08 00 am,  we set out for Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam. In choosing the location for his new capital, King Dinh Tien Hoang decided to base himself amongst the rugged mountains, fed by a system of water currents, which would surround the capital, forming natural barriers. We visit the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Bo Linh, an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.
After lunch we drive to Kenh Ga, a wonderfully tranquil place where we have 2 hour boat cruise to explore the area. Kenh Ga can only be reached by boat and not yet much visited by tourists. For much of the year the local population live in floating villages similar to the people of the Mekong Delta, leaning back massive limestone outcrops. To many these magnificent limestone cliffs surpass even Ha Long Bay in beauty. The villagers seem to spend most of their lives floating on the water and the children often commute to school by boat. Quick stop for visiting Kenh Ga Geyser.
Drive back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 18 00 pm. Tour ends.