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Visitors can admire the ancient dynasty's traces at the Dinh and Le temples - the pride of the first centralized feudal state after a thousand years of domination.
The Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties are located in the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital relic complex. These historical places were built in the 17th century with unique architecture in wood and stone carvings. When visiting these destinations, tourists can explore and understand in-depth cultural and historical values of the Vietnamese feudal dynasty in the 10th century.
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1. A Brief Information about Dinh & Le Temples
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic Complex (Ninh Binh) is one of Vietnam's particularly important national relics and is also one of the three core areas of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
This place used to be the capital of Dai Co Viet - the first centralized feudal state in Vietnam. King Dinh Tien Hoang was the one who suppressed the rebellion of 12 warlords and established the Dai Co Viet state. After that, King Le Dai Hanh (of the Early Le Dynasty) took over. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (which is Hanoi Capital now), making this place an ancient capital. The temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh were built by the Ly Dynasty right on the land of the ancient Hoa Lu citadel. During the Later Le period, both temples were reconstructed with a unique architectural style replicating the ancient capital’s design that is always found in the temples' structure. These are two important relics of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital today, ranked as "Top 100 famous 100-year-old structures in Vietnam".
The two temples are unique architectural works in the wood carving art of Vietnamese folk artisans in the 17th century and are remarkable works of art that preserve many rare and precious relics.
Dinh and Le Temples entrance ticket price:
- Adults and children from 1.2m: 20,000 VND/pax
- Children under 1.2m: free
2. Dinh & Le Temples Magnificient Structure
According to the Center for Preservation of Historical and Cultural Relics of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu, from outside, the two temples of King Dinh and King Le have many similarities, such as being built in the architectural style of "noi cong ngoai quoc", their exteriors are both divided into 5 compartments with wooden pillars, the front yards also have similar stone thrones, etc.
However, when looking closely, there are many differences. The interior architecture shows the most prominent features, associated with the lives of the two kings. Inside the halls of the two temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le, everything is lacquered and gilded. The temples have paintwork with decorative patterns such as dragons, clouds, flowers, and leaves, which are rarely preserved in such detail in Vietnamese structures today.
2.1 Dinh Temple
King Dinh Temple is currently the only place in Vietnam that worships King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents and sons, and also the tablets of the court generals. This is a unique architecture of wood and stone carvings by Vietnamese folk artists in the 17th and 19th centuries. King Dinh temple includes majestic structures such as Ngo Mon Quan, artificial mountain, lotus pond, flower garden, outer and inner ceremonial gates, and three worshiping halls, incense burners and the rear palace.
The outer layer features the main gate with three tile-roofed compartments. In front of the main gate, there is a throne carved from blue stone. Crossing a courtyard, you will reach the second layer, the inner gate, which has three compartments constructed from ironwood, designed with three rows of pillars. At the four outer corners of the inner gate, four high pillar columns are built.
Following the main path and passing between two large pillar columns, you will arrive at the dragon courtyard. In the middle of the dragon courtyard is a second stone throne, measuring 1.8 meters long and 1.4 meters wide, with carved reliefs surrounding it. Flanking the stone throne are two stone mythical creatures, personal lions, carved from two solid blocks of blue stone. In particular, the throne surface represents a unique image in the history of Vietnamese sculpture, which is the image of a dragon carrying a woman's hand. The pair of thrones in front of the main gate and in the dragon yard have been recognized as National Treasures.
From the dragon courtyard, you will step up to a worshiping hall with 5 compartments and unique architecture. Next is the incense offering area, built in the style of a tube, where the four pillars of the Dinh Dynasty are worshiped. After passing the incense burner, visitors enter the 5-room main palace. The middle room worships the statue of King Dinh, cast in bronze, placed on a monolithic green stone altar. On both sides of the stone altar are two stone dragons, carved in the style of a horse saddle.
