Hoa Lu ancient capital – Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu ancient Capital hid in itself a lot of ancient architectures with significant meaning. With many traditional festivals around it arouse the curiosity of many visitors to come here. Despite passed through countless vicissitude of history, Hoa Lu capital still stands there and keep its historical evidence.

Location

Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. It’s located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. The area is approximately 90 km south of Hanoi. Together with Phát Diệm Cathedral, Tam Cốc-Bích Động, Bái Đính Temple, Tràng An, and Cúc Phương, Hoa Lư is a tourist destination in Ninh Bình Province.

History

The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is the first capital of Vietnam in the tenth century. It is located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh proclaimed himself emperor of Dai Co Viet (Great Viet) and established his capital at Hoa Lu Since then, until the last king of the dynasty of the past, it was the capital of the country for 42 years, 13 years under the Dinh (968-980) and 29 years under the previous (980-1009). Covering 400 hectares, Hoa Lu is a strong fortification erected by nature and man.

Hoa Lu attractions

King Dinh temple (worship the King Dinh Tien Hoang)

King Dinh Temple is one of the unique architectures in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang (King of Dai Co Viet Dynasty).

The unique architecture applied to build the temple of King Dinh was the art of wood and stone carving which was made by almost Vietnamese folk artists in the 17th century. The temple offers an ancient and sediment beauty and makes us feel how the city was a millennium ago.

King Dinh temple lies at the foot of Ma Yen mountain, You have to climb up 265 steps getting to the top of the mountain to see King Dinh Temple. From there, you can take a panoramic view of Hoa Lu Imperial city

The temple is divided into three shrines: the outer one is Ngo Mon Gate, the middle is called Thien Huong and the inner one worships King Dinh Tien Hoang

Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh (Dinh Tien Hoang’s first name) took his troop to clear away twelve independent feudal warlords

King Le temple

Not far from the temples of King Dinh is King Le Temple, worshiping King Le Dai Hanh. King Le temple lies at the foot of Ma Yen mountain to the south.

The temple has a similar architectural design with King Ding Temple, but smaller. It is also divided into 3 parts: front shrine, Thien Huong house and the sanctum worshipping Le King.

Both King Dinh and Le temple are symbols for Vietnamese people’s reverence and gratitude to the two kings who offered sacrifices in the 10th century

Ma Yen mountain

The height of Ma Yen mountain is about 200m. People called it Ma Yen because it looks like saddles.

This mountain is associated with the legend of Dinh Bo Linh who chose this mountainous region to build the capital.

When the king passed away, the people buried his body on top of the mountain. Also at the foot of Ma Yen mountain to the south, there is also the tomb of King Le Dai Hanh

If standing on the top of Ma Yen, you can see the panorama of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Nhat Tru pagoda

Nhat Tru Pagoda, also known as One Pillar Pagoda, is an ancient temple from the 10th century in the specially preserved area of Hoa Lu ancient relic (Ninh Binh). The pagoda owns a national treasure of the stone pillar carved with Buddhist scriptures.

Nhat Tru Pagoda is the place of many unique festivals.

Best Time to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visiting Hoa Lu doesn’t force you to have to determine the time. However, in a recommendation of Vietnamese people, spring is usually considered as the most beautiful time to drop by Hoa Lu Ninh Binh because there will be many stunning festivals after the Lunar Tet holiday.

This time is suited for anyone who wants to participate in and experience busy atmospheres, crowds in the festivals. Oppositely if you like a peaceful space, you should visit Hoa Lu Ninh Binh on the other days of the year.

How to get to Hoa Lu?

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Besides, please contact Go Vietnam Travel to book Ninh Binh tours.