Hoa Lu Ancient Town Made Easy: Top Things to See and Do, Day and Night

Hoa Lu Ancient Town or Hoa Lu Walking Street displays a unique history, culture, and modern charm in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. By day, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful and ancient scenery, while at night, the walking street comes alive with vibrant markets, local delicacies, and cultural performances. 

General information about Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Hoa Lu Ancient Town Location

• Location: Ky Lan Mountain, Tran Hung Dao Street, Tan Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
• On Google Maps: Check here
• Opening time: both day and night time
• Entrance ticket: free

Hoa Lu Ancient Town is situated in Ninh Binh Province, approximately 90 kilometres south of Hanoi, Vietnam. This location appears to be in the area around Mount Kỳ Lân (Ky Lan Mountain), just a short distance from the main streets like Tran Hung Dao. Hoa Lu Walking Street is a pedestrian-friendly street, open throughout the day and especially vibrant in the evening when the area is illuminated, and visitors can enjoy various local activities. The Hoa Lu Walking Street does not charge an entrance fee, as it is a public area for walking, shopping, and dining.

How To Get To Hoa Lu Ancient Town

From Ninh Binh City or famous attractions like Tam Coc or Trang An, the easiest way to get to Hoa Lu Ancient Town is by taxi or motorbike. It’s about a 15-minute. 

From Trang An to Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Distance: Approximately 4 km (~10 minutes by car or motorbike).

Options:

• Taxi/Grab: Easy to find and costs around 50,000-70,000 VND.
• Bicycle: A scenic option that takes about 20-30 minutes, ideal for enjoying the surrounding landscapes.
• Motorbike Rental: Costs 100,000-150,000 VND per day, giving you flexibility to explore nearby attractions.

From Tam Coc to Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Distance: Approximately 8 km (~15-20 minutes by car or motorbike).

Options:

• Taxi/Grab: Convenient and costs around 100,000-150,000 VND.
• Bicycle: Takes 40-50 minutes and offers scenic views of rice fields and karst formations.
• Motorbike Rental: Flexible and budget-friendly, similar to the Trang An route.

Special Highlights of Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Performance of Traditional Folk Art

• Enjoy the artistic space right in the heart of Ky Lan Lake.
• Event: Free
• Time: Every Saturday and Sunday.

Floating Lanterns

The light emitted from the flower lanterns is like the light of Buddha Amitabha, illuminating the world and guiding everyone towards the right path, filled with kindness and wisdom. When taking a boat ride on Ky Lan Lake or during Spiritual Festivals, choose a lantern to light up your wishes!

Take A Boat Trip on Ky Lan Lake

You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Ky Lan Lake, day or night to explore this area. 

Visit and Shop at the Traditional Stalls

• Nha Xá Silk Weaving - a national intangible cultural heritage with 700 years of history and development.
• Tea, Incense, Ceramics, Statues.

Try on Vietnamese Traditional Costumes

Vietnamese traditional clothing is one of the unique and highly valuable cultural features of the Vietnamese people. Experiencing wearing these costumes and taking beautiful photos by Ky Lan Lake amidst the heritage is an experience worth trying.

Hoa Lu Ancient Town By Day 

This place boasts well-preserved buildings that reflect its historical significance. Stroll through narrow alleys lined with traditional houses, charming shops, and local eateries that transport you back in time.

Daytime Activities 

• Explore craft shops offering unique handicrafts and textiles.
• Try traditional Vietnamese dishes at cosy cafes and restaurants.
• Interact with locals to learn about their daily lives and cultural heritage.
• Capture the rustic charm of the streets and the backdrop of karst mountains.

Hoa Lu Ancient Town By Night 

Hoa Lu Walking Street transforms into a bustling walking street at night.

Nighttime Activities

• Take a leisurely walk under the glow of streetlights and lanterns and enjoy the peaceful yet lively vibe of the walking street
• Street food stalls serving local specialities like “Banh Xeo”, grilled meat skewers, and “Che” desserts.
• Souvenir shops with handmade crafts, postcards, and traditional toys.
• Watch traditional music and dance performances showcasing Vietnamese culture.
• Join in seasonal festivals or events.

Budgeting Guide & Tips for Enjoying Hoa Lu Walking Street

Transportation Costs

• Taxi/Grab (round trip): 150,000-300,000 VND.
• Motorbike rental: 100,000-150,000 VND per day.
• Bicycle rental: 50,000-100,000 VND per day.

Food and Drinks Costs

• Street food/snacks: 20,000-50,000 VND per item.
• Meals at local restaurants: 100,000-200,000 VND per person.
• Drinks: 10,000-50,000 VND for soft drinks or tea.

Shopping Price

• Souvenirs and crafts: 50,000-200,000 VND.
• Handcrafted items: 100,000-500,000 VND, depending on the product.

Total Estimated Spend per Person

• Budget travellers: 200,000-300,000 VND.
• Moderate spenders: 400,000-600,000 VND.
• Higher-end experience: 700,000 VND or more.

Keynotes

• Cash is preferred: It’s a good idea to carry cash, as many places in Ninh Binh, especially local markets, small shops, and remote attractions, may not accept credit or debit cards.
• Bring small denominations: Having small bills or change is helpful for paying for parking, purchasing items, and tipping when needed. Local vendors may not always be able to provide change for large notes, so it’s best to carry a mix of smaller denominations.

Tips For Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Town

When visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Town, it's important to dress comfortably and be prepared for the climate and activities. 

• A pair of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or sneakers is a must. You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. If you plan to take a boat tour in places like Trang An or Tam Coc, waterproof shoes or sandals are a good option to keep your feet dry.
• To capture beautiful landscapes, make sure you bring a camera along with you. 
• In Summer (May-August): Light, breathable clothing is key. Be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• In Winter (November - February): The weather can be cooler, especially in the early mornings and evenings. You might need a light jacket or sweater, but it's generally mild.

Hoa Lu Ancient Town offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and lively entertainment. Whether you’re exploring the quiet charm of the ancient quarter during the day or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the walking street at night, there’s something for everyone.

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