King Dinh Temple, Ninh Binh

Located near the town of Ninh Binh, around 56 miles south of Hanoi, Hoa Lu was the capital when Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang and reunified the country under the name of Dai Co Viet kingdom in the 10th century. King Dinh was the first Vietnamese King following the liberation of the country from the rule of the Chinese Southern Han Dynasty, as well as the founder of the short-lived Đinh Dynasty was a significant figure in the establishment of Vietnamese independence and political unity in the 10th century.

This small Kingdom covered an area of only 1.2 square mile and was enclosed by a citadel surrounded by Yen Ngua limestone hills provided a good defense for this kingdom against the Chinese.

Hoa Lu is surrounded by the Trang An limestone mountains. Its northwest is bordered by the Hoang Long River, the tributaries of which run through the capital, cooling the weather within the city and serving as convenient waterway.

Hoa Lu lays in a flat valley surrounded by the Trang An lime stone mountains, which form a natural wall protecting the old citadel.

Bridge over the Hoang Long River

We are now on the bridge walking over to Hoa Lu the ancient Capital.

Entrance gate to the Kingdom of Hoa Lu

Closer look at the entrance gate.

View of the Hoang Long River from the bridge just before the entrance gate.

Lion statues on each side of the bridge next to the entrance gate.

The outer wall of the King Dinh Temple

We are now entering the temple of King Dinh

Temple of King Dinh

Moat surrounding the temple

Pink lotus flowers are a sacred symbol of rebirth, purity, and spiritually in Eastern cultures.

King Dinh reunified this region and therefore, he is a very important figure in history. The inhabitants built this temple to commemorate and worship him.

Small garden right at the entrance of the temple,

Half moon pond in King Dinh's temple

A huge tree taking over the structure of the stairs.

Koi fish

Half moon pond overview.

The Dinh Temple is located on the ground of the former main palace of the royal citadel. This ancient temple is made up of three parts: the outer court, the middle court, and the inner sanctum. Dinh Tien Hoang temple is adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful artwork, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of the time.

This is the outer court.

We are now in the middle court.

This temple is where King Dinh's parents came to worship.

Dragons statues adorning the roof of the temple.

Incense burner in front of the temple.

Inside the temple

The altar inside the temple.

Dragon pedestal right at the exit of the temple

Carved dragon (Long Sang) pedestal is listed as National treasure.

Map of King Dinh's Temple

Cultural Heritage of Din and Pre Le period exhibition hall

Garden in the inner court.

Inner court.

Gateway with a view of the main square.

King Le Temple

Entrance gate to King Le temple. King Dinh and King Le temple are symbols for Vietnamese people's reverence and gratitude to the two kings who offered sacrifices in the 10th century

Main square surrounded by mountains.

Man of Buffalo is the traditional symbol of Vietnam, representing bravery, happiness, and prosperity.

We are now done with the visit and we are leaving the complex.

Bridge at the exit of Hoa Lu

Next....Am Tien Cave, Lake & Pagoda