Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – temples is located in Ninh Binh provice, the land has both marvelous mountains and seas with the development of many attractive tourist areas.

Hoa Lu ancient capital, perhaps, makes the province more attractive because it creates the cultural identity of the area and help people understand more about the cultural, architectural and sculptural values associated with the legend about the foundation of Dai Co Viet ( an old name of Viet Nam country).

Hoa Lu capital was chosen to be the first capital of Dai Co Vietduring the period of 3 dynasties of Kings Ding, Le and Ly. Since the King Ly Thai To moved it to Thang Long (Ha Noi today) Hoa Lu became an ancient capital which maintained many ancient temples and relic sites.

Nowadays, Hoa Lu ancient capital became a very important architectural and historical complex of Viet Nam. It was recognized as one of the 4 cores forming of the UNESSCO World Heritage Site- Trang An.

Hoa Lu Temples

• Dinh king temple (worship the King Dinh Tien Hoang)

King Dinh Temple is one of the unique architectures in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, worshiping King Dinh Tien Hoang (King of Dai Co Viet Dynasty).

The unique architecture applied to build the temple of King Dinh was the art of wood and stone carving which was made by almost Vietnamese folk artists in the 17th century. The temple offers an ancient and sediment beauty and makes us feel how the city was a millennium ago.

King Dinh temple lies at the foot of Ma Yen mountain, You have to climb up 265 steps getting to the top of the mountain to see King Dinh Temple. From there, you can take a panoramic view of Hoa Lu Imperial city

The temple is divided into three shrines: the outer one is Ngo Mon Gate, the middle is called Thien Huong and the inner one worships King Dinh Tien Hoang

Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh (DinhTien Hoang’s first name) took his troop to clear away twelve independent feudal warlords

• Le king temple

Not far from the temples of Dinh king is Le king temple, worshiping king Le Dai Hanh. Le king temple lies at the foot of Ma Yen mountain to the south.

The temple has the similar architectural design with Dinh king Temple, but smaller. It is also divided into 3 parts: front shrine, Thien Huong house and the sanctum worshiping Le King.

Both King Dinh and Le temple are symbols for Vietnamese people’s reverence and gratitude to the two kings who offered sacrifices in the 10th century.

• Ma Yen mountain

The height of Ma Yen mountain is about 200m. People called it Ma Yen, because it looks like a saddles.

This mountain is associated with the legend of Dinh Bo Linh who chose this mountainous region to build the capital.

When the king passed away, the people buried his body on top of the mountain. Also at the foot of Ma Yen mountain to the south there is also the tomb of King Le Dai Hanh.  If standing on the top of Ma Yen, you can see the panorama of ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Read more about Ma Yen mountain

• Nhat Tru pagoda

Nhat Tru Pagoda, also known as One Pillar Pagoda, is an ancient temple from the 10th century in the special preserved area of Hoa Lu ancient relic (Ninh Binh). The pagoda owns a national treasure of the stone pillar carved with Buddhist scriptures. This Pagoda is the place of many unique festivals. see further beautiful pagodas in Ninh Binh

Best time to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visiting temples of Hoa Lu doesn’t force you to have to determine the time. However in a recommendation of Vietnamese people, spring is usually considered as the most beautiful time in to drop by Hoa Lu Ninh Binh because there will be many stunning festivals after Lunar Tet holiday.

This time is suited for anyone who wants to participate in and experience busy atmospheres, crowds in the festivals. Oppositely if you like a peaceful space, you should visit Hoa Lu ancient capital in Ninh Binh on the other days of the year.

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How to get to Hoa Lu ancient capital Ninh Binh

• For Independent traveler: If you stay in Hanoi or Ninh Binh, you can take the bus or train, private cars from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city, from Ninh Binh, you can hire taxi, motor-bike or bike drive to Trang An grottoes, then flowing passing Trang An grottoes over 2 km, you can see Hoa Lu temples in ancient capital on left side.
• By Ninh Binh Outdoors: It’s very easy and convenient for you to find any our trips here, contact us then we can go for day trip or multi-day tours.