Today we travel by road for two hours to Hoa Lu. Here we can see the relics of the ancient capital dating back to the 10th century. The remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived during that time and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. From time to time, archaeologists have excavated buried parts of this citadel with rusty weapons and ceramics. The temples are said to be built on the old foundation of their original palaces in 11-12th centuries and restored in 17th century. Though the temples are not maintained entirely some precious antiques are still preserved well like the whole-stone dragon thrones, wooden bas-relieves and lacquered statues of King Dinh, Kinh Le, Queen Duong Van Nga who in turn got married both of the kings, and the princes of the two dynasties.

After lunch in local restaurant, we drive shortly to visit Tam Coc (Three Caves), also called the “Halong Bay on Land”. On arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Hoang Long River to see the first limestone mountains, which run along the river way for several kilometers. The river trip is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The boat then will be rowed through the Three Caves on the river, all created by wind and water from a legend time, while the sea had occupied this area. The tide-mark is still on the rock about 2m above the water, and in higher mountain wall, the erosion have carved some strange shapes that now filled of green grass, delicious foods of the goats that local people breed everywhere. After boat trip, we drive back to Hanoi in late afternoon.