Spring glows in Hoa Lu Old Town - Vietnam’s former imperial capital
VOV.VN - Beneath shimmering lanterns and vibrant spring colors, Hoa Lu Old Town in northern Vietnam welcomed thousands of visitors during the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, as its signature cuisine, traditional folk games and nightly street performances brought the former imperial capital vividly back to life.
On the evening of February 19 ỏ the third day of the Lunar New Year (Tet), crowds fill the entrance to the old town. Multi-generational families stroll side by side, children eagerly exploring traditional toy stalls while adults savour festive specialties and pause to capture keepsake photos.
Designed in traditional architectural style, Hoa Lu Old Town evokes the cultural ambiance of the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet (Great Viet) nation. The harmonious interplay of soft modern lighting and carefully preserved historic details creates an atmosphere that is at once dignified and warmly intimate.
A local resident shares that at the beginning of spring, her family visits Hoa Lu Old Town to fully embrace the Tet spirit. She describes the space as vibrant yet warm and welcoming, where children delight in traditional folk games while adults admire the scenery and gather for family photos.
Young visitors gather by the lakeside at Hoa Lu Old Town, capturing photos as lantern lights shimmer across the water, creating a romantic and lively springtime scene.
The Old Town revives traditional cultural activities, with the calligraphy area drawing particular interest from foreign guests
During Tet, visitors from across the country flock to Hoa Lu to explore the ancient capital while immersing themselves in local life.
Young people queue for the popular photobooth service, an instant photo trend that adds a modern touch to the festive atmosphere.
Trang, a student from Hanoi, says her family explores the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex during the day before returning to the Old Town at night. She describes the lantern-lit setting as both spacious and cozy, where they enjoy folk games, performances, boat rides, and photos
Boat rides along rivers and lakes offer tourists a tranquil way to admire the natural beauty and peaceful charm of Ninh Binh during Tet.
At night, Hoa Lu Old Town dazzles as rows of lanterns illuminate both sides of the streets.
International visitors take part in festive activities, discovering the culture and traditional lifestyle of the former imperial capital.
Traditional Tet dishes, from bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and nem rán (spring rolls) to sweet soups and local specialties, draw steady crowds.
Foreign tourists explore and learn about the historical legacy of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital.
A pagoda stands out amid the glittering lantern-lit landscape.
Enhanced security, fire prevention and sanitation measures help maintain order and cleanliness despite large crowds.
Many visitors line up to request auspicious calligraphy, hoping for luck and peace in the new year.
The festive space vividly recreates the cultural life of the ancient capital region.
The King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is the only place in Vietnam worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents and his sons, with ancestral tablets of the generals of Dinh Dynasty.
