Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam almost 10 centuries ago during the Dinh and Tien Le dynasties. It is situated in Truong Yen commune, Ninh Binh province, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi. Hoa Lu is surrounded by numerous magnificent mountains and consists of three areas: Thanh Ngoai, Thanh Noi, and Thanh Nam. Thanh Ngoai, covering an area of approximately 140 hectares, is in Yen Thanh village. Dinh Tien Hoang King erected a flag in Thanh Ngoai Palace. Ma Yen mountain is in front of the palace. Thanh Noi, is located in Chi Phong village. This village, formerly known as Thu Nhi commune, was where the children and servants of the royalty lived. Thanh Nam is surrounded by high mountains, acting like barriers at the south of the ancient city, protecting the capital and enabling people to leave Hoa Lu by waterway. To the east of the old capital are the Cot Co Mountains, where the flag of Dai Co Viet, former name of Vietnam, used to be erected; Ghenh Thap Mountain, where Dinh King used to review the army; Tien Cave, where the national treasures were kept and Thien Ton Cave, where prisoners and criminals were punished. Le King Temple, where Le Dai Hanh is worshipped, is 500m from Dinh King Temple. Le King Temple is smaller than Dinh King Temple and is also divided in 3 parts as well: Bai Duong; Thien Huong, where Pham Cu Luong is worshipped and Chinh Cung, where Le Hoan is worshipped. Unfortunately, most structures in Hoa Lu have been destroyed over the last 10 centuries. Now, only Dinh and Le Kings’ temples, built during the 17th century, remain. The tombs of the 2 kings can be seen in the Ma Yen Mountains.

Woohoo, I'll see all of you guys there in 2005 summer too! Just curious, why did you guys choose 2005 to go back?

Temple of Co Loa




The Olden Days