Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a modern cultural and leisure area beside Ky Lan Lake in central Ninh Binh. It was built to look like a traditional Vietnamese town, with tiled roofs, lanterns and lakeside walkways, and it is at its best after dark. Entry is free, and most visitors spend one to two hours here.
It is not a historic town. The historic site is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, a separate place known for the temples of King Dinh and King Le. If you want an easy evening walk with snacks and lake views after a day of sightseeing, the town is a good stop. If you are looking for history, go to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital instead.
Hoa Lu Ancient Town at a Glance
| What is it | A modern cultural and tourism area, opened in early 2022 |
| Where | Beside Ky Lan Lake, central Ninh Binh (1 Tran Hung Dao Street) |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Opening hours | Daily, 07:00–23:00, including weekends and public holidays |
| Stalls and activities | Craft and food stalls are busier from about 14:00; folk games and performances are usually 19:00–23:00 |
| Best time | After 18:00, when the lanterns and lights come on |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Boat ride | 100,000–150,000 VND per adult per ride (see prices below) |
What Is Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a purpose-built cultural and tourism area, inspired by the architecture and cultural atmosphere of Dai Viet. It brings together lantern-lit walkways, traditional-style buildings, food stalls, craft displays and spaces for cultural activities around Ky Lan Lake.
Because the names are so similar, many visitors confuse it with the Ancient Capital. They are two different places:
| Hoa Lu Ancient Town | Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | |
| Type | Modern cultural and leisure area | Historic site with royal temples |
| Main appeal | Lantern-lit walks, lake views, food, boat rides | King Dinh and King Le temples, early Vietnamese history |
| Best time of day | Evening | Daytime |
| Where | Central Ninh Binh, beside Ky Lan Lake | Truong Yen commune, outside the city |
How it came about
Hoa Lu Ancient Town opened in early 2022 as a place for visitors to spend an evening in Ninh Binh. Its design takes cues from the architecture of the Dai Viet period: curved tiled roofs, hanging lanterns and warm yellow lighting. That is why the area looks old even though it is new.
Local authorities and media regularly present the town as part of Ninh Binh’s night-time tourism, and it hosts cultural events through the year.
Is Hoa Lu Ancient Town Worth Visiting?
Yes, if you are in Ninh Binh in the evening and want something easy to do after sightseeing. The appeal is the atmosphere: lights on the lake, lanterns, snacks and a gentle walk. Most of Ninh Binh’s main sights close by late afternoon, and this is one of the few places that comes alive after dark.
You will probably enjoy it if you are staying in Ninh Binh City or Tam Coc, like evening photography, or want a low-effort way to end the day. It also suits families, since it is a walking area with open space.
You may want to skip it if you are on a day trip and heading back to Hanoi before dark, you expect historic buildings, or you dislike crowds and are visiting on a weekend.
Keep expectations realistic. The buildings are new, and what is on offer varies by day. Treat boat rides, performances and costume rental as extras that may or may not be running when you visit.
Entrance Fee, Opening Hours and Costs
- Entrance: free. You can walk around, take photos and enjoy the public areas without a ticket.
- Opening hours: daily, 07:00–23:00, including weekends and public holidays.
- Stalls: craft and food stalls usually get busier from about 14:00.
- Folk games and performances: generally 19:00–23:00. The programme can vary, so ask on arrival if there is something specific you want to see.
Ky Lan Lake Boat Ride Prices
A boat ride on Ky Lan Lake offers a different view of the water, Four An Tower and the illuminated surroundings. The current prices provided for this guide are:
| Boat type | Adult | Child under 1.3m |
| Standard boat, without a roof | 100,000 VND per ride | 80,000 VND per ride |
| VIP boat, with a roof and more space | 150,000 VND per ride | 100,000 VND per ride |
These are boat-ride prices, separate from the free entrance to the town. Confirm the available boat type and ticket details on arrival, especially if you are travelling with children.
Things to Do at Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Walk the lantern-lit streets and take photos
The best way to see the town is on foot. It is built around Ky Lan Lake, and the paths link small bridges, lakeside viewpoints and rows of traditional-style buildings. During the day it is quieter and there is less going on. Once the lights come on, the reflections on the water give the whole area its character.
