Over ten centuries ago, the dynasties Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly, were associated with the existence of relics. Together with the temple of of King Dinh Tien Hoang, King Le Dai, temple Bac, bridge Dong, the remains of the East citadel, the North, the Den, and the South, among others, they created a “cultural space of legendary Hoa Lu.” Trang An eco-tourism and cave zone is associated with this ancient and historically-rich capital.

 

 

Trang An eco-tourism zone is also known as “Halong Bay on Land” and “Outdoor Geological Museum.” Based on both archaeological and geological studies, the cave complex of Tran An-Hoa Lu is discovered to have been an ancient sea, which came about by movement of geological processes 251-200 million years ago. The crack of such movements are believed to have created the flows in limestone caves. This is evident in palates which can be found at the foot of the limestone mountain. Further research also revealed that the karst caves of Hoa Lu-Ninh Binh limestone mountains are 4,000 years old. This earned Trang An the other famous name “Halong Bay on Land.” The name “Outdoor Geological Museum” came about because of its abundance of limestone mountains, specifically in the valley area. Trang An is 2.168 hectares of pure natural beauty from lakes to caves, lagoons, mountains, and a rich flora and fauna developed over a millennia of tectonics.

 

 

Trang An has both a terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem , the former being home to more than 600 species of plants and 200 species of animals. The latter is composed of around 30 species of zooplankton and 40 zoobenthic species, not to mention endangered species such as the striped neck turtle. The lakes and caves form a continuous system. The lagoons are connected by 48 basis aquatic cave, while the cave has several different changed red stalactites, each creating a distinct character for the system. In the Bui and Trong Caves, relics of pre-historic people 5,000 to 30,000 years old have been well preserved.

 

 

More than a thousand years ago, Hoa Lu Capital was temporarily located at Bai Dinh Pagoda Mountain after which the ancient capital of Hoa Lu became one of the “Four Guarders” of Hoa Lu Capital itself. During the Ly Dynasty, a monk named Nguyen Minh Khong built a temple along with establishing a religious yet medical research medicine. Hoa Lu Capital is a fortress composed of the limestone moutains, a natural yet strong defense, and a home as well, against the outside, unwanted forces.

 

 

Trang An eco-tourism zone is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. And with its both natural and historical values, it is well-deserved to be so.