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Hoa Lu Ancient Town, nestled in the picturesque province of Ninh Binh, offers a captivating journey through Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. Renowned for its historical significance, this ancient town served as the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Visitors are transported back in time as they explore the remnants of royal palaces, temples, and ancient citadels that echo the grandeur of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The town is enveloped by lush landscapes, featuring scenic rice paddies and limestone karsts, enhancing the overall allure of this cultural gem. Hoa Lu invites tourists to immerse themselves in the ambiance of bygone eras, experiencing the spiritual and architectural marvels that define Vietnam’s enduring heritage.
Are you in search of a fresh and exciting destination in Ninh Binh? Unsure about your accommodation options for the night? Look no further than Hoa Lu Ancient Town, a vibrant hotspot that captivates both young enthusiasts and seasoned travelers alike. Embark on an exploration of this enchanting entertainment hub with the guidance of Vietnam Travel Guide.
Explore the Night Tourist Destination of Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Where is Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
Opened to the public on January 27, 2022, Hoa Lu Ancient Town is conveniently situated in Ninh Binh city. Nestled on the grounds of Ky Lan Lake, near the Silver Pagoda in Tan Thanh ward, the town serves as the gateway to Ninh Binh. Its central location within the city makes it easily accessible and a perfect destination for sightseeing.
Now that you know the exact location of Hoa Lu Ancient Town, there’s no reason to delay – start planning your trip without further ado.
Moving instructions
Situated a bit away from the city center, Hoa Lu Ancient Town is approximately 90 kilometers from Hanoi, with a travel time of around 2 hours. To reach this historical gem, follow the Hanoi-Ninh Binh highway until you reach the Cao Bo toll station. From there, take a right onto Highway 38B, cross the Day River bridge, and continue a short distance to arrive at the old town.
The manageable distance allows visitors the flexibility to adjust their departure time without the need for an early start. It’s worth noting that Hoa Lu Ancient Town is liveliest in the evening, making an overnight stay a delightful option to fully experience its charm.
Accommodations, such as motels and hotels in the Ninh Binh city area, offer convenient transportation to both the old town and other tourist attractions of the ancient capital. With a mere 2-kilometer distance from the city, locating Hoa Lu Ancient Town is effortlessly accomplished, aided by tools like Google Maps.
Ticket prices and opening times of the old town
The admission cost to Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a common inquiry for many travelers in the midst of trip planning. Notably, there is no entrance fee for accessing the town or for attending entertainment or shopping performances.
However, if you wish to partake in the boat service on Ky Lan Lake for a scenic experience, a ticket is required. Boat tickets are priced at 80,000 VND for adults, 40,000 VND for children aged 5 and above, while children under 5 years old enjoy complimentary admission.
Consequently, exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Town proves to be a budget-friendly option, catering to the financial considerations of various visitors, especially those looking for economical travel choices. It’s essential to clarify that the entrance to Hoa Lu Ancient Town itself is free of charge.
The specific opening times of the old town are as follows:
- Open all days of the week, from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 07:00 – 23:00
- Traditional stalls: Open from 14:00 – 23:00
- Folk games: Open from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m
What’s interesting about Hoa Lu ancient town?
Visit and check in the old town
Hoa Lu Ninh Binh Ancient Town draws inspiration from the traditional cultural elements of Dai Viet in the 10th century, meticulously reconstructing and reviving ancient architecture and culture. The allure of Hoa Lu lies in the immersive exploration of its old town, where visitors encounter firsthand the captivating essence of antiquity. This experience unveils the distinctive and impressive history, culture, and architecture of Vietnam.
Functioning as a captivating gateway to the traditional social life, customs, and traditions of the nation, Hoa Lu Ninh Binh Ancient Town serves as a living representation of Dai Viet ‘s history since the 10th century. The focal point within the old town is the Tu An tower, majestically situated in the heart of Ky Lan Lake. This intricately designed tower, adorned with multiple floors and adorned with a radiant system of yellow lights, casts a mesmerizing reflection upon the serene lake.
Lanterns, featuring diverse patterns and perpetually illuminated, grace the entire old town, creating an ancient and romantically ambient pathway for sightseers. A visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Town is incomplete without capturing the enchanting moments through photography, as the shimmering, magical ambiance and backdrop of authentically designed structures offer countless opportunities for striking images.
