Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 2026: Temples, Tickets & History

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Cố đô Hoa Lư) in Ninh Binh was Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010 under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Today its two temples, to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, stand among limestone peaks about 95 km south of Hanoi, inside the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Entry costs 20,000 VND and a visit takes about an hour.

Status (checked October 2026): open daily as normal, about 7:00/8:00 – 17:00, at 20,000 VND per adult. The annual Hoa Lu Festival is held in the 3rd lunar month (25–27 April in 2026), when the temples are very crowded.

Why Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is worth seeing:

Vietnam’s first imperial capital: seat of Dai Co Viet, the first centralised independent Vietnamese state.
Two royal temples: carved wooden halls dedicated to the Dinh and Early Le kings.
Natural fortress: limestone mountains served as the city’s walls.
Cheap and quick: 20,000 VND and about an hour, ideal before or after a boat trip.
Close to Trang An: only about 10 minutes from the Trang An wharf.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital at a Glance

Vietnamese name	Cố đô Hoa Lư (Khu di tích lịch sử – văn hoá Cố đô Hoa Lư)
Location	Truong Yen area, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province
Distance	About 12 km from central Ninh Binh; about 90–95 km (around 2 hours) from Hanoi
Known for	Capital of Dai Co Viet (968–1010), temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh
Recognition	Part of the Trang An Landscape Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014); Special National Relic
Opening hours	About 7:00/8:00 – 17:00 daily
Entrance fee	20,000 VND (about US$0.80) per adult; 10,000 VND for children 6–15 and seniors
Time needed	About 1 – 1.5 hours
Best time	Early morning or late afternoon; spring for the festival
Nearby	Trang An, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc
Find it	Google Maps · Tripadvisor · Wikipedia · UNESCO

Is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Worth Visiting?

Yes, as a short cultural stop, not as a full-day sight. Very little of the 10th-century city survives above ground, so do not expect palaces or walls like Hue. What you see are two atmospheric temples, rebuilt in later centuries on the old palace grounds, in a beautiful setting. Combined with Trang An or Mua Cave, it adds history to a day of scenery.

Best for: history lovers, travellers who want context for Vietnam’s origins, and anyone passing between Trang An and Bai Dinh.
Skip if: you have already seen many Vietnamese temples and only want landscapes.
Short on time: visit the Dinh temple only (30–40 minutes), then continue to the boats.

History of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Dinh Bo Linh and Dai Co Viet

Hoa Lu was the home region of Dinh Bo Linh, who in the 960s ended a period of conflict among twelve warlords and in 968 proclaimed himself emperor, naming the country Dai Co Viet and making Hoa Lu its capital. He is remembered as Dinh Tien Hoang. The site was chosen for defence: limestone mountains formed natural ramparts, and earthen walls closed the gaps between them.

The Early Le dynasty

After Dinh Tien Hoang’s death, the general Le Hoan took the throne in 980 as Le Dai Hanh and, in 981, defeated an invading Song army. Hoa Lu remained the capital through the Early Le dynasty.

The move to Thang Long

In 1010 Ly Cong Uan (Ly Thai To), founder of the Ly dynasty, moved the capital to Thang Long, today’s Hanoi, and Hoa Lu became the “ancient capital”. The temples were later built on the former palace grounds to honour the two kings; the present buildings were largely rebuilt in the 17th century in the style of that period.

The city today

The protected relic covers about 300 ha, including the inner and outer citadels. Archaeologists have uncovered sections of the old earthen walls and palace foundations, and in 2014 Hoa Lu became one of the three components of the Trang An Landscape Complex World Heritage Site.

What to See at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

1. King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple

The larger temple stands on the site of the old main palace. Pass through the outer gates and courtyards to the main hall, where a statue of King Dinh is flanked by his sons. Look for the stone dragon bed in front of the hall and the finely carved wooden beams.

Courtyard and wooden hall of a temple in the Hoa Lu ancient capital, Ninh Binh — The temples of Hoa Lu preserve fine wooden architecture and stone carvings. Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

2. King Le Dai Hanh Temple

About 300 m north of the Dinh temple, the Le Dai Hanh temple is smaller and quieter, with a statue of the king, his queen Duong Van Nga and their son. Its wooden carvings are considered among the finest of the 17th century.

3. Remains of the citadel

Sections of the earthen walls and palace foundations found by archaeologists can be seen in the relic area, with small displays explaining the excavations.

4. Ma Yen Mountain and King Dinh’s tomb

Opposite the Dinh temple, a steep stairway climbs Ma Yen Mountain to King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb. The climb takes about 15–20 minutes and gives a view over the temples and valley.

5. Nhat Tru Pagoda

Near the Le temple, Nhat Tru (“One Pillar”) Pagoda has an old octagonal stone pillar carved with Buddhist sutras in its courtyard, linked to the reign of Le Dai Hanh.

6. The Hoa Lu Festival

Held each spring in the 3rd lunar month, the festival includes a water procession, rituals at both temples, boat races and folk games. In 2026 it took place from 25 to 27 April.

Hoa Lu Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)

Item	Details
Adults	20,000 VND (about US$0.80)
Children 6 – 15, seniors 60+ and disabled visitors	10,000 VND
Opening hours	About 7:00/8:00 – 17:00 daily
Guide	Local guides can be hired at the gate; or book a guided tour
Electric cart or bicycle	Available locally for the approach road

Fees follow the list on the Ninh Binh tourism portal and may change.

