Hoa Lu (Hoa Lư) is an ancient capital of Vietnam, built in the 10th century. During that time, the country had the name of Dai Co Viet (Đại Cồ Việt ) and was ruled by the Dinh dynasty. Hoa Lu was the sociopolitical, socio-economic, spiritual and cultural capital for about a hundred years. Today, it is considered an important architectural and historical complex.

The ancient city had a small territory of 300 hectares. It was surrounded by cliff mountain ranges, the Hoang Long River and two citadels: interior and exterior. The good location and impregnable fortresses provided Hoa Lu with protection from the Chinese and other enemies. Inside the city, there were majestic palaces and temples, which have turned into picturesque ruins.

To visit Hoa Lu means to touch an important part of Vietnamese history. This city was the birthplace of the Dinh, Le (Lê) and Ly (Lý) dynasties. Historical events, which gave a boost to the further successful development of the country, took place there. And now about 50 cultural monuments that preserve the centuries-old history have settled on this place.

Hoa Lu is located 90 kilometers to the south of the current capital of Vietnam – Hanoi. The easiest way to visit it is during a trip to the nearby city of Ninh Binh, which is 12 kilometers away from the ancient capital.

The heritage of Hoa Lu catches the imagination with numerous architectural monuments. Unfortunately, many of them have not survived to our time. However, those that you can see with your eyes are much more valuable.

One of the main attractions of the ancient capital is the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, which was built in the 17th century on the model of the 11th century. It was constructed in honor of the emperor, whose name was Dinh Tien Hoang (Đinh Tiên Hoàng) and who was born in Hoa Lu. Dinh Tien Hoang managed to unite the country and became the ancestor of his dynasty. The temple is located in the place of the former main palace of the royal fortress.

Near the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, there is another not less important attraction – the temple of Emperor Le Dai (Lê Hoàn). There are two sculptures at the center of the shrine. The first is devoted to the very ruler, and the second – to his mother, Empress Duong Van Nga (Dương Vân Nga).

Those who like unusual attractions will like the cave of Thien Duong, where locals worship the Buddha and immortals.