Hoa Lu is a district located near the center, only about 18km from Ninh Binh city and is home to many famous beautiful landscapes worth visiting. Please join Vinlove in reading the article below to gain more useful Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experiences.
When is the best time to travel to Hoa Lu?
Hoa Lu Ninh Binh is the place to organize special festivals to commemorate the kings who built and saved the country in ancient times. To have the most meaningful experiences, you should visit Hoa Lu during the dry season (from March to November next year) instead of during the heavy rainy seasons. Some times will bring you special and wonderful experiences at Hoa Lu Ninh Binh:
– Early spring : after the Lunar New Year holiday, people in Hoa Lu Ninh Binh will organize many unique traditional festivals, for example: La Temple festival, Ban Non Khe Newspaper festival, Nguyen Cong temple festival Tru,…
Photo: @tit.3107
– March : Truong Yen festival, also known as Co Lau festival, takes place, one of the most famous traditional festivals of Hoa Lu. The time takes place from the 8th to the 10th of the third lunar month.
– May : this is not only a time of pleasant weather, but also the season of ripe rice in Ninh Binh. You can visit rice fields laden with golden grains in locations such as Tam Coc, Hang Mua ,…
Photo: @teps91200
Instructions to go to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh
Hoa Lu is only about 20 minutes by car from the city center. Experience traveling to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh on your own, you have many options to move to this place. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can also go by public transportation to Ninh Binh and rent a motorbike to explore on your own.
1. Instructions to go to Ninh Binh
– By public transport : Hanoi – Ninh Binh bus routes depart from Giap Bat bus station and drop off at Ninh Binh central bus station. In addition to these bus routes, you can also use any other bus routes from Hanoi to the Central or Southern provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Ha Tinh,… These routes operate continuously. continuously and in large quantities.
Photo: @2liveis2eat
– By personal vehicle : you can go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh along Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh highway. The distance is about 90km, it takes about 1 hour to get to the city center. Ninh Binh. From here, you can move to Hoa Lu very close. If using a motorbike, you can follow the old National Highway 1A through Ha Nam and then go in the direction of Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa.
– By rail : Ninh Binh is located on the North – South railway line, with stations: Ninh Binh, Cau Yen, Ghenh station and Dong Giao station . Therefore, it is easy to reach Ninh Binh from any point in both North and South by Thong Nhat train.
- From Hanoi, there are trains: SE1 (7:30 p.m.), SE3 (10:00 p.m.), SE5 (9:00 a.m.), SE7 (6:00 a.m.) and SE19 (8:05 p.m.) to Ninh Binh.
- Departing from Saigon, train SE8 departs at 6:00 a.m. and arrives in Ninh Binh at 1:15 p.m. the next day.
Photo: @ha070583
2. How to go from Ninh Binh to Hoa Lu
If you just want to go to Hoa Lu to play and return without staying, Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experience from the center you can rent a taxi or motorbike taxi. If you go in a large group, the price is not too expensive. However, if you want to combine it with visiting many other tourist attractions such as: Tam Coc Bich Dong, Trang An, Bai Dinh,… you should rent a motorbike and follow a circular schedule to reach them all. points, because the points are not very far apart.
Photo: @alx.fr
Hoa Lu Ninh Binh tourist destinations you should visit
1. Visit temples
– King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple : an important relic located in a specially protected area of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital heritage site. The temple is located in Truong Yen commune – the center of the Eastern citadel of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. Experience traveling to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh, this is the only place in Vietnam that simultaneously worships King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents, his sons and is also a place to worship Dinh dynasty generals.
Photo: @lexson264
This Ninh Binh tourist destination is built in a foreign domestic style, with the main axis facing east. In front of the temple is Ma Yen mountain shaped like a saddle, on the mountain there is the tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang. King Dinh Temple was built on the foundation of the ancient capital palace of Hoa Lu. Around this area, archaeologists found a brick courtyard with lotus motifs and a pair of phoenixes playing with each other.
Photo: @lexson264
– King Le Dai Hanh Temple : worships King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Mother Duong Van Nga, Le Long Dinh, along with tablets of Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and General Pham Cu Luong. Located in the East Citadel, the architecture is also built according to foreign internal and external styles. In front of the temple is the central square of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and next to the Sao Khe river is Den Mountain. Behind the temple is the moat used to protect the ancient capital.
