Temple of King Lê Đại Hành – Photo: Internet
Hoa Lư Ancient Capital – A Glorious Legacy of the Vietnamese Nation
Hoa Lư Ancient Capital is one of the most captivating destinations in Ninh Binh that travelers should not miss. As the first imperial capital of a centralized feudal state in Vietnam, Hoa Lư holds immense historical value — and it also mesmerizes wanderers with its majestic mountain landscapes and breathtaking natural charm.
Table of contents
1. Introduction to Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
Hoa Lư Ancient Capital is a complex of architecture and nationally significant historical relics in Vietnam. It has also been recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core zones within the Trang An Landscape Complex – a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Hoa Lư was the capital of Vietnam immediately after the country emerged from over a thousand years of Chinese domination. According to historical records, Hoa Lư served as the capital during the Đinh Dynasty (968–980) and the Early Lê Dynasty (980–1009). The Lý Dynasty also briefly ruled from Hoa Lư for one year (1009–1010) before relocating the capital to Đại La (present-day Hanoi).
Having witnessed over 1,100 years of turbulent history, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital stands as a living testament to the heroic chapters of the Vietnamese nation. The remaining relics – temples, tombs, and pagodas – are invaluable traces of the past. A visit to Hoa Lư offers not only a chance to explore historical events and honor the heroic figures of earlier times, but also to immerse oneself in the solemn atmosphere and serene beauty of this sacred land.
📍 Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Binh Province
🎫 Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND/person
Photo: Internet
2. Transportation to Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
From downtown Hanoi, the distance to Hoa Lư Ancient Capital is approximately 96 km. If departing from the center of Ninh Binh City, the distance is only about 15 km. Below are some transportation options for traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:
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Motorbike: A suitable option if you’re physically fit and looking for a more adventurous, self-guided journey through the sunlit, breezy countryside. It typically takes around 1.5 hours to reach Hoa Lư by motorbike.
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Passenger bus or limousine service: Another popular mode of transportation is the intercity bus. You can catch a bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations in Hanoi, with travel time around 60 minutes. From Ninh Binh City center, you’ll need to take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to reach Hoa Lư Ancient Capital. Alternatively, you can book a Khanh An limousine service, which offers door-to-door pickup and drop-off. Hotline: 1900 8629.
3. Best Time to Visit Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
Hoa Lư Ancient Capital is known for its vibrant traditional festivals held in honor of the kings who founded and defended the nation in ancient times. For the most meaningful experience, it is recommended to visit during the dry season rather than during the heavy rains. The most ideal times include:
- Early Spring (Post-Lunar New Year): Right after the Lunar New Year, residents of Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh, host a variety of traditional festivals that are well worth attending, such as thatakes place, also known as the Cờ Lau Festival. It is one of the most iconic and long-standing traditional festivals of Hoa Lư and is held annually from the 8th to the 10th day of the third lunar month.
Photo: Internet
Photo: Internet
4. Historical Imprints of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lư
4.1. Temple of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng
Đinh Bộ Lĩnh ascended the throne after quelling the chaos of the Twelve Warlords and adopted the imperial title Đinh Tiên Hoàng. He was the first emperor of Vietnam following centuries of Chinese domination, and he was also the one who chose Hoa Lư as the capital of Đại Cồ Việt.
The temple is renowned for its ancient architecture, featuring intricate green stone carvings and a spacious courtyard set against the imposing backdrop of Mã Yên Mountain. It is an impressive historical site that promises to leave a lasting impression on your journey.
4.2. Temple of King Lê Đại Hành
Lê Hoàn served as the Commander of the Ten Circuits under King Đinh Tiên Hoàng. He was later honored as one of Vietnam’s 14 national heroes for his achievements in repelling the Song invasion and defending the country.
Upon ascending the throne, he took the title Lê Đại Hành and established the Early Lê Dynasty, ruling Đại Cồ Việt for 24 years. His temple faces the main square of ancient Hoa Lư and features a moat at the rear—once used to guard the former capital. Though smaller in scale than the Temple of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng, this temple charms visitors with its tranquil and solemn ambiance.
4.3. The Four Guardian Temples of Hoa Lư (Hoa Lư Tứ Trấn)
The Four Guardian Temples of Hoa Lư are dedicated to the tutelary deities believed to have protected the three defensive walls of the ancient capital. These sacred sites also honor national heroes who contributed to the founding and defense of the country. The Four Guardians include:
4.3.1. Eastern Guardian Temple – Worship of the God Thiên Tôn
This deity was worshipped by King Đinh before embarking on his campaign to suppress the Twelve Warlords, seeking divine aid. According to legend, God Thiên Tôn was a celestial being born from a miraculous dream: a queen dreamed of swallowing the sun and later gave birth to a prince. As he grew, the prince became renowned for his unmatched strength and heroic prowess.
