Ancient Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh - the beauty of Vietnamese culture and history

Hoa Lu ancient capital is an attractive tourist destination, attracting visitors by its historical, cultural value and beautiful natural landscape. If you have the opportunity to come to Ninh Binh, take the time to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to discover the unique values ​​of this place.

Location of Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, about 100km south of Hanoi. When traveling to Hoa Luu ancient capital, if you want, you can combine travel to many surrounding scenic spots such as:

Tam Coc – Bich Dong:is a famous eco-tourism area with a system of caves, limestone mountains and the poetic Ngo Dong river. Visitors coming here can visit caves such as Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba, Bich Dong,… and experience kayaking on Ngo Dong River.

• Distance: 10km
• Travel time: 15-20 minutes by motorbike or car

Trang An:is a world cultural and natural heritage complex with a spectacular system of caves, limestone mountains and rivers. Visitors coming here can visit caves such as Dark Cave, Bright Cave, White Cave,… and experience a cruise on the Ngo Dong River.

• Distance: 25km
• Travel time: 30-40 minutes by motorbike or car

Bai Dinh Pagoda:is the largest Buddhist temple in Vietnam with many established records. Visitors coming here can visit unique architectural works such as the Quan Am Palace, Phap Chu Palace, Pho Minh Tower,… and pray for peace.

• Distance: 15km
• Travel time: 20-30 minutes by motorbike or car

Cuc Phuong National Park:Cuc Phuong National Park is the largest primeval forest in Vietnam with a rich and diverse ecosystem. Visitors coming here can visit caves, waterfalls, primeval forests,… and experience trekking and mountain climbing.

• Distance: 40km
• Travel time: 1 hour by motorbike or car

Thung Nham Bird Garden:Thung Nham Bird Garden is a nature reserve with a system of caves, limestone mountains and clear blue lakes. Visitors coming here can visit caves such as But Cave, Salt Cave, Mua Cave,… and watch thousands of birds flying in the sky.

• Distance: 20km
• Travel time: 30 minutes by motorbike or car

Current ticket prices to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

According to the April 2024 update of Booking Vietnam Tour, ticket prices to visit Hoa Lu ancient capital are being specifically regulated as follows:

• Adult: 20,000 VND/person
• Children: 10,000 VND/person (from 6 to 15 years old)
• Free of charge: Children under 6 years old, elderly people (from 60 years old or older), people with severe disabilities

In addition, you can also choose to purchase other services such as:

• Rent an electric car: 30,000 VND/person/turn
• Rent a bicycle: 20,000 VND/person/turn
• Tour guide service: 200,000 VND/group (maximum 10 people)

How to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu from Hanoi

There are many options for you to travel to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu from Hanoi, Booking VietnamTour will We will guide you on how to travel independently and use available services below.

Self-driving route to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu from Hanoi

If you have your own car or want to drive yourself to experience the road from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, what would be the most optimal route?

Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway (about 100km):

Advantage: This is the fastest route to go from Hanoi to Hoa Lu ancient capital, only taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Defect: Highway toll (about 130,000 VND/turn).

Route:

• From Hanoi city center, you follow Giai Phong street, cross Mai Dong bridge and turn onto Phap Van – Cau Gie highway.
• Go straight along Phap Van – Cau Gie highway, passing toll stations.
• After passing the Cau Gie toll station, turn left along National Highway 1A.
• Follow Highway 1A for about 15km, reach Gian Khau intersection (Ninh Binh), turn right onto Road 10 connecting Hoa Lu and Tam Diep.
• Go straight along Route 10 for about 10km, arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

National Highway 1A (about 110km):

Advantage: This is the traditional route to go from Hanoi to Hoa Lu ancient capital, you can admire the beautiful scenery along the road.

Defect: It takes more time to travel than going on the highway (about 2-3 hours), and there can be traffic jams during rush hours.

Route:

• From Hanoi city center, you follow Giai Phong street, cross Mai Dong bridge, and go straight along National Highway 1A.
• Follow National Highway 1A, through towns and cities such as Phu Ly, Hung Yen,…
• After passing through Ninh Binh city, go straight along National Highway 1A for about 20km, reach Gian Khau intersection (Ninh Binh), turn right onto Road 10 connecting Hoa Lu and Tam Diep.
• Go straight along Route 10 for about 10km, arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Bus companies provide services from Hanoi – Hoa Lu and vice versa

Ninh Binh Car – pick-up and drop-off limousine service

The advantage of Ninh Binh Car is door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service in Hanoi when you choose transportation service from Hanoi to tourist destinations in Ninh Binh and vice versa, including Tam Coc:

