Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most popular destinations for Hanoians and tourists in Hanoi. It is located in the heart of the old quarter of Hoan Kiem District; the lake is full of history and has many symbols that make it important in the hearts of Hanoian.
If you want to experience the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a different experience, this article will offer you much useful information about visiting the lake.
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Where is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Location: Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Area: 12 ha
Surrounded by streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, It is bounded by the streets of the Old Quarters – namely Le Thai To along the east, Dinh Tien Hoang to the east, and Hang Khay on its southern side.
Hoan Kiem Lake – also known as Sword Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) – has a total space of 12 hectares, measuring 700 meters in length from north to south and 200 meters from east to west.
Also, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks and a popular spot for locals and tourists. The lake is especially beautiful at night when lit by the surrounding street lights.
History and Legend
The legend is that when Le Loi King visited his friend, he encountered a radiant metal bar. Unbeknownst to him, his friend had picked it up while on a fishing trip. Upon request, the King took the bar back home and crafted it into a sword. Two words on the blade became apparent: “Thuan Thien” (in agreement with heaven).
Next, Le Loi finally comprehended the sword was a blessing from above. He wielded it while battling against the Ming Chinese. In the commencement of 1428, when King Le Loi was cruising on the lake, the Golden Turtle God had burst from the depths and requested his enchanted weapon.
Immediately, King Le Loi realized this signaled time to present the sword back to its masters, lifted it, and offered it to the Golden Turtle God. Instantly, the Turtle grasped the blade in its mouth and vanished beneath the water. To commemorate the moment, King Le Loi opted to rename the lake which translates as “The Lake of Restored Sword.”
The highlights of Hoan Kiem Lake
Not merely is Hoan Kiem Lake remarkable for her past, but also the color of the lake – it can be a light or dark greenish hue depending on the reflection of the sky. The lake is abundant with tortoises too, which makes it rare among Vietnam’s lakes.
Furthermore, the lake is also home to numerous tortoises – a distinguishing trait compared to other lakes in Vietnam. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these massive creatures emerging from the surface of the Lake. This lake likewise holds a special spot in Vietnamese culture as tortoises are considered sacred animals, with dragons, phoenixes, and unicorns.
Additionally, a visit to this iconic lake wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of its most famous attractions – Ngoc Son Temple – which stands in the middle of the lake on a small island and can be reached by crossing the unique red bridge known as The Huc Red Bridge.
How to Get to Hoan Kiem Lake?
Rent Motorcycles
Happy Zip Motorbikes
- Address: No 449-451 Hong Ha Street, Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
- Phone number: (+84) 924.715.678
Gia Hung Motorbike Rental
- Address: 41 Ngo Huyen, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Phone number: (+84) 93.634.5123
Phung Motorbike
- Address: 13 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Phone number: (+84) 965.936.677
Booking a plane ticket
*Note: On special occasions, ticket prices change.
| Airlines | Journeys | Weekday fare |
| Pacific Airlines | Saigon – Hanoi | 869,000 VND |
| Vietjet Air | Sài Gòn – Hà Nội | 950,000 VND |
| Vietnam Airlines | Sài Gòn – Hà Nội | 2,243,000 VND |
| Bamboo Airways | Sài Gòn – Hà Nội | 1,049,000 VND |
What to see around Hoan Kiem Lake?
Ngoc Son Temple
In the 19th century, Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) was established to commemorate Tran Hung Dao, the mightiest military commander of the Tran Dynasty.
Tran Hung Dao’s military successes led the Vietnamese Army to several victories over the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. This temple is also dedicated to Van Xuong De Quan, a deity symbolizing wealth in Chinese culture and Taoist beliefs.
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge is a crimson bridge made of wooden slats that connects the shore to the Ngoc Son temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. This bridge’s name holds an important symbolism: “the place where the light is stored.”
This bridge consists of 15 spans and 32 legs composed of round wooden pillars set up in two sets of sixteen. Moreover, a dark red hue covers its deck, and the words “The Huc” are coated with gold.
Turtle Tower
Whenever Hanoi is brought up, one cannot bypass the Turtle Tower in Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake). It has been an iconic symbol of the ancient capital for over a thousand years.
Constructed in the French colonial era, the Turtle Tower has a touch of European architecture. It is a three-story building with a tiny story rising to the peak.
In addition, the highest floor was designed as a pavilion, with an encircling entrance on the third floor marked “Quy Son Tower,” which implies Turtle Mountain.
Thap But
Accordingly, Confucian Nguyen Van Sieu proposed the construction of the Thap But, which stands tall upon the existing Doc Ton mountain foundations from the 18th year of Tu Duc (1865) in Hoan Kiem Lake. This five-story stone tower lies by the entrance to Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
Other touristy destinations near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake walking street
Walking in Hoan Kiem Lake is a great way to unwind and refresh, especially on weekends. On the running side, it’s located around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. It features food stalls, souvenirs, snacks, and many activities for families and friends.
Thus every Saturday night, special events like live music performances or even flower fairs will bring a more lively atmosphere to the street.
Hanoi Opera House
Located at No. 1, Trang Tien street, Hoan Kiem district, the Hanoi Opera House is a spectacular French-styled building that has served as the stage for many of the country’s most renowned classical performances. Besides, built-in 1911 and designed by a French architect, the impressive building blends Baroque and Oriental architecture and is widely recognized as a symbol of Hanoi.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is an exquisite traditional performance of Vietnam’s folk art. Until now this delightful show is set in a pool of water and uses rod-controlled wooden puppets that appear to be dancing on the surface. Besides, colorful costumes and intricate hand-carved props are used to bring vibrant stories.
Conclusion
Finally, Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi. It is the most iconic landmark in Hanoi, so tourists worldwide would come here to see it. So if you want to visit the heart of Hanoi and start learning more about Vietnam, Vietnamtravelers.com will provide you with all the information you need.
