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Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Ninh Binh, is renowned for its cultural and historical monuments. Join BDATrip as we explore essential travel experiences for your first visit!
Hoa Lu is celebrated for its traditional festivals, rich with historical significance. These festivals honor the legendary kings who founded and defended the nation. To fully appreciate these cultural events, visitors should plan to explore Hoa Lu during the dry season, from March to November, avoiding the rainy season.
Ideal times to visit Hoa Lu include:
- Early Spring: Immediately after the Lunar New Year, Hoa Lu buzzes with numerous traditional festivals. Noteworthy are the Bao Ban Non Khe Festival and the Den La Festival, where locals and tourists alike share the joy and excitement of a new year.
- May: This month is perfect for admiring the poetic beauty of the ripe, golden rice fields. Combining a visit with other destinations like Tam Coc or Hang Mua, you can witness the majestic and romantic scenery of Ninh Binh during the harvest.
- March: The Truong Yen Festival, also known as the Co Lau Festival, occurs from the 8th to the 10th of the lunar month. This festival is an opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural traditions of the ancient capital through unique rituals and activities.
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is about 100km. Travelers have several comfortable and convenient transportation options:
- Motorcycle: A flexible option, just follow National Highway 1A from Hanoi, with fuel costs around 100,000 VND, and a travel time of about 3 hours.
- Train: Services like TN1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE19 offer a comfortable journey with ticket prices ranging from 90,000 VND for a hard seat to 230,000 VND for a sleeper.
- Bus: Depart from bus stations like Gia Lam, Giap Bat, or My Dinh in Hanoi. Buses stop at Nho Quan or Kim Son in Ninh Binh, with a fare of about 75,000 VND per person.
- Long-distance taxi or Limousine: Ideal for small families or groups, offering direct transportation to tourist spots in Ninh Binh, with fares ranging from 150,000 to 350,000 VND depending on the service provider.
From downtown Ninh Binh, head towards the city post office, then turn left and continue on Trang An Road. Along this road, follow the signs to Trang An tourist area. Just an additional 200m from these directions will take you to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
After quelling the revolt of the twelve warlords, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne as Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. He is recognized as the first emperor of Vietnam post the period of Chinese domination and chose Hoa Lu as the capital of Dai Co Viet.
The architecture of the ancient capital today, with its intricate blue stone sculptures, vividly brings the glorious past to life. The extensive grounds of the capital, with the imposing Ma Yen mountains in front and the tomb of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang above, create a solemn space that fascinates visitors, ensuring memorable experiences.
During the reign of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Hoan served as the commander of the royal armies and was later honored as one of the fourteen national heroes of Vietnam for his significant contributions in defeating the Song invaders and protecting the country. Following the death of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Hoan ascended to the throne, taking the era name Le Dai Hanh, founding the Earlier Le Dynasty, and ruling Dai Co Viet for 24 years.
The temple dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh is situated opposite the central square of Hoa Lu, surrounded by a moat that once formed part of the city's defense system. Although smaller than the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, King Le Dai Hanh's temple remains a popular destination for its peaceful and comforting atmosphere, offering visitors a reflective experience.
Hoa Lu Tu Tran is a sacred site where deities protecting the three rings of the ancient capital are worshipped, also honoring the heroes who founded and protected the homeland. Each direction of Hoa Lu Tu Tran venerates a specific deity:
- East: The deity Thien Ton, worshipped by King Dinh as a chief god who aided in pacifying the twelve warlords.
- West: The deity Cao Son, associated with the protection and peace of the people during times of national threat from external enemies.
- South: The deity Quy Minh, revered and granted titles by emperors across various dynasties.
- North: The deity Duc Thanh Nguyen, credited with establishing and restoring many historical sites in Hoa Lu.
Each direction and each deity reflect aspects of the rich culture and religious beliefs of the ancient capital, imbuing Hoa Lu with profound spiritual and historical significance.
Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu is not only a political center of former dynasties but also the soul of the rich cultural, historical, and religious values of Vietnam. The area is home to famous temples such as the Golden Temple and Bai Dinh Temple.
The temples of Hoa Lu, with their expansive grounds, solemn spaces, and refined ancient architecture, are not only ideal destinations for art and spirituality enthusiasts but also perfect for capturing beautiful photographs. Beyond providing moments of tranquility, these temples help visitors escape the hustle and bustle of life, offering a sense of peace and relaxation.
The Festival of Duc Thanh Quy Minh Dai Vuong is held annually on March 18th of the lunar calendar at the Trang An tourist area, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, honoring the deity Quy Minh, a descendant of Lac Long Quan and Au Co according to folk beliefs. The festival is not only an occasion for locals to express their reverence for the deity but also an opportunity to participate in meaningful traditional ceremonies.
During the festival, visitors have the unique chance to engage in the water procession and offering rituals, highlighted by the release ceremony on the river. This involves thousands of multi-colored boats parading over approximately 5km along the Sao Khe River, passing through more than 11 spectacular caves. Afterward, the procession splits into two groups: one half docks at a stopping point, while the other continues a further 3km journey to the Noi Lam temple to conduct offering ceremonies.
The Festival of Duc Thanh Quy Minh Dai Vuong not only holds spiritual value but also allows tourists to experience and appreciate the majestic and peaceful landscape of Trang An, deepening their understanding of the culture and history of Ninh Binh.
If you are planning a one-day trip to Hoa Lu from Hanoi, consider the following itinerary to fully enjoy the highlights of Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Hoa Lu:
- 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: If traveling from Hanoi via the highway, it takes just over an hour to reach Ninh Binh, followed by a visit to the Trang An tourist area.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Trang An tourist area by boat, admiring the majestic beauty of the caves and mountain landscapes. Then, spend 2-3 hours visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, paying respects at the temples of Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. You can stop for lunch and rest at a local restaurant.
- 4:00 PM onward: Continue to the Bai Dinh Temple, one of the largest and most famous temple complexes in Vietnam, known for its numerous Buddha statues and religious structures. Visit and admire the impressive architecture and statues.
- End of the day: Return to Hanoi after a day full of rich discoveries and memorable experiences.
This itinerary helps you maximize your time and experience the key tourist spots of Ninh Binh efficiently and comfortably.
To make your visit to Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh more enjoyable and complete, keep the following tips in mind:
- Appropriate Behavior: As a significant historical, cultural, and spiritual site, visitors should dress modestly and maintain order and reverence during their visit, ensuring not to litter.
- Prepare a Map: If traveling independently, research and prepare a map to easily navigate and explore the sites.
- Prepare for the Weather: Since most activities in Hoa Lu are outdoors, bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and other essentials to protect against the heat.
- Follow Guided Tours: If traveling with a group, adhere to the instructions of the tour guide and the site management. Additionally, if possible, converse with site management personnel to gain deeper insights into the cultural and historical significance of the sites you visit.
We hope that through this article, you will enjoy the most memorable and exciting moments at this famous destination!
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