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

Hoa Lu Ancient Town presents a Vietnamese traditional charm and culture

Hoa Lu Ancient Town, is called in different names, Hoa Lu Walking Street, Ninh Binh night market, Ninh Binh Walking Street, is a lovely place to explore in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. During the day, you can enjoy peaceful scenery and old-style buildings. At night, the area turns lively with colourful lanterns, street food, local shops, and traditional music shows.

Overview of Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Hoa Lu Ancient Town Location

2 towers here are the symbols of Hoa Lu Walking Street. You can go inside to admire the statues

• 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 (07:00 - 23:00 daily)
• 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. 

The main gate of Hoa Lu Ancient Town is near the Hoa Lu Hotel

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

There are many restaurants and coffee shops along the lake

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 walk. 

From Trang An to Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Inside the tower at night

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

You can take photos or buy small souvenirs here

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

Special live shows or folk performances often take place in Hoa Lu Walking Street

• Enjoy the artistic space right in the heart of Ky Lan Lake.
• Event: Free
• Time: Every Saturday and Sunday (Schedule can change by season). You can check the programs in the official fanpage: Phố cổ Hoa Lư - Ninh Bình
• Contact for more information: 1900 866635 or [email protected]

Floating Lanterns in Ninh Binh Walking Street

Locals believe that when you release a lantern onto the water, it carries your wishes and dreams with it.

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

A night boat trip brings a unique experience

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

Boat price: You can check on the official website: HERE

Boat in Ky Lan Lake - Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Read more: All About Ninh Binh Walking Street: Things to Do, Street Food & Entrance Fees 

Visit and Shop at the Traditional Stalls

You can find local foods and products in Hoa Lu Ancient Town

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

Ninh Binh Shopping Guide: Authentic Souvenirs and Bargaining Secrets

Try on Vietnamese Traditional Costumes

During Tet Holiday or special events, Vietnamese love wearing Ao Dai and capture their great pics in Hoa Lu Ancient Town

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 site attracts many tourists during the day and at night time

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 the 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 for Hoa Lu Walking Street

Don’t forget to bargain when buying souvenirs, but keep in mind that restaurants and bars usually have fixed prices on their menus.

Transportation Costs to Hoa Lu Walking Street

• 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 in Ninh Binh Walking Street

• 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 in Ninh Binh Night Market

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

Total Estimated Spend per Person for A Visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Town

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

Keynotes

You can pay by cash or credit card (with a fee) but cash is prefer

• 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

It can be crowded with local people if there is a show there

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 is a place worth visiting in Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a lovely place to enjoy the local atmosphere of Ninh Binh. From peaceful daytime views to lively night scenes filled with food, music, and lights, it offers something for everyone. Whether you come for sightseeing, photography, or just to relax by Ky Lan Lake, this area is worth adding to your Ninh Binh travel plan.

If you’re planning your trip, consider joining a local Ninh Binh tour that includes Hoa Lu Ancient Town -  it’s an easy and enjoyable way to explore more of this charming destination.

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