NINH BINH (VNS) — The Trang An Landscape Complex Management Board has doubled the entrance fee for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in the northern province of Ninh Binh to VND20,000 (95 US cents).

Located in Hoa Lu District's Truong Yen Commune, the capital was set up by King Dinh Tien Hoang and was the capital of the first centralised feudal State in Viet Nam. The capital existed for 41 years, from 968 to 1009, under the Dinh, Early Le and Ly dynasties. In 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital to Thang Long (now Ha Noi).

The ancient capital covered an area of 300 ha, including the Inner Citadel and the Outer Citadel. The citadel had splendid palaces and temples. Due to the ravages of time, there are only about 30 vestiges related to the dynasties, including the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh and Nhat Tru Pagoda.

In the 17th century, the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh were rebuilt.

Hoa Lu has beautiful landscapes with magnificent lime mountains and rivers. It is a popular tourism destination in Ninh Binh. — VNS