Exploring Hoa Lu is a journey back in time, transporting us to the legendary annals of the Vietnamese nation. Nothing can deny the significance and historical allure of this ancient capital, which stands as a testament to pivotal periods in Vietnamese history from the 10th century to the modern era. Hoa Lu embodies the epitome of the strength and cultural richness of the Vietnamese people.
Exploring the History of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is situated in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, at the intersection of Gia Vien and Hoa Lu districts. This geographical location is not only a historical site but also a symbol of the convergence between human and nature, where the essence of humanity blends with the natural beauty of the land and sky.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was once the center of power of the first feudal state in Vietnam. It is the homeland of the national hero Dinh Bo Linh, who unified the country after suppressing the rebellion of the Twelve Warlords in 968. Over its 42-year existence, Hoa Lu witnessed the rise and fall of three consecutive dynasties: the Dinh dynasty, the Early Le dynasty, and the Ly dynasty, followed by the Tran dynasty.
This historical transition marked a significant turning point in the history of the Vietnamese nation, making Hoa Lu a symbol of culture and power at that time.
Today, the relics of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital have been recognized as one of Vietnam’s most important special national relics. It is also considered part of the Trang An scenic complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. The relics at Hoa Lu serve as living evidence of a crucial period in Vietnamese history, providing endless inspiration for those who wish to explore the culture and history of this country.
The Ideal Time to Visit Hoa Lu
The best time to visit Hoa Lu is from March to May when the weather is typically stable and pleasant. During this time, you’ll experience mild and comfortable sunny days, providing favorable conditions for exploring historical sites as well as enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding nature. If you’re eager to admire golden ripe rice fields, late May is the perfect time. At this time, the landscape of Hoa Lu will be adorned with vibrant golden hues, creating a picturesque and captivating natural scene.
For those who want to participate in traditional festivals, the lunar month of March is the ideal time. In particular, the Truong Yen festival (also known as the Co Lau festival) takes place during this time in Ninh Binh. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to gain deeper insights into the culture and traditions of the local area, as well as participate in fun and colorful festival activities.
Guide to Getting to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital from Hanoi
When traveling to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital from Hanoi, you have several transportation options:
Personal Vehicle
With a distance of approximately 100 km, you can choose to travel by motorbike, car, or self-drive to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital via the expressway route Phap Van – Cau Gie – Phu Ly – Ninh Binh. The travel time will be around 2 – 3 hours depending on traffic flow and speed.
Bus
You can start your journey from downtown Hanoi from My Dinh Bus Station or Bat Giap Bus Station. Book tickets online in advance to ensure a seat, especially during holidays, which should be booked 3 – 7 days in advance. The travel time from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Train
With a travel time of about 2 hours, you can take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices range from 90,000 VND to 190,000 VND per trip. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, continue to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital by motorbike taxi, motorbike, or taxi. The distance from downtown Ninh Binh to Hoa Lu is only about 8 km, taking approximately 15 minutes by car.
Ticket Prices for Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The ticket prices for visiting Hoa Lu in 2023 are as follows:
Adults: 20,000 VND per ticket
Children over 1.2 meters tall: 20,000 VND per ticket
Children under 1.2 meters tall: Free admission
Please note: Ticket prices may change over time and depend on the policies of the heritage site. Before visiting, it’s advisable to check the latest ticket prices from reliable sources or the official website of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Traditional Festivals in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The Truong Yen Festival (also known as the Co Lau Festival) is one of the oldest traditional festivals held in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Taking place annually from the 8th to the 10th day of the third lunar month, this festival carries the spirit of honoring Dinh Bo Linh – the hero who built the capital of Hoa Lu and established the Dai Co Viet state. It is an occasion to commemorate and pay tribute to those who played significant roles in unifying the Vietnamese people through the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
The Truong Yen Festival is not only a time for remembrance but also a place for preserving and developing the unique cultural and folk art elements of this region. Today, the festival has become an integral part of folk culture and aims to be recognized as a national ceremony.
In addition to the Truong Yen Festival, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital also hosts many other folk festivals such as those at Kim Ngan Pagoda, Nhat Tru Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tran Temple, Thiên Tôn Cave, and numerous other cultural events, creating a rich and diverse tapestry in the folk culture of this locality.
Exploring the Architectural Works of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a unique architectural masterpiece, combining the internal and external architectural styles and the model of posting opposing pairs along the central axis. The construction starts from Ban Nguyet Lake and ends at the Main Hall.
Visitors will pass through the Ngoc Mon Gate with the four Chinese characters “Bac mon toa thuec duoc” (North gate shining in the light), and when looked back from inside, they will see four characters “Tien Trieu Phuong Cac” (Palace of the Early Dynasty). The temple is surrounded by Ban Nguyet Lake, carrying the atmosphere of the royal court and adorned with various types of lotus flowers.
Within the temple are three main halls: Bai Duong (Worship Hall), Thieu Huong (Incense Burning Hall), and Chinh Cung (Main Hall). Bai Duong has a magnificent dragon-shaped altar made of solid blue stone. Chinh Cung has five compartments, with a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang sitting on a stone altar, wearing a Binh Thien hat. Beside him is a statue honoring the king’s descendants.
Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is one of the valuable architectural works in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Built contemporaneously with the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, this temple showcases the classical architecture of the Late Le period.
With three halls: Bai Duong, Thieu Huong, and Chinh Cung, the temple of King Le Dai Hanh has a lower profile, with columns, rafters, and the main altar painted in gold. Bai Duong is decorated with three large gold-plated plaques, including the inscriptions “Truong Xuan Linh Tich” (Sacredness of the Spring Field), “Duong Thanh Vu” (Yongle Emperor), and “Xuat Thanh Minh” (Revelation of the Emperor).
Thieu Huong is built in the style of a tube, worshiping the four ancestral pillars of the Early Le dynasty. Finally, Chinh Cung with five compartments, the statue of King Le Dai Hanh is placed on a stone platform in the middle compartment. On both sides are statues honoring Queen Duong Van Nga and Le Long Dinh.
Temple of Princess Phat Kim
The Temple of Princess Phat Kim, also known as the Thuc Tiet Princess Temple, was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Le Trung Hung dynasty. This temple is located on the foundation of the Vong Nguyet palace, where Princess Phat Kim once lived.
The temple is built of limestone and bricks, with a structure consisting of multiple floors, each floor with its own entrance and exit. The special feature is that the temple is adorned with many exquisite sculptures and motifs, creating a beautiful and historically rich space.
Hoa Lu Four Guardian Temples
Hoa Lu Four Guardian Temples are the names of four gods revered in the folk beliefs of Ninh Binh, guarding the four directions of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
According to legend, these gods have contributed to helping and protecting the capital of Hoa Lu, so King Dinh Tien Hoang built temples for them at the four gateways into the capital. To the east is the Temple of Thien Ton, to the west is the Temple of Cao Son, to the south is the Temple of Quy Minh, and at the northern gateway is the Temple of Khong Lo. These temples are not only symbols of reverence for the deities but also an important part of the history and culture of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Tips for Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Before embarking on your journey to explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, take note of the following:
Wear proper attire and comfortable shoes to facilitate easy movement when visiting historical sites.
Make sure to bring enough water and light snacks to maintain your health and energy throughout the visit. This will help you avoid fatigue and stress.
Pay attention to obeying the regulations of the Site Management Board to protect the cultural and historical heritage of the region. This includes not damaging or destroying any structures or artifacts within the heritage site.
With its long history, majestic natural beauty, and rich cuisine, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only a destination for exploration and experience but also an opportunity for you to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture and identity.
