Hoa Lu is a name that resonates with the history and culture of Vietnam. It was the first capital of the country, from the 10th to the 11th century, and the birthplace of many dynasties and legends. Today, Hoa Lu is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can explore the ancient temples, pagodas, and monuments, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and activities of the surrounding area. In this article, we will guide you through the highlights of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and help you plan your trip to this fascinating place.
History of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu was founded in 968 by King Dinh Tien Hoang, who unified the country after a period of chaos and war. He chose Hoa Lu as the capital because of its strategic location, surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers, which provided natural defense and resources. Hoa Lu was the center of political, economic, and cultural life of Vietnam for more than a century, under the rule of three dynasties: the Dinh, the Le, and the Ly.
Hoa Lu witnessed many important events and stories in the history of Vietnam, such as the legend of the golden dragon, which symbolized the sovereignty and prosperity of the country, the assassination of King Dinh Tien Hoang by a palace guard, which led to the succession of his son, King Dinh Phan, at the age of six, and the relocation of the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi) by King Ly Thai To, who had a vision of a dragon ascending from the Red River.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is now a national historical and cultural relic, which preserves the remnants of the ancient citadel, the royal palaces, and the temples dedicated to the kings and heroes of Hoa Lu.
Culture of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital reflects the rich and diverse culture of Vietnam, especially the architecture, religion, art, and festivals of Hoa Lu. The most prominent cultural features of Hoa Lu are the temples and pagodas, which showcase the unique and exquisite styles of Vietnamese art and craftsmanship.
The most famous temples of Hoa Lu are the Dinh Temple and the Le Temple, which are located in the Truong Yen commune, about 2 km from the ancient citadel. The Dinh Temple was built in the 17th century, on the site of the original palace of King Dinh Tien Hoang. It consists of three halls, which display the statues, altars, and artifacts of the king and his family. The Le Temple was built in the 18th century, on the site of the original palace of King Le Dai Hanh. It also consists of three halls, which display the statues, altars, and artifacts of the king and his family.
Another famous pagoda of Hoa Lu is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is located in the Gia Sinh commune, about 15 km from the ancient citadel. It is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, covering an area of 700 hectares. It includes the original pagoda, which dates back to the 11th century, and the new pagoda, which was built in 2003. The pagoda is famous for its impressive architecture, such as the 13-storey tower, the 36-ton bronze bell, the 100-ton Buddha statue, and the 500 Arhat statues.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital also hosts many annual festivals and ceremonies, which celebrate the history, culture, and religion of Hoa Lu. The most important festival of Hoa Lu is the Hoa Lu Festival, which is held on the 10th and 11th of the third lunar month, to commemorate the kings and heroes of Hoa Lu. The festival features many traditional and cultural activities, such as the procession, the ritual, the incense offering, the dragon dance, the boat race, the wrestling, and the folk games.
Another important festival of Hoa Lu is the Truong Yen Festival, which is held on the 14th and 15th of the third lunar month, to honor the kings and queens of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The festival features many similar activities as the Hoa Lu Festival, as well as the water puppet show, the singing contest, and the lantern release. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is also a major festival of Hoa Lu, which is held from the first to the third lunar month, to worship the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. The festival features many religious and cultural activities, such as the prayer, the meditation, the pilgrimage, the charity, and the vegetarian food.
Getting There
There are several ways to get to Hoa Lu from Hanoi, depending on your preference, budget, and time. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
By bus:
You can take a bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh station in Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which is the nearest city to Hoa Lu. The ticket price ranges from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND per person, and the journey takes about 2 hours. There is a bus every 30 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm every day. From Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle to Hoa Lu, which is about 15 km away.
By car or motorbike:
You can rent a car or a motorbike in Hanoi and drive to Hoa Lu by yourself. The route is via Phap Van – Cau Gie Highway and National 1A Highway, and the distance is about 110 km. It takes about 2 hours to get to Hoa Lu by car or motorbike. You can also stop by some attractions along the way, such as Phat Diem Cathedral, Tam Coc, or Trang An.
By train:
You can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which is the nearest train station to Hoa Lu. The ticket price ranges from 70,000 VND to 200,000 VND per person, depending on the class and the time. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. There is a train every hour from 6 am to 10 pm every day. From Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle to Hoa Lu, which is about 15 km away
Attractions of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only a historical and cultural site, but also a natural and scenic site, where visitors can enjoy the beauty and activities of the surrounding area. Hoa Lu is blessed with a stunning landscape, characterized by the limestone mountains, the rivers, the caves, and the rice fields, which create a picturesque and peaceful scenery.
One of the best ways to explore and enjoy Hoa Lu is to take a boat ride along the rivers and canals, which will take you through the magnificent rock formations, the lush vegetation, and the rural villages. You can also cycle, hike, or kayak around Hoa Lu, to discover the hidden gems and the local life of Hoa Lu. Some of the most popular routes and destinations for these activities are Tam Coc, Trang An, Mua Cave, and Cuc Phuong National Park.
Tam Coc, which means “three caves”, is a scenic spot that consists of three natural caves, namely Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, which are formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through the limestone mountains. The caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, which create a mysterious and magical atmosphere. The boat ride to Tam Coc takes about two hours, and offers a stunning view of the rice fields, the mountains, and the wildlife.
Trang An, which means “heavenly palace”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of a complex of natural and cultural attractions, such as the limestone karst peaks, the valleys, the caves, the temples, and the pagodas. The boat ride to Trang An takes about three hours, and passes through 12 caves and 10 temples, which showcase the natural beauty and the historical value of Trang An.
Mua Cave, which means “dancing cave”, is a spectacular spot that offers a panoramic view of Hoa Lu and its surroundings. The cave is located at the foot of the Mua Mountain, which has 500 steps leading to the top, where there is a giant dragon statue and a viewing platform. The climb to Mua Cave takes about 30 minutes, and rewards you with a breathtaking view of the rice fields, the rivers, and the mountains.
Cuc Phuong National Park, which means “green forest national park”, is the oldest and largest national park in Vietnam, covering an area of 222 square kilometers. The park is home to a diverse and rich flora and fauna, including more than 2000 plant species, more than 300 bird species, and more than 100 mammal species, some of which are endangered and endemic. The park also has many attractions and activities, such as the botanical garden, the wildlife rescue center, the primate center, the turtle conservation center, the ancient tree, the prehistoric cave, and the hiking trails.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a destination that offers a unique and memorable experience for every visitor. It is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Vietnam, admire the architecture and art of Hoa Lu, and enjoy the natural beauty and activities of Hoa Lu. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a nature enthusiast, you will find something that suits your interest and taste in Hoa Lu.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital with Tripoto, and discover the past and present of Vietnam.