Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Hanoi. This famous destination attracts many locals and tourists to visit, enjoy its beautiful natural scenery, and combine entertainment and dining.

Information about Hoan Kiem Lake

Previously, in feudal times, Hoan Kiem Lake was variously known as Luc Thuy Lake (Vietnamese: hồ Lục Thủy, meaning “Green Water Lake,” aptly named for the water’s color) or Thuy Quan Lake (Vietnamese: hồ Thủy Quân, meaning “Mariner’s Lake”). At the end of the 16th century, Lord Trinh divided the lake into two parts, called Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake. However, when the French colonialists invaded Vietnam in 1884, Huu Vong Lake was filled in to expand the capital, so only Ta Vong Lake remained, and Hoan Kiem Lake today.

The name Hoan Kiem Lake first appeared in the early 15th century, associated with the legend of Emperor Le Loi and the Golden Turtle God. According to legend, Emperor Le Loi was given a magic sword, Heaven’s Will, from the Dragon King to fight against Ming China. After defeating his enemy, the Emperor was out boating on the lake. Suddenly, Golden Turtle God surfaced, prompting Emperor Le Loi to return Heaven’s Will and thank the divine turtle for its help. The Golden Turtle God took it back and disappeared into the depths of the lake. The Emperor renamed the lake to commemorate this event, from Luc Thuy Lake to Hoan Kiem or Guom Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm means Returned Sword Lake, and Hồ Gươm means Sword Lake). 

Hoan Kiem Lake is 12 hectares wide, 700m long, 200m wide, and 1 – 1.4m deep. The lake is surrounded by 3 streets: Hang Khay, Dinh Tien Hoang, and Le Thai To. Due to its prime location near many famous tourist attractions, Hoan Kiem Lake attracts many tourists and locals to visit every day.

Hoan Kiem turtle

Many tourists visiting Hoan Kiem Lake are curious about the turtles that once lived here. In fact, the Hoan Kiem turtle is also known by the scientific name Rafetus Leloii. According to many records, the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle has 4 individuals, including one dead individual kept in Ngoc Son temple, another kept in Hanoi Museum, and one killed in 1962 – 1963 while crawling to the Chi Linh flower garden. By around 2011, there was only one surviving individual of the Hoan Kiem turtle. While living in the lake, turtles are often picked up to treat injuries and are called “Cụ Rùa”, meaning “great grandfather turtle”. By 2016, the last turtle at Hoan Kiem Lake was reported dead.

To be able to admire the Hoan Kiem Lake turtles with your own eyes, you can schedule a trip to Ngoc Son Temple, a sacred temple in the middle of the lake, to visit and explore. Here, individual turtle specimens are displayed in colors similar to those of the living animals, giving you the most realistic view of this animal.

Things to do around Hoan Kiem Lake

When you come to Hoan Kiem Lake, you definitely have to walk around and explore, right? In addition to the unique natural landscape, the Hoan Kiem Lake area also has many famous monuments and buildings, bringing you many diverse experiences when visiting:

Admire the Turtle Tower

Turtle Tower is an ancient structure located on Turtle Islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. It was built from 1884 to 1886. From afar, you can see that the tower is a three-story rectangular structure, with the East-West sides having 3 rolling doors and the South-North sides having 2 pointed rolling doors. The tops of the 1st and 2nd floors have additional railings with 4 blades curving towards the top.

This is a project with significant historical importance and a lasting vestige of time. Upon arriving at Turtle Tower, you will enjoy the peace and gentleness in the heart of Hanoi. The time-stained image of the Turtle Tower has become a symbol of Hanoi, becoming a beauty in many romantic paintings of the Capital.

Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple is a famous spiritual tourist destination located on Ngoc Islet in Hoan Kiem Lake. The building was built in 1841 and is a place to worship Tran Hung Dao, who distinguished himself by defeating the Mongol invasions of Vietnam three times; the classic scholar Wenchang; and Nguyen Van Sieu, a famous writer and official who undertook repairs to the temple in 1864. The temple is also a convergence of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

At Ngoc Son Temple, visitors can learn about the unique architecture of the But Tower (Nghiem Tower). These two works symbolize the studious tradition of the Vietnamese people as well as pride in the country’s intelligence and culture.

