Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (5K+ reviews) • 47K+ booked
Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009. Nestled in the picturesque Trường Yên Thượng village in Ninh Bình Province, Hoa Lư boasts a unique landscape of rice fields dotted with limestone mountains, just 90 km south of Hanoi. Explore the ancient citadel that once served as the economic, political, and cultural heart of Đại Cồ Việt, an independent Vietnamese polity founded by local warlord Đinh Bộ Lĩnh.
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Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

The best of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Bucket-list experiences

Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Day Trip

Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Day Trip

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★ 4.5 (2,221)
US$ 30.75
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Explore Ninh Binh's Best: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave

Explore Ninh Binh's Best: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave

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★ 4.6 (164)
From US$ 33.45
10 off
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2D1N Ninh Binh Tour with Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Trang An from Hanoi

2D1N Ninh Binh Tour with Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Trang An from Hanoi

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★ 4.5 (229)
From US$ 102.59
US$ 108.29
Hoa Lu, Trang An & Incense Quang Phu Cau Village Day Tour from Hanoi

Hoa Lu, Trang An & Incense Quang Phu Cau Village Day Tour from Hanoi

Private group
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★ 4.9 (59)
From US$ 80.15
Buy 4 get 14 off
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Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Bich Dong Tour from Hanoi

Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Bich Dong Tour from Hanoi

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★ 4.6 (239)
US$ 29.55
US$ 33.49
Trang An & Hoa Lu Day Tour with Japanese Speaking Guide

Trang An & Hoa Lu Day Tour with Japanese Speaking Guide

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★ 4.8 (19)
From US$ 52.49
9 off
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Vietnam Unesco Heritage Sites Day Tour with Multi-Destination

Vietnam Unesco Heritage Sites Day Tour with Multi-Destination

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★ 4.9 (13)
From US$ 20.09
25 off
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2D1N Hoa Lu, Trang An, Hang Mua & Ha Long Bay Cruise Tour from Hanoi

2D1N Hoa Lu, Trang An, Hang Mua & Ha Long Bay Cruise Tour from Hanoi

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★ 5.0 (5)
US$ 122.30
10 off
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Hoa Lu, Mua Cave & Tam Coc Small Group Day Tour from Hanoi

Hoa Lu, Mua Cave & Tam Coc Small Group Day Tour from Hanoi

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★ 4.9 (42)
US$ 60.05
Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Group Tour from Hanoi

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Group Tour from Hanoi

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★ 4.6 (14)
US$ 27.15
Majestic Trang An & Bai Dinh, Hang Mua Day Tour from Ha Noi

Majestic Trang An & Bai Dinh, Hang Mua Day Tour from Ha Noi

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★ 4.5 (1,734)
From US$ 35.20
US$ 42.00
Thung Nham Bird Park Ticket

Thung Nham Bird Park Ticket

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US$ 5.70
US$ 5.90

Make it a getaway

Trang An Ao dai Homestay

Trang An Ao dai Homestay

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★ 5.0 (2)
From US$ 21.05
Muong Village Ninh Binh

Muong Village Ninh Binh

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★ 4.8 (25)
From US$ 37.26
US$ 67.06
Diamond Hotel

Diamond Hotel

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★ 4.7 (4)
From US$ 24.56
Aroma Homestay

Aroma Homestay

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From US$ 14.04
Tuyet's Homestay

Tuyet's Homestay

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★ 5.0 (2)
From US$ 20.98
Hoang Giang Homestay

Hoang Giang Homestay

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★ 4.7 (21)
From US$ 12.29
MT Collection Hotel

MT Collection Hotel

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★ 4.3 (9)
From US$ 33.2
Salina Hotel

Salina Hotel

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★ 4.7 (40)
From US$ 29.74
Bai Dinh Hotel

Bai Dinh Hotel

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★ 4.3 (6)
From US$ 41.38
Ninh Binh Family Hotel

Ninh Binh Family Hotel

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★ 3.8 (11)
From US$ 13.1
Rio Hotel

Rio Hotel

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★ 3.5 (2)
From US$ 27.39
Hoang Son Peace Hotel