Photo: @sodulich.ninhbinh
– Phat Kim Temple : located in a fairly small campus, near the north gate and next to Yen Thanh ancient village road. The temple has 3 buildings arranged in the style of a gate, facing the central yard. Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experience , according to legend, this location was formerly the foundation of Vong Nguyet Palace, where Princess Phat Kim (daughter of King Dinh Tien Hoang) once lived. In front of the yard, there is a large hexagonal well, said to be where the princess committed suicide.
Photo: @dulichninhbinh
2. Explore Hoa Lu Tu Tran
– Tran Dong worships God Thien Ton : a legendary deity considered the god of the 10th century capital of Hoa Lu. Before Dinh Bo Linh quelled the rebellion of 12 warlords, he came to the cave and performed a sacrificial ceremony. to pray for help from God Thien Ton in that war. According to legend, Than Thien Ton is considered an angel, originally a prince. According to the queen’s dream, she saw herself swallowing the sun and then became pregnant and gave birth on the third day of March 625 and that was Huyen Nguyen day.
Photo: @truyenhinhdulich
– Tran Tay worships God Cao Son : Lac general Vu Lam, the 17th son of King Lac Long Quan. When obeying the order of King Hung, the first Hung Vuong, went from the Nam Linh region to the Thien Duong region and discovered a tree with a stem that could be used to make cakes instead of rice. He named the tree Quang lang and taught and helped people in production and living, while protecting them from destructive forces. Therefore, people built a temple to remember and respect him.
Photo: @Trang An Heritage Facebook
– Tran Nam worships God Quy Minh: a water deity responsible for protecting and guarding the low-lying area of Son Nam pass during the reign of the 18th Hung King. He is a supreme deity, respected by the king in many dynasties. Great conferment and worshiped by people throughout the country. The main temple was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang at Trang An in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and later King Tran Thai Tong rebuilt this temple on the scale it is today.
Photo: @vnexpress
– Tran Bac worships the Giant God : or Saint Nguyen, a famous man born in the hometown of King Dinh Tien Hoang. He was instrumental in creating and repairing many monuments in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Legends about him describe him as a Giant god capable of walking and flying in the air, creating mountains, caves and lakes,…
Photo: @cam_mi_le
3. Visit ancient temples
When the capital Hoa Lu was first formed, it was also a major Buddhist center. Here, there are many pagodas built in limestone caves or using rocky mountains to make pagodas. Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experience 2 days 1 night , some typical ancient temples to explore such as:
– Nhat Tru Pagoda : or One Pillar Pagoda along with Yen Thanh communal house was built by King Le Dai Hanh to promote Buddhism. Currently, the Buddhist scripture column in front of the pagoda is still intact from thousands of years ago and is considered the oldest stone scripture in Vietnam.
Photo: @najmisalim
– Cave – Dich Long Pagoda : is a complex of scenic relics including architecture such as: stone communal house with 16 monolithic stone columns, Ly Quoc Su temple, semicircular lake, 5 3-storey high towers and three pagoda compartments Summer. On the cave door are written 6 words: “Nham Son cave, Co Am temple”. On both sides of the cave entrance there are two statues of Dharma Protectors and on the 8 meter high cave dome hangs a bell weighing more than a ton, cast during the Nguyen Dynasty.
There is a temple to Ba Chua Thuong Ngan, a temple to the Holy Mother, two jade wells, and statues of Mr. Good and Mr. Evil riding on lions. In addition, there are 3 gold-plated Tam The Buddha statues and a Bodhisattva statue made of monolithic green stone.
Photo: @dulichninhbinh
– Ban Long Pagoda : was formed during the Dinh Dynasty, located in Khe Dau village. When Lord Trinh Sam visited, he personally wrote three large words “Ban Long Tu” on the door wall. “Dragon Table” refers to the dragon-shaped stone pedestal on which the dragon sits. On the stele written on the cliff, it is clearly stated that from Hoa Lu ancient citadel, people follow the rocky mountain to the south and reach Khe Dau village, then reach this famous pagoda in Ninh Binh .
Photo: @rcmoureux
– Kim Ngan Pagoda : ancient pagoda located in Chi Phong village, within the western citadel. This place has long been used to store gold and silver. The pagoda has long been a place for princesses to play. This is also where Ly Thai To and Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan met and gave birth to Ly Thai Tong.
Photo: @seabird_27.01
– Am Tien Cave : like a separate world. In the ancient stele from the Ly Dynasty, the writing on the stele has faded, however, on the stele built during the reign of King Dong Khanh, the writing is still clear, talking about the repair of pagodas and caves. This is where King Dinh Tien Hoang raised tigers and leopards to punish those who committed serious crimes. During the Ly Dynasty, monk Nguyen Minh Khong stayed in the cave to study, recite sutras and preach, and built a Buddha altar inside the cave. Later, the pagoda was opened for pilgrims from all over to visit.
