Thanks to its historical significance, Hoa Lu is a staple of day trips from Hanoi. As well as saving you the hassle of car hire and navigation, excursions typically combine guided exploration of Hoa Lu with stops in Tam Coc—home to UNESCO-listed landscapes nicknamed ‘Halong Bay on Land’ due to their dramatic limestone peaks—and Mua Cave, from the top of which you can enjoy sweeping views of the region.
The closest city to Hoa Lu is Ninh Binh, from which you can take a taxi or visit the historic site as part of an organized tour. From Hanoi, Ninh Binh is around 62 miles (100 kilometers) and takes around two hours to reach by bus or car.
To escape the humidity and downpours typical of north Vietnam, visit the park between March and May or between September and November. To enjoy Hoa Lu at its most festive, coincide your visit with the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital festival—which involves boat racing, wrestling, and singing.
The state of Ninh Binh is home to a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Top picks include the 19th-century Phat Diem Cathedral, notable for its Gothic grandeur; Van Long Nature Reserve, vast wetlands replete with birds, reptiles, and monkeys; and the village of Tam Coc, which is renowned for its embroidery.
ES
