Hoan Kiem Lake
Description
Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi, located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, is well-known for its serene beauty, cultural and historical significance.
Hoan Kiem Lake (literally “Lake of the Returned Sword” or “Lake of the Restored Sword”), also known as Sword Lake or Ta Vong Lake, is a fresh water lake measuring 12 acres in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.
Previously, the lake was known as “Luc Thuy Lake” (meaning “Green Water Lake” – a fitting name given to the water’s color) or “Thuy Quan Lake” (meaning “Mariner’s Lake”). The lake is a prominent scenic attraction in the city and acts as a focal point for public life.
This popular lake is enjoyed by an unique kind of turtle as much as it is by countless locals and tourists. From morning walks among residents doing workouts on the shore, to young couples water-gazing on park benches, to the numerous shopping and sight-seeing choices nearby, Hoan Kiem Lake is a vibrant everyday scene. Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city, acts as a big home base and offers unlimited people-watching and recreational activities on the outskirts of the Old Quarter.
From Friday to Sunday, the neighborhood is at its best: neighboring traffic is prohibited between 7 p.m. and midnight.
History
According to mythology, after defeating the Ming China, Emperor Le Loi was sailing on the lake when a Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) appeared and requested Heaven’s Will, his magical weapon. Loi deduced that Kim Qui had come to reclaim the sword that its owner, a local God known as the Dragon King (Long Vuong), had given him to defeat Ming China. After the turtle had defeated the Chinese, the Emperor returned the sword to him. Emperor Loi nicknamed the lake Luc Thuy, which means “Green Water,” to commemorate this event. The tradition is associated with the Turtle Tower, which stands on a small island near the center of the lake. When the Emperor did not return the Magical Sword to the Golden Turtle God, the lake’s first name was Ta Vng (Cu Rua).
For many years, large soft-shell turtles, either Rafetus swinhoei or a different species dubbed Rafetus leloi in honor of the emperor, had been spotted in the lake. On January 19, 2016, the final known individual was discovered deceased. There are just three R. swinhoei turtles left in the world.
Jade Islet, located near the lake’s northern coast, is home to the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Sn Temple). The temple dates from the 18th century. It pays tribute to the 13th-century military leader Trn Hng o, who distinguished himself by fighting three Mongol invasions of Vietnam; the classic scholar Van Xng; and Nguyen Van Sieu, a notable writer and official who oversaw temple repairs in 1864. The wooden The Huc Bridge, painted vermillion red, connects Jade Island to the mainland. The bridge’s name means “Perch of the Morning Sunlight” in poetic translation.
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake
The nearest bus stop to Hoan Kiem Lake is Nga 3 Le Thai To – Hang Trong. The stop is served by the 09B and 09A buses. The standard fare for a Vietnamese bus is VND20,000 for two kilometers. Following that, the prices increase every two kilometers.
In addition, travelers can take cabs from their accommodation to the destination. These taxis usually charge VND20,000 for 2 kilometers. Following that, the cab fare increases by VND15, 000 for 2.5 kilometers. If you live in the city’s Old Quarters, you can take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaws). The complete excursion can be a fresh experience for international tourists with a VND50,000 rate.
Distance to city center: 1.9km (1.2 mi)
Gallery / Photos
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
Location / Contacts
- Address : Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
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