Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu

Right: The Ancient Citaldel of Hoa Lu Ninh Binh.

Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh dynasty (968-80) and on into the beginning of the Le dynasty(980-1009).

Here you can see what remains of the Citadel of Hoa Lu. There are two temples, and the tomb of Dinh Tien Hoang. The tomb is on a neighbouring hillside which is quite a hike on a hot afternoon but the climb to the top is rewarded by some magnificant views of the surrounding rice paddies, river and villages.

During my stay in Ninh Binh I also took time to visit the floating village at Kenh Ga, The limestone caves at Tam Coc, the Cathedral at Phat Diem and Cuc Phuong National Park

Left: Girl Rowing with her feet at Kenh Ga.

There didn't actually seem to be too much of the village that was actually still floating when I passed through however. Around Kenh Ga you can see locals casually rowing their boats with their feet and time does seem to pass at a fairly leisurely pace. The boat will also drop you off at one point along the river where you can visit a local cave. The guide at the cave delivers the usual uninspired drivel, "....and over here, see, this one looks like a tiger etc."