Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is considered the heart of Hanoi, both geographically and symbolically. The more time you spend exploring the lake, the deeper its significance becomes.

Legends

The legend tells of King Le Loi, who discovered a shining metal bar during a visit to a friend's home. His friend had caught the bar while fishing. The King took the bar, fashioned it into a sword, and found that the words "Thuan Thien" (harmonious with heaven) were engraved on it.

Photo by @phtrung0611

Recognizing the sword as a heavenly gift, Le Loi used it in the battle against a neighboring adversary. In early 1428, after peace was restored, he visited Thuy Quan (now Hoan Kiem) Lake. While there, a giant turtle emerged from the waters, urging him to return the sword to the Dragon King. Without hesitation, the King cast the sword into the lake, where the turtle retrieved it and disappeared beneath the waves. From that moment on, Thuy Quan became known as Hoan Kiem Lake.

About the Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is remarkable not just for its history but also for its unique water coloration, which can appear greenish, varying in shade according to the sky's reflection. Notably, the lake is home to the rare giant softshell turtles, a sight few can claim to have seen. In Vietnamese culture, turtles are revered as sacred creatures, aligning with symbols like the dragon, phoenix, and unicorn, which grants Hoan Kiem Lake a status as a spiritual sanctuary.

Photo hanoi1000.com

Since before and after Hanoi's significant expansion in 2009, Hoan Kiem Lake remains a cherished landmark for Hanoians and serves as a central point for measuring distances throughout the city. Although some new residents may now live further away, the lake continues to be a focal gathering place, where one can experience the vibrant pulse of life in this unique city.

Activities

If you're up early, around 5 a.m., you'll witness groups of both elderly individuals and teenagers engaging in various activities from yoga to tai chi, and even aerobics (read more in our blog on early morning exercises in Hanoi). It seems as if the entire city rises in unison for morning workouts. Participants engage either in groups or solo, with or without fitness equipment. Notably, during a high-profile meeting in Hanoi, both the Australian Prime Minister and Japan's Prime Minister joined local residents for an early jog around the lake.

During the afternoon, the southern end of the lake buzzes with a vibrant blend of motorbikes weaving around while