Walk the full loop once without stopping, then go back to the spots you liked. That is more enjoyable than trying to photograph everything on the first pass.
Photo spots to look for:
- The lakeside shore, for Tu An Tower and its reflection after dark.
- The small bridges and waterside paths, which frame the lit buildings.
- The lantern-lined streets, best once the lights are fully on.
- The greeting wall with welcome messages in several languages, a popular selfie spot according to local media.
Traditional costumes, including Ao Dai and outfits inspired by different dynasties, have been available to rent from providers on site. Ask about availability and prices when you arrive. When it is busy, avoid blocking the walkways or staying too long on the bridges while you take photos.
Take a boat ride on Ky Lan Lake
A short boat ride shows you the tower and the illuminated buildings from the water, which is a different view from the shore. Local media describe it as a favourite evening experience, especially when the lights reflect on the lake.
Choose between the standard boat (no roof) and the VIP boat (roof and more space), and check the ticket details before boarding. The child price applies under 1.3 m. If you only have an hour, the walk and the tower views already give you most of the atmosphere, so treat the boat as optional. As with other activities, confirm the service is running that evening.
See Tu An Tower, Bac Pagoda and Ky Lan Lake
Tu An Tower (Tháp Tứ Ân) stands in Ky Lan Lake and is the town’s best-known landmark. From the shore you can see the tower and its reflection on the water, and the view is at its best after dark when the surrounding lights are on. Local media have reported art performances staged at the tower, so check whether anything is scheduled during your visit.
The area around Ky Lan Mountain and Bac Pagoda (Chùa Bạc) sits at the edge of the walk and adds a religious and architectural note. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and follow any signs near religious spaces. It works best as part of your stroll, not as a separate visit.
Try local snacks and browse craft stalls
Food stalls are part of the evening atmosphere. Depending on the vendors, you may find traditional cakes and snacks such as banh chung, banh gai, banh day and banh nep, along with tea, sweets and other drinks. These are snack-sized, so think of them as something to graze on during your walk, not a full dinner. Availability varies, and not every stall sells every item.
Craft stalls and displays may feature products linked to Ninh Binh’s craft traditions, such as embroidery, stone carving and pottery, depending on which vendors are there. Browse rather than expect a fixed list, and ask sellers where an item comes from if that matters to you. For goat meat, crispy rice and other Ninh Binh specialities, see our guide to what to eat in Ninh Binh.
Watch folk games and performan
In the evening the town often hosts folk games and cultural performances, usually from around 19:00 to 23:00. Games you may see include O An Quan (Mandarin square capture, a traditional board game played with small pieces on a carved board), bamboo dancing (nhay sap) and other community games, alongside traditional music.
The activities run at scheduled times and are especially popular with children. Visitors can often join in rather than just watch. Not every activity runs every night, so ask when you arrive if there is something you want to see.
Seasonal events and special programmes
Beyond the regular evening activities, the town holds seasonal cultural and arts events, from traditional performance stages and festivals to special music nights. Local media have reported programmes such as a Lunar New Year market space and water puppet shows on the Thuy Dinh stage.
These events can make a visit livelier, but they follow their own calendars. Check the current programme if you are travelling around a holiday or festival.
A Simple 90-Minute Route
This route keeps you inside the town. It is a guide, not a fixed schedule, and you can add dinner or a cafe stop before or after.
- 18:00–18:30, arrive as the lights come on. Start at the lake and take your first photos while it is still quiet.
- Next 30 minutes, walk the loop. Follow the lakeside paths, cross the small bridges and look at Tu An Tower from the shore.
- Around 19:00, snacks and performances. Pick up a snack, then see whether a folk game or performance is starting.
- Last 20–30 minutes, boat ride or a second lap. Take a boat if they are running, or walk the lake again now that the lights are fully on.
On weekdays you can slow down and stay longer. On weekends, arrive a little earlier to get ahead of the crowd.
Planning to visit several attractions during your stay? Use our Ninh Binh itinerary guide to work out how much you can comfortably fit into a 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-day trip.
Best Time to Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Town
- Early evening (from about 18:00): the lanterns and lights come on, and the town looks its best. Local reports suggest arriving around 18:30.
