More than a 1,000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital was worlds removed from the metropolis of Hanoi that we know today. Hoa Lu was the seat of power for northern Vietnam between 968 and 1009 and was the economic, political and cultural center.

The 300-hectare citadel was home to the legendary Dinh dynasty and it consisted of defensive walls, shrines and palaces. Today it is experienced as part of an adventure-filled day to several magnificent locations in the Ninh Binh province.

Take a day trip to Hoa Lu from Hanoi to visit this fascinating relic and many other showstopping spots in Ninh Bihn.

Here's all you need to know about Hoa Lu, one of the most exciting day trips from Hanoi.

How to get to Hoa Lu from Hanoi?

Hoa Lu is south of Hanoi and can easily be reached as part of a day trip.

From Hanoi to Hoa Lu by car

A day trip to Hoa Lu will take you almost 100 kilometres south of Hanoi. Follow the CT01 road into Ninh Binh town and leave the town on the Trang An road. The citadel is not far from Ninh Binh and is easily recognizable by its massive exterior walls.

Guided tour to Hoa Lu from Hanoi

The easiest way to do a day tour to Hoa Lu is with a guided tour from Hanoi. This is a stress-free way to visit the impressive complex and make the most of your day with visits to other Ninh Binh attractions.

How much does the entrance ticket to Hoa Lu cost?

There is a small entrance fee of 20,000 VND (US$1) to Hoa Lu.

What is the typical itinerary?

The typical itinerary of a day tour to Hoa Lu begins around 7 am in Hanoi. You will meet your tour operator in the Old Quarter or you will enjoy hotel pick-up if it is part of your package. Hoa Lu is the first stop on this day tour.

You will enter the citadel and your guide will show you around the grounds. You will stroll around the shrines and pagodas, see the ancient remains of palaces and learn about the Dinh dynasty and their legacy. Furthermore, you can feed the hundreds of koi fish in the tranquil ponds around the palaces.

After you visit Hoa Lu, you will head to Ninh Binh to conquer the 500 steps of the Mua Cave. Enjoy a riverside lunch and a relaxing sampan ride down the Tam Coc river. End the day with a countryside bike ride to Bich Dong pagoda and head back to Hanoi late in the afternoon.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Hoa Lu?

There are numerous Hoa Lu day tours, all combining this ancient city with other hotspots in Ninh Bihn.

Day trip to Hoa Lu plus Tam Coc from Hanoi

Full-day trips to Hoa Lu include a slew of other fabulous activities in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. Small group tours include a guided tour of Hoa Lu and its palaces, a sampan ride on the river, a delicious lunch and a bike ride to Bich Dong pagoda.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Hoa Lu from Hanoi

If you want the flexibility of a private tour, but enjoy changing your itinerary on the go, book a shuttle transfer to Hoa Lu.

You will have the luxury of a driver and a private vehicle for the entire day and you can visit Hoa Lu and the surroundings at your leisure. Your driver can speak English and will be more than happy to suggest things to do in the area.

Private tour to Hoa Lu from Hanoi

A private tour to Hoa Lu is the best way to travel if you value privacy and comfort. This tour gives you peace of mind that you can enjoy your own pace throughout the day and that you will have the undivided attention of your expert guide.

How much does a day trip to Hoa Lu from Hanoi cost?

A comprehensive group tour to Hoa Lu from Hanoi costs around US$50 per person. The same tour but in a private vehicle costs upwards of US$180, depending on the size of the group.

A private shuttle costs around US$100 for up to 3 people, but it does not include entry fees or lunch.

What will you see and do?

There is plenty to see and do at Hoa Lu. Many of the sites in the citadel are temples, shrines and palaces, the most impressive one being King Dinh temple.

Climb more than 200 steps to reach the temple and take in the impressive view of the ancient city from above. Nhat Tru Pagoda, also known as the One Pillar Pagoda, dates back to the 10th century and is a stunning preservation of ancient Buddhist history.

After visiting the museums and historic places at Hoa Lu, you will move on to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc to explore the natural wonders of the area, including the Tam Coc cave system and Mua Caves.

What are the opening times?

The ancient town of Hoa Lu is open from 7 am to 5 pm.

When is the best time to visit Hoa Lu?

The best time to visit Hoa Lu is from May to July or September and October. These seasons have mild weather and the surrounding rice paddies are at their most beautiful.

Travel tips

Bring something to cover your shoulders to enter the pagodas.
Wear comfortable shoes to walk in that you can also wear to ride a bike.
Bring your own water. Tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink.
Wear sunscreen. The UV index is very high in Vietnam and you can burn easily with the cloudy weather in northern Vietnam.

Hoa Lu: Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi