January
17.7°C ~ 64°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Ninh Binh
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Vietnam’s first independent capital, with two quiet temples set against limestone cliffs.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 20,000 VND
- Best months
- Mar – May
- Best time
- Morning, for cooler air and fewer coaches
Overview
Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Little of the old citadel remains, but two temples from the 17th century honour the kings, set under steep karst cliffs and reached by a short tree-lined path.
The site is small and calm, and many visitors combine it with Trang An, which is about 3 km away. The old stone carvings of dragons and the carved wooden doors are the main things to see, so a short guide helps.
Highlights
- Visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh
- Look at the carved stone dragons at the courtyard
- Walk the short path under the cliffs
- Combine with Trang An, which is 3 km away
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 20,000 VND per adult Children 6 – 15 and seniors 60+: 10,000 VND |
| Time needed | 1 hour |
| Best time of day | Morning, for cooler air and fewer coaches |
| Good for | History fans, families, photographers |
| Accessibility | Mostly flat paths; some steps at the temple gates |
| Facilities | Parking, toilets, souvenir stalls, small cafes |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ninh Binh by month.
February
18.6°C ~ 65°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.9°C ~ 82°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.4°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.3°C ~ 81°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.3°C ~ 72°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
18.3°C ~ 65°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Ninh Binh centre
Hoa Lu is 12 km north-west of Ninh Binh city, about 25 minutes by taxi or motorbike. It is 3 km from the Trang An entrance, and many tours visit both in one half day.
Tips before you go
- Dress modestly in the temples: cover shoulders and knees
- Go early or late to avoid the tour-bus hours
- Hire a local guide for the story of the 12 warlords
- Rent a bicycle to link Hoa Lu with Trang An
Location
Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
About 100 km south of Hanoi, 12 km from Ninh Binh city
More attractions in Ninh Binh
FAQs
How much time do I need at Hoa Lu?
About one hour is enough to walk both temples. Add time if you want a guide or a short bike ride.
Is Hoa Lu worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Vietnamese history or want a quiet stop after boat trips. It is less visual than Trang An but easy to add.
Can I go to Hoa Lu and Trang An on the same day?
Yes. The two are 3 km apart, so most visitors do Hoa Lu in the morning or after the boat ride.