Hoa Lu Old Town Guide, Ninh Binh: Night Market & Culture | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Admission Fee: free.

Ky Lan Lake Boat Tour: 80,000 VND per adult at the time of writing.

Opening Times: 24/7, but restaurants and vendors typically operate from 2pm until 11pm daily. Folk games usually take place from 7pm until 11pm daily.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Hoa Lu Old Town is an absolutely fantastic place in Ninh Binh to spend your evenings.

While the term ‘Old Town’ might conjure images of perfectly preserved ancient streets, Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh is actually a more recently developed attraction that recreates the ambiance and cultural essence of Vietnam's first imperial capital, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. It is a fascinating blend of historical homage and modern cultural tourism, offering visitors a unique insight into a pivotal period of Vietnamese history.

Here are some photos that we took:

What is Hoa Lu Old Town? A Modern Homage to an Ancient Past

Hoa Lu Old Town is not the original ancient capital itself (which consists of the temples of King Dinh and King Le, and other scattered historical relics). Instead, it is a dedicated cultural and commercial area designed to evoke the spirit of the Dai Co Viet era (10th-11th centuries) when Hoa Lu was the political, economic, and cultural heart of Vietnam. Inaugurated in early 2022, this ‘ancient town’ complex is located on the campus of Ky Lan Lake Park and next to Hoa Lu Hotel in Ninh Binh City.
It serves as a vibrant hub where visitors can experience traditional Vietnamese culture, explore recreated historical architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and savor regional delicacies. It is often described as a miniature version of Hoi An Ancient Town, bringing a similar charm and atmosphere to Ninh Binh.
And the similarity does not end there: At Hoa Lu Old Town you can also take a lantern boat ride, which is especially magical during lantern festival. But be warned, the boat ride is nice, but it comes nowhere close to what you experience in Hoi An.

A Glimpse into Expanded History: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

To truly appreciate Hoa Lu Old Town, it is essential to understand the history of the original Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which it seeks to honor.
Hoa Lu was the capital of Đại Cồ Việt (Great Viet), the independent Vietnamese polity, from 968 to 1010 AD. This period was crucial for the formation of independent Vietnam after centuries of Chinese rule.

• Đinh Dynasty (968-980 AD): The story begins with Đinh Bộ Lĩnh (later known as King Dinh Tien Hoang). Born in this very region, Dinh Bo Linh was a brilliant leader who, after years of civil war and defeating twelve rival warlords, unified the country. In 968, he declared himself emperor and established the Dinh Dynasty, making Hoa Lu his capital. He strategically chose Hoa Lu due to its naturally fortified position, surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers, providing excellent defense against invaders. This period marked the true birth of an independent Vietnamese nation.

• Early Lê Dynasty (980-1009 AD): Following the assassination of King Dinh Tien Hoang and his son, Lê Hoàn (King Le Dai Hanh) ascended to the throne, founding the Early Lê Dynasty. He continued to rule from Hoa Lu, maintaining its status as the political and military center, notably repelling a Chinese Song Dynasty invasion in 981.

• Ly Dynasty (1009-1010 AD): The Ly Dynasty began with Ly Cong Uan (King Ly Thai To). Recognizing the need for a more expansive and economically viable capital, King Ly Thai To decided in 1010 to relocate the capital from Hoa Lu to Đại La (present-day Hanoi), which he renamed Thang Long. From that moment, Hoa Lu transitioned from a bustling capital to an ‘ancient capital’, retaining significant historical and cultural value.

While the original citadel structures have largely been lost to time and the elements, the historical significance of Hoa Lu as the birthplace of independent Vietnam remains profound. The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital site today primarily consists of the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, along with other archaeological remnants.

Why You Should Visit Hoa Lu Old Town

Hoa Lu Old Town offers a compelling reason to visit Ninh Binh, especially for those interested in Vietnamese history and culture.

• Cultural Immersion: It is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Vietnamese traditions. From the architecture to the crafts and food, it provides a curated experience of the country's heritage.

