The Temples of King Dinh and King Le are located in the area commonly known as the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu, in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. When visiting this place, tourists have the opportunity to delve into the historical values of the Vietnamese feudal dynasties during the 10th century. Witnessing the ups and downs of history, this is the only place in Vietnam where you can worship King Dinh, his parents, his sons, and the merits of famous generals. Explore the most special aspects of this historically rich land with DanangPrivateCar.com’s!
The Temples of Kings Dinh and Le – Where are they located?
Situated on a spacious 5-hectare area within the specially protected zone of the national-level cultural-historical relic complex of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, it is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Over more than 1000 years of history, the ancient capital Hoa Lu has preserved historical relics from three dynasties: Dinh, Early Le, and Ly. Among them, the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le stand out as culturally and historically significant structures that hold great meaning for future generations.
The temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang stands in Yen Thuong Village, Truong Yen Commune. It covers nearly 5 hectares and offers a spacious, peaceful setting. The temple faces east, with Ma Yen Mountain rising behind it.
King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb lies on the summit of Ma Yen Son. The mountain has a shape like a saddle, which symbolizes strength and the mission to defend the nation. This unique location highlights the king’s legacy in protecting the country.
According to legend, the temples of King Dinh and King Le were built on the foundation of an ancient palace. According to tradition, when the Ly dynasty left Hoa Lu for the land of Thang Long (present-day Hanoi), the people built two temples to commemorate two national heroes, Định Bộ Lĩnh and Lê Hoàn. Initially, the temples faced north, overlooking the Ho and Che mountains. Over the years, the two temples no longer existed. In the early 17th century, after abandoning the Mac dynasty for the Le dynasty (1600), the regional lord Bui Thoi Trung rebuilt the two temples as before, but this time facing east, as recorded on a stele in 1606. In 1898, Mr. Ba Kenh, also known as Duong Duc Vinh, along with the people of Truong Yen Thuong, repaired the temple of King Dinh, constructed stone door thresholds, and elevated the temple on a stone platform, as it stands today.
Means of transportation to the Temples of King Dinh and King Le
Most domestic and international tourists typically fly to Hanoi before heading to Ninh Binh. Upon arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, travelers can proceed to Ninh Binh by booking a limousine or renting a private car. The travel time for the 100 km journey is approximately 2 hours.
If you are already in Hanoi, you have three options:
- Train: Ticket prices range from 90,000 to 200,000 VND depending on the train class and seat type. There are morning trains at 6:30 AM and evening trains at 7:20 PM. You will arrive at Ninh Binh Station and then independently take a taxi/motorbike/motorbike taxi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Bus: The ticket price is only around 80,000 VND. The travel time is about 2.5 hours, including rest stops. Buses depart from Giap Bat Bus Station daily, and there are many direct buses to Ninh Binh, making it convenient to reach your destination.
- Motorbike: If you choose to go by bus, you will take the new National Highway 1A. However, if you travel by motorbike, you will follow the old route, passing through Thuong Tin, then visiting Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province. Just follow Google Maps, and you will reach the luxurious and sparkling city of Ninh Binh. After an additional 7 km, you will arrive at the Temples of King Dinh and King Le.
- Private Tourist Car: With the private car service in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com, you can quickly reach Ninh Binh. The door-to-door service, professional drivers, and basic English language assistance will make your trip more comfortable. Book your journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh today for the fastest way to reach the Temples of King Dinh and King Le.
- Limousine: There are now many limousine companies operating the Ninh Binh route with the highest quality, offering pick-up and drop-off services at your doorstep for prices ranging from 250,000 to 350,000 VND per ticket. Therefore, do not hesitate to book a seat for a convenient and enjoyable journey to Ninh Binh.
The suitable time to visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le
The ideal time to visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le is during the annual festival dedicated to King Dinh. This festival takes place every year from the 8th to the 10th day of the third lunar month. During this three-day celebration, which typically falls around March 8th, visitors from various regions flock to explore and pay homage to the temples. This period also coincides with mild and pleasant weather, characterized by gentle sunlight and relatively cool temperatures, making it suitable for sightseeing. Additionally, you can consider combining your visit with the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival.
What is special about the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang?
The history of the formation of the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
The Temple of King Dinh, constructed in the 17th century, is part of the historical complex of the ancient capital Hoa Lu and is ranked among the Top 100 famous 100-year-old structures in Vietnam.
According to ancient legends, King Dinh and his son Dinh Lien were assassinated by Do Thich in the year 979. Following the court ceremony, a shrine was established with the royal title, personal name, and a temple built to worship them at their hometown. Therefore, the Temple of King Dinh was established from ancient times. Today, the remaining part of the temple reflects the architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. In his homeland, there are still many landmarks and legends associated with the childhood of the king as well as Nguyen Bac, Dinh Dien, and other renowned generals from Dai Huu, the same region as King Dinh Tien Hoang.