Hoang Son Peace Hotel

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★ 4.1 (22)
From US$ 37.17

Why people love Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

4.9 /5
5K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
3 days ago
Very informative tour with lots of amazing sites to see! They were all beautiful sites with so much history and our tour guide, Linh, did a great job of explaining things and making the tour fun! The lunch was okay, but filling since it was a buffet. Overall great value for what you pay and would definitely recommend to all!
Henny **********
3 days ago
Highly recommended!!! We visited a beautiful and fun place accompanied by a friendly and nice tour guide, named Ruby. The bus we rode was comfortable with a professional driver and the food provided was delicious. Thanks also to Elbiee who helped in arranging this trip.
Carmen *****
3 days ago
Our tour guide Linh was amazing and funny. He introduced the Vietnam history and culture. And take care of every single person in the group. Kudos to Linh.
1+
KINJO ****
4 days ago
You need some physical strength. You will travel quite a bit by cycling, but the bicycles are lighter than those in Japan. The scenery in Trang An is magnificent and beautiful. A local man works as a boatman, and there is only work twice a day because there are enough people. It seems that the wages are low and they rely on tips. I thought it would be nice if everyone could give a little more to preserve the environment. The guide asked us to give 30,000 dong, so we gave each person 50,000 dong. The last place was Mua Cave, but the entrance was flooded and dangerous, so it is now closed. Instead, we climbed a mountain with 400 steps, but the latter half was essentially a cliff. I'm scared of heights, so I gave up about 70% of the way up, but the footing was quite bad, so I recommend wearing shoes with good grip. It's slippery. On the way back, we ate bun cha and disbanded. Personally, bun cha was the most delicious food in Vietnam. Overall, it's a recommended tour. If you're satisfied, give the guide a tip when you leave. You can ask for advice during your trip.
2+
Lea ************
6 days ago
Hi! The overall experience on the tour was fantastic. Although there were a few minor inconveniences, our tour guide, Linh, went out of his way to accommodate everyone in the group. I really enjoyed how he shared fun facts while discussing the history of each place. He had so much energy, running around with the group and still managing to answer all our questions. I'd be thrilled to have him as my tour guide on my next visit. The bus ride is comfortable as we travel to different places, and we feel secure with the driver's skill in getting us to our destination.
1+
Keana *************
3 Dec
Our Ninh Binh day is very memorable. The tour guide is fun and very accommodating. Although still needs to practice a little more clear english. We were with lots of nationalities in the tour. The tour guide would also message the night before and will inform on the day when they are near your place so you could be ready. Bus: The bus was comfortable and very luxurious. I appreciate that you can charge gadgets since you'll be in the tour the whole day. During the long drive, they will stop by on bathroom breaks. The pick up was also early in the morning so they stopped by a store when we can buy breakfast along the way Bai dinh: The whole Bai Dinh complex is big, i suggest to wear a very comfortable shoes and clothing. Even if it was winter time, it still got very hot and sunny. Lunch: Lunch buffet was okay. Nothing special. Food was just okay. I hope they could include a better lunch place. Trang An - Ninh Binh: Tour would take you to Route 2. The place is good and the whole boat ride was relaxing Mua Cave: The tour guide recommended the better side which we should take on the Mua Cave which is good. The climb was tiring but the overall scenery is majestic. It is also good because the tour guide David asked our group if someone cant come 500steps up, he can recommend an alternative itinerary.
2+
Ong ********
2 Dec
Good trip to wonderful place day trio and worth the money. Must visit place with Tom Coc. This a good trip with hotel pick up
2+
Qiu *******
2 Dec
The temple is a bit boring, but making the boat is quite interesting. It takes a long time. There is a rest point in the middle, and then we return to the original place where we boarded the boat with the original boat number. Mua cave requires climbing, which can be tiring, but the scenery is really beautiful.
2+

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Đinh Tiên Hoàng Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Đinh Tiên Hoàng, the first emperor of Vietnam, constructed to honor his legacy and contributions to the country's history.

Lê Đại Hành Temple

Explore the temple of Lê Đại Hành, located near Đinh Tiên Hoàng Temple, showcasing the rich history and architectural beauty of the Lê dynasty.

Nhật Trụ Pagoda

Discover the First Column Pagoda, ordered by Emperor Lê Đại Hành, housing artifacts from the 10th and 11th centuries and featuring a prominent stone pillar in the temple courtyard.

Culture and History

Experience the cultural and historical significance of Hoa Lư, the native land of the first two imperial dynasties of Vietnam, the Đinh and Early Lê dynasties. Explore temples honoring emperors, queens, and historical figures, and witness the architectural remnants of the ancient citadel.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in popular local dishes in Hoa Lư, known for its unique flavors and must-try foods. Sample traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culinary delights.

History and Highlights

Discover the first capital of Vietnam with its historical landmarks, including the Royal Court, temples, and relics that date back to the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.