Hoa Lu, 100 km south of Hanoi, was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between
AD 968 and AD 980. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the
countless years and can still be visited today. Apart from the
historical aspects, the area is also one of astounding natural beauty
with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha
Long Bay. It is true that this area is often referred to as the Ha Long
Bay on land. The tour includes being rowed along the Boi River, which
makes for a truly unforgettable experience, passing between towering
limestone peaks.
Price: Joined group tour : Daily - U$ 23/ person
Includes: Transport, boat trip, entrance fee, lunch and guide.
ITINERARY:
Hoa Lu used to be one of the many old capitals of Vietnam before
Thang Long – presently Hanoi – take its historical role. From an
exciting town and centre of cultural and military activities of the Dai
Co Viet Kingdom in 10th century, the area now is more wellknown for its
landscape since almost relics of the urban excitement had been
collapsed, except in the Temples of King Dinh and King Le. A trip to Hoa
Lu should be started from Tam Coc (“three caves”), which takes more
than two hours driving from Hanoi, and visitors may say that distance is
not a matter after seating in a boat rowed by one or two local persons
in Hoang Long river and see the first limestone mountains, which will
run along their riverway for several kilometers. The boat will run,
sorry, will be rowed, through three caves on the river, all created by
wind and water from a legend time, while the sea had occupied this area.
The tide-mark is still on the rock about 2m above the water, and in
higher mountainwall the erosion have carved some strange shapes that now
filled of green grass, delicious foods of the goats that local people
breed everywhere. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous
monkeys. The river trip is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when
local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or
when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists
often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the
limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar
geological structures and shapes. Thus Tam Coc is also called
Halong-Bay-On-Land.
From the wharf of Tam Coc you can go further till reaching Bich Dong
Pagoda, a combination of three pagodas on the Lower, Middle and Upper
levels of a pretty mountain. You will need to climb a little bit till
you get to the top of the Upper pagoda and your eyes catch the overall
panorama of the paddy fields between Truong Yen mountain. All the
pagodas, or lean upon a cliff, or simply have some statues inside a
large grotto, deserve the name “Bich Dong” (emerald-like grotto). A
scene of the popular French movie “Indochine” had been completed here in
1991, remarking a rush of the French-speaking tourists to Vietnam, who
usually do not skip Halong Bay and Tam Coc-Bich Dong where the leading
actress Catherine Deneuve left her footprints.
On the way back from Tam Coc – Bich Dong to Hanoi you can pay a visit
to the last relics of the ancient capital Hoa Lu – the Temples
dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th
century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. From
time to time, archaeologists have excavated buried parts of this citadel
with rusty weapons and ceramics. The temples are said to be built on
the old foundation of their original palaces in 11-12th centuries and
restored in 17th century. Though the temples are not maintained entirely
some precious antiques are still preserved well like the whole-stone
dragon thrones, wooden bas-relieves and lacquered statues of King Dinh,
Kinh Le, Queen Duong Van Nga who in turn got married both of the kings,
and the princes of the two dynasties
Low Season (5th May – 31st August)
Size of Group |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4 – 5
|
6 – 7
|
8 pax up
|
Cost/pax (USD) |
180
|
120
|
95
|
80
|
65
|
50
|
High Season (1st Sep – 4th May)
Size of Group |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4 – 5
|
6 – 7
|
8 pax up
|
Cost/pax (USD) |
198
|
132
|
105
|
88
|
72
|
55
|
Tour type: Private
Departure: Every day
Inclusive: Transportation (private car/mini van), Boat, Entrance fees, Speaking guide (English or French), Lunch
Exclusive: Drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses, Tips.