- Late afternoon: craft and food stalls get busier from about 14:00. Arrive then if you want to browse before the lights come on and stay into the evening.
- Weekdays or weekends: weekends tend to be busier. For a quieter walk, go on a weekday or arrive early.
- Holidays and festivals: expect more people and, often, extra events.
- Weather: rain cuts an outdoor walk short, so check the forecast. For month-by-month planning, see our guide to the best time to visit Ninh Binh.
For other ideas for the same evening, such as dinner, cafes and where to base yourself, read What to Do in Ninh Binh at Night.
How to Get to Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is in central Ninh Binh and can be reached by taxi, private car or motorbike from accommodation in the city.
- From Tam Coc: a short taxi, Grab or motorbike ride. Takes about 15 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 10 km.
- From Ninh Binh Railway Station: a short ride into the city centre. Takes approximately 7–10 minutes (a distance of about 5 km).
- From Hanoi: most travellers take a limousine van, coach, train or private transfer to Ninh Binh, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Our guide to getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh compares the options.
If you are staying outside the city, such as in Tam Coc, sort out your return transport before you go out for the evening.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Hoa Lu Ancient Town works well as an evening stop after a day of sightseeing. Depending on your interests, you could combine it with one or more of these attractions:
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Visit the historic temples and learn about the region’s early role in Vietnamese history.
- Trang An: Take a boat trip through limestone scenery, waterways and caves.
- Tam Coc: Enjoy river scenery, karst hills and rice-field landscapes, depending on the season.
- Mua Cave: Climb to the viewpoint for a wide view over the surrounding countryside.
If you would like to explore beyond the Ancient Town, our guide to things to do in Ninh Binh covers more attractions and activities to consider during your stay.
If you would rather not organise transport yourself, browse our Ninh Binh day tours, all included then head to the town in the evening.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Bring cash. Small stalls usually prefer Vietnamese dong.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking on paths and bridges for an hour or more.
- Dress modestly near religious spaces. Cover your shoulders and knees if you go near the pagoda area.
- Keep valuables close. Weekend evenings can be crowded, so keep your phone and wallet secure.
- Check the programme if timing matters. If you want to see a particular game or performance, ask when it starts as soon as you arrive.
- Plan your ride back. Taxis and Grab are easy in the city. If you are staying outside it, arrange your return in advance.
- Travelling with children. The open walking space and evening games suit families. Keep a close eye on children near the lake and on the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoa Lu Ancient Town the same as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital?
No. The town is a modern leisure area beside Ky Lan Lake. The Ancient Capital is a separate historic site with the temples of King Dinh and King Le.
Is there an entrance fee for Hoa Lu Ancient Town?
No, entry is free. Boat rides, food, souvenirs and other extras are paid separately.
What are the opening hours?
The town is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00. Stalls get busier from about 14:00, and games and performances usually run from about 19:00.
What is the best time to visit?
After 18:00, when the lights come on. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.
How long should I spend there?
About one to two hours for a walk, photos and a snack. Allow longer if you plan to eat or take a boat ride.
Is Hoa Lu Ancient Town open during the day?
Yes, it opens at 07:00, but it is quieter in the daytime. Stalls get busier from about 14:00, and performances usually start around 19:00.
Is Hoa Lu Ancient Town good for kids?
Generally yes. It is an open walking area with folk games in the evening, which children often enjoy. Keep a close eye on them near the lake.
Is the boat ride worth it?
It is optional. The walk gives you most of the atmosphere, and the boat adds a different view of Tu An Tower. Prices are in the table above.
Are there performances every night?
Not guaranteed. Games and performances are usually scheduled in the evening, but the programme varies, so ask on arrival.
Can I visit after Trang An or Tam Coc?
Yes. Both are daytime sights, and the town makes an easy evening follow-up. Leave time to travel back to the city and arrange your ride home.
Final Thoughts
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is worth considering if you want an easy-going evening stop in central Ninh Binh, with lantern-lit streets, lakeside views, local snacks and the chance to browse traditional crafts or encounter cultural activities. Its appeal lies in its modern cultural atmosphere rather than in being an original ancient settlement.