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang – Unique architectural and artistic features
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang features unique architectural and artistic elements. It is constructed in the style of “nội công ngoại quốc” (an architectural style with two long corridors connecting the front ancestral house with the rear worship house). The temple forms a rectangular frame surrounding the ancestral house, upper shrine, and other architectural structures in the middle. The inner part of the temple is designed in the shape of the character “工,” while the outer part forms a frame around it like the character “口” in the word “Quốc” (國).
The Temple of King Dinh is built in a “đăng đối” style along the divine axis, starting from the crescent-shaped lake and ending at the Main Hall. As you enter from the outside, you’ll encounter the outer gate called Ngọ Môn Quan, where four Chinese characters “Bắc môn tỏa thược được” are inscribed on the gate’s background. Passing through the gate and looking back, you’ll see another four Chinese characters “Tiền Triều Phượng Các.” In front of the temple is the Crescent Lake, constructed in the architectural style of ancient palaces and adorned with beautiful lotus flowers.
The area for worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang consists of three main halls: Bái Đường (Worship Hall), Thiêu Hương (Incense Offering Hall), and Chính Cung (Main Palace). In front of the central area of Bái Đường, on the dragon yard, stands a stone slab made of whole blue stones combined with exquisite carvings, showcasing remarkable floral patterns and artistic value. This is considered a valuable gift left by the dignitaries of the Dinh era, demonstrating their talent and artistic mastery. Moving from Bái Đường, you will encounter Thiêu Hương, followed by Chính Cung, consisting of five chambers, with the central chamber dedicated to the statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The statue is meticulously adorned in gold leaf, wearing the Bình Thiên hat, sitting on a stone slab with a dignified posture. Adjacent to it are statues commemorating the king’s offspring.
Explore the unique features of the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
Located about 300 meters from King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, King Le Temple honors King Le Dai Hanh. The temple stands in Truong Yen Ha Village, Truong Yen Commune, and locals often call it the Lower Temple.
Builders constructed the temple on the former site of the ancient Hoa Lu palace. It faces east, with Mount Den in front and Mount Dia behind, creating a balanced and scenic setting.
Although the Temple of King Le may not be as grand as the Temple of King Dinh because it has undergone fewer renovations, it has preserved many carvings from the later Le dynasty, making it more intricate than the Temple of King Dinh. The stacked bed carvings in the worship hall are where the art of wood carving converges.
In the center of the worship hall stands a gilded plaque with the four characters “Truong Xuan linh tich” (Truong Xuan Temple relic). On the left, another plaque reads “xuat thanh minh” (emerge as a saint). On the right, a plaque reads “Duong than vu” (praise the heavenly spirit). Two parallel couplets hang nearby. They highlight divine power, prosperity, and lasting sacred values.
The temples of King Dinh and King Le reflect refined wood carving art from the 17th century. Skilled artisans created detailed and elegant designs. Today, these temples symbolize national respect and gratitude. They honor the two kings who helped build Vietnam’s independence in the 10th century.
The Truong Yen Festival takes place every year at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. It is held from the 8th to the 10th day of the lunar calendar. Many visitors come to enjoy the lively spring atmosphere and cultural activities.
The festival recreates the life of King Dinh Tien Hoang. It shows his journey from childhood to founding the dynasty. The event reflects the tradition of remembering national roots. It also honors those who unified the country and established the first centralized monarchy.
Important Notes When Visiting King Le and King Dinh Temples
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a well-known spiritual and historical site. It includes the temples of King Le and King Dinh. To have a respectful and smooth visit, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear modest clothing when entering the temples. Avoid revealing outfits to respect the sacred space.
- Follow all site regulations. Do not write or draw on walls.
- Ask temple caretakers if you want to learn more about the history and culture.
- Keep your voice low and avoid disturbing others. Light incense respectfully to honor the kings.
- Do not litter. Use designated trash bins to keep the area clean.
You can also explore nearby attractions such as Hoa Lu Ancient Town and Thien Ton Cave to make your trip more interesting.
Conclusion
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital offers more than just beautiful scenery in Ninh Binh. It preserves important cultural and historical values of feudal Vietnam. This destination reflects thousands of years of nation-building and heritage.
Visitors can explore ancient temples, learn about royal history, and experience a rich cultural atmosphere. The legacy of Hoa Lu continues to inspire pride and connection to Vietnam’s past.
When you visit, you will not only see history—you will feel it and gain a deeper appreciation for the generations who shaped it.