How to Visit Hoa Lu, Step by Step

Park at the main gate and buy your ticket.
Walk to the King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple first and explore its courtyards.
Climb Ma Yen Mountain to King Dinh’s tomb if you have energy.
Walk about 300 m to the King Le Dai Hanh Temple and Nhat Tru Pagoda.
Return to the gate and continue to Trang An or Mua Cave.

Etiquette at the Hoa Lu Temples

Cover shoulders and knees; these are active places of worship.
Do not step on the raised thresholds of temple doors.
Ask before photographing worshippers or altars inside the halls.
Speak quietly and do not touch the statues or offerings.

How to Get to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

From	How	Time
Hanoi	Private car or day tour	About 2 hours
Ninh Binh centre	Taxi, Grab or motorbike	About 20 minutes
Trang An wharf	Bicycle, motorbike or taxi	About 10 minutes
Tam Coc village	Motorbike or taxi	About 20 – 25 minutes

See our Ninh Binh transport guide for trains, buses and transfers.

Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

When	What to expect
Spring (February – April)	Pleasant weather; Hoa Lu Festival in the 3rd lunar month
May – August	Hot and humid; visit early
September – November	Dry, clear and comfortable
December – January	Cool and quiet; busy around Tet
Time of day	Morning before tour groups, or after 15:00

Local Expert Tips for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

These tips come from years of arranging Ninh Binh tours for international travellers.

A guide makes a real difference here; the history is not obvious from the buildings.
Cycle from Trang An or Tam Coc along the quiet country roads.
Visit before the Trang An boat when the temples are cool and quiet.
Carry small change for the ticket and drinks.
Pair it with lunch nearby; our guide to Ninh Binh dishes explains goat meat and crispy rice.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital vs the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

	Hoa Lu	Thang Long Citadel (Hanoi)
Capital period	968 – 1010	From 1010, for most of the next eight centuries
What you see	Two royal temples in a karst valley	Gates, palace foundations, excavations
Setting	Countryside, mountains	Central Hanoi
Ticket	20,000 VND	See our Thang Long guide
UNESCO	Part of Trang An (2014)	Central Sector, inscribed 2010

Our view: see both to follow the story: Hoa Lu where the independent state began, then the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long where the capital moved in 1010.

Nearby Attractions

Trang An boat trip: caves and island temples, about 10 minutes away.
Mua Cave: the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda: a huge Buddhist complex west of Trang An.
Tam Coc: river, rice fields and three caves.
Thung Nham: birds, caves and gardens.
Phat Diem Cathedral: a unique stone-and-wood cathedral further south.

Sightseeing in Ninh Binh for First-Time Visitors: Where Hoa Lu Fits

One day from Hanoi? Hoa Lu in the morning, the Trang An boat at midday and Mua Cave for sunset is the classic loop. Two days? Add Tam Coc, Bai Dinh and Thung Nham, and stay in one of the places in our Ninh Binh accommodation guide. Read our Ninh Binh travel tips before you go.

Plan your trip with our Ninh Binh travel guide and Ninh Binh tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

1. Where is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital?

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is in Tay Hoa Lu Ward (Truong Yen area), Ninh Binh province, about 12 km from central Ninh Binh and 90–95 km from Hanoi.

2. How much is the Hoa Lu ticket?

The Hoa Lu ticket is 20,000 VND per adult and 10,000 VND for children 6–15 and seniors.

3. What are Hoa Lu opening hours?

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is open daily from about 7:00/8:00 to 17:00.

4. When was Hoa Lu the capital of Vietnam?

Hoa Lu was the capital from 968 to 1010, under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties.

5. Why was Hoa Lu chosen as the capital?

Hoa Lu was Dinh Bo Linh’s home region, and its limestone mountains formed a natural fortress that was easy to defend.

6. Why did the capital move from Hoa Lu?

In 1010 King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (Hanoi), which had more space and better access by river.

7. Is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital worth visiting?

Yes, Hoa Lu is worth an hour for its temples and history, especially combined with Trang An or Mua Cave.

8. How long do I need at Hoa Lu?

Allow about 1–1.5 hours at Hoa Lu, or longer if you climb to King Dinh’s tomb.

9. Is Hoa Lu part of a UNESCO site?

Yes. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is one of the three components of the Trang An Landscape Complex, inscribed in 2014.

10. What is the dress code at Hoa Lu temples?

At the Hoa Lu temples cover shoulders and knees and remove hats inside the halls.

11. When is the Hoa Lu Festival?

The Hoa Lu Festival takes place in the 3rd lunar month; in 2026 it ran from 25 to 27 April.

12. How far is Hoa Lu from Trang An?

Hoa Lu is only about 4–5 km from the Trang An wharf, around 10 minutes by car or bicycle; see our Trang An guide.

13. Can I visit Hoa Lu on a day trip from Hanoi?

Yes, Hoa Lu is about 2 hours from Hanoi and is included in most Ninh Binh day tours.

14. Who was buried at Hoa Lu?

King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb is on Ma Yen Mountain at Hoa Lu, and King Le Dai Hanh’s tomb lies at the foot of the mountain.

15. Do I need a guide at Hoa Lu?

A guide is not required at Hoa Lu, but it helps you understand the history behind the temples.

16. Is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital the same as the Hoa Lu old quarter?

No. The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is the historic temple site in Truong Yen, while the newer lantern-lit “Hoa Lu old quarter” is a separate leisure area in central Ninh Binh.