• Ticket price Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital:170,000 VND/person/trip
• Pick up point in Hanoi: Pick up guests at home within Hanoi city
• Drop off point:Gate of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Special National Relic Area
• Vehicle type: 10-seat DCar Limousine upgraded from 16-seat Ford Transit
• Transfer vehicle (if any): Xpander or 7-seat Fortuner.
• Travel time: from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Distance: ~110km
• Route: Phap Van – Ninh Binh Expressway, exiting at Cao Bo intersection to Ninh Binh.
• Free filtered water, modern amenities include: Massage chair, wifi, battery charger, air conditioner, TV…
• Runs continuously from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. 1 flight every 1 hour.
• Contact to book tickets:0866 611 235

Hanoi Ninh Binh Limousine

With many years of experience in the field of passenger and bus transportationLimousine Hanoi Ninh Binh is always proud to be one of the most prestigious and quality bus companies in the Hanoi and Ninh Binh areas.. With a team of experienced, enthusiastic and friendly drivers, you will definitely feel satisfied with our shuttle service.Hanoi Ninh Binh Limousine.

• Ticket price Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital:170,000 VND/person/trip
• Pick up point in Hanoi: Pick up passengers at home in Hanoi or at the bus office atKiot 12, N1 Dong Tau, Thinh Liet, Hoang Mai, Hanoi
• Drop off point:Gate of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Special National Relic Area
• Vehicle type: Limousine 9 or 11 seats
• TAmenities on board: cold towels, bottled filtered water, free wifi on board, entertainment services
• Runs continuously from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. 1 flight every 1 hour.
• Contact to book tickets:0866 611 235

Trang An Limousine

This is one of the most popular limousine companies operating the Hanoi – Hoa Lu route and vice versa. Trang An Limousine has a fleet of modern, luxurious vehicles with many amenities such as massage chairs, free wifi, drinking water, cold towels,…

• Ticket price: 155,000 VND/person/trip
• Ticket price including car: 1,600,000 VND/trip
• Fares from Noi Bai airport: 340,000 VND/person/trip
• Destination: gate of Hoa Lu ancient capital relic site
• Car brand: New Dcar Solati 9 seats
• Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Then take the new 2022 Xpander shuttle bus to Hoa Lu
• Route: New highway
• Pick up point in Hanoi: Cau Giay Park (Main Gate), 21 Tu Mo (Near BigC Thang Long), Central Circus, 107 Vong Street, CC2 Apartment – Dong Tau Urban Area

• Departure time:06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00
• Contact to book tickets: 0866 611 235

Full package Hoa Lu tours

There are many Hoa Lu tours organized by reputable travel companies in Vietnam, with a variety of forms and prices for you to choose from. The advantage of package tours is savings and low costs, along with convenience, there is a shuttle to your door and you don’t need to worry about the schedule. However, all package tours will have the disadvantage that the schedule is fixed, you will not have time and be able to visit places comfortably as you like but must travel in groups at the right time and place. Here are some popular Hoa Lu tours:

Hoa Lu tour 1 day

Reference schedule:

• Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Hanoi
• Visit King Dinh Tien Hoang’s temple, King Le Dai Hanh’s temple, King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb, and shop for souvenirs.

Hoa Lu – Tam Coc 1 day tour

Reference schedule:

• Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Tam Coc – Hanoi
• Visit King Dinh Tien Hoang’s temple, King Le Dai Hanh’s temple, King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb, and row a boat to visit Tam Coc.

Hoa Lu – Trang An – Bai Dinh tour 2 days 1 night

Reference schedule:

• Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Trang An
• Visit King Dinh Tien Hoang’s temple, King Le Dai Hanh’s temple, King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb, and cruise to visit Trang An.
• Overnight in Ninh Binh.
• Day 2: Bai Dinh – Hanoi
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, shop for souvenirs

Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh tour 3 days 2 nights

Reference schedule:

• Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Tam Coc
• Visit King Dinh Tien Hoang’s temple, King Le Dai Hanh’s temple, King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb, and row a boat to visit Tam Coc.
• Overnight in Ninh Binh.
• Day 2: Trang An – Hang Mua
• Cruise to visit Trang An, climb Hang Mua mountain.
• Overnight in Ninh Binh.
• Day 3: Bai Dinh – Hanoi
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, shop for souvenirs.

Note: When choosing package tours, you should request a detailed list of services included in the package as well as services that will often arise outside. At the same time, you should also refer to the list of reputable tour providers to avoid being pressured or giving fake prices which then incur a lot of additional costs. If you need a Hoa Lu package tour, please contact Booking Vietnam Tour immediately for completely free advice and support: hotline 0866 611 235

The cultural and historical beauty of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu ancient capital was the first capital of Dai Co Viet, built from 968 to 1010 during the reigns of three dynasties: Dinh, Le and early Ly dynasty.

