Hoa Lu, located about 15km from Tam Coc, is the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh (968-80AD) and early Le (980-1009) dynasties. Most of the capital has been destroyed, and the main structures remaining in the area today are two temples. The whole area has a blissful, back country atmosphere and appearance. There is no public transport to the place, and visitors must get there by car, motorbike or bicycle. The overhead cables strung all over the place really spoiled the whole scene.