In 968. Dinh Bo Linn ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The country was then called Dai Co Viet and Hoa Lu was its capital for 41 years (968-1009). In 1010, Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.
Hoa Lu is 13km from Ninh Binh Town, near the village of Truong Yen. Tourists visiting Hoa Lu can see two temples located 500m apart from each other on the ground of the
ancient aalaces. One is dedicated to King Oinh Tien Hoang and the other to King Le Dai Hanh. On the 10" day of the 3° lunar month, a great number of pilgrims come to Hoa Lu 'io pay tribute to Kings Dinh and Le.
Dinh and Le Temples
Dinh Temple is located in Truong Yen Ha Village, Hoa Lu District. It was built in the shape of a Chinese character.
After (tie first entrance, called Ngo Mon, there i a royal stone bed with Nghe (mythical animals of the old times) standing on both sides. Outside the temple, is Khai Thanh sanctuary dedicated to the parents of King Dinh.
The temple is divided in three sanctuaries:
Bai Duong, for the community, Thien Huong, in honour of mandarins, and Chinh Cung, where the statue of Dinh Tien Hoang is located. On the left is the statue of his eldest son D'nh Lien. On the right are statues of Dinh Hanh Lang and Dinh Toan. On each side c' the altar, there is a stone dragon similar to the ones placed near loyal beds.
Le Temple is situated in Truong Yen Thuong Village, Hoa Lu District, 500m from Dinh Temple. In terms of architectural design, Le Temple is very similar to Dinh Temple, but smaller. It also consists of three parts; Bai Duong, used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of the Le King, and the altar in memory of the King. The statue of Le Hoan is at the centre, on the left is the statue of Queen Duong Van Nga and on the right is that of Le Ngoa Trieu, his fifth son and third king of the First Le Dynasty. Admission costs 15,OOOVND.
Bich Dong Cave
Bich Dong Cave is in the Ngu Nhac Son Mountains, in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Quarter. Hoa Lu District In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great writer Nguyen Du) visited this cave. After viewing the whole scenery of the mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist, he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong (which literally means "Green Pearl Cave"). Bich Cave is said to be the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.
Tam Coc Caves Poetically penned " Halong bay on the rice paddies" The are around Tam Coc boasts stunning scenery. 3 Hours Boat trip bring you go along the most green river in north of Vietnam. Rice field and mountain is over and over. Mountain here they soar skywards from a sea of green
Take a boat from Van Lam Wharf to reach the Tarn Coc Caves, consisting of the Hang Ca. Hang Hal and Hang Ba caves. These i aves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that sparkle like gemstones.
Tarn Coc is 3km from Van Lam Wharf. Renting a boat costs 35000 VND and admission is 15.000 VND
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