The center of Hanoi is Ho Guom, sometimes referred to as Hoan Kiem Lake. Ho Guom is more than just a peaceful location for people to stroll. However, it is also linked to the citizens of the capital in a variety of literary and cultural contexts.
General Information
The exact address of Hoan Kiem Lake is Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City. This is a natural freshwater lake in the heart of Hanoi’s capital. Famous historical streets including Hang Dao Street, Luong Van Can Street, and Hang Ngang Street all cross this lake. With the Western neighborhoods Trang Thi, Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang, Ba Trieu, Hang Bai, and others that were planned by the French more than a century ago,…
Previously, Ho Guom was also known as Luc Thuy Lake due to its green water in four seasons all year round. Because it is located in this prime location, it is very convenient for visitors to walk around the lake. Visit famous landmarks and learn about the typical culture of the ancient town system.
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Ways to see Hoan Kiem Lake that you should try
Motorbike
It is a small car that is ideal for lone reisen. Or, in groups, you can explore the Hoan Kiem Lake area by yourself. You can choose from many places to rent motorbikes in Hanoi.
Cyclo
Walking down the street by cyclo is an excellent suggestion to help visitors relax and admire the surrounding landscape. However, to avoid being hacked, you should choose reputable and reputable companies.
Electric vehicles
This is a new type of vehicle, but many people prefer it. The car runs through many old streets, scenic spots, and relics around Hoan Kiem Lake and the old town. The operating time of the tram during the day is from 8:30 to 16:30. And the evening starts from 19h to 23h. Each electric car can carry 8 people, running for an average of 35-60 minutes per trip.
Legend of Ho Guom
According to legend, while people were mobilizing to support the Lam Son insurrection against the Ming forces. Le Loi King happened to catch a bright iron like a sword. And a sword hilt in two different places has the inscription Thuan Thien and Le Loi. At that time, Le Loi believed this was heaven’s will, so he assembled it into a complete sword. Thanks to that precious sword, he and his soldiers fought to that extent. Defeat the Ming army and be crowned as king.
In early 1428, at the same time, the courtiers of martial arts took a boat ride on Ta Vong Lake. The Golden Turtle immediately rose, and the sword by his side moved and shone in the king’s eyes. The Emperor understood the idea, so he gave the precious sword to the Turtle God to return to Long Quan. Since then, the name Ho Guom, Hoan Kiem Lake was born and still exists.
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The best time to visit Ho Guom
Autumn weekend is the best and most complete time to visit Ho Guom. When you come to the lake on the weekend, you will experience the Walking Street with various activities. When visiting Hanoi in autumn, the cool climate will help you get the most convenient walking journey to visit Hanoi Ho Guomand, the old town. As well as watching the autumn of Hanoi with yellow leaves falling throughout the streets, the goods of chrysanthemums, fragrant green nuggets, enjoy the smell of milk flowers,…
Beautiful places to visit near Ho Guom
Turtle Tower
If you are wondering what Ho Guom is, Turtle Tower is the first place you should go. Located in the middle of the lake is the Turtle Tower, with a combination of European and Vietnamese architecture. The tower is built on a mound, also known as Turtle Island. The Turtle Tower is three stories high, and at the top are small floors. With a prime location, easy to see, and unique architecture, deep cultural significance, the Turtle Tower has become a cultural symbol of Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple was built in the early nineteenth century on a high mound northeast of Ho Guom. Temple of Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and Van Xuong De Quan. The architecture of Ngoc Son temple is rich in religious colors through many kings. The space inside the temple has many majestic scenes, and the opposites are arranged harmoniously, creating ancient beauty. This is one of the architectural works contributing to the beauty of Hanoi’s thousand years of civilization.
Thap But (Pen Tower)
Thap But was built on the northeast shore in the middle of the nineteenth century. With five floors, at the top is the shape of a pen pointing straight to the sky. The body is engraved with the three letters Ta Thanh Thien. A poem can be found on the tower’s third floor. The Dai Nghien and The Huc Bridge are both close to the Hanoi Turtle Tower. This combines the Confucian spirit of Phuong Dinh Nguyen Van Sieu.
Dai Nghien
In 1865, Dai Nghien was constructed. This architectural work was created with Thap But with the meaning of “pen against the sky”. The tower is carved from stone on the back of three toads, shaped like a peach cut across. With a length of 0.97m, a width and height of 0.3m.
Hoa Phong Tower
The tower is located east of Ho Guom — remains of Bao An Pagoda (dismantled in 1898). The tower is three stories high, and the door follows four directions: East, Southwest and North. Chinese characters such as Duc Gate Newspaper, An Gate Newspaper, Hoa Phong Tower, and Thien Tower Newspaper correspond to each door of the tower. The top two floors are less noticeable and lower than the first story. The Bagua is formed by the second floor’s four corners. “Hoa Phong Tower” is written on the third story.
The Huc Bridge
Famous Nguyen Van Sieu constructed the Huc Bridge in 1865. This red-painted wooden bridge with a shrimp-shaped bend design connects the lake shore with Ngoc Son island. With its unique architecture, The Huc Bridge is a charming and poetic highlight of Ho Guom.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Thang Long Puppet Theater preserves and spreads Vietnam’s unique form of folk puppetry. It was built in 1969, over 50 years of establishment and development. The theater has become an entertainment venue attracting many domestic and international tourist delegations. In particular, the form of water puppetry is an art that receives countless compliments and affection from audiences from all over the world.
Hanoi Old Quarter
In the old town, visitors can visit the streets with traditional crafts. Preserved from many generations of Thang Long land such: Hang Bong has a famous cotton-making profession, Hang Ma Street specializes in producing and trading all kinds of votives, Hang Luoc Street has countless types of combs in many different materials (wooden combs, plastic combs…),…
Hanoi Opera House
The French built the Hanoi Opera House in the architecture of a miniature opera house in 1901. Visiting this place, you will not only see beautiful architecture. There is also the opportunity to explore cultural and artistic programs imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity.
Ba Kieu Temple
East of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ba Kieu Temple was constructed by the Le Dynasty sometime in the first half of the seventeenth century. Que Nuong and Quynh Hoa, two fairies, along with Mother Lieu Hanh, are worshipped in the temple. Currently, the temple is also displaying some historical relics. Such as incense, Hung Cong beer, bronze bells, and worship. Not only are these things observed in nature. It also has a significant cultural impact. Educate the future generation about the myths, traditions, and beliefs that existed from the Le to the Nguyen dynasties.
Temple of King Le
On the west side of the lake, close to Nam Huong’s communal house, is where you’ll find the Temple of King Le. King Le Thai To’s temple was perched on a high ledge carrying a sword as if he were hurrying to the lake to give it back to the holy turtle.
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