The Temples of Kings Dinh and Le: A Testament to the Ancient Kingdom

The Temples of the Dinh and Le Kings stand as essential symbols of Vietnam's cultural wealth. They are not only precious national heritages, but also places where visitors can admire the historical remains of the Hoa Lu dynasty, which marked one of the proudest periods in Vietnamese history.

History of the Ancient Hoa Lu Dynasty

In 968, after defeating the 12 military lords, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and founded the Kingdom of Dai Co Viet, choosing Hoa Lu as the political center and the first capital of a centralized feudal state. The historic city of Hoa Lu, majestic and serene, is nestled in a picturesque landscape in Ninh Binh. It witnessed the glorious rise of the Dinh dynasty, which lasted 12 years (968-980), followed by the Later Le dynasty for 29 years (980-1009), and the early Ly dynasty (1009-1010). Key achievements of this era include the unification of the country, the struggle against the Song, the suppression of the Chams, and the transfer of the capital to Thang Long (now Hanoi).

Historical Sites of the Temples of Kings Dinh and Le

After more than 1,000 years of history, many remnants of the ancient capital Hoa Lu remain preserved and respected today. Among these, the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang and the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh stand out as monuments of great cultural and historical value for the Vietnamese people. These temples, constructed under the Ly dynasty and later restored by the Later Le dynasty in the 17th century, are located in the commune of Truong Yen, at the heart of the ancient capital Hoa Lu.

Recognized as part of the "Top 100 Famous Centuries-Old Monuments in Vietnam," the Temples of Kings Dinh and Le are living witnesses to Vietnam's glorious heritage, attracting visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the country's history and culture. These sites not only honor the ancestors but also provide a valuable perspective on the struggles and triumphs that shaped the nation of Vietnam.

Architecture of the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang

The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang was built under the Ly dynasty, featuring a unique architectural style known as "solid interior, ornate exterior," nestled among century-old trees. This monument is a remarkable example of wood and stone carving art, created by Vietnamese artisans from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The temple complex includes several majestic structures such as the Ngo Mon Quan (main gate), an artificial mound, a lotus pond, flower gardens, as well as both interior and exterior entrances, accompanied by three prayer halls, a space for incense offerings, and a main sanctuary.

Ngo Mon Quan, composed of three covered sections with tiles, serves as the main entrance. After crossing a courtyard, visitors reach the second layer, the Nghi Mon (inner gate), built from lim wood with three rows of columns. The four corners of this inner gate are adorned with large pillars.

From the dragon courtyard, visitors ascend to the five-bay prayer hall, which features distinctive architecture. Next is the space for incense offerings, dedicated to the four pillars of the Dinh dynasty. At the far end of this hall is the main sanctuary, which also has five bays, where a bronze statue of King Dinh rests on a green stone base. On either side of this base, two stone dragons are carved in the style of saddle stirrups.

The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh

Approximately 500 meters north of the Temple of King Dinh stands the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan). This ancient temple still preserves the unique artistic architecture of the 17th century and honors King Le Dai Hanh and his mother, Duong Van Nga.

The architecture of the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is similar to that of the Temple of King Dinh, built in the same "solid interior, ornate exterior" style, with three sections: the prayer hall, the space for incense offerings, and the main sanctuary. The temple’s door is recessed to the large columns, surrounded by walls, creating a relatively dark interior space. The dim light that enters the temple gives the offerings and statues an aura of majesty, antiquity, and mystery.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le are not only symbols of respect and gratitude from the Vietnamese people toward these rulers who played a key role in building and protecting the country in the 10th century, but they also serve as relics of the Hoa Lu dynasty's historic capital. These sites remind us of the glorious era and the independence of the state of Dai Co Viet. It was during this period that the Vietnamese people successfully established a centralized feudal state with its own government and military.

In 2014, the historic capital Hoa Lu was recognized by UNESCO as the first and only site classified as a mixed cultural heritage site in Southeast Asia. The temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le not only serve as an attractive destination for tourists but also as places for the preservation and promotion of the cultural and historical values of the Vietnamese people. They affirm the existence and development of a unique and rich culture.

Visiting these temples is a deep dive into Vietnam's history, allowing one to discover the roots and traditions that shape the national identity. It is an invitation to explore the historical and cultural beauty of this site and gain a better understanding of the Vietnamese people's legacy. Every stone, sculpture, and inscription stands as a silent witness to the resilience and creativity of a people who overcame the challenges of history to build a prosperous future.

For history enthusiasts, these temples are must-visit destinations in Vietnam, not only for those passionate about history but also for those seeking a spiritually enriching experience.

With a distance of 100km from Hanoi and the convenience of transportation, it will take only 2 hours to travel by car to reach the temples of King Dinh and King Le. Other destinations in Ninh Binh that you can combine visiting Hoa Lu with are Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, Van Long, and Thung Nham,... 

Here is a short video, filmed by Authentik Vietnam, for a better vision of the temples of Kings Dinh and Le

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