2.2 Le Temple
Located about 300 meters north of Dinh Temple is Le Temple. Built at the same time as King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, King Le Dai Hanh Temple features quite similar architecture and retains the architecture and sculptures of the Later Le period. The worshiping hall of King Le Temple has five compartments, with three large panels lacquered and gilded.
Following this is the incense offering area, constructed in the style of a bamboo tube, where the four pillars of the Early Le dynasty are worshipped inside.
Le Temple not only worships the king but also worships Queen Duong Van Nga, Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan (who is the daughter of King Le and Queen Duong Van Nga and wife of Ly Thai To later). The main palace has five compartments, with the central compartment housing a statue of King Le Dai Hanh seated on the throne, wearing a Binh Thien hat, with a stern and majestic face. The left compartment worships the statue of Queen Duong Van Nga, also known as the statue of Bao Quang Hoang Thai Hau. The right side worships the statue of Le Long Dinh, the 5th son of King Le Dai Hanh and the 3rd King of the Tien Le Dynasty.
3. Best Time to Visit Dinh & Le Temples
Dinh and Le Temples are open for tourism every day of the year. However, we would like to suggest the best time to visit Dinh & Le Temples for the best weather and interesting activities.
- From January to March of the lunar calendar: This is the ideal time for tourists to participate in many spiritual festivals, including King Dinh and Le temple festivals. Visiting Ninh Binh during this period allows you to experience the lively, bustling, and joyful atmosphere of these celebrations. Notably, the Hoa Lu festival, which features traditional rituals such as temple opening and water and offering ceremonies, takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month. Both locals and tourists from around the world gather at the Hoa Lu ancient capital relic site to participate in the festival and to offer incense at the temples of the two kings, praying for national peace, favorable weather, good harvests, and happiness for all. However, it also means that it will be very crowded.
- From May to June: This is the season of golden ripe rice fields along the river and vibrant blooming lotus in Ninh Binh. When visiting Dinh and Le Temples, you can combine a visit and check-in at Tam Coc - Bich Dong and Hang Mua, where a breathtaking picture of a lotus pond and brilliant golden rice field is waiting.
4. How to Get to Dinh & Le Temples
If you are coming from the South, taking flights to Hanoi Airport is the best option, then you can go to Ninh Binh by booking a limousine or renting a private car. The distance is about 100km, which takes about 2 hours. Below are some best transport options from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:
- By train: Ticket prices range from 90,000 VND (~ 3.7 USD) to 250,000 VND (~10.5 USD), depending on the train class and seat type. After arriving at Ninh Binh Station, you can take a taxi, motorbike or motorbike taxi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- By D'car limousine: This option is widely chosen by both locals and foreign tourists due to its convenience. You can choose The Long Travel - Hotline +84 91 6868 355 (Drop off at Tam Coc and Ninh Binh City) or Khanh An Limousine - Hotline 19008629 or 19001035. The price ranges from 170,000 VND (~ 7 USD) to 250,000 (~ 10.5 USD), depending on the drop-off places.
- By taxi: You can hire a taxi from a company or book through online apps such as Grab, Be, and Xanh SM. The price will vary depending on the taxi type and drop-off places.
- By private car: You can rent a car from your hotel or a local travel agency such as IZITOUR. This option is very suitable for a big group or someone who prefers privacy.
5. Tips to Visit Dinh & Le Temples
Here are some tips for you to take when visiting Dinh and Le Temples:
- Remember to dress politely and modestly, avoid revealing clothes.
- Keep order, walk gently and speak softly.
- Do not cause unsanitary conditions and throw garbage in the right place, to preserve the landscape at the temple.
- Follow the rules and instructions of the management board or tour guide if you are traveling in a group.
- If you are traveling on your own, look at the map in advance to explore the place more easily.
Our article about Dinh and Le Temples in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh has provided an overview to best prepare for your trip. IZITOUR offers a lot of package tours and day trips to this renowned place. If you need any further information, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly via email: sm@izitour.com or Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266 for instant assistance.
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