This is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a place that preserves many of the Capital’s traditional cultural and historical values ​​. In particular, you can choose to visit the temple during holidays and Tet to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, pray for fortune and peace for yourself and your family.

The Huc Bridge

The Huc Bridge is a standout feature amid the lush greenery of Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge connecting the lake shore to Ngoc Son temple is painted vermilion red and has a soft, curved design like a silk strip. Although it is a famous check-in point, few people know that The Huc Bridge also has a very special meaning.

The bridge was built toward the rising sun, symbolizing the welcoming of good oxygen and serving as a place where light condenses. The colors of the bridge represent life, joy, and happiness. Besides, the name “The Huc” is also compared to “bridge of the Sun God”.

Ba Kieu Temple

Ba Kieu Temple was built during the reign of Le Trung Hung and is currently divided into 2 parts: one is located in the Northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the other is the place to worship the Lady Lieu Hanh and her two servants, Que Hoa and Quynh Hoa.

With many cultural and spiritual values, Ba Kieu Temple has become a place that attracts many people and tourists from all over to visit and learn about its beliefs and cultural heritage. You can visit the capital in the third lunar month every year to participate in the Ba Kieu temple festival, which honors the Lady Ba Kieu and prays for luck and peace for everyone.

Address: 59 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem Ward.

Hoa Phong Tower

Hoa Phong Tower, located close to the East bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, is a rare ancient relic that remains of Bao An Pagoda after it was destroyed by the French government to build a post office. Hoa Phong Tower is built in a square tower style, consisting of 3 floors that gradually taper towards the top. The first floor has 4 arched doors facing 4 directions, symbolizing the connection to heaven, earth, and the four directions. The 2nd and 3rd floors are decorated with stone statues facing the East.

The tower has survived many ups and downs, witnessed the country’s upheavals, and marked unique cultural, architectural, and artistic values.

Temple of Emperor of Le Dynasty

The temple is located on the west bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, near Nam Huong communal house. The temple was built to commemorate Emperor Le Loi, the first king of the Le dynasty. The temple grounds have a statue of the Emperor standing atop a high pillar, holding a sword as if preparing to return it to the magical turtle in the lake.

This is one of the oldest monuments in the Capital and an important relic in the Hoan Kiem Lake scenic complex. Besides its unique architecture, the temple grounds also feature many green trees and a flock of free-living pigeons, creating a sense of peace and relaxation for visitors.

Address: No. 16 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem Ward.

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is majestically located on August Revolution Square, right at the beginning of busy Trang Tien Street, Cua Nam Ward. This prime central location makes the theater an outstanding architectural highlight, drawing all eyes. Built in 1901 by the French, the theater bears the mark of classical French architecture. The highlight is the facade, featuring a system of pillars, curved domes, and sophisticated patterned details, expressing luxury and class. The inside of the theater is splendidly decorated in red, with delicate patterns. The spacious stage is equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, meeting the needs of diverse art performance programs.

Currently, this place is still a performance venue for many generations of artists. When walking at Hoan Kiem Lake, you can visit the Opera House to admire, take photos, or enjoy art shows.

Ho Guom Walking Street

Different from the quiet look of historical sites, Hoan Kiem Lake walking street is a vibrant destination with a bustling atmosphere at night. The neighborhood offers a variety of products, a rich culinary scene, and many interesting activities and folk games. Therefore, this is a weekend entertainment destination chosen by many residents and tourists.

Walking around the walking street, you can stop at relics to freely check in, enjoy many specialties in the old town, or sip delicious street coffee with friends. A small note: the walking street is only open on Saturday and Sunday every week, so please plan your schedule accordingly.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is an area of ​​36 streets located right in the center of the capital, surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake. This place is considered the heart of Hanoi, preserving long-standing traditional cultural values. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is famous for its ancient tube houses, built in the 19th and 20th centuries. These houses often have narrow, long, deep facades with curved tile roofs and small windows.

