Hoa Lu ancient capital is an architectural complex and a natonally significan historical relic of Vietnam. It is also one of the four core areas of the Trang An World Cultural and Natural Heritage Complex, as recognized by UNESCO. Hoa Lu became the capital of Vietnam following the end of 1,000 years of Chinese domination. According to historical records, it served as the capital during the Dinh (968 – 980) and Tien Le (980 -1009) dynasties. The Ly Dynasty briefly established its capital in Hoa Lu for one year (1009 -1010) before relocating to Dai La (now Hanoi)

When is the best time to visit Hoa Lu ancient capital?

Hoa Lu ancient capital is a place where special festivals are held to commemorate the kings who built and saved the country in acient times. Therefore, to have the most meaningful experiences, you should visit Hoa Lu in the dry season instead of the rainy season, specifically at the following times:

Early spring: After the Lunar New Year, the people of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh will organize countless unique traditional festivals that you should not miss, typically the Non Khe Newspaper Festival, La Temple Festival, etc.

May: Not only is the weather pleasant, the end of May in Ninh Binh is also the season of ripe rice, helping you admire the magnificent beauty of the rice fields when they are full of grain and ripe when combined with visiting other places such as Tam Coc, Hang Mua, etc.

March: The time of Truong Yen festival, also known as Co Lau festival – one of the most famous traditional festivals of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and takes place annually from the 8th to the 10th of the third lunar month

Explore the Relics of King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Temple in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

With a history spanning over 1,000 years, the important relics of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital have been carefully preserved. Among them, the most prominent are the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

Located in Truong Yen Commune the heart of the former Eastern Citadel King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Temple occupies an ideal position. In front of it stands Ma Yen Mountain, home to the majestic tomb of King Dinh, while the temple itself overlooks the breathtaking scenery of mountains and rivers. Originally built during the Ly Dynasty in the “inner public, outer private” architectural style, mimicking the layout of the ancient capital, the temple was later reconstructed during the Later Le Dynasty.

As one of Vietnam’s most unique architectural structures from the 17th century, the temple complex features impressive elements such as Ngo Mon Quan (Main Gate), an artificial moutain, a lotus pond, a flower garden, the outer and inner gates, and three worship halls: Thien Huong, the main sanctuary, and the harem. At the temple’s innermost chamber lies the Hậu Cung, wherre statues of King Dinh and his sons are enshrined.

The temple also house invaluable antiques, including a pair of stone elephants and intricatedly carved stone dragon beds (long sàng), positioned in the Dragon Court. These beds, sculpted from single blocks of greenstone, showcase exquisite craftsmanship.

Beyond its historical significance, King Dinh’s Temple is adorned with sophisticated carvings on both wooden and stone pillars, featuring dragons, clouds, fairies, flowers, and foliage. these intricate details are a testament to the artistry and skilll of 17th-century Vietnamese artisans.

King Le Temple

Located about 500m from King Dinh Temple is King Le Dai HanhTemple with a smaller scale. The temple was built with three buildings including Bai Duong and Thien Huong, worshiping Pham Cu Luong – the person who helped Le Hoan ascend the throne in the past. In the main palace area is the placeto worship King Le Dai Hanh, on the left is Le Ngoa Trieu, son of King Le, on the right is Queen Duong Van Nga. In front of the temple is the central square of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, behind the temple is the moat protecting the ancient capital in the past, running around the foot of Dia Mountain.

Today, at King Le Temple, there are still ancient architectural vestiges with elaborate carvings and sculptures, as well as vestiges of the old palace foundation with ancient ceramics. These precious artifacts are now being stored in the museum room on the left of the temple.

Princess Phat Kim Temple

Located next to King Le Dai Hanh Temple and Nhat Tru Pagoda is Princess Phat Kim Temple, daughter of Kinh Dinh Tien Hoang. The Temple was built by the people to honor the gentle woman who endured many storms in the 10th century.

What are the specialties of the ancient capital Hoa Lu?

Goat meat: mountain goat in Ninh Binh is a specialty dish that everyone must try when coming to Ninh Binh. Goat meat is processed into many attractive dishes such as grilled goat , raw goat with lemon, steamed goat, goat spring rolls, goat blood pudding, goat porridge,… these dishes are not only delicious but also extremely nutritious for heathy.

Burnt rice: is a famous dish of the ancient capital, has existed for a long time, with ingredients close to the people created by skillful hands to make an extremely attractive specialty dish like today. Local people also have the habit of eating burnt rice with mountain goat meat with a delicious and rich taste. During your trip to Ninh Binh, you can stop by the restaurants: Thung Nham Restaurant, Chinh Thu, Tung Dung,… to enjoy as well as buy some as gifts for family and friends.

Eel salad: Eel is a long -bodied fish like an eel with a very slippery body, often living in brackish and fresh water. Kim Son Ninh Binh can be considered the place to make the best eel salad in the Northern region. The way to make eel salad is very elaborate: When bringing back the eel, the processor rubs it with salt or gives it to remove all the slippery skin of the fish. Next, the blood is cut and the belly is cleaned inside and all the meat of the fish is removed from the bones. The fish meat is squeezed with some speciallized spices to keep the aroma and sweetness of the fish.

Notes when visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital

To make your trip to Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh more enjoyable and fulfilling, consider the following tips:

Respect the historical and cultural significance Hoa Lu ancient capital is a sacred and culturally important site. Please dress modestly site. Please dress modestly and appropriately, maintain proper decorum, and avoid littering to help preserve the site’s beauty and solemnity.

Prepare for outdoor exploration as most of the attractions are outdoors, bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, water, and other necessary items to stay comfortable, especially during hot weather.

Follow guidance and regulations – if traveling in a group. adhere to the instructions of your tour guide and site management. Engaging with the management board can provide you with deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of the site.

Hoa Lu ancient capital, once the first imperial capital of Vietnam, remains a place of profound historical and architectural importance, symbolizing a heroic chapter in the nation’s past. If you have the chance to visit Ninh Binh, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this remarkable historical site