Photo: @tr.phvy
Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experience: unique festivals
1. Thai Vi Temple Festival
Thai Vi Temple Festival takes place from the 14th to 17th of the third lunar month to remember the Tran Dynasty kings who made important contributions to building and protecting the country. The most notable point of the festival is the palanquin procession, with the participation of more than 30 groups of people from communes in Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh. Sacred rituals are held in front of Thai Vi temple, and finally there is a festival with attractive folk games, such as lion dance, dragon dance, wrestling, human chess and boating.
Photo: @nbtv
2. Festival of the Holy King Quy Minh
The festival is held every year on the 18th day of the third lunar month at Trang An tourist area, so it is also called Trang An festival. This is one of the traditional festivals in Ninh Binh . Every year, this festival takes place to express gratitude and commemorate the Holy King Quy Minh Dai Vuong and the Tran Kings and predecessors who have contributed to building and protecting the country, in order to wish for the country and its people. peace, good rain, peaceful wind.
Photo: @dantri
In particular, the festival takes place in the beautiful natural space of clear blue waters, magical caves and among majestic mountains. The festival not only brings joy to the people of Ninh Binh but also contributes to arousing patriotism, pride and the spirit of great solidarity in the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland of the Vietnamese people.
Photo: @laodong
4. Truong Yen Festival
Truong Yen Festival is held annually from the 10th to 13th of the third lunar month to commemorate the great contributions of two national heroes, Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, in building and developing Dai Co Viet country. Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experience: This is an important festival, so there will be many meaningful activities. If you have time, you should come and participate.
Photo: @dulichbinhduong
What to eat when traveling to Hoa Lu?
1. Burnt rice
Hoa Lu scorched rice is not a traditional dish of Ninh Binh, however it was created by people of Ninh Binh origin and preserved until today. Despite its simple appearance, this scorched rice dish has developed and become one of the most famous specialties of the region with a rich, crunchy flavor that is unforgettable.
Photo: @pasgo
2. Ninh Binh mountain goat meat
Goat meat is one of the extremely famous Ninh Binh delicacies because it has a characteristic firmness and aroma. This type of meat is low in fat so it is popular with many tourists. Besides, this unique dish also comes with vegetables commonly found in Ninh Binh such as: climbing nightshade, gourd, aloe vera,… these vegetables blend together to create a rich and delicious taste. characteristic of the dish.
Photo: @bardeev
3. Ninh Binh mountain snail
Ninh Binh mountain snail is a rare type of snail, often found in limestone mountains like Hoa Lu and living in stone caves. They often appear early in the morning during the rainy season from April to August to feed and breed. The meat of this snail has a sweet taste and a characteristic herbal scent. It can be used to cook attractive dishes such as: steamed snails with ginger and lemongrass, grilled snails, stir-fried with tamarind or snails mixed with salad,…
Photo: @mia
Suggested 1-day Hoa Lu travel itinerary
Experience traveling to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh 1 day , you can refer to the schedule departing from Hanoi – Trang An – Bai Dinh – Hoa Lu as follows:
- 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Travel from Hanoi. If you follow the highway, it only takes about an hour to get to Ninh Binh. From here, you continue to go to Trang An scenic area .
- 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Visit Trang An tourist area by boat and explore the places here. After about 2 – 3 hours, you continue to go to Hoa Lu ancient capital relic, visit the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. You can have lunch and rest at a restaurant.
- 16:00: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the most famous pagoda complex in Vietnam with many confirmed records. After completing the tour, you can return to Hanoi.
Photo: @th.evrtt
Note when traveling to Hoa Lu
To ensure your trip to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh becomes more interesting and complete, you should note the following:
– Hoa Lu ancient capital is a famous historical, cultural and spiritual relic. Therefore, when you visit, dress politely, seriously and follow the regulations. At the same time, please maintain order and do not throw trash indiscriminately.
– If you travel by yourself, preview the map to easily navigate your journey.
– Because most of the relics in the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital area are located outdoors, bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water and other necessary items to use immediately when needed.
Photo: Tuan Anh
Above are complete and detailed Hoa Lu Ninh Binh travel experiences for those who come for the first time. Hopefully with the above information, you will have the most wonderful and enjoyable experiences at this famous tourist destination!
($1=24,000 VND)
Photo,Video: Internet (Vinlove.net)