Hoa Lu: Ninh Binh's ancient capital and history
Hoa Lu is where Vietnamese history meets the Ninh Binh landscape. Dinh Bo Linh made it the capital of Dai Co Viet in 968, and the early Le dynasty ruled from here too. In 1010 Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long, today's Hanoi. That is why Hoa Lu counts as the old capital, and why most Ninh Binh history begins here.
Today you visit two temples, one for Dinh Tien Hoang and one for Le Dai Hanh, set among limestone hills. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is also one of the parts of the Trang An Landscape Complex, which UNESCO listed in 2014.
Our picks: Hoa Lu tours
Two of these list the Hoa Lu temple entrance fee, while the cycling tour lists only a general entrance fee, so confirm the itinerary before you book. All three start from Hanoi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hoa Lu and Mua Cave with a boat on Trang An or Tam Coc
- Boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc (your choice)
- Entrance fees at Hoa Lu and Mua Cave
- Use of bicycle
You choose Trang An or Tam Coc for the boat. A buffet lunch and two bottles of water are included; about 12 hours.
Check availability →
Hoa Lu, Tam Coc boat and Mua Cave with village cycling
- All Entrance Fees & Tickets (Hoa Lu, Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave)
- Bicycle Around Village With Guide Leader
- A Delicious Buffet For Lunch
Vegan options are available. WiFi and a bottle of water on the bus; about 10 to 11 hours.
Check availability →
Ninh Binh countryside cycling day tour
- Cycling through the countryside
- Entrance fee
- Lunch
A cycling-focused day with an English-speaking guide and bottled water. Length runs from 6 to 12 hours depending on the option.
Check availability →Tours that include Hoa Lu
Full-day tours from Hanoi that combine Hoa Lu with a boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc, a bike ride and Mua Cave, with entrance fees listed in the product details.
Capital of Dai Co Viet, 968 to 1010
A short timeline.
968
Dinh Bo Linh founds the capital of Dai Co Viet at Hoa Lu.
Early Le dynasty
The capital stays at Hoa Lu under the early Le rulers.
1010
Ly Thai To moves the capital to Thang Long, the site of today's Hanoi.
The temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh
Places of worship, not original palaces.
The two temples honour the founders of the era. They are places of veneration today, so dress modestly and speak quietly. Please do not expect original palaces from the 10th century: the buildings you visit are later temples, not surviving royal halls. The setting among the rocks and the history it recalls are the real draw.
Entrance fee 2026
From the official price list of 27 February 2026.
An adult ticket costs VND 20,000. Children from 6 to 15 years, visitors from 60 years and people with a disability pay VND 10,000. Opening hours can change, so ask locally before you plan a late visit. Add some time for parking and the walk between the temples.
Ancient capital or Hoa Lu old town
Two different visits.
The official list shows the historic capital separately from the Hoa Lu old town, which can be visited free of charge and offers its own boat services. They are different places with different tickets, so check which one your booking covers. This page covers the historic capital.
Ninh Binh history: 30,000 years in Trang An
Older than the capital.
UNESCO describes human use of the Trang An area over more than 30,000 years. That does not mean one unbroken settlement at today's boat landing, but it shows how old the link between people and these caves is. The listing covers 6,226 hectares, with a buffer zone of 6,026 hectares, and Bai Dinh lies in that buffer zone. Read more about the boat ride on the Trang An page.
Ninh Binh province since 2025
The administrative picture.
Since 1 July 2025 the province of Ninh Binh also includes the former provinces of Ha Nam and Nam Dinh, under Resolution 202/2025/QH15. The tourist area around Hoa Lu is only a part of it. After the reform the tourism office places Trang An in Tay Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in Nam Hoa Lu, so you may see these ward names on tickets and maps.
For a wider plan, see things to do in Ninh Binh and the Mua Cave viewpoint, which most Hoa Lu days include.
Frequently asked questions
When was Hoa Lu the capital?
From 968 to 1010. Dinh Bo Linh founded it, and Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long in 1010.
How much is the Hoa Lu ticket?
VND 20,000 for adults and VND 10,000 for children 6 to 15, visitors from 60 years and people with a disability, per the official list of 27 February 2026.
Are the buildings original?
The temples are later buildings that honour the early rulers, not original 10th century palaces.
How long should I plan for Hoa Lu?
Most visitors spend about an hour at the two temples and combine them with a boat ride the same day.