Hanoi’s old quarters are also a place for you to enjoy many delicious specialties of the capital, such as Pho Ha Noi, Hanoi-Style Grilled Pork, and Vermicelli Noodles (Bun Cha)… Around the old quarter, there are many souvenir shops, where you can buy typical Hanoi gifts for friends and relatives.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was established in 1956 and is the first water puppet theater in Vietnam. This is a great place for you to enjoy the Vietnamese folk art of water puppetry. Every day, the theater hosts about 6 performances featuring unique water puppet shows skillfully and elaborately choreographed.

After more than 50 years of construction and development, the theater has, to date, presented thousands of plays across a variety of genres and forms. In particular, the theater always creates new things without losing the quintessence of Vietnamese culture, honoring the noble values ​​of water puppetry.

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem Ward.

Dinh Le quarter

Dinh Le quarter is considered the “book paradise” of Hanoi, next to Hoan Kiem Lake. The area contains many bookstores, where you can easily find a variety of books from philosophy, history, culture, economics, social sciences to specialized books…

This area is considered the “intellectual paradise” of Hanoi; it is also where domestic and foreign authors meet, exchange ideas, and discuss books.

Address: Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem Ward.

Discover countless attractive dining spots around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is not only famous for its poetic beauty but also for its rich and diverse culinary culture, which attracts visitors. Below are some suggestions for extremely attractive dining spots around Hoan Kiem Lake:

To Tich Street

To Tich Street has long been famous for its shops selling delicious and attractive pickled fruits and yogurt. Along this small street, you can easily find countless options for your favorite desserts.

In addition to pickled fruits and yogurt, To Tich street also has many other delicious sweet soup dishes, such as Thai sweet soup, grapefruit sweet soup, and durian sweet soup. Each sweet soup dish has its own unique flavor, bringing you interesting culinary experiences.

The prices of the dishes here are quite reasonable, suitable for students’ budgets. Although the restaurant space is not too spacious, it is quite airy and clean. To Tich Street is the ideal place for you and your friends or relatives to enjoy delicious and cool desserts.

Trang Tien Ice Cream

When talking about Hoan Kiem Lake, no one knows about Trang Tien ice cream, the oldest and most famous ice cream brand in Hanoi.

Located on bustling Trang Tien Street, Trang Tien ice cream has become a cultural symbol of the capital, associated with the childhood of many generations of Hanoi people.

Pho Co Cafe Shop 11 Hang Gai

Located deep in a small alley on Hang Gai Street, Pho Co 11 cafe gives you the feeling of being lost in another world, completely separate from the hustle and bustle of the old town. To get to the coffee shop, you have to go through small winding alleys and climb up old stairs.

From the elevated position of the coffee, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the romantic Hoan Kiem Lake and bustling ancient streets. This is the ideal spot for you to relax and enjoy the fresh air of Hanoi. Pho Co 11 cafe is famous for its unique egg coffee. The fatty taste of the egg yolk mixed with the slightly bitter taste of coffee creates an unforgettable flavor.

Thuy Ta Ice Cream

Thuy Ta ice cream is one of the most famous ice cream brands in Hanoi, along with Trang Tien ice cream.

Established in 1954, Thuy Ta ice cream has become an indispensable part of the memories of Hanoi residents and a favorite destination for tourists visiting Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi-Style Grilled Pork and Vermicelli Noodles (Bun Cha)

If you don’t have much time to travel but still want to enjoy delicious bun cha in Hanoi, head to Cau Go Street. There is a delicious bun cha restaurant opposite the Cau Go market alley, and it is often very crowded. The bun cha here is delicious with fragrant grilled meat pieces, served with vermicelli, raw vegetables, and rich dipping sauce. The price is also very reasonable.

Above is reference information and experience visiting Hoan Kiem Lake. If you have the opportunity to come explore Hanoi, don’t forget to spend a day experiencing its unique beauty. The romantic Hoan Kiem Lake scenery, unique architectural works, and rich culinary world will bring you the most memorable memories of the city

Source: collected by An

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