet in the 10th century. In addition to the ceremonial part, there are festivities with traditional games such as boat races and Chèo chants, which happen in a lively and riotous atmosphere.

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• Savor the Local Culinary Specialties

This region offers just as much to capture the eye as it offers to excite your taste buds. Do not miss out on the opportunity to savor at least one culinary specialty regarded as the pride of its people.

Goat meat is a must-try dish when you visit Ninh Binh province. Its meat is tender because the goat comes from the wild and lives on the limestone rocks of the province. There are many kinds of goat meat culinary specialties. It is usually served with soy sauce, a few slices of green banana, and starfruit.

Cơm cháy, or "crispy rice," is another must-try dish from this region. The aromatic crunch of crispy rice will be a delight.

💡Recommended restaurants in Hoa Lư - Ninh Binh that are suitable for foreigners:

• Family Restaurant: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Bamboo Bar and Restaurant: Van Lam, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• T-Pub Restaurant: Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Thùy Linh Restaurant: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Hoa Luân Restaurant: Van Lam, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Monalisa Bar & Restaurant: Hang Mua, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

What Are the Most Interesting Places Near Hoa Lu?

• Boat Ride in Tam Coc

An experience one cannot afford to miss while in Ninh Binh is taking a boat ride in Tam Coc. The first-level surprise is that the rowers use another unique form of propelling in addition to the well-known hand-paddling: their feet! As the surprises continue, a glaring natural spectacle unfolds before your very eyes. The river winds among astonishing limestone boulders, all surrounded by rice fields. During this great paddling boat ride, one also passes under three caves while observing village life and small temples hidden in the greenery.

• Bai Dinh Buddhist Complex

The Bai Dinh Buddhist Complex is an amazing and absolute must-visit place for those interested in culture as well as spirituality during their tour of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. Throughout its temples, pagodas, statues, and stupas, Bai Dinh is considered the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam.

Tremendously visited and a bona fide pilgrimage site, many practitioners congregate here during religious events. There is a network of harmonious temples assembled within several pavilions, accessible by numerous stair climbs and corridors decorated with 500 golden Arhat statues.

This allows one to discover the Buddhist culture and spirituality of the country while enjoying the impressive and stunning architecture of the complex. Certainly, a one-time visit to Bai Dinh is a special and memorable experience for any travel lover interested in the religion and history of this country.

• Mua Cave or Hang Mua

Hidden from the outside world, the road leading from Tam Coc to Hoa Lu leaves travelers, particularly around the cave and Mount Mua, with many surprises. Mua Peak and its cave offer a sweeping view of the limestone landscape in Tam Coc, with the river flowing on one side and rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see on the other.

The climb up the picturesque 500 steps to Hang Mua Peak, or Dance Cave, presents the best view of an area classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is a special experience to witness the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh, which holds many untold secrets.

Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu

• January to March:

According to the lunar calendar, spring, which lasts from January to March, is an excellent season for exploring Ninh Binh. The weather is gentle and pleasant, with cool winds, while the region is teeming with numerous celebrations such as the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu Traditional Festival, and the Thai Vi Temple Festival; all taking place just prior to the Tet Holiday. Do keep in mind that this festival season is a peak tourist season for both locals and foreigners alike. Therefore, expect huge crowds during this time, especially during the Lunar New Year.

• April to June:

Summer, from April to June, attracts visitors to Ninh Binh. In April, it is not very hot yet, and the mornings remain cool. The absence of a contingent of 90-day tourists makes it easier to visit attractions without queueing.

This period is ideal for visiting Tam Coc in a hushed atmosphere. It coincides with the blooming of lotus flowers and the ripening of rice. You can enjoy a fairy-tale view where rice fields wave with the wind, and lotus flowers bloom beautifully in the water.

• September to November

The months of September and November are also very pleasant to visit, thanks to their mild temperatures. If you plan to travel to Ninh Binh towards the end of the year (December), make sure to bring warm clothes, as the region will be in the cold winter.

Practical information

What to bring and how to prepare

• You should wear modest and discreet clothing when visiting the spiritual places of Hoa Lu
• Please bring snacks and drinks, as you may need them during your visit
• Don't make a mess or mess there
• Bring some cash

Itinerary suggested by Hoa Lu

• Tomorrow: Arrive in Ninh Binh and visit the Trang An complex. Take a boat trip. Arrive in Hoa Lu. Lunch.
• Late: Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu.

FAQs about Hoa Lu

• What Is the Difference Between Hoa Lu Old Street and the Hoa Lu Old Capital?

Many tourists who come to Ninh Binh for the first time get confused between these two places. Hoa Lu Ancient Town is right in the middle of Ninh Binh City, a fairly modern and lively street that opened in 2022, while the ancient capital of Hoa Lu has a rich history and is filled with old temples and historical sites.

• Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh?

You ought to have a rough idea about Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh before deciding:

• Hoa Lu: This place is the ancient capital of Vietnam, where many historical events occurred. Here, you can visit some historical monuments, such as the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, along with the remnants of the old walls from the feudal era.
• Bai Dinh: It is the larger of the two places and is known for being one of the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia, with record-breaking features, such as the largest bronze Buddha statue and the longest row of Arhat statues. Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only considered a religious site but also an architectural marvel. Apart from this, Bai Dinh is more modern and therefore less historical compared to Hoa Lu, with a lot of spiritual significance.

• Is Hoa Lu safe to travel to?

Yes, Hoa Lu is a safe destination for tourists. The region has mostly flat terrain and is unaffected by storms, which means you can visit at any time of the year without worry.

>>> Read More: Is Vietnam Safe To Travel? 7 Must-Know Tips For Travelers!

• Which place is better to visit, Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh?

Both places have their own charm; however, if history and culture interest you, then Hoa Lu is a good pick. Bai Dinh, on the other hand, is an incredible scenic area with a massive pagoda.

• Which alternative places have ever been capitals in Vietnam with respect to Hoa Lu?

You see, currently, the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, which became the capital in the year 1010, after being moved from Hoa Lư. Additionally, Hue was also an ancient capital of Vietnam.

• What regal dishes should I taste in Hoa Lu?

In Hoa Lu, located in Ninh Binh Province, you should really try their local delicacies: mountain goat meat and crispy rice.

• Are there guides in Hoa Lu that speak English?

At present, we do not have English-speaking guides available. It is recommended that you get in touch with a private guide for arrangements. We also suggest booking a private tour that includes transportation, a guide, meals, and accommodations.

• Are there tours of Hoa Lu available for me?

Certainly, we run personalized private tours of Hoa Lu. You can arrange your itinerary based on your preferences.

• Are there any festivals taking place in Hoa Lu during the year?

Yes, there are various traditional festivals held early in the year, in April, where ceremonies are conducted and folk games are performed in honor of national kings and heroes.

CONCLUSION

Although Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh offer access to many sites and activities, they can be booked for a visit and provide you with an incredible experience when visiting Vietnam. Visit the city to have a beautiful adventure and discover its distinct cultural heritage. An attractive excursion to Ninh Binh would inspire anyone.

Ninh Binh is a destination included in every Kampa Tour. Discover Ninh Binh on a panoramic tour of Vietnam. Contact us now.

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