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What To Do In Ninh Binh Vietnam ? Visit Dinh Le Temple Now - Discover Ninh Binh Vietnam

The scenic beauty of the Hoa Lu ancient capital is characterized by a harmonious blend of mountains and sea. Nestled in a flat valley, Hoa Lu is encircled by the towering Trang An limestone mountains, forming a natural barrier around the historic citadel. Within this protected area lies the revered Dinh and Le Temples, dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Le Dynasties. In case that you visit Ninh Binh on your trip, it's recommended to visit these temples of Hoa Lu to learn and to pay homage to the revered monarchs of Vietnam's past.

1. Dinh and Le Temple - A brief History
2. The magnificent architecture of the Dinh-Le Temple
- 2.1. Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
- 2.2. Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
3. How to get to Dinh-Le temple ?
4. Helpful tips

1. Dinh and Le Temple - A brief History

Dinh-Le Temple situated in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

What to do in Ninh Binh Vietnam ? Visit Dinh Le Temple and learn about its history. On the grounds of the first imperial capital of ancient Dai Co Viet, which is now the area of Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.

According to history, General Dinh Bo Linh reunified the whole county in 968 and reigned over the throne. However, the king died just after a year in 979. His Queen - Duong Van Nga, transferred the throne to the then commander-in-chief Le Hoan in the face of the greater threat of aggression that the country was facing at that time. Le Hoan then ruled over the throne and defeated all the foreign warring forces in a great war. After the Early Le Dynasty ended, it marked the beginning of the Ly Dynasty, ruled by Ly Cong Uan

These two temples were built after King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long to commemorate two emperors - the heroic figures of Dai Co Viet. By the beginning of the 17th century, during the Later Le dynasty, the two temples were rebuilt, grand and magnificent, yet still retaining the original beauty in architecture.

2. The magnificent architecture of the Dinh-Le Temple

2.1. Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang

The Dinh Temple in Ninh Binh Vietnam faces Mount Ma Yen, once the citadel of the Hoa Lu capital. Behind the temple lies the Phi Van mountain range, resembling a strip of flying clouds. Its architecture follows the "Nội Công, Ngoại Quốc" style. "Nội công ngoại quốc" is a term coined in a philosophical manner using Chinese characters. "Nội công" refers to the form of architecture shaped like the character "công" (工), while "Ngoại quốc" (国) is derived from the enclosing border of the character "Quốc" (囗).

The architectural structures within the compound align symmetrically along the main axis. Notable features include the outer gate (Ngọ Môn Quan), the outer (Nghi Môn Ngoại), and inner gates (Nghi Môn Nội), following the names of the ancient gates and palace doors of old Hoa Lu. In the temple courtyard stands a stone platform known as the "dragon bed" (Long Sàng), symbolizing the royal seat of power.

The temple comprises three interconnected halls: Bai Duong, Thien Huong, and Chinh Cung. Inside, the atmosphere is mystical and solemn. The central Bai Duong hall bears the inscription "Chính Thống Thủy", and the famous couplet:

"Cồ Việt Quốc đương Tống Khai Bảo

Hoa Lư Đô thị Hán Tràng An"

(That means the strength of the Dai Co Viet nation could be compared to the strength of China in the Song Dynasty - a prosperous dynasty that successfully unified the country, marking the end of the era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.)

2.2. Temple of King Le Dai Hanh

The Le Temple in Ninh Binh Vietnam is situated about 300 meters north of the Dinh Temple. In front of the temple compound stands the Den mountain. Behind it lies the Phi Van mountain range. The temple complex also adopts the "Nội Công, Ngoại Quốc" architectural style.

Before the Pre-Platform gate lies a large standalone boulder in the "flying phoenix" posture, which according to feng shui experts, holds profound significance, symbolizing a deeply-rooted sentiment of a thousand-year-old royal bond between a king and a queen.

The Le Temple also consists of three halls: Bai Duong, Thien Huong, and Chinh Cung.

The Bai Duong hall features five magnificent compartments, with remarkable carved sculptures of trees, animals, and mythical creatures associated with the legends of King Le Dai Hanh and the folk tales of the Hoa Lu region. The Thien Huong hall is dedicated to the Le dynasty's officials, while the Chinh Cung hall houses the statue of King Le Dai Hanh (seated centrally). Beside stands the statue of Queen Mother Duong Van Nga. Legend has it that Queen Mother Duong Van Nga's statue was originally at the Dinh Temple. During the Later Le period, the statue was relocated to the Le Temple, where it remains today. However, locals continue to position the statue facing toward the Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, symbolizing her enduring affection for her initial spouse. The special Vietnamese history that you may not have heard before, discovered during your trip in order to visit Ninh Binh, is now etched in your heart, deepening your love for this land with each passing moment.

3. How to get to Dinh-Le temple ?

The journey to the historical site of the Dinh and Le Temples is very straightforward. Because the two temples belong to the heritage complex of Hoa Lu ancient capital, you just need to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, and the rest of the way from Ninh Binh to Hoa Lu is also very easy. You can choose various modes of transportation to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

You may need this Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh

Take a look at Top 05 Best Ways to Travel From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

4. Helpful tips

When visiting Hoa Lu Ninh Binh, it is advised to dress modestly with long clothing, as it is a spiritual tourist destination.
Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere while exploring the temple, and remember to remove hats or sunglasses once inside the King Dinh-Le Temple.
If traveling independently, consider bringing a map of the Hoa Lu tourist complex to enhance your experience.

The Dinh Temple and the Le Temple are two magnificent architectural structures, distinguished and exemplary, serving as the focal points of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. They hold immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, embodying enduring values. If you're planning a trip to visit Ninh Binh, we highly recommend a brief visit to the Dinh and Le Temples. Here, you can delve into the rich history of the ancient dynasties that once ruled this enchanting land, successfully repelling foreign invasions and leaving behind a legacy of resilience and cultural heritage. To ensure a satisfying experience far beyond your expectations, please CONTACT AUTOUR ASIA, TRAVEL AGENCY VIETNAM now.

Take a look at:
> Trang An Scenic Landscape in Ninh Binh
> Ninh Binh Travel Guide
> Ninh Binh Day Trip
> North Vietnam Tours