15 Dec 2015
Today is our journey to southwest towards Ninh Binh province to pay a visit to Hoa Lu, the initial capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometres. Continued to Tam Coc known as Dry Halong Bay. This area is famous for its breath taking scenery where dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands. Embark on a small hand rowed sampan (wooden boat) we started our journey along green waterways. The name Tam Coc means three caves and we shall pass under a sequence of three caves. Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Coi as our boat glides past through green rice fields and lotus ponds. After the tour, stop at nearby Bich Dong Pagoda before returning to Hanoi.
