Hoa Lu Old Town: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Ninh Binh

Situated in one of the most spiritual regions of Vietnam in the North, Hoa Lu old town or Phố Cổ Hoa Lư gives a very unique experience to travelers who are interested in Vietnam’s historical past. It has been hidden away in the famous Hoa Lu Ancient Capital but has always been overlooked by that rush of visitors towards Tam Coc or Trang An, which basically means ‘heaven on earth’.

1. Where Is Hoa Lu old town Located?

   
   

Hoa Lu old town, also called Phố Cổ Hoa Lư, is not in Ninh Binh City, but rather located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District—right in the center of the Hoa Lu ancient city. Here’s a detailed look at its location and access points:

Geographic Location: It sits within the boundaries of the Hoa Lu ancient town, about 12 km from Ninh Binh City and 7 km from Trang An.

How to Get There:

  From Tam Coc: 15–20 minutes by motorbike or taxi

  From Ninh Binh Train Station: Approx. 20 minutes by Grab or local cab

  From Trang An boat pier: Less than 10 minutes

Surroundings: The area is surrounded by historical temples, traditional farming villages, and dramatic limestone peaks. You’ll also pass through rice fields and small local markets on your way, adding charm to the journey.

Google Maps Tip: Search “Phố Cổ Hoa Lư” instead of “Hoa Lu old town” to find the correct destination—some results can confuse it with central Ninh Binh.

This location is especially meaningful as it sits on the original royal grounds of Vietnam’s first feudal capital, making Hoa Lu old town a key cultural fragment of the Hoa Lu ancient village legacy.

2. What to See Inside Hoa Lu old town

   
   

The Old Market Street Reconstruction: This street has been carefully restored to resemble a trading lane from the Dinh and Le dynasties. Wooden facades, red lanterns, and clay-tile roofs create a nostalgic atmosphere, offering a walk through time. During major festivals in the Hoa Lu ancient town, the street comes alive with traditional performances and locals dressed in royal court costumes. It’s one of the most photogenic and immersive areas of the Hoa Lu old town.

Handicraft Demonstration House: Visitors to the Hoa Lu old town can stop by a small traditional house where local artisans continue ancient crafts such as embroidery, rattan weaving, and woodblock painting. These crafts are part of the cultural fabric of the Hoa Lu ancient village, passed down through generations. Guests are encouraged to try these hands-on activities and learn the meaning behind each pattern and technique. This house is more than a tourist stop—it’s a living museum of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Thap Tu An (The Four Gratitudes Stupa): Located within the sacred grounds of Ninh Binh old town, Thap Tu An is a peaceful stone stupa built to honor four central pillars of Vietnamese morality: gratitude to parents, teachers, the nation, and humanity. The stupa stands quietly amid banyan trees and moss-covered paths, offering a spiritual retreat from the more crowded temple areas of the Hoa Lu ancient town.

Local monks and residents often gather here during full moon days and traditional ceremonies, creating a sense of living devotion. Visiting Thap Tu An brings deeper meaning to your journey through the Hoa Lu ancient village, reminding visitors of the values that shaped this historic community.

Moon-Gate Pavilion (Cổng Nguyệt): Located at the western edge of the Hoa Lu old town, this brick archway resembles the gates used by ancient royal messengers. The faded stones and moss-covered walls give it a mystical quality, especially during misty mornings or late afternoons. Locals believe this was a symbolic passageway linking the earthly and royal worlds. It’s one of the quieter but more atmospheric spots in the Hoa Lu ancient city.

3. Unique Places Near Hoa Lu old town (Lesser-Known Alternatives)

Co Vien Lau (Old House Complex): Co Vien Lau is a well-curated complex of relocated wooden houses that represent traditional Vietnamese architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries. The site is only a short ride from Hoa Lu old town and gives visitors insight into rural life during the post-Hoa Lu dynastic periods. Many of the homes contain original furnishings and family shrines, creating a sense of lived-in authenticity. It’s an enriching detour for those curious about how life continued after the fall of the Hoa Lu ancient city.

Temple of Nguyen Bac: This under-visited temple honors Nguyen Bac, one of Vietnam’s earliest national heroes who served under King Dinh Tien Hoang. Located behind a limestone cliff near Hoa Lu old town, it offers peace and historical significance without the crowds. The site features intricate altars, ancient stone steps, and a strong local following. It’s a reminder that the Hoa Lu ancient village was once a center not just of royalty, but of loyalty and patriotism.

Van Trinh Cave (Hang Vân Trình) Van Trinh Cave is a lesser-known alternative to the crowded Trang An caves, located about 15 minutes from Hoa Lu old town. The journey includes a calm boat ride through local waterways and a gentle hike to reach the cave’s grand interior filled with hanging stalactites. Unlike tourist-heavy spots, this cave sees fewer visitors, making it ideal for peaceful exploration. It’s a quiet counterpart to the historical energy of the Hoa Lu ancient town.

Khe Dau Ha Incense Village

Located just a few kilometers from Ninh Binh old town, Khe Dau Ha Village is famous for its traditional incense-making craft that has been passed down through generations. Walking through the village, you’ll see bundles of colorful incense sticks drying in the sun—shades of red, gold, and violet creating a striking visual against the rural backdrop. Artisans here still follow age-old methods, mixing natural herbs and wood powder to produce the signature fragrance used in Vietnamese temples. Visiting this part of the Hoa Lu ancient village offers a sensory-rich cultural experience just beyond the historic center of Ninh Binh old town.

4. When to Visit Hoa Lu old town

   
   

The best time to visit Hoa Lu old town is from late October to early April, when the weather is cooler and ideal for walking. This period also coincides with cultural festivals such as Truong Yen Festival in March (lunar calendar), which includes traditional games, dragon dances, and ceremonial rituals held right within the Hoa Lu ancient city grounds.

Even during quieter seasons, Hoa Lu old town offers a peaceful, crowd-free alternative to busier parts of Ninh Binh. Mornings are especially tranquil, as mist often settles on the nearby karsts, giving the entire Hoa Lu ancient village a magical, timeless feel.

5. Tips for Exploring Hoa Lu old town

   
   

Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestone streets and pathways can be uneven.

Bring a camera: The old town is full of Instagram-worthy corners, from lotus ponds to temple doorways.

Respect local customs: Many areas in Hoa Lu old town are sacred or still used for traditional ceremonies—dress modestly and behave respectfully.

Stay nearby: Consider lodging at a homestay near Hoa Lu ancient city to catch sunrise over the rice paddies or mist rolling across the karst mountains.

From its quiet pagodas to restored market streets, Hoa Lu old town offers a slower, richer travel experience than many of Vietnam’s more touristy spots. While the nearby landscapes of Tam Coc and Trang An often steal the spotlight, the charm of the Hoa Lu ancient town lies in its stories, still whispered through stone archways and wooden shutters.