After 42 years of spiritual cultivation at Mount Dũng Dương (in Hoa Lư), he attained enlightenment and was granted the Tam Thai Seven-Star Sword by the Jade Emperor. He was conferred the title Northern General Trấn Vũ, possessing the supernatural ability to fly, shapeshift, and dispel evil spirits.
Thiên Tôn is located in a region known as “Tú Thủy Kỳ Sơn” – a place where rivers and mountains harmonize, offering both strategic defense and natural beauty. Upon ascending the throne, King Đinh Tiên Hoàng chose Hoa Lư as the capital and constructed the Tiền Tế House and Kính Thiên Pavilion here as a venue for welcoming foreign envoys.
4.3.2. Western Guardian Temple – Worship of the God Cao Sơn
The Temple of God Cao Sơn is located within the spiritual tourism complex of Bái Đính Pagoda. According to legend, Cao Sơn was the 17th son of King Lạc Long Quân. He was credited with helping people settle, cultivate the land, and fend off destructive forces. For his contributions, he was granted the title Lạc General of Vũ Lâm and honored with a temple on the western side of Mount Đính.
During his patrols from Nam Lĩnh to Thiên Dưỡng, Cao Sơn Đại Vương is also said to have discovered a rare plant whose stem could be ground into flour to make cakes as a substitute for rice flour. He named the plant Quang Lang, after himself.
Photo: Internet
Photo: Internet
4.3.3. Southern Guardian Temple – Worship of the God Quý Minh
Today, this is known as Trần Temple, also referred to as Nội Lâm Temple. According to legend, Quý Minh Đại Vương was a water deity who played a vital role in defending the lowland frontier of Sơn Nam and safeguarding the nation’s borders during the reign of the 18th Hùng King.
In recognition of his great contributions, Quý Minh was conferred the title of “Thượng Đẳng Thần” (Supreme Deity) and was honored through multiple imperial dynasties. The people of the region have long revered and worshipped him. The main temple was originally built by King Đinh Tiên Hoàng in the southern sector of the ancient capital (modern-day Tràng An), and it was later reconstructed under the reign of King Trần Thái Tông, remaining largely intact to this day.
4.3.4. Northern Guardian Temple – Worship of the God Không Lộ
The Temple of Không Lộ Zen Master Nguyễn Minh Không, also known as Đức Thánh Nguyễn Temple, is an ancient temple located in Gia Thắng and Gia Tiến Communes, Gia Viễn District. It is dedicated to Zen Master Nguyễn Minh Không, a highly revered monk of the Lý Dynasty, who was honored with the noble title Lý Quốc Sư (National Master of the Lý Dynasty).
The temple was built on the site of Viên Quang Pagoda, which was founded by Nguyễn Minh Không himself in 1121. After his passing, in deep gratitude for his contributions, the local people transformed the pagoda into a temple and renamed it in his honor.
In addition to his spiritual legacy, Nguyễn Minh Không made significant contributions to the revival of bronze casting techniques—an essential craft rooted in the ancient civilizations of Đông Sơn and Việt Cổ. Legend has it that the deity Không Lộ possessed the supernatural ability to fly through the air, and to conjure mountains, caves, and lakes.
5. Hoa Lư Festival
5.1. Festival of Saint Quý Minh Đại Vương
The Festival of Saint Quý Minh Đại Vương is held annually on the 18th day of the 3rd lunar month at Tràng An, Ninh Binh. This traditional event worships Quý Minh, a water deity believed—according to folk beliefs—to be a descendant of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, the legendary ancestors of the Vietnamese people.
During the Hoa Lư Festival, visitors from across the country can participate in sacred rituals such as the water procession, ceremonial offerings, and the releasing of animals back into nature (a Buddhist rite of compassion) along the river. Thousands of colorfully decorated boats traverse over 11 limestone caves on the Sào Khê River. The fleet is then divided in two: one half docks, while the other continues a 3-kilometer journey to Nội Lâm Temple, where further ceremonial rites are conducted.
Festival of Saint Quý Minh Đại Vương – Photo: Internet
The Thái Vi Temple Festival takes place annually from the 14th to the 17th day of the 3rd lunar month, with a ceremonial journey downstream to the ancient capital in remembrance of the Trần kings
5.2. Thái Vi Temple Festival
The Thái Vi Temple Festival is held to honor the kings of the Trần Dynasty, who made significant contributions to the building and defense of the nation. The highlight of the festival is the royal palanquin procession, featuring the participation of more than 30 delegations from across Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh.
