Although it has only been open for a short time, Hoa Lu Ancient Town has quickly become a popular tourist destination in Ninh Binh. In this article, Ninh Binh Legend Hotel will share with you the most detailed travel experiences of Hoa Lu Ancient Town. Don’t miss it!
Introduction to Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is located within the Ky Lan Lake Park complex and the Hoa Lu Hotel, officially opened to the public in early 2022. The project draws inspiration from the traditional culture of Dai Viet in the 10th century. Hoa Lu Ancient Town is like a painting that revives and restores all the beautiful aspects of architecture, social culture, and the customs of the people across all regions of the country.
Hoa Lu Ancient Town in Ninh Binh is divided into two areas: a product exhibition area and a food court. Each area is a piece of the country’s cultural and historical mosaic, representing both tangible and intangible values.
Hoa Lu Ancient Town Overview
Here, visitors can explore the stalls displaying traditional handicrafts from local and neighboring villages such as Ninh Van stone carving village, Bo Bat pottery village, Van Lam embroidery village, Bodhi painting, Dong Ho painting village, and Y Yen lacquer. You can also enjoy specialties from various regions of the country, such as rice cakes, sticky cakes, syrup cakes, and shrimp pancakes, all beautifully presented in traditional-style stalls.
Who is Worshipped in Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is situated in close proximity to Bac Pagoda, which is also known by its more ancient name, Ky Lan Son Tu. This historical and spiritual site holds a significant place in the hearts of the local community due to its deep-rooted connections to regional folklore and religious beliefs. According to the rich legends passed down by the people of Ninh Binh, Bac Pagoda is not merely a place of worship but a sacred space where the spiritual and the physical worlds are believed to intersect.
The pagoda primarily venerates Buddha, reflecting the strong Buddhist traditions that have shaped much of Vietnam’s cultural and religious landscape over centuries. However, it is also a place where various deities are honored, further enriching its spiritual significance. These deities are often considered protectors of the region, believed to safeguard the people and ensure their well-being. The presence of both Buddhist worship and the veneration of local deities showcases the harmonious blend of Buddhism with ancient Vietnamese animist traditions, creating a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.
Bac Pagoda in Hoa Lu
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to this site not only for prayer and meditation but also to experience the tranquil and mystical ambiance that permeates the area. The combination of natural beauty surrounding the pagoda, including the nearby Ky Lan Mountain, and the stories associated with the gods and spirits worshipped here, makes Bac Pagoda a place of deep reflection, reverence, and cultural appreciation. Many who visit leave with a profound sense of peace, inspired by the centuries-old traditions that still thrive within the sacred walls of Ky Lan Son Tu.
Location of Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is situated in Ky Lan Lake Park, at No. 1 Tran Hung Dao Street, Tan Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City, Vietnam. Its central location provides convenient access for tourists to easily find and travel to.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
The opening hours of Hoa Lu Ancient Town are as follows:
- Hoa Lu Ancient Town: 07:00 – 23:00
- Traditional stalls: 14:00 – 23:00
- Folk games: 19:00 – 23:00
Note: The town is open every day of the week, including holidays, from Monday to Sunday.
Admission Fees for Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Currently, there is no admission fee for Hoa Lu Ancient Town, so visitors can freely explore, sightsee, and take photos. However, if you wish to tour Ky Lan Lake by boat, the following fees apply:
- Boat tour (up to 5 people): Adults: 100,000 VND, Children (1m – 1.3m): 80,000 VND
- VIP boat (with roof, up to 9 people): Adults: 150,000 VND, Children (1m – 1.3m): 100,000 VND
Boat Tour on Ky Lan Lake
Boats operate day and night, so there’s no need to worry about long wait times. If children are on board, parents or adults must accompany them for safety.
How to Travel from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Town, Ninh Binh?
Located about 100 km from Hanoi, tourists have several transportation options to reach Hoa Lu Ancient Town, such as motorbikes, trains, cars, buses, or limousines. Traveling by motorbike or personal car is popular due to its convenience and flexibility. There are also many Ninh Binh-Hanoi limousine services with excellent door-to-door service, which you can consider for your trip.
What to Expect at Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
Designed in the architectural style of ancient Dai Co Viet, Hoa Lu Ancient Town is radiant during the day and shimmering at night. So, what experiences can you expect at Hoa Lu Ancient Town? Let Ninh Binh Legend Hotel guide you!
Explore Traditional Check-in Spots
Ninh Binh is known for preserving the cultural essence of Vietnam. At Hoa Lu Ancient Town, visitors can admire a vibrant cultural, entertainment, and culinary scene, giving the feeling of “time travel” back to the past.
Wearing Traditional Vietnamese Clothing in Hoa Lu
In such a nostalgic setting, you can wear either traditional or modern outfits based on your preference for some impressive and Instagram-worthy photos. There are also several stalls in the town where you can rent traditional costumes from different Vietnamese dynasties, so don’t worry if you haven’t prepared an outfit in advance.
Enjoy Regional Cuisine
At Hoa Lu Ancient Town, visitors are treated to an expansive variety of traditional dishes and regional specialties that represent the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. Some of the must-try delicacies include syrup cakes, sticky rice cakes, Chung cakes (a traditional Vietnamese rice cake associated with the Lunar New Year), Gai cakes (a type of black rice cake made from glutinous rice, Gai leaves, and mung beans), and crispy rice crackers. Each of these dishes has a unique flavor and texture, reflecting the distinct methods of preparation that have been carefully passed down through many generations.
These recipes are not just about food; they are a celebration of Vietnam’s deep-rooted cultural and historical values. Each dish tells a story of the past, embodying the culinary wisdom and local ingredients specific to different regions of the country. The traditional cooking techniques have been preserved by families and artisans who are committed to maintaining the authenticity of the flavors, ensuring that the food stays true to its origins.
For many younger visitors, especially those who grew up in urban environments, these dishes might offer an entirely new experience, as such traditional flavors are increasingly rare in the fast-paced, modern culinary scene. Tasting these age-old specialties allows them to reconnect with their cultural roots and experience the simplicity and warmth of Vietnam’s rural cuisine, which they may have only heard about from older family members.
Discover Traditional Values and Beauty
Ninh Binh, as the ancient capital, holds the remnants and historical changes over thousands of years. Therefore, when visiting, tourists have the opportunity to fully explore the cultural and historical roots of the Vietnamese nation.
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel has shared the most detailed travel experiences of Hoa Lu Ancient Town. We hope the above information helps you and your family have a complete and meaningful trip.
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