Vietnam: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu was the capital of an independent Vietnam from 968 to 1009 (then known as Dai Co Viet). The first two Vietnamese imperial dynasties – Dinh and Ly – rule in Hoa Lu, before the capital was transferred to Hanoi (Thang Long back then). The ancient capital included fortifications, defensive walls, palaces, and many other structures, but not much of it survives now. Today, there are three ancient temples, several shrines, and gates with forested grounds and a lot of beautiful limestone karst scenery all around. The two most prominent temples are Dinh Tien HoangTemple and Le Dai Hanh Temple. The gate over the river is also quite impressive!
