Tuesday, October 9, 2012

First Capital of Vietnam - Hoa Lu




Located in Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam, not far from Tamcoc is the relics of ancient capital Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu Citadel was once covered an area of 3 sq km but now most of it has been destroyed.



The temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Emperor Le Dai of Le Dynasty (980-1009) are said to be built on the old foundation of their original palace from 11th to 12th century and later restored in 17th century.



There are several lotus pond at different corners acting somehow like a moat protecting the temple complex.






The temples though are not maintained entirely, some precious antiques are still preserved such as the stone dragon thrones.



Quiet a small scheme temple complex but its remains tell us their past.



The main shrine hall.



The wooden carved ceiling and pillar and the dragon carved stone throne.



The wooden and lacquered statues of King Ningh, King Le and their Queen who in turn married to both of the kings, are well preserved in the main shrine hall.





Some old structure at the exit and entrance gate.



The 2nd lotus pond!



Another old structure within the temple complex.



The gorgeous lotus leave of the 3rd lotus pond.






The colorful square flags fluttering in the air were either written with "Blessing from Sky" or "Peaceful".






Believe it or not, this is an ox that is going to bring you luck and prosperity if you pay to riding on it!!!!



Village outside the temple complex looks like more interesting.



Surrounded the Temple Complex are serene villages.



Flock of ducklings at lotus pond.



To cycling through the paddies field on the narrow bumpy pathway was really not too easy.



The rice field, the river and the towering karsts make a picturesque sight for all its visitors.



Meandering river is lined by rice paddies and guarded by limestone cliff.



A good insight on simple village life.



Most of the villagers depend on fishing and farming as their main source of income.



A Serene rural site!



A tropical village in green and with pond full of  hyacinth.









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