Located south of the Red River Delta Region 90 km's from Hanoi, Hoa Lư was a bustling capital city in turmoil during the 10th and 11th centuries. For a short time, it was the economic, political and cultural centre of medieval Vietnam. In 968 A.D, it was strategically built in a flat verdant valley, protected between steep limestone mountains, which created a virtually impenetrable barrier to human traffic.

Founded by the Kingdom of Shu in the 4th century, Chengdu and the Jinjiang River served as a crucial intersection to three trade corridors for the Silk Road. In 316AD it was established as the Capital under the Qin Dynasty and was not only a key centre for trade but became renowned for its music, poetry and cuisine.