History of the formation of the ancient capital Hoa Lu

Before the 10th century, Hoa Lu land belongs to Cau Lau department, Giao Chi district. This place has a rugged terrain, surrounded by limestone mountains, which is favorable for building the capital because of its easy-to-prevent and difficult-to-work form. Seeing this point,Year 968 King Dinh Tien Hoang quelled the rebellion of 12 warlords, unified the country and ascended the throne, establishing the Dinh Dynasty, choosing Hoa Lu as the capital, naming it Hoa Lu.Dai Co Viet.

• Dinh Dynasty (968 – 1009): Hoa Lu was built and developed into a bustling and magnificent capital. Many palaces, temples, and mausoleums were built here.
• Year 1009: Le Hoan ascended the throne and founded the Le Dynasty. King Le Dai Hanh moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Hoa Lu (present-day Thang Long).
• After the Le So dynasty lost its country: Hoa Lu gradually became deserted. However, this place still preserves many valuable historical and cultural relics of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties.

Name“Hoa Lu” carries many special meanings, reflecting the historical, cultural and natural landscape values ​​of this land:

“Hoa” does that mean flower, symbolizing the brilliant and lush beauty of Hoa Lu land. This place is blessed by nature with a charming landscape, with majestic limestone mountains, cool green valleys and romantic rivers.

“Lu” can be understood in two senses:

• “Lu” meanoven, refers to prosperity and prosperity. Hoa Lu land has long been a place of human residence, with a developed agricultural economy and a prosperous and prosperous life.
• “Lu” meanvillage, demonstrating the close connection between humans and nature. Hoa Lu people have long been immersed in nature, living on nature and preserving nature.

Architecture of Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital was built on a rugged limestone terrain with a structure that can be divided into 3 main areas as follows:

1. Imperial Citadel area

Located in a central location, it was the capital of the Dinh – Le dynasties Surrounded by a fortified citadel system with 3 main gates: South Gate, West Gate and East Gate.

Inside the Imperial Citadel there are important architectural works such as:

• Great Gate: The main gate to the Imperial Citadel, built of laterite, is large and majestic.
• Kinh Thien Palace: The place where court meetings, banquets and important royal ceremonies take place.
• Harem: The residence of the king and queen.
• Ngu Uyen: The king’s royal garden, where the king relaxes and admires the scenery.
• Treasures: A place to store food, weapons and other valuable items.

2. Capital area

Located around the Imperial Citadel, where mandarins, courtiers and residents lived housing areas, markets, schools, temples,…

Typical architectural works in the Capital area include:

• Temple of the Kings: Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, Temple of King Le Dai Hanh,…
• Tombs of the Kings: Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang, Tomb of King Le Dai Hanh,…
• Markets: A place for trading and exchanging goods.
• School: A place to train children of mandarins and courtiers.
• Temples: A place to worship gods and ancestors.

3. Mausoleum Area

Located in the mountains surrounding the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, it is the resting place of kings and queens, lThe tomb was built in a traditional architectural style, consisting of many floors, curved roofs, and decorated with sophisticated patterns.

Typical mausoleums in the mausoleum area include:

• Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang: Located on Ma Yen Mountain, is the largest and most majestic mausoleum in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
• Tomb of King Le Dai Hanh: Located on Ky Lan Mountain, it has a unique architecture with 3 floors of curved roof.
• Tomb of Queen Duong Van Nga: Located on Ngoc Linh mountain, is the tomb of the first queen of Vietnam.

The construction structure of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital represents a harmonious combination of nature and architecture, creating a unique complex of historical and cultural relics bearing the mark of the era. This place is a testament to the heroic cause of building and defending the country of the Vietnamese people and is an attractive tourist destination attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

Historical and cultural value of Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital is where many important historical and cultural relics of Vietnam are preserved such as:

• Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang: Place to worship King Dinh Tien Hoang, the first king of the Dinh dynasty.
• Temple of King Le Dai Hanh: Place to worship King Le Dai Hanh, the first king of the Le dynasty.
• Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang: Burial place of King Dinh Tien Hoang.
• Tomb of King Le Dai Hanh: The burial place of King Le Dai Hanh.
• Hoa Lu cave relic area: The place has many beautiful caves such as Thien Ha cave, Nham That cave, Mo Hau cave.
• Hoa Lu ancient capital was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2010.

• Architecture belongs toHoa Lu ancient capital bearing the mark of the Dinh – Le dynasties with magnificent citadels and palaces.
• Construction materials Mainly limestone and fired bricks.
• Monuments Decorated with many sophisticated patterns and motifs.

Have you traveled to Hoa Lu yet?

Hoa Lu ancient capital is a testament to the heroic career of building and defending the country of the Vietnamese people and is also a tourist destination not to be missed if you want to learn more about the people and traditional culture of Vietnam. Coming to Hoa Lu, you will not only admire the massive architectural works meticulously built with the breath of time, but also have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse and delicious Ninh Binh culinary culture. passionate about people.

Don’t hesitate any longer, travel to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh Right just today!