As night falls, seize the opportunity to embark on a boat ride across the lake. Drifting gently on wooden boats, engage in conversations with the boatmen, who share stories about their profession and the local way of life. The serene experience of gliding through the water at a leisurely pace, coupled with the nocturnal charm of the old town, evokes a truly enchanting and unforgettable sensation.
Enjoy Ninh Binh specialties
Exploring Ninh Binh Ancient Town promises a delightful culinary journey, allowing visitors to savor the delectable specialties of this ancient capital. Along the charming streets, traditional stalls beckon diners with a variety of local delights at reasonable prices.
Indulge in an array of savory treats, from sticky rice cakes to rice paper, peanut candy, and sesame candy—all showcasing the rich flavors of the region. As evening descends upon Hoa Lu Ancient Town, meander through its streets to discover the pleasure of enjoying flavorful noodle and vermicelli soups.
The culinary offerings extend beyond traditional fare, encompassing on-demand cuisine, while the Ky Lan park area specializes in serving quick bites and refreshing beverages to visitors. With such culinary diversity, the food scene in Ninh Binh Ancient Town is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates, promising a gastronomic experience that adds to the charm of this historical destination.
Shopping for handicraft products
Immersing visitors in the ambiance of ancient cultural architecture, Hoa Lu Ancient Town offers a unique glimpse into daily life from times long past. Within the historic streets, numerous stalls showcase traditional handicraft products, skillfully crafted by artisans hailing from renowned craft villages in Ninh Binh. These include the carpentry village, Bo Bat pottery, Van Lam embroidery, Ninh Van fine stone making, and Bo De paintings.
Furthermore, the old town extends its cultural embrace to encompass craft villages from various provinces, such as Y Yen lacquer, silver carving, Dong Ho painting village, and bronze casting village, spanning across the North, Central, and South regions. This diverse array of craft villages provides an ideal space for visitors to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of craftsmanship across the country. Beyond being a cultural exploration, the old town invites guests to peruse and purchase these meticulously crafted handicrafts, offering an opportunity to bring home thoughtful and culturally significant gifts for loved ones after a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Town.
Watch cultural performances
Ninh Binh Ancient Town stands as a captivating and majestic cultural haven, offering tourists an enthralling experience. Every week, the town comes alive with distinctive events, including New Year celebrations, the Ninh Binh festival, Mid-Autumn festivities, and enchanting Water Puppet shows. These events boast the participation of renowned singers and substantial investments, ensuring a remarkable and unforgettable experience for visitors. The cultural vibrancy extends further with traditional musical performances, lively street dances, and other dynamic activities, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere throughout the town.
Ninh Binh tourist attractions near Hoa Lu ancient town
Following your visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Town, you have the opportunity to enhance your journey by exploring other renowned destinations in Ninh Binh, thus ensuring a more comprehensive and fulfilling travel experience.
Hoa Lu ancient capital
Situated at the heart of the Trang An heritage complex, Hoa Lu ancient capital holds a distinguished status as the seat of power for several dynasties, including the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly. Drawing numerous tourists, this ancient capital is renowned for its profound historical, cultural, and archaeological significance. The remnants of the ancient citadel, a treasure trove of diverse and well-preserved structures, encompass mausoleums, temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. Particularly notable are the moss-covered and time-enduring works, such as the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
In a historic milestone, UNESCO bestowed recognition upon Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in 2014, designating it as the first and only cultural and natural heritage site in Southeast Asia.
Trang An scenic spot
In close proximity to Hoa Lu Ancient Town lies the picturesque Trang An scenic spot, a source of pride for the denizens of the ancient capital. The optimal way to explore Trang An is by embarking on a boat journey, with passengers choosing from three distinctive routes, each spanning 3 to 4 hours. Adult ticket prices start from 250,000 VND.
For those inclined towards a more active experience, kayaking is an option, with rentals priced between 250,000 and 400,000 VND. Safety regulations prohibit arbitrary rowing into caves. The expansive and breathtaking scenery of Trang An Heritage promises an indelible impression on your journey and the memories shared with your loved ones.
This information serves as a guide to Hoa Lu Ancient Town for you and your family, with updates on new destinations and invaluable travel insights available through the Vietnam Travel Guide for your upcoming adventures!