• Nightlife and Atmosphere: Unlike many historical sites that close at dusk, Hoa Lu Old Town comes alive at night. The illuminated stupas, lanterns, and bustling night market create a magical and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll.

• Accessibility and Convenience: Located centrally in Ninh Binh City, it is easily accessible and can be combined with other attractions in the area.

• Shopping and Dining: It is a great spot to find unique souvenirs from traditional craft villages and sample a wide array of local and national Vietnamese dishes.

• Photographic Opportunities: The traditional architecture, vibrant lanterns, and the backdrop of Ky Lan Lake offer countless opportunities for stunning photographs, especially during the evening.

Best Things To See and Do in Hoa Lu Old Town

Hoa Lu Old Town is designed for exploration and enjoyment.

Here is what you can expect:

Traditional Architecture

Stroll through streets lined with buildings modeled on 10th-century Đại Việt architecture, complete with tiled roofs, wooden elements, and intricate carvings. The two prominent tower stupas are particularly striking when lit up at night.

Ky Lan Lake

The ancient town is built around Ky Lan Lake, offering picturesque views. You can take a beautifully decorated rowboat tour on Ky Lan Lake (1), especially enchanting in the evening with the town's lights reflecting on the water.
Here are some photos that we took:

Scenic Bridge

One of the most photographed features of Hoa Lu Old Town is its elegant stone-arched bridge spanning the tranquil waters of Kỳ Lân Lake. Completed in early 2022, the bridge was constructed as part of a broader initiative to recreate the historical ambiance of Vietnam’s first imperial capital, paying homage to the legacy of the Đinh and Early Lê dynasties who once ruled from this region in the 10th century.
Though newly built, the bridge was carefully designed to reflect the Dai Việt architectural style with its gracefully curved arches, stone balustrades, and a tiled gateway topped with ornamental details. Colorful silk lanterns hang from the eaves, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere, especially when illuminated at night.
Here are some photos that we took:

Shrine on the hill

The larger eastern island has a temple on the top. The steps to access the trail and steps up the hill is a bit hidden. You can access them when you walk from the bridge (2) towards the Highlands Café, and then bypass it to the left. Behind the Café you will find metal stairs going up. This is the trail.
The view from the top where the shrine is, is fantastic. This is a good vantage spot to see the sunset and then the lights that illuminate this part of town.
Here are some photos that we took:

Two Pagodas

At the eastern end of the lake are two islands, one small man-made island with a pagoda, and a larger island with a tall ‘mountain’, which has another pagoda on its western end. Both pagodas are connected via a bridge. These pagodas are gorgeous on the exterior and the interior. They are also illuminated at night. We strongly suggest you take a look at the fantastic carvings on the inside.
Here are some photos that we took:

Food Area

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese specialties. The food area offers local Ninh Binh dishes (like goat meat and cơm cháy – crispy rice crackers) as well as popular street food from across the country.

Traditional Craft Stalls

Discover and purchase products from renowned Vietnamese craft villages. You will find:

• Ninh Van fine art stone: Intricately carved stone products.

• Bo Bat pottery: Traditional ceramics.

• Van Lam embroidery: Delicate embroidered goods.

• Bodhi leaf paintings: Art made on dried Bodhi leaves.

• Dong Ho painting: Traditional Vietnamese folk prints.

• Y Yen lacquerware: Beautiful lacquered items.

• And more, including silk weaving, tea, incense, and statues.

Folk Games and Cultural Performances: Especially on weekends and holidays, the communal yard hosts traditional folk games (such as o an quan - Mandarin square capture, and nhay sap - bamboo dance). You might also catch traditional music and dance performances.

Traditional Costume Rental: For a truly immersive experience and fantastic photo opportunities, you can rent traditional Vietnamese costumes like the Ao Dai at stalls like Y Van Hien.

Lanterns and Lighting: The town transforms after sunset with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. Floating lanterns on Ky Lan Lake during spiritual festivals add to the charm.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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