Hoa Lu Ancient Town – A Nightlife Highlight in Ninh Binh

1. An Overview of Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Hoa Lu Ancient Town is located within the Ky Lan Mountain – Bac Pagoda complex, on Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province – approximately 15 km from Thung Nham Ecotourism Area.

The concept of Hoa Lu Ancient Town draws inspiration from the traditional culture of Dai Viet in the 10th century, recreating and restoring the beauty of ancient Vietnamese architecture and cultural heritage. Today, the town is open free of charge for visitors to stroll around, shop, and enjoy unique cultural and artistic performances.

The pedestrian street is adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a vibrant yet nostalgic atmosphere that leaves visitors with unforgettable experiences.

Photo: Internet

To visit Hoa Lu Ancient Town, you can choose from several means of transport. Located less than 100 km from Hanoi, it’s convenient for a same-day trip with the following options:

Motorbike: If you’re a backpacker who loves adventure, riding a motorbike is a great way to explore. The journey takes just over an hour, following National Highway 1A toward Ninh Binh Province.
Passenger bus or limousine: The second most popular option is a passenger bus. You can catch a bus at Giap Bat or My Dinh stations with a travel time of about 60 minutes, or book a Khanh An limousine (hotline 1900 8629) for direct pick-up and drop-off service.
Train: You can take trains SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, or SE19 from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Railway Station. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. From the station, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach Hoa Lu Ancient Town in about 10–15 minutes.

3. Exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Hoa Lu Ancient Town in Ninh Binh is divided into two main areas: a Product Exhibition Zone and a Food Court. Here, numerous stalls display traditional handicraft products from local villages across Ninh Binh Province, attracting great interest from both domestic and international visitors.

3.1. Tu An Tower (Tower of Four Great Gratitudes)

The highlight of Hoa Lu Ancient Town is Tu An Tower, situated in the middle of Ky Lan Lake. It glows beautifully at night, capturing every passerby’s attention. This unique architectural structure reflects the distinctive essence of Vietnamese Buddhism. Visitors can take a boat ride on Ky Lan Lake to admire the mesmerizing night scenery of Hoa Lu Pedestrian Street and the shimmering Tu An Tower.

Deeper inside, you’ll find Ky Lan Tu Stupa (Bac Pagoda), located at the foot of Ky Lan Mountain. The stupa stands 27 meters tall, with three elegantly curved roofs, creating an imposing yet serene atmosphere for worshipping Buddha. Entirely crafted from red granite, Bac Pagoda showcases the architectural beauty of ancient Vietnamese temples and offers a truly spiritual experience.

Photo: Internet

3.2. Savoring Regional Specialties

The food court gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy traditional local dishes such as banh mat (sweet honey rice cake), banh nep (sticky rice cake), banh chung (square glutinous rice cake), banh gai (thorn leaf cake), and banh day (round sticky rice cake). In addition, a wide variety of popular street foods delight both adults and children, including chicken feet, steamed buns, fried fermented pork rolls, fried chicken, and many more tempting treats.

3.3. Discovering Traditional Cultural Values

Hoa Lu was once the capital of Vietnam during the reigns of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Besides its majestic natural scenery, Hoa Lu is a cradle of Vietnamese culture and history, preserving the nation’s proud heritage from its first imperial capital era.

With the aspiration to restore, preserve, and promote traditional culture from past centuries, Hoa Lu Ancient Town was created to inherit and spread the cultural legacy of the former imperial capital to the younger generation and the future.

On major holidays, the town also hosts various vibrant activities, including:

Art exhibitions
Traditional folk games and cultural performances
Water puppet shows, a signature Vietnamese art form

3.4. Sunset SUP and Kayak Experience

A brand-new activity at Hoa Lu Ancient Town allows you to paddle a SUP board or kayak while chasing the sunset. As the gentle rays of the afternoon sun spread across the tranquil lake, every stroke of your paddle drifts with the water, creating a moment of pure serenity and unforgettable emotions.

Pricing:

Single SUP/Kayak: 80,000 VND (1 person/boat/hour)
Double SUP/Kayak: 110,000 VND (2 persons/boat/hour)

⏱ Duration: 1 hour from the time you receive your SUP/kayak, including a life jacket and a complimentary 350ml bottle of water.
🕒 Operating hours: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM daily at the Hoa Lu Ancient Town boat dock.

No need to worry if it’s your first time – life jackets, a guide, and rescue personnel are always on-site to ensure your safety throughout the experience.

Photo: Internet

3.5. Boat Tours

Hop on a boat and enjoy the enchanting night scenery of Hoa Lu Ancient Town. You can relax, strike a pose, and capture stunning photos under the magical lights with picturesque views along the riverbanks.

Ticket Prices:

Standard Boat Tour (max 5 passengers):
- 100,000 VND/adult
- 80,000 VND/child (height 1m–1.3m)
VIP Boat Tour (with canopy, max 9 passengers):
- 150,000 VND/adult
- 100,000 VND/child (height 1m–1.3m)

Note: Boat services operate both day and night, so you won’t have to worry about long waiting times. Children must be accompanied by parents or adults to ensure safety throughout the tour.

For travelers who are passionate about exploring culture and history, Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a must-visit destination. Here, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into Vietnam’s mysterious past, surrounded by a serene atmosphere and a majestic sense of tradition.