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Hoa Lu Vietnam welcomes visitors with a touch of nature, history, and culture. Nestled in the north, Hao Lu was once the capital of the country that witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties. Though it no longer holds the title, it still is a popular tourist site. Surrounded by limestone mountains, ancient temples, and green rice fields, Hao Lu is truly a beautiful place to be. From the moment you set foot in the former province, you have no time to pass. With a plethora of attractions waiting to be explored, you need to get on with your plans immediately.
History
Photo: Kien1980v / Wikimedia Commons
As the first capital of Vietnam, Hao Lu was built around 968 during the rule of King Dinh Bo Linh. Back then, it served as the political centre of the country and remained so till 1010, the year King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi). Today, Hoa Lu stands as a historical site that is a home to several ancient temples and pagodas.
Location
Photo: Sergey Guk / Pexels / Image For Representation
Located in Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Lu is about 90 km south of Hanoi, Vietnam’s current capital. Taking a bus or taxi helps you to cover the distance from Hanoi to Hoa Lu in 2 to 2.5 hours.
How To Reach Hoa Lu Vietnam
Photo: Federico Pollazzon / Pexels
Reaching Hoa Lu is quite simple and offers a few travel options that you can choose depending on your preference.
By Air: The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi that is approx. 100 km from Hoa Lu. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or shuttle to get to Ninh Binh City.
By Road: Many people choose to travel by car, bus, or motorbike, especially if they are coming from nearby cities like Hanoi. It takes around 2 hours to reach your destination, depending on road conditions and traffic.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Hoa Lu in Vietnam is Ninh Binh Railway Station. After reaching the station, you can simply rent a motorbike or hire a taxi to Hoa Lu.
Best Places To Visit Around Hoa Lu
When it comes to Hoa Lu Vietnam places to visit, the list is long. While it is not possible to cover all of them, you should at least see the most popular ones.
1. Am Tien Cave
Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên / Wikimedia Commons
Am Tien Cave, also known as Tuyet Tinh Coc is known for its natural landscape and beauty. Surrounded by high limestone mountains and clear blue water, this hidden spot feels like a secret place from a fairy tale. The cave is located inside a quiet valley and was once used as a place of punishment in the Dinh Dynasty. However, the highlight of the whole site is Ao Giai Lake, where you can enjoy a serene boat ride and enjoy the lovely views around you.
Location: Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: 20,000 VND per person
2. Temple Of King Le Dai Hanh
Photo: Nguyễn Thanh Quang / Wikimedia Commons
When looking for Hoa Lu Vietnam tourist attractions, it is hard to miss the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh that was constructed in the 17th century in honour of the king. Surrounded by beautiful green mountains, the temple includes three parts, including the sanctum, Thien Huong House, and the front shrine. While exploring the temple, you will see wooden carvings and statues that showcase a glimpse of the king’s life. The temple is often frequented by locals, who come here to offer incense and pray.
Location: Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 20,000 VND per person
3. Temple Of King Dinh Tien Hoang
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
Another ancient temple that is not to be missed is the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Nestled at the base of Ma Yen Mountain, it holds centuries of history and features traditional Vietnamese architecture that is nothing short of impressive. Taking a closer look at the design, you will see dragon carvings on the wooden pillars. Surrounded by lotus ponds and green hills, the temple offers stunning views and a peaceful environment that is nothing like anywhere else in the city.
Location: Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 20,000 VND per person
4. Tam Coc
In your list of Hoa Lu Vietnam’s top tourist places, Tam Coc needs to be on the top mainly because of its mesmerising beauty. As one of the most popular places in Hoa Lu, Tam Coc takes you closer to nature, where you get to enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Ngo Dong River and lose your senses to the stunning views. While gliding through the water, you will pass through rice fields and natural caves that are perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Location: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 250,000 for adults, 120,000 for children
5. Trang An Landscape Complex
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An Landscape Complex is famous for its network of caves, rivers, and limestone mountains. When visiting this place, you can take a scenic boat trip through the caves and witness the ancient temples hidden in the valleys up close. This place is not just beautiful, but also holds a deep cultural value. Whether you are here for nature or history, Trang An is an unforgettable place to explore.
Location: Ninh Xuyen district, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: 250,000 VND per person
Where To Stay
Photo: visualsofdana / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Finding a place to stay in Hoa Lu is not difficult because of the range of accommodations available here. But to pick a room of your choice, booking it in advance is a must, or else you may have to compromise with your comfort. Some of the best places to stay include Nam Hoa Hotel, Hoalu Eco Homestay Ninh Binh, and Quac Khanh Bamboo Homestay. These places are known for their top-notch service and a pool of amenities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Pew Nguyen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Your trip to Hoa Lu is incomplete without tasting the local dishes. Fortunately, there are many eateries and street food areas in the ancient capital. All you have to do is look for the best options that serve hygienic and delicious food. In this case, you can rely on Hoang Giang Restaurant, Ninh Binh Street Seafood Restaurant, and Thang Long Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Hoa Lu is between November and April when the weather is dry and cool. Visiting during these months gives you a pleasant experience and allows you to go out for sightseeing without worrying about sudden rains. However, if you wish to get a taste of the festive season, visiting from January to March is the best.
Other Factors To Consider
Average Cost Of Trip
Travelling to Hoa Lu is not very expensive if you do your budgeting right. For a single person, it is likely to cost around ₹21,000 to ₹50,000 for a week-long trip, including flights, accommodation, and tours. Even food is cheap in Hoa Lu, so you can expect to spend between ₹200 and ₹400 per day on food and drinks.
Tips For Travellers
- If you love shopping, check out the traditional stalls, where they sell various items like statues, incense, tea, and ceramics.
- Some places in Hoa Lu don’t accept digital payments, so it’s better to carry some cash with you.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as you have a lot of walking to do, especially when exploring the streets. Also, carry a pair of waterproof sandals if you plan to take a boat ride.
- Take your camera wherever you go and capture whatever steals your heart.
- Be respectful towards locals and avoid being rude.
Visiting a beautiful place like Hao Lu Vietnam that holds rich history and natural beauty, and you should consider yourself lucky to witness them. With an itinerary in hand and flight tickets on another, you are ready to explore this ancient gem. For a smooth travel experience, you have TripXL to guide you.
Cover Photo: Kien1980v / Wikimedia Commons
