Get a glimpse into the rich history of The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, a site considered the birthplace of Vietnam’s first dynasties and probably the most outstanding feature of Ninh Binh Tours. Situated in the breathtaking scenery of Ninh Binh, this site was the capital under the reigns of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh and had an important role in the making of the nation’s early government. Join us on a journey through the ages, revealing new splendor and significance at every turn of our heritage, set in natural beauty amidst historic depth at Ninh Binh.

Historical Background of The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu is the area from where the first centralized state of Vietnam emerged under the leadership of Dinh Bo Linh, later to be known as Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. Having united the country in the 10th century, he chose Hoa Lu to be his capital because it shows natural defensive advantages: the mountains of limestone towering high and a system of rivers. This naturally guarded fortress allowed the Dinh Dynasty to establish and protect the country, and its history documented an important milestone for Vietnam.

Following the death of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Dai Hanh then came to power to form the Le Dynasty and was still based in Hoa Lu. Since Vietnam had just asserted its independence, much effort had to be made to defend it against outsiders. The temples in Hoa Lu today are the testaments to the architectural and cultural feats of that time and thus should be a part of any Ninh Binh Tours itinerary.

Although the Ly Dynasty later moved the capital to Thang Long, which is modern-day Hanoi, Hoa Lu remains a symbol of early strength and unity for Vietnam. The place occupied by it and its historical importance continues to draw visitors. It provides a sneak peek into the nation’s formative years. Explore this remarkable site with Ninh Binh Tours to feel what it would be in the heart of Vietnam’s rich history.

Detailed Sample Tour Itinerary: “The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu – The Cradle of Vietnam’s Dynasties"

09:00 AM – Departure from Ninh Binh
Just at 9:00 AM, the exciting day begins! Guests will be picked up from a central location in Ninh Binh, ready to begin their tour in time to The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu. While cruising along the winding roads and scenic countryside amidst rice paddies and limestone cliffs, the tour guide will briefly introduce the richness of history in Hoa Lu and the important position it took as Vietnam’s first capital. Enjoy the comfort of our modern, air-conditioned vehicle with all the amenities that will make your ride pleasant, relaxing, and enjoyable. You will pass through charming villages and beautiful landscapes while on the way to our first destination.

09:30 AM – Arrival at Trang An Ecotourism Complex

Trang An Ecotourism Complex

At 9:30 am, we were astonished by the breathtaking Trang An Ecotourism Complex, which is considered a world heritage by UNESCO, well-known for dramatic limestone karsts and elaborating waterways. Our guests will board a traditional Vietnamese boat rowed by local people to discover such majestic caves and rivers. This tranquil boat ride is one of the most beautiful experiences in all of Ninh Binh Tours.

As we float along the calm rivers, you will pass through several famous caves, each with its unique character. Dark Cave and Bright Cave have astonishing formations inside the cave. Wine Brewing Cave lets you into the really fascinating story of how ancient men used to brew wine. These limestone caves took shape over millions of years and still charm visitors due to surreal beauty. It will be lined with breathtaking greenery, and the surroundings angelically quiet, endearing the journey to your mind.

12:30 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
After this panoramic tour in Trang An, we will head to a local restaurant for lunch at 12:30 PM. Here, you can taste the most famous dishes of the region: the famous goat meat and crispy rice of Ninh Binh. The ingredients are fresh and taken from the local market, representing the real flavor of traditional gastronomy.

It is set amidst the traditional environment made up of wood architectural features and a view of the countryside, which provides the ideal setting to enjoy your meal. Every single bite tells a story of Ninh Binh’s agricultural origin and commitment to maintaining traditional cooking techniques. With every flavor you will taste, you will be even closer to the land and its people.

14:00 PM – Visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The highlight of the trip would be a visit to  The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu at 2:00 PM. Right at the heart of Vietnamese history are the steps that this walking tour of the ancient citadel will take you. We will begin with the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, where the intricate carvings and architecture speak for the powerful prestige of the Dinh Dynasty. It is built in the traditional Vietnamese style in stone and wood, with well-preserved statues and altars.

From here, we will proceed to the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh, a less majestic site but no less important. The said temple was dedicated to the memory of King Le Dai Hanh, who defended Vietnam against foreign invaders and continued ruling from Hoa Lu. These temples create the perfect tranquil scene amidst the beauty of nature to reflect upon the storied past of Vietnam.

15:30 PM – Exploration of Truong Yen Valley
From the Ancient Temple Complex, take an easy walk through the breathtaking Truong Yen Valley. This valley is nicely surrounded by high mountains and young green rice paddies. It provides an idyllic setting with beautiful scenery to take a rest and photos. The landscape is literally out of this world, and one can easily understand why Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital beauty here cannot be compared.

