Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Today was a day trip adventure to Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s first capital back in the 10th century, ruling the Feudal states of Vietnam.

This is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital during the Vietnamese Kingdom named the Dai Co Viet; during the Dinh and Le dynasties. There is nothing there today except a grand entrance and 2 old temples and tombs. Everything in history you need to imagine!

Back in the 10th century, this ancient capital is a citadel. No citadel or its ruins today. Only a wide empty land. The Dinh temple and Le temple are still around. We visited the Dinh Temple. 

Our group, those who opted to cycle to Hoa Lu, from the bicycle shop down the road!

Wall of history in this ancient town

Our group. Those wearing shorts needed to cover up with cloths!

This tour reminded me how I dislike tours 🤣😂🤣 Tour guides are usually patient and nice. Our tour guide this time is a young boy by the name of Lomg. 

At times, when we need the help of tour guides to take us out of town, we have no choice but to put up with others, praying they are fun and smart and punctual.

I had to endure stupid questions like “Where to get Vietnamese coffee?” BODOHS, coffee is at every corner in Hanoi, at almost every street and back lane in town, are you blind? These are people who may be travellers but only depend on tour guides!!! Most irritating. 

2 lembus grazing around

Map of the temple

King Dinh, 924 - 979

Entrance into the Dinh Temple 

Lomg, our tour guide, explained that the Vietnamese like to have a lake built in front of a house or temple so that air will circulate the place. A wall is built in front of the entrance to filter good and bad air. 

Lotus in the pond signifies signs of prosperity

Dragon bed - a national treasure

3 doors entrance and exit. Middle one was for the King. 

Buffet lunch

First half of the Ninh Binh has passed. By this time, I was bored to death, AND STARVING! Lunch food was lousy. Bland. Tasteless. I needed real food. Sigh!

Praying that the rest of the day would turn out better. At least it stopped raining. Skies were becoming blue.