Hoa Lu Ninh Binh is the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is now a rising star in the list of tourist when coming to Vietnam. The place possesses a breathtaking ancient beauty with numerous pagodas and temples. If you are planning for your trip in Ninh Binh province, don’t miss out Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Ninh Binh and this complete guide!
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It is now a relic complex in the North of Vietnam and was the capital of three ancient dynasties.
Hoa Lu will tell you the story of a thousand-year history of Vietnam by its serene landscape and magnificent temples. It is also recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core zones of the Trang An World Heritage Complex.
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The best time in the year to visit Hoa Lu Vietnam
Table of Contents
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Vietnam is beautiful all year long, so it doesn’t matter much when you come to visit this place.
However, if you want to enjoy the festival atmosphere of Vietnam, it is recommended that you go to Ninh Binh Hoa Lu in the spring and after the Lunar New Year (around February and March). In these months, there are a lot of festivals held in Ninh Binh and the landscape will be the best in this world.
However, in spring, Hoa Lu can be overcrowded with tourists. So if you prefer a quiet and peaceful tour, you should consider planning your trip at another time of the year.
More detail: How To Travel From Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Tam Coc and Trang An Complex
What to do in Hoa Lu Temple Ninh Binh
The most popular activity for tourists in Hoa Lu is sightseeing. A long time ago, Hoa Lu Capital was a giant area with three parts: Outer City, Inner City and South City. Unfortunately, due to time and war, these ancient cities do not remain until today. However, you can visit a lot of historic destinations in Hoa Lu.
King Dinh temple
King Dinh Temple is one of the unique architectures to worship King Dinh Tien Hoang.
The temple was built by carved wood and stone, all were done by hands of the skillful Vietnamese folk artists. The temple will bring you the feel of hundred years ago with its peaceful, sediment and impressive beauty.
King Dinh Temple is located at the foot of Ma Yen mountain, and you will have to climb up more than 200 steps to the top of the mountain to pay a visit to this temple.
You will also have a significant panoramic view from the top of the mountain. This is no doubt a photogenic place with the lush green forest and cloudy mountains running to the horizon.
King Le Temple
Nearby King Dinh Temple is the Temple of King Le. This temple is often considered as a smaller King Dinh Temple.
The whole architecture is divided into three parts: the front shrine, Thien Huong house and the sanctum worshipping Le King.
There are statues displaying in both of the temples. They were sculptured a long time ago – maybe hundreds of years ago – but generally they are intact and beautiful as ever. You should not miss the chance to take photos of them!
Nhat Tru Pagoda
Nhat Tru Pagoda is a 1.000-year-old pagoda with such an interesting story. It was the meeting place for the monks that the king invited to help him solve national problems.
Nhat Tru pagoda is one of the most historical sites in Hoa Lu ancient capital
Nhat Tru literally means “One column”. It is because this pagoda has an octagonal column carved with the writings of Buddha’s words and it is one of the Vietnamese national treasures. Interesting, isn’t it?
Let’s explore Hoa Lu &-Tam Coc -Mua Cave Tour in Ninh Binh with us!
Truong Yen festival
Truong Yen Festival is the most well-known traditional national festival in Ninh Binh. It takes place every year from 8th to 10th of the third lunar month in Hoa Lu capital. Its aim to pay respect to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
The festival of Hoa Lu includes two parts: the ceremony and the entertaining activities. The ceremony also consists of two rituals: the water processions and sacrificial ceremonies.
Truong Yen festival attracts lots of tourists every year
For tourists maybe entertaining activities are more exciting when you have the chance to join in various Vietnamese traditional games such as dragon dancing, sword dancing, cooking competition, tug of war and so on.
What to eat in Hoa Lu Capital
Ninh Binh province’s cuisine is simplistic and basic – but it is still wonderful with the countryside and unique taste. You should not waste the chance to get a bite of the local food there.
Scorched Rice
Ninh Binh scorched rice, also known as crunchy rice, is a thin and crispy layer of browned rice cooked at the bottom of the pot on direct flame or heat. In 2012, this dish was recognized as one of the most excellent dishes of Vietnam and Asia.
Scorched rice is a famous specialty in Ninh Binh
Mountain Goat
Dishes from mountain goat is the second thing you should try. In Ninh Binh, there are a lot of restaurants specialized in cooking goat meat with secret family recipes. The dishes are tasty and are one of the brand-name local food.
Mountain goat is must-have in Ninh Binh day trip
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital entrance fee
The entrance fee is 20.000 VND per visitor.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital opening hours
Hoa Lu capital opens from 7.00 to 16:00.
Dress code
There is no specific dress code but you should dress politely since Hoa Lu is a spiritual tourist destination.
And that’s all of the things you should know about Hoa Lu Ninh Binh Vietnam. We hope that you will find this helpful for your trip.
If you want more information or have any further questions, feel free to contact us, the AZ Local Team. We are always at your service!
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