The original capital of Truong Yen

If Hoa Lu is the political and social center of the ancient Ninh Binh land associated with the Dai Co Viet state, then the vast Trang An area is a vibrant cultural area that creates vitality for the ancient capital. It can be imagined that this cultural area is created from a special geological area including the Hoang Long - Sao Khe river system and Ma Yen mountain, in which the ancient capital Hoa Lu and the Trang An and Tam Coc - Bich Dong scenic relics are located in the middle.

Surrounding the Dinh-Le Temple in the center of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu are relics such as Nhat Tru Pagoda, which still preserves a stone pillar inscribed with Buddhist scriptures dating back to 995 during the reign of King Le Dai Hanh, temples dedicated to kings and princesses, and the Thien Ton and Hoa Son caves. Nhat Tru Pagoda also preserves a couplet affirming its status as an ancient capital bearing the imprint of Buddhism when it was the state religion:

The original capital of Truong Yen

The famous One Pillar Pagoda still bears traces of the Buddha.

If you sail down the Sao Khe River and lean against the Ma Yen mountain range, you will encounter the Trang An historical complex, a highlight of spring tourism , where the water pavilions and riverbanks with tens of thousands of wooden boats carrying passengers have become an eye-catching symbol of Vietnamese tourism. This place has been the setting for many films and television series that visitors admire.

The Sao Khe River leads spring travelers to the Tam Coc - Bich Dong complex, dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," with its mountain range, auspiciously numbered 99, casting its reflection on the Ngo Dong River, revealing glimpses of low-lying temples, lush spring rice paddies, and biodiverse forests sprouting under the spring drizzle. Here, there are stunning caves to admire the wondrous scenery, such as the three water-filled caves, Hang Ca, Hang Mua, and panoramic viewpoints from above, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of spring.

The temples and pagodas in this complex showcase a unique blend of nature's natural features, like beautiful ornaments adorning the mystical hair of the landscape: Tam Coc Pagoda with its ancient stone bridge spanning a lotus pond leading to the main sanctuary nestled against the mountainside; Thai Vi Temple, a pagoda with a stone main hall, demonstrates the craftsmanship and sculpting skills of local stone carving villages.

Crossing the Ma Yen mountain range, from the gateway to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, following the Hoang Long river westward into Gia Vien district, lies the Bai Dinh pagoda complex. Beside the small, ancient pagoda on the mountain stands a newly built pagoda famous for its architectural records and the largest statues in Vietnam and the world . With its spring festival running from the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) until the end of March, the Bai Dinh pagoda festival, along with the Hoa Lu – Trang An scenic area, creates a huge attraction for visitors from all over, breathing contemporary life into the ancient site.

Heritage Magazine