Equally important is the solemn ceremonial offering held in front of Thái Vi Temple. The festival concludes with a lively series of traditional games and performances, including lion and dragon dances, wrestling matches, and human chess, among others.
5.3. Trường Yên Festival
The Trường Yên Festival takes place annually from the 10th to the 13th day of the 3rd lunar month, commemorating the contributions of Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng and Emperor Lê Đại Hành—two national heroes who played pivotal roles in founding and developing the early Vietnamese state.
The festival consists of two parts:
- The ceremonial rituals include a water procession held at the Trường Yên Wharf on the Hoàng Long River, conducted in a solemn atmosphere in front of the temples dedicated to Kings Đinh and Lê.
- The festive activities feature a variety of traditional games such as the “Cờ Lau Tập Trận” (re-enactment of ancient military drills with reed flags), calligraphy writing, Chinese chess competitions, and the Hoa Lư Cultural Beauty Pageant.
6. What Local Specialties Can Be Found at Hoa Lư Ancient Capital?
Goat Meat
Mountain goat meat is a must-try specialty in Ninh Binh. The goats are raised naturally on rocky mountains, giving the meat a firm texture and rich flavor. Local chefs prepare the meat in a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes such as grilled goat, goat with lime, steamed goat, goat spring rolls, goat blood pudding, and goat porridge—each offering a distinct culinary experience.
Crispy Rice (Cơm Cháy)
Crispy rice is a long-standing specialty of the ancient capital region. Made from familiar, humble ingredients, it is transformed into a flavorful delicacy through the skilled hands of local artisans. A traditional way to enjoy cơm cháy is by dipping it in goat meat sauce, a savory gravy made from mountain goat that’s rich in flavor.
When visiting Ninh Binh, you can enjoy this dish at local restaurants such as Thung Nham Restaurant, Chính Thư, or Tụng Dung—and even take some home as a gift for family and friends.
Fermented Raw Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá Nhệch)
Nhệch fish is a slippery, eel-like fish that lives in brackish and freshwater environments. The Kim Sơn district of Ninh Binh is considered one of the best places in Northern Vietnam to try Gỏi Cá Nhệch. The preparation is meticulous: the fish is first scrubbed with salt or ash to remove its slimy outer layer, then drained of blood, cleaned thoroughly, and deboned. The flesh is then marinated with a blend of specialty spices to preserve its aroma and sweetness. The result is a unique dish with bold flavors that showcases the culinary ingenuity of the region.
Goat Cuisine Specialties – Thung Nham Restaurant
Golden Season in Tam Cốc – Photo: Internet
7. Nearby Attractions to Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
- Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone – 20 km
- Tam Cốc – Bích Động – 17 km
- Hang Múa (Mua Cave Viewpoint) – 8 km
- Tràng An Landscape Complex – 4 km
- Tuyệt Tịnh Cốc (Am Tiem Cave) – 350 meters
- Bái Đính Pagoda – 10 km
8. Accommodation Near Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
There are many hotels and homestays around Hoa Lư offering a variety of room types at reasonable prices. Some notable options include:
- Thung Nham Resort – Located within Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone
Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lư District - An’s Eco Garden
Address: Binh Khe Hamlet, Ninh Nhat Ward - Toki Cottage
Address: Dam Khe Hamlet, Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lư District
9. Useful Tips for Visiting Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
To ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling trip to Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh, keep the following tips in mind:
- Respect the cultural and spiritual significance: As Hoa Lư is a renowned historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage site, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Maintain a quiet, solemn demeanor and refrain from littering or causing disruption during your visit.
- Prepare for outdoor exploration: Since most of the attractions at Hoa Lư are outdoors, it’s advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, bottled water, and other essentials to cope with the heat and avoid discomfort during hot weather.
- Follow group and site guidelines: If traveling in a group, follow the instructions of your tour guide and site management staff. Engage in conversation with site staff or guides to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of the relic complex.
Unlike any other tourist attraction, the Hoa Lư Ancient Capital Relic Complex in Ninh Binh is not merely a sightseeing destination—it offers enriching and profound insights into the dynasties of Vietnamese kings and the remarkable individuals who laid the foundations of the nation.
Travel is not only about admiring scenic landscapes or indulging in local delicacies; it is also an opportunity to reflect on history and explore the cultural and historical heritage of our country.
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