Hoa Lu — Vietnam’s first capital, and its two temples
Photo: Alberto Capparelli / Pexels
About
In the tenth century this valley was the capital of Dai Co Viet, the first centralised Vietnamese state. Dinh Tien Hoang unified the country from here, and Le Dai Hanh ruled from here after him; the site was chosen for the ring of limestone cliffs around it, which made a natural fortress. The court later moved north to Thang Long — modern Hanoi — and Hoa Lu was left to the rice fields.
What survives are two temples, to King Dinh and to King Le, standing a few hundred metres apart in a quiet enclosure of old trees. It is a special national relic and lies inside the core zone of the Trang An World Heritage site.
Where it is
Hoa Lu is in the old Truong Yen commune, now Tay Hoa Lu ward — the same area as our restaurant, which is a few minutes down the road. It is the closest of the major sites to us.
What to expect
An hour or an hour and a half is enough. The two temples were rebuilt in the seventeenth century on the foundations of the tenth-century palaces, and the stone carving is the reason to come: dragons cut into the stone bed and the door frames, worn smooth by four hundred years of hands.
Behind the temples a path climbs Ma Yen mountain to the tomb of King Dinh, a short but steep climb of stone steps with a view over the whole valley. It is optional and most visitors skip it; those who make it up rarely regret it.
The Hoa Lu festival is held here every year in the third lunar month, with processions and traditional games — the busiest and most interesting few days of the year at the site.
Photos of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Photos: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — licence CC BY 2.0.
Tickets — Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 20,000₫ | |
| Child (6–15) and senior | 10,000₫ |
Checked on 31/08/2026 · Source: trangandanhthang.vn. Prices can change with the season and around festivals — worth confirming with the management board before you go.
Opening hours
approximately 07:00–17:00. (compiled from secondary sources, not yet confirmed with the management board — call ahead if you plan to arrive very early or very late)
When to go
Pleasant all year, and the trees keep it cool even in summer. Early morning is quietest. The festival in the third lunar month is worth planning around if you want to see the site alive rather than empty.
Worth knowing
Hoa Lu pairs naturally with Trang An: the two are inside the same World Heritage landscape and a short drive apart. Temples in the morning, lunch, then the boats in the afternoon is the itinerary most guides use.
Distance and getting there
From Thang Long Restaurant (Chi Phong hamlet, Tay Hoa Lu, on the Trang An – Bai Dinh road) to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: 4.4 km (about 6 minutes by car) by road.
Measured with OSRM along real driving roads on 31/08/2026. The coordinates of the destination are approximate, so the figure may be slightly off; we are standardising them. Distances from the city centre are still being measured.
Map
The pin follows the place name; exact coordinates are still being standardised.
Frequently asked
How long do we need at Hoa Lu?
An hour to an hour and a half for the two temples. Add another half hour if you climb the steps up Ma Yen mountain to the tomb of King Dinh.
What is there to see at Hoa Lu?
The temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, rebuilt in the seventeenth century on the foundations of the tenth-century palaces, with very fine old stone carving. The path up Ma Yen mountain to King Dinh’s tomb starts behind them.
Can we combine Hoa Lu with Trang An?
Yes — they are inside the same World Heritage landscape and only a few minutes apart. Temples in the morning, lunch, then the Trang An boats in the afternoon is the usual plan.
When is the Hoa Lu festival?
Every year in the third lunar month, with processions and traditional games at the temple grounds.
Reading this in Vietnamese? Bản tiếng Việt của trang này has the same figures and a longer local section.
Where to eat nearby
Thang Long Restaurant is 4.4 km (about 6 minutes by car) away, on the Trang An – Bai Dinh road in Chi Phong hamlet, Tay Hoa Lu. We are a family restaurant that has served travellers in Ninh Binh for nearly twenty years: mountain goat cooked a dozen ways, com chay (crispy rice), free-range hill chicken. Prices are printed on the menu, an English menu is available, there is room for tour buses, and we are open 7:00 – 22:30, every day.