Depart the hotel this morning at 8.00 for the 2.5 hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. Ready the bikes and start the trail cycling to 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. 

In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for the next 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, the country named Dai Co Viet, and 29 years later was under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

11.30 am: Continue cycling for 1-hour to Tam Coc through stunning limestone karst valleys surrounded by picturesque fields and villages, along the way stop to take photographs. On arrival in Tam Coc have a Vietnamese lunch. After lunch, board a private sampan for a leisurely 2 hour cruise. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to Hoa Lu’s other name, ‘Halong on Land’. The adventurous can climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating to 1428 and comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. Return back by sampan to Tam Coc town before returning to Hanoi by vehicle arriving in the late afternoon.