Ancient capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province

Hoa Lu (now Ninh Binh province) as a capital city existed for only 41 years, from 968 to 1009, during which time the first 12 years belonged to the Dinh Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh was crowned as King Dinh Tien Hoang and he named the country Dai Co Viet (Great Viet). The next 29 years were ruled by the Tien Le Dynasty (Photo: Vietnam+)

Arriving at the ancient capital, tourists often visit the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang (Dinh Bo Linh), who built up Hoa Lu as the capital and set up the first centralised feudal State in Vietnam, as well as the temple of the first king of the Tien Le dynasty, King Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan) (Photo: Vietnam+)

The temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is located among ancient trees, orchards and ornamental trees, all intermingling to create a solemn scene (Photo: Vietnam+)

Walking on the main path, passing two big columns, visitors enter san rong (dragon yard) (Photo: Vietnam+)

The temple was built in 17th century (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hoa Lu as a capital city existed for only 41 years (Photo: Vietnam+)

(Photo: Vietnam+)

Foreign tourists to the former capital of Hoa Lu (Photo: Vietnam+)

Inside the temple worshipping King Le Dai Hanh (Photo: Vietnam+)

Foreign tourists to the former capital of Hoa Lu (Photo: Vietnam+)

(Photo: Vietnam+)

Am Tien cave is a few hundred metres away from Dinh Tien Hoang temple (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hoa Lu literally means “Flowers of Reeds” (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hoa Lu former capital is an intimate check-in venue of young travellers (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hoa Lu former capital is an intimate check-in venue of young travellers (Photo: Vietnam+)