 Hoa Lu
About Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu is a tourist destination located 110km or two hours from Hanoi. Hoa Lu is the site of a 10th-century capital of an ancient Vietnamese kingdom called Dai Co Viet. This small kingdom covered an area of only 300 hectares, and reigned from the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties, to the 11th century, during the Ly dynasty. The kingdom was enclosed by a citadel. The citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills provided good defence for this kingdom against the Chinese.
Not much of this ancient kingdom is left standing. Whatever that remains of the palaces and shrines would only be of interest to archaeologists. Nevertheless, I find the surrounding to be quite picturesque, with its ponds and limestone range forming a jagged horizon. There are two 17th century temples, modelled after their 11th-century originals that are on most itineraries to Hoa Lu. Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple are dedicated to the founder of the Dinh dynasty and to its successor.
Getting there
Hoa Lu is located in Ninh Binh Province in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. You can book a tour to Hoa Lu through a travel agent in Hanoi, or through the hotel you are staying in.
Other Sights in and around Ninh Binh Province
Tam Coc
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Hoa Lu Location Map
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Hoa Lu (2 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
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