Relic Hoan Kiem Lake has witnessed numerous highs and lows in Hanoi’s history. It is a must-visit location for tourists to the city since it is one of its icons. Hanoi has a plethora of stunning locations that are well worth visiting. But Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi, best captures the “essence” of a calm, old Hanoi. Here, visitors on their Indochina tours can stroll around the lake to enjoy the views and explore the nearby Old Quarter. You will get the chance to experience the distinctive qualities of Vietnamese food, architecture, and lifestyle and learn about Hanoi’s usual way of life.
History of Hoan Kiem Lake
A freshwater lake in the center of Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Ho Guom Hanoi. The lake was formerly known as Thuy Quan Lake (rough translation: Naval Lake) due to its use in naval training, or Luc Thuy Lake (rough translation: Emerald Lake) due to its year-round green water. It was nicknamed Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) in the fifteenth century due to its connection to the story of King Le Thai To (1385–1433) giving the magical sword back to the turtle goddess.
Legend and Story of Hanoi Sword Lake
According to legend, Vietnam suffered under the exploitation and persecution of Northern invaders during the 15th century. When the Sea God saw King Le’s situation, he gave him a supernatural sword that helped him defeat the adversary and drive the foreign invaders away. The nation thereafter underwent a period of peace.
A turtle unexpectedly surfaced one day while the King was out on a boat on the lake, demanding that he return the sword that the Sea God had provided him. After giving the turtle back the weapon, the king dove under and vanished from sight. Hoan Kiem Lake is the new name for Luc Thuy Lake. Even now, this mythology and the story of the turtle that lives in the lake remain a mystery.
Hoan Kiem Lake Direction
The lake of the restored sword is located in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The dimensions of Hanoi Sword Lake are approximately 12 hectares in width, 700 meters in length, 200 meters in width, and 1 to 1.4 meters in average depth. This famous lake in Hanoi is the meeting point of several well-known Old Quarter alleys, including Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, Hang Ngang, etc. This is a highly convenient place for travelers because of its ideal position. You can explore the lake on foot, go to some of the adjacent well-known sites, and discover the customs of the Old Quarter community.
Hoan Kiem Lake can be reached in a variety of ways, such as by taxi, motorcycle, and public transportation. Since numerous bus lines in Hanoi stop close to the lake, this is seen to be the most affordable option for people who live distant from the city center. For solo travel, you can also rent a bike from your hotel or other rental companies. Remember that you should thoroughly inspect the car before buying it and ask about the price.
What Makes Hanoi Sword Lake Attractive?
When the French conquered Vietnam in 1884, they completely altered and reconstructed the area surrounding the lake, including the Old Quarter. Vietnam still preserves the magnificent examples of French architecture even after the war has finished. This location symbolizes a dark and significant chapter in the nation’s history.
There is currently only one elderly turtle residing in the lake. Its lifespan is thought to have been several hundred years. Is this an ordinary elderly turtle or is it the turtle from the mythology of Hoan Kiem Lake? This question is still unanswered, which is another reason why foreign travelers find this lake to be somewhat alluring.
The Walking Street around Hoan Kiem Lake
Specifically, Hoan Kiem Lake is connected to Hanoi’s pedestrian boulevard. This area transforms into a massive market with a wide variety of goods and activities on weekends. Apart from shopping, you may also have dinner at neighboring eateries. There is a section of the roadway set aside specifically for folk games. Everyone plays together, so feel free to join in. You can witness buskers performing free music and singing along the street.
Best Things to Do & See in Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower
In the center of Hoan Kiem Lake sits a little islet, about 350 square meters in size, that is home to Turtle Tower. Turtle Tower, which was constructed during the French colonial era, combines elements of Vietnamese and French design. The curving roof of the building represents Vietnamese architecture, while the multi-story structure is reminiscent of French architecture. The three stories of Turtle Tower are smaller on the higher stories than on the lower ones.
Turtle Tower is unique not just because of its architecture but also because of its significance and location. It’s little, but it’s stood in the center of the lake for centuries. This gives the tower an unusual attractiveness because it appears both close and far to visitors. Turtle Tower is not accessible by water. It is only visible from the lake’s surrounding banks, which makes it even more intriguing to view.
Ngoc Son Temple
In the center of Hoan Kiem Lake, on an island, sits the Ngoc Son Temple. This 19th-century temple was initially built in honor of the renowned Chinese general Guan Yu to ward off bad luck. After that, it was converted into a pagoda for Buddha worship before being rebuilt as the temple that it is today.
You will see two large temple buildings once you enter. They have the architectural design of northern Vietnamese temples. There are two big statues in the two temple buildings. The Van Xuong Deity statue is positioned with a comfortable stance, holding a brush in his hand, while the Tran Deity statue is perched atop a stone pedestal that rises to a height of more than one meter.
The Huc Bridge
You must cross The Huc Bridge in order to reach the previously mentioned Ngoc Son Temple. Constructed in 1865, this wood-framed red bridge links the shore to Ngoc Son Temple in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Numerous elements of the Huc Bridge’s historic architecture remain. It is fashioned after a Red River Delta resident’s wooden home. Throughout its existence, The Huc Bridge has witnessed numerous noteworthy tales. According to legend, Huong test takers, who took a local academic exam in the past, flocked to Ngoc Son Temple after The Huc Bridge was constructed to pray for success. The temple keeper would have to warn test takers not to jostle as the test time approached for the bridge not to collapse
Temple of King Le
One of Hanoi’s earliest monuments is found in the Temple of King Le Thai To, which is housed in an architectural complex at 16 Le Thai To Street (Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District). In 1894, King Le’s monument and the memorial architectural complex were built to honor the king’s valor in defeating the enemy and to remember the tale of the magical sword being returned to the turtle deity at Hoan Kiem Lake.
The monument, the common house, and the entrance are the three primary buildings in the complex. The entryway, which is near the sidewalk, was constructed with bricks in the shape of three doors with four pillars. There are four open sides to the common dwelling. Perched atop a stone pillar, the 1.2-meter-tall bronze statue appears to be poised to return a sword to the water.
Hoan Kiem Lake Travel Guide & Opening Hours
Hoan Kiem Lake has no opening hours so you can reach it every moment of the day,
How to Get to Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi Sword Lake is a charming location that may be reached via a variety of easy and interesting transit alternatives, including:
- By bus: Hanoi Sword Lake is accessible by bus. The city offers a well-established bus system that can transport you to your location.
- By taxi: Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi may be easily reached by taxi, which is widely accessible throughout the city. Taxi stands are widely accessible, and you may even hail one on the street.
- By cyclo (xich lo): Taking a cyclo, a typical three-wheeled bicycle taxi that’s widely available in Hanoi, is an additional choice. It can be an interesting and enjoyable way to see the attractions and get around the city.
- Walking or cycling can be excellent options if you plan to stay in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Because Hanoi Sword Lake is strategically positioned, you can take a stroll or bike ride to get where you’re going if you’re in the area.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a historical relic that holds immense significance for the people of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole, despite its constant changes. The lake never fails to provide guests with engaging experiences, pique your curiosity in the enigmatic national tales, and leave a lasting effect on everyone regarding a deeply ingrained cultural identity.
