Be totally charmed by Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi City’s iconic landmark. Find out its history, attractions, and activities you must do with all essential details provided for Lily’s Travel travelers.
About Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam
Located right in the center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Sword Lake, is an attractive freshwater lake and a popular beauty and historical landmark. The name, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword,” refers to King Le Thai To’s legendary act of returning a magical sword to a turtle god.
It is located in Hoan Kiem District, considered the heart of Hanoi, and it is thus easy to reach from anywhere in Hanoi. Such is its unique location that it gets connected with Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, and Hang Ngang streets.
This forms one of the big enigmas of Hoan Kiem Lake: the occurrence of an ancient turtle estimated to be a few hundred years old. Whether this turtle is connected with the legendary past of the lake forms one of the major areas of curiosity for visitors from all over the world.
On weekends, the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake turns into an active center: colorful market stalls, delicious local food, and sinking in a dynamic atmosphere. Hoan Kiem Lake should be included without fail in your journey of discovering Hanoi because it is a brilliant mix of history, culture, and nature.
Located right in the center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Sword Lake, is an attractive freshwater lake and a popular beauty and historical landmark. The name, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword,” refers to King Le Thai To’s legendary act of returning a magical sword to a turtle god.
It is located in Hoan Kiem District, considered the heart of Hanoi, and it is thus easy to reach from anywhere in Hanoi. Such is its unique location that it gets connected with Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, and Hang Ngang streets.
This forms one of the big enigmas of Hoan Kiem Lake: the occurrence of an ancient turtle estimated to be a few hundred years old. Whether this turtle is connected with the legendary past of the lake forms one of the major areas of curiosity for visitors from all over the world.
On weekends, the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake turns into an active center: colorful market stalls, delicious local food, and sinking in a dynamic atmosphere. Hoan Kiem Lake should be included without fail in your journey of discovering Hanoi because it is a brilliant mix of history, culture, and nature.
Hoan Kiem Lake Story: A Legend Unfolds
During the Invasion of the Chinese Ming Dynasty, Vietnamese patriots united to resist. The Dragon King then gave them a magical sword, having been impressed by their bravery. The parts of the sword were found by Lê Thận and Lê Lợi, which led the Lam Son uprising.
With the reunited sword, Lê Lợi’s army gained victories against the invaders. After his unification of Vietnam, he became emperor. One day, a golden turtle appeared and asked for the return of the sword. So Lê Lợi returned the sword, and the lake got its present name Hoan Kiem, meaning the “Lake of the Returned Sword.”
The tale symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the unity of a country, and inspires people to this day.
Things to Do in Hoan Kiem Lake?
Some of you may ask “What to do in Hoan Kiem lake?”, here is your answers:
Capturing the Timeless Beauty of Turtle Tower
Standing proudly on a small island in the middle of the lake, Turtle Tower is more than a historical landmark. It is a sentinel of time, testifying to Hanoi’s everlasting resilience and enduring spirit. Intricate architecture at the tower, an eclectic mix of French and Vietnamese styles, leads the mind toward seeking glimpses of the erstwhile saga of this city.
Turtle Tower is a very interesting subject to shoot. Its unique location in the middle of the lake with its distinct architecture creates a great picture. Here are some pointers to getting that perfect shot:
- Golden Hour: For dramatic lighting, you really want to visit Turtle Tower during so-called golden hours: just after sunrise or a little before sunset. Soft, warm light is going to help accentuate architectural details and further realize the magic of the tower.
- Long Exposure: Capture the serene view of the lake and the reflection of the tower in it by taking a long exposure shot. This will create silky-smooth water and enhance the overall composition.
- Different Angles: Play with different angles to create a view that will be most pleasing. Try shooting from the shore, from a boat if you have access to one, or even from higher up to get a panoramic view.
- Play with the Depth of Field: Wide open the aperture to create a shallow depth of field – by doing so, it will blur out the background to focus maximum attention on the tower. Or, bring down the aperture to get sharp focus on the whole scene.
- Consider the Weather: Some days are brilliant with sunlight and will give you great light; some overcast days give an added drama and atmosphere.
- Capture the People: The tower is usually surrounded by locals and tourists. Consider including people in your photos to add a sense of scale and human interest.
While a photograph of Turtle Tower might be something more than just a souvenir, it is definitely a classic memory of visiting Hanoi. Here are some tips on how to capture this beauty in an eternal image, which will eternally put you back into this fascinating city.
Exploring the Tranquility of Ngoc Son Temple
Right in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake is Ngoc Son Temple, an island of tranquility from the busy city. The original temple here was dedicated to a Chinese general named Guan Yu, who has undergone many transformations throughout the years, having first been a Buddhist pagoda and then going back to this type of temple as it is today.
Entering, you will see two main buildings of the temple in front, which nicely evoke the characteristics of temples in northern Vietnam. On one side, the high statue of the Tran Deity towers, a symbol of vigor and unyielding determination; on the other, opposite, is the solemn statue of the Van Xuong Deity, patron saint of scholars and artists.
