Hoa Lu
Country Fact: North Vietnam

Hoa Lu is within Ninh Binh province, located 100 kilometers from Ha Noi. Recently became the magnet to tourism due to its magnificently scenic view of mountains, rivers as well as historical relics. Hoa Lu used to a capital of Vietnam in 1020 when King Dinh Bo Linn came to the throne and constructed the city's citadel which now became the seat of pagoda and temple dedicated to the Kings of Tran Dynasty, making this place one of the most important pilgrimage site in Vietnam.

Hoa Lu is also known as "Ha Long on Land" for its scenery is exactly the same as Ha Long, but the towering limestone cliffs and mountains spring up from the green, lush paddy field instead of emerald water. One-day-trip to Hoa Lu can be done from Ha Noi with the popular boat ride to Tam Coc, the three mountains with beautiful caves.

Hoa Lu attraction

Tam Coc

Some millions years ago, Ha Long Bay used to connect with limestone mountains in Hoa Lu. Vestiges of the ocean still remain through the erosion of the grottos, offering an adventurous tour in the caves. A trip to Tam Coc is very interesting and should not be missed. You can reach Tam Coc by a boat ride along the stream flowing through green and lush rice fields dotted with towering mountains as the backdrop. At Tam Coc, there situates the temple built in memory the Tran Dynasty Kings who defeated Kublikhan's army. The bell tower predominantly stands in the front yard. The heroes are worshipped inside the temple.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is regarded as the second most beautiful pagoda in Vietnam after the Perfume Pagoda. Many statues of Buddha are enshrined therein. The bell tower is finely decorated; from the top of the pagoda commands panoramic view of mountains and rivers of Hoa Lu.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Situated 140 kilometers from Ha Noi, Cuc Phuong National Park covers the area of 222 square kilometers of primary tropical forest. The forest is abound of the enormous ancient trees, and offers a great habitat to approximately 250 bird species, more than sixty mammal species and various kinds of plants. There are pleasant natural walkways opened to tourists in the park's area.

North Vietnam: Hanoi | Ha Long | Hoa Lu | Hoa Binh | Ha Tay | Sapa | 
Dien Bien Phu

Return to Vietnam Country Facts

This article is authored and copyrighted 
by Royal Exclusive Travel

TOP