 Hoa Lu ancient street was inspired by traditional architecture in the 10th century. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
Inspired by traditional architecture, Hoa Lu ancient street was built with brown tiles, yellow walls, and gracefully curved rooftops. Though not as old as it appears, its design evokes the nostalgic feeling of stepping back into the past.
By day, the street’s neatly arranged souvenir shops and stalls selling local specialties are serene, but when night falls, the street transforms to an enchanting nightscape of glittering lanterns, alive with music and bursting with color.
Along its stone-paved lanes, rows of red and golden lanterns stir a sense of timeless beauty. Music from cafés, outdoor stages, and street performers blend into a strange, exciting symphony. For an added touch of romance, visitors can take a boat ride along the river.
 Hoa Lu ancient street is open free to visitors. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
For frequent visitor Tran Phuong Anh, the charm never fades, adding, “It’s so poetic here. The scenery is truly charming. The boat ride on the river is wonderful.”
Hoa Lu ancient street provides a feast for food lovers. From famous local dishes like crispy rice and mountain goat to yummy street snacks, the smoky aroma of the food stalls is impossible to resist.
First-time visitor Tran Thi Thu Trang from Hue said, “Hue has many night markets, but this one in Ninh Binh feels much busier. It’s a long street packed with stalls. We walked all the way from one end to the other just to check in by the tower and it was exhausting, but fun.”
 Visitors can take a boat ride to admire the shimmering beauty of Hoa Lu ancient street at night. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
Stalls filled with handicrafts, souvenirs, and OCOP products at reasonable prices make it easy for travelers to shop while supporting local artisans. This lively nightlife center has quickly become a major draw for Ninh Binh. Many tourists who spend the day exploring famous attractions of Trang An or Bai Dinh extend their trip into the night by visiting Hoa Lu ancient street.
For Tran Ba Duy, a frequent visitor to Ninh Binh, the experience is refreshingly new. “This isn’t my first trip to Ninh Binh, but it’s my first time at Hoa Lu ancient street. I’m really impressed with the lights and lanterns,” Duy told VOV.
 An art performance at Tu An tower in Hoa Lu ancient street. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
Tourism experts say Hoa Lu ancient street has become Ninh Binh’s “nighttime highlight,” perfectly complementing its famous ecological, spiritual, and historical attractions. Keeping visitors engaged both day to night, they say, is the key to a sustainable tourism economy.
Bui Van Manh, Director of the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, said, “We consider Hoa Lu ancient street a valuable product. It reflects cultural traditions, showcases local specialties, and creates a fascinating nighttime destination for visitors.”