Being an avid photographer or just in love with nature, this part of the tour will give you enough time to snap a glimpse of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty. The serenity of the valley is in perfect contrast to the historic weight of the temples, thus making it peaceful during the concluding stages of your journey through The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu.

Truong Yen Valley

17:00 PM – Return to Ninh Binh
At 5:00 PM, we take the vehicle for our transfer back to Ninh Binh. En route, your guide will go over today’s highlights with you, may share final historical insights, and build your excitement for maybe uncovering even more with Ninh Binh Tours. This engaging tour through The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu leaves long-lasting impressions of Vietnam’s rich history intertwined with its spectacular scenery.

What to Know Before Joining the Tour to The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

Want to join us on this fascinating journey to The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu? Awesome! Here are some important tips, before going, to make sure you get the most out of your experience: from the best times to visit to what to bring along, we got everything listed so you can enjoy this unforgettable adventure with Ninh Binh Tours!

Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu

Best time to visit The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu: If you want to see and experience the place in full bloom, we highly recommend visiting during spring, which falls between March and May or early summer. During spring, you get perfect weather: mild temperatures, completely cloudless skies, and that vibrant green of Ninh Binh’s rice fields. Moreover, it is also the time to witness the famous Truong Yen Festival, organized at the end of every March, in memory of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh. Can you imagine, while experiencing a historical tour, getting to witness one of its colorful local festivals? What a treat!

Another perfect time to visit may happen early, in May. At that moment, rice fields turn golden and the landscapes around Hoa Lu happen to be magical. During this period, the air isn’t too hot but has a gentle warm breeze, which feels very pleasant for outdoor explorations. Whether it’s because of history, festivals, or landscapes, Ninh Binh Tours has just those right moments to explore The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu.

What to Bring

You’re going to do some walking and some sightseeing, so comfort’s your keyword! Here’s a quick list of what you need to keep in mind to be all set for the day:

• Comfortable, modest clothing: We will be visiting several temples and historical sites and should dress accordingly. Light clothes are fine in the generally warm weather; however, your shoulders and knees should be covered when going into the more sacred areas.
• Sun protection: Whether or not it is spring or summer, the sun in Vietnam is strong! Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for the outdoor parts of the tour.
• Water: Never forget to hydrate! Walking in The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu and taking trips to places around here might be exhausting; it would do no harm to have at least one bottle of water with you.
• Camera: Trust us-you’ll want to save the beauty of Hoa Lu and the landscapes that surround it. Your phone or camera should be fully charged to take dazzling pictures of the temples, valleys, and caves!
• Comfortable shoes: We will be doing some amount of walking on both paved and uneven surfaces, and a good pair of walking shoes will make all the difference in keeping your feet happy throughout the day.

Cultural Etiquette

We should pay regard to the cultural and historical importance of the sites that we are going to visit in The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu. Locals often visit the ancient temples, particularly those of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, to pay their respects. It is for this reason that we respectfully request that all visitors follow the few simple rules below:

• Respect the dress code: At all times, dress conservatively enough to enter the temples; cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture.
• Keep quiet and respectful: Noise shouldn’t be raised inside the temples so that viewers can maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the place for themselves. One should not converse loudly or create any disturbance.
• Follow local customs: In some parts of the temple, you should find people praying or lighting incense. You don’t need to do anything, but it’s good to be informed and respectful of them.
• No littering: Please help to keep Hoa Lu and its surroundings clean and beautiful. Dispose of trash properly. Let’s conserve this beautiful historical site for the next generations!

Feel the peace

Conclusion

It is here that part of the rich history of Vietnam comes alive before your eyes: The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu. From the temples of ancient times to the stunning landscapes within Trang An, this tour will soak you into both culture and nature. Take this journey with Ninh Binh Tours Impress Travel for an unforgettable journey right through the heart of historic Vietnam. Book now and step into history! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ninh Binh and to book Ninh Binh Tour at the best prices.

Ninh Binh Tours – Impress Travel offers travelers the daily excursions – Small group deluxe tours, private Ninh Binh Vietnam package tours for the real experience of Ninh Binh’s discovery about the culture, history, tradition, local lifestyle, religion, and admiring of the breathtaking scenery of limestone island, rivers, water rice fields in Tam Coc and national park of Cuc Phuong with trekking and homestay at Muong Family. Ninh Binh Tours and private package tour’s highlights:

• Daily excursions depart from Hanoi to visit Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Bai Dinh.
• Private Ninh Binh Package Tours explore the natural beauty of Ninh Binh likewise Cuc Phuong National Park and homestay at local people
• Provide travelers outdoor activities with an adventure such as biking, climbing, trekking, rowing boat, and fishing.