Before Hanoi became capital in 1010, Hoa Lu served as the first centralized royal capital of independent Vietnam, using towering limestone mountains as natural fortress walls.
In 968 AD, King Dinh Bo Linh united the country after 1,000 years of Chinese rule and chose Hoa Lu as the royal capital of Dai Co Viet. Towering karst peaks linked by earthen ramparts formed an impenetrable natural citadel.
Today, visitors walk through the royal courtyard gates to visit the 17th-century temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, admiring ancient ironwood carvings, stone dragons and royal steles.
Highlights of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- First royal capital of unified Vietnam (968–1010 AD)
- Temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang & King Le Dai Hanh
- Natural ring of limestone mountains used as royal defense walls
Things to do
Explore King Dinh & King Le Temples
Discover the royal dragon beds, bronze bells and centuries-old wood carvings with your guide.
Plan your visit
How to get there
Located in Truong Yen commune, 10 minutes north of Trang An.
Best time to visit
Year-round; spring (March–April) hosts the traditional Hoa Lu Festival.