One of the most outstanding displays in the Ngoc Son Temple is the glass cabinet housing the model of the legendary turtle related to Hoan Kiem Lake. This dignified creature, a symbol of wisdom and longevity, is sure to capture your imagination.
Take a while to appreciate the temple’s serene atmosphere and draw some of its mystique. The Ngoc Son Temple would never fail to leave you in deep impressions, whether you came for a quiet retreat or simply to learn more about Vietnamese culture.
Witness the The Huc Red Bridge
The Huc Red Bridge is beautiful and the only one that connects the bank to Ngoc Son Temple, a place that becomes more than just a way of crossing transport. It forms the door to peace for anyone, giving him or her a serene passage to the tranquil sanctuary of the islet.
Built in 1865, it stands as old architectural features, quite similar to the traditional wooden houses in the Red River Delta. There have been numerous stories that this The Huc Red Bridge has witnessed, bridging the noisy city and peaceful Ngoc Son Temple.
There is a legend that students crowded in huge numbers to the temple so as to prepare before they could sit for the Huong test. As the test date drew near, the keeper of the temple had to remind the anxious students not to jostle, or else the fragile wooden bridge would break often.
Afterward, it underwent a renovation in 1897, and again in 1952, following a period of capacities that led to severe damages. The second coating used a cement foundation similar to the original one, thus making it a bridge to last through many generations.
The Huc Red Bridge remains these days a favorite symbol of Hanoi and a place where visitors get to enjoy serenity as they approach Ngoc Son Temple.
Visit the Temple of King Le
Within the very heart of Hanoi lies the Temple of King Le Thai To, a structure that speaks much of the history of Vietnam and its ultimate sacrifices. Having defeated the invasion by China, King Le Thai To made his mark as a great national hero and returned peace to the land.
This complex of temples was constructed in 1894 with three major buildings: one at the entrance, another for the communal house, and a monument. The entrance, designed with a three-door and four-pillar architecture, made from brick, was very confidently erected near the sidewalk. The communal house appears to be open all around, which conveys an expression of easy and free access to it.
In the central area, there is a 1.2 meter-high bronze statue of King Le Thai To. He stands on top of the stone pillar, holding a sword, seemingly wanting to return it to the tutelary turtle deity in Hoan Kiem Lake. This image symbolizes the bravery, leadership, and devotion of the king, who never turned his back on his country.
Entering the Temple of King Le is like taking a step through a time travel portal into Vietnam’s history, representing an overview of the nation in times past and being a tribute of respect toward the great sacrifice that national heroes have poured out.
Read more: Tran Quoc Pagoda: 1500 Years of History
Relax with a Peaceful Stroll
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon when the crowds have not yet surged in and more of the stillness is observed.
- Tips: You can hire bicycles from one of many shops for hire near the lake and enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride.
Sample Local Delights
- Must-Try: Vietnamese iced coffee, Ca phe sua da, pho, bun cha, and, lastly, banh mi.
- Tips: Look for street vendors that are busy with good reviews.
Shop for Souvenirs
- Best Time: Weekends and evenings when the markets are at their most energetic state.
- Tips: Haggle with a smile to get the best prices on souvenirs.
How to Get to Hoan Kiem Lake for the Best Convenience?
Public Transportation
- Buses: Hanoi’s extensive bus network features over 100 routes, many of which pass near Hoan Kiem Lake. Check the local bus schedules or use a ride-sharing app like Grab or Gojek for specific routes and timings.
- Train: Hanoi Train Station, very near the lake, the train travelers will find it.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
- Reliable Options: Grab, Gojek, XanhSM and local taxi companies offer reliable transportation services.
- Digital Convenience: Download a ride-sharing app like Grab or Gojek before your trip for easy bookings, fare estimates, and cashless payments.
- Approximate Fares: Expect to pay around VND 30,000 – 50,000 for a taxi ride from the city center to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Walking or Biking
- Accessible Location: Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located, making it easily accessible on foot or by bike.
- Eco-Friendly Exploration: Rent a bicycle from one of the many rental shops near the lake for a more enjoyable and sustainable way to explore the area. Daily rental rates typically range from VND 50,000 – 100,000.
- Unique Experience: Consider taking a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, for a fun and authentic local experience. Cyclo rides typically cost around VND 30,000 – 50,000 per hour.
At Lily’s Travel, we ensure your tour is the most comfortable with already booked transportation, accommodations, and restaurants. Contact us now to book a Hanoi tour or find out about other engaging tours that spark your traveling passion.
Hoan Kiem Lake is much more than just a tourist spot; rather, it is like Hanoi’s pulse. You will learn what makes the soul of the city tick through its stories, engaging people, and lively ambiance. Lace up your walking shoes, pack your camera, and let’s dive right inside the magic of Hoan Kiem Lake Vietnam while enjoying the tours from Lily’s Travel!
Read more: Wander the Shores of Hanoi West Lake
