Ninh Binh

Attractions

hoa lu-ancient capital

By Custom Vietnam Travel | Updated 1/5/2019

Hoa Lu, the capital of Dai Co Viet (an old name of Vietnam) under the Dinh and Le dynasties bears with it a legend (in the 10th and 11th centuries). Being the capital of the first fundamental Government of Vietnam, Hoa Lu witnessed many important historical events: the union of Vietnam after “12 Lords Rebellion”, the war with the Song dynasty, the defence against the ancient Cambodian, and the formation of Hanoi nowadays.

The beautiful picture in Hoa Lu - Ancient Capital - Harvest season

Hoa Lu old capital has a variety of historical places for visitors to pay for a trip. First and foremost, attractions catching tourists’s eyes are temples, where people worship the Emperors and royal people that ruled here more than 1000 years ago: Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor temple, Le Dai Hanh Emperor temple, Phat Kim Princess temple (Phat Kim is a tragic fate daughter of Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor), and the newest one is Ly Thai To Emperor temple, which built in order to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi. Besides, Hoa Lu has the four sacred temples of Hoa Lu (Hoa Lu Tu Tran) to worship the Gods of four directions: Quy Minh temple, Thien Ton temple, Cao Son temple and Nguyen temple. Moreover, Hoa Lu also has its own One Pillar Pagoda-like the One-Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, but not to be confused with the one in Hanoi, Hoa Lu One-Pillar Pagoda has a Pillar full of phrase by Buddha in front of it, which stands there more than 1000 years. Along with these temples and pagodas, plenty of monuments, tombs, shrines worship many other famous people and Gods are attractive places as well.

One Pillar Pagoda

Secondly, Hoa Lu still keeps the remaining of ancients fortress built by Dinh dynasty more than 1000 years ago. The Imperial place lays under the ground for 3m and now become a very interesting place to visit. Tourists will have the chance to see the old items used by the royal family in ancient time. The fortress outside is built based on the natural advantages: the mountain provides good background, the deep valley is a basement, and the rivers supply water for people inside the fortress and would become traps to fight against enemy in any case. This fortress is a very solid one that can defense against even the strongest enemy for months. On the other hand, inside the fortress is marvelous scenery for photo-taking and sight-seeing. In addition, the ancient town of Hoa Lu can easily captures tourists by its unique aspects.

Dinh Le Temple - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

The last but not least element that impresses visitors to Hoa Lu ancient capital is the Festival Truong Yen which is held in February and March (Lunar calendar) which includes a chain of events that regain the spirit of the ancients Emperors: the March of Water, the Ritual for Dinh and Le Emperors, the performance of the old times, the Battles of Dinh Tien Hoang when he was a child, Cheo and Tuong performances, and a beauty contest for Hoa Lu women. This Festival brings back the memories of the old times and helps the young people to have a chance to know more about the traditions of their ancestors.

festival in Dinh Temple Hoa Lu Ninh Binh

Festival in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

It’s not random Hoa Lu becomes ancient capital with a lot of Dynasties exist for a long time. There are a lot of heroes, Kings and clever generals here. Nowadays, the people in this place are still brave, clever, friendly and always remember the victory of the ancestor in the past.
You can go to Hoa Lu at any time of the year. However, we suggest you should visit Hoa Lu ancient capital on March – April – May each year. This time, the weather hasn’t completely transferred to Summer, it’s still dry. You may see the sunshine but it’s quite cool. If you want to combine with travelling other spots, you can visit Hoa Lu in the end of May – the ripe rice season, suitable for combining with seeing Tam Coc Bich Dong; after Lunar New Year – festival season, you also can visit Bai Dinh Pagoda. The traditional festival of Hoa Lu – Truong Yen festival is held on 8th- 10th March (following Lunar Calendar). This is the right time for you to participate and experience the bustling and crowded atmosphere of these festivals.