Ninh Binh is known as the land of multiple historical sites and scenic spots. Among these attractive destinations, it cannot fail to mention Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of former Vietnam Centralized Feudal State. Nowadays, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital has retained many temples, pagodas, tombs, and palaces which represents for the ancient culture and history of Vietnam. This sight has attracted a great deal of both domestic and international tourists coming each year.
Approximately 100 kilometers from Hanoi Capital, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital belongs to Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. This is an extremely special national monument in Vietnam due to its enormously cultural and historical values. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital also belongs to the core area of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – a mixed World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. Surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, immense Nho Quan rice paddy, and meandering Hoang Long River, the geographical location of Hoa Lu ancient capital is pretty favorable for military. For that reason, in 968, Dinh Bo Linh decided to choose this place as the capital of Dai Co Viet (Vietnam nowadays). Hoa Lu ancient Capital existed for 42 years (968 – 1010). In 1010, as Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi today), Hoa Lu has known as the ancient capital since then.
According to history books and documents, Hoa Lu ancient capital is a former magnificent palace with the total area of approximately 3,000 hectares. Undergone the changes of more than ten centuries, the ancient capital was almost destroyed. Currently, Hoa Lu ancient capital relics have around 30 monuments. The most typical architecture in the relics should be mentioned are Dinh Temple (King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple) and Le Temple (King Le Dai Hanh Temple). Both of these temples were built in the foundations of the old palace. In addition to Dinh Temple and Le Temple, there are a great number of other primeval pagodas and temples dating back thousands years ago.
Paying a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, travelers will get a wonderful opportunity to not only immerse themselves in the picturesque landscapes bestowed by the nature but also admire the remaining vestiges of the country’s first ancient capital. Through interesting stories about simple and humble kings who made considerable efforts in the construction and defense of the country, tourists can broaden the knowledge about Vietnam ancient tradition and culture. Especially, if visiting the relics from March 8th to 10th (lunar calendar), travelers can take part in an interesting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival (Truong Yen Festival) which takes place annually.
Other attactions in Ninh Binh: Trang An Scenic landscape complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Cuc Phuong National park, Phat Diem stone cathedral, Van Long Nature reserve – Kenh Ga Hot Spring
