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Hoa Lu
Historical Site

Hoa Lu

Northern Vietnam
4.5
(5,000 reviews)
303
Tours Available
30,000 VND
Adult Entry
3-4 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, October-November
Best Time

Overview

Hoa Lu is an ancient capital of Vietnam, known for its historical temples and scenic landscapes. It offers a glimpse into the country's rich past and cultural heritage.

Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, playing a crucial role in the country's history.

Archaeological Site Cultural Site

Location

Address

Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh

Neighborhood: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Coordinates

20.270800, 105.954200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
tuesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
wednesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
saturday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
sunday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults
30,000 VND
Children
15,000 VND (under 12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1.5 hours
Recommended
3-4 hours
Full Experience
full day with nearby attractions

Seasonal Highlights

spring

pleasant, warm

  • • flowers
  • • green landscapes

summer

hot, humid, rainy

  • • scenic views

autumn

cool, pleasant

  • • fall colors
  • • harvest time

winter

cool, occasionally rainy

  • • peaceful atmosphere

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book ahead for guided tours
  • Bring ID for discounts
  • Check weather for outdoor activities

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

recommended

camera sunscreen hat

seasonal

jacket umbrella rain gear

not allowed

large bags drones professional cameras without permit

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate, some walking and climbing

  • • dehydration
  • • heatstroke in summer

Medical facilities: first aid available, nearest hospital 15 minutes away

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Typical Costs

entry 30,000 VND
parking 10,000 VND
food 50,000-100,000 VND
souvenirs 20,000-200,000 VND

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, comfortable shoes, modest clothing for temples, walking shoes, sandals, inappropriate clothing for religious sites

Booking Tips

  • • 1-2 weeks
  • • official website, local tour agencies
  • • 48 hours
  • • available with guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
Information center
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Historical facts

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Main temple area

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Noi Bai International Airport

Distance: 100 km

Travel Time: 2 hours

taxi
1,500,000 VND 2 hours
private_transfer
2,000,000 VND 2 hours
public_transport
200,000 VND 3 hours

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

taxi
200,000 VND 15 minutes
bus
50,000 VND 20 minutes
bicycle
free 30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich history, important cultural site

Historical Significance: First capital of Vietnam, significant battles and events

Insider Tips

  • Free entry early morning for locals
  • Best food at local markets
  • Guides offer unique insights

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local coffee at nearby cafes
  • • Ask for guide Lan
  • • Visit Tam Coc for scenic boat rides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Xin chào
thank_you Cảm ơn
where_is Đâu là
how_much Bao nhiêu
beautiful Đẹp
ticket

Guide Languages: Vietnamese, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Dinh Tien Hoang Temple

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the temple against the sky

Result: Iconic shot of ancient architecture

#HoaLu #AncientVietnam #HistoricalSite

Le Hoan Temple

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Low angle for grandeur

Result: Striking temple view

#Temple #CulturalHeritage #VietnamHistory

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide shots of the landscape

Result: Breathtaking views of the ancient capital

#Landscape #SunsetView #HoaLuCapital

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, temples, landscapes
prohibited areas inside temple buildings, restricted zones
flash photography not allowed inside temples
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited without permit
tripod policy restricted, permit required
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Tam Coc

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Scenic Boat Ride

Bich Dong Pagoda

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 45 minutes

Type: Temple

Trang An Grottoes

Distance: 8 km

Walking: 2 hours

Type: Scenic Boat Ride

Ninh Binh City

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: City

Reviews

4.5

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book a guide for deeper insights"
  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Combine with Tam Coc for a full day trip"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

303

Rating

4.5 / 5.0

Reviews

5,000

Adult Entry

30,000 VND

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