Hoa Lu is the ancient capital of Vietnam, is situated 90km from Hanoi. Hoa Lu was the capital during the 10th century. It was the capital of three feudal dynasties of Vietnam. Dinh, Tien Le and Ly. Visitors travel to Ninh Binh, they do not miss to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh, with the visit the two times of Dinh and the interesting property.
Here is information from The ancient capital of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh: In 1010, King Ly Thai To transferred the capital to Hanoi. The king later built many temples and pagodas at the ancient capital of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh.
Today, Hoa Lu is a famous tourist destination of Ninh Binh province. It is part of the Trang An Landscape Complex.
Hoa Lu is an area of monuments covering 13 km2. Its central area of 3 km2 is home to the temple of kings. Monuments include temples, pagodas and limestone cave systems.
Most typical monuments: Hang Mua, Noi Lam temple, Trang An Bai Dinh – the most important pagoda of Vietnam. Thung Chim (Thung Nham Bird Garden), Thung Nang (Sun Valley), Thai Vi Temple. The pagoda of Bich Dong (Cave of the Pearl), Tam Coc (three caves). The temple of the king The Dai Hanh, the temple of King Dinh Tiên Hoang.
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Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
Hoa Lu was the first capital of King Dinh Tien Hoang (from 924 to 979), built after the reunification of Vietnam. The citadel was built by connecting the mountains with limestone walls, including both inner and outer towers. The temple is now located outside.
The temple of King Dinh Tiên Hoang is the most beautiful vestige and the most characteristic of Hoa Lu. Oriented towards the east, it is surrounded by an enclosure delimiting a space of 5 hectares. It hides under the shade of ancient trees, with several gardens of fruit trees and ornamental plants. The architectural work is original and splendid, remarkable in terms of the art of wood carving; and on stone of the Vietnamese craftsmen of the seventeenth century.
Temple of the Emperor Le Dai Hanh
300m North of Dinh Tien Hoang temple. Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is built on the site of the royal palace of Hoa Lu capital. Today is located in the village of Truong Yen Ha, it is also called Ha Temple.
Ancient capital
Hoa Lu was the capital of Dai Co Viet (the name of Vietnam under the Dinh dynasty between 968 and 980. Under the beginning of the Le dynasty between 980 and 1009) about 10 centuries ago. The place is located in the municipality of Truong Yen; Hoa Lu district Ninh Binh province, 100km south of Hanoi.
The mountains and the sea are combined to make Hoa Lu a picturesque landscape. Hoa Lu is located on a flat valley around Trang An limestone mounts; which form a natural wall thus protecting the ancient citadel. The city to the northwest is bordered by the Hoang Long River and runs through the capital. This stream cool the temperature of the city. The Royal Court was built in an area of 150 hectares in the eastern part of the capital. While the western part served as a site for educating and protecting children.
As the capital of the country for 41 years; Hoa Lu has many palaces, pagodas, tombs; and pavilions that were built by different dynties. One of the most popular pieces of architecture is the Bao Thien Tue. A palace, which was lacquered with gold and silver. However, many remains have been destroyed due to weather and bad weather.
When King Ly Thai To changed the capital Hoa Lu to Thang Long (Hanoi today) in 1010. Two temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and his successor The Dai Hanh were built. These two temples were built for the first time in the 11th century and later rebuilt in 1696.
The temple of Emperor Dinh built according to the style “Noi cong ngoai quoc” (internal attack with support outside). The main palace has a door to the south, a lotus pond. An ascension made by humans, a garden of flowers, an interior triumphal arch; three shrines and a backyard. In the sanctuaries, there are Long Dang (stone pedestals of the royal throne) and twin whales. The shrines are followed by Thieu Huong temple and are dedicated to the founders of the empire and the heroes. The statues of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and his sons built in the back yard. The shape of the dragon, clouds, fairies, flowers and leaves are carved in stone. The wood for a very sophisticated decoration of the temple.
The best buses to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
Minibuses depart every hour, from 6:00am to 5:00pm. Depending on your desires, the bus will drop you in the city of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc or Trang An. It can also drop you at the hotel Nam Hoa or the hotel la Belle Vie Tam Coc in Tam Coc.
Minibuses are very clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, mineral water and wifi internet. You can also charge your phone on the bus.
We often book this minibus without any problem but recently we received some emails from people who could not book it. In this case, we recommended the train.
In conclusion, this is very best place to visiting, where attract the tourist by the beauty of landscape. Visitors to Hoa Lu can attend traditional cultural festivals. Most important and the largest of them; is the Truong Yen festival which is held on the tenth day of the third lunar month. The festival is in memory of the kings of Dinh and Le dynasty. This feast lasts three days with many traditional games and martial arts, reflecting the legends of local residents.
By Hoang Nam Huong
