Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Vietnam

[Nguyen Ngoc diep]

Hoa Lu –Ninh Binh full day tour is one of the interesting tour programs which tourists should not miss to vist during their stay in Hanoi hotels, also in Vietnam. Hanoi Imperial Hotel would like to give you some information of the historical vestiges.

In 968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The country was then called Dai Co Viet and Hoa Lu was its capital for 41 years (968 -1009). In 1010, Ly Tha To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.

Hoa Lu is 13km from Ninh Binh city, near the village of Truong Yen. Tourists visiting Hoa Lu can see two temples located 500m apart from each other on the ground of the ancient palaces. One is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to King Le Dai Hanh. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, a great number of pilgrims come to Hoa Lu to pay tribute to Kings Dinh and Le.

King Dinh and Le temples

Dinh Temple is located in Truong Yen Thuong village, Hoa Lu district. It was built in the shape of a Chinese character.

After the first entrance, called Ngo Mon, there is a royal stone bed with Nghe (mythical animals of the old times) standing on both sides. Outside the temple, is Khai Thanh sanctuary dedicated to the parents of King Dinh.

The temple is divided in three sanctuaries: Bai Duong, for the community, Thien Huong, in honour of mandarins, and Chinh Cung, where the statue of Dinh Tien Hoang is located. On the left is the statue of his oldest son Dinh Lien. On the right are statues of Dinh Hang Lang andDinh Toan. On each side of the altar, there is a stone dragon similar to the ones placed near royal beds.

Le Temple is situated in Truong Yen Ha Village, Hoa Lu district, 500m from Dinh temple. In terms of architectural design, Le Temple is very similar to Dinh Temple, but smaller. It also consists of three parts: Bai Duong, used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of the King Le, and the altar in memory of the King. The statue of Le Hoan is at the centre, on the left is the statue of Queen Duong Van Nga and on the right is that of Le Ngoa Trieu, his fifth son and third king of the Pre Le Dynasty.

If you wish to take full day trip to visit Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (Ninh Binh tour), please contact Hanoi Imperial Hotel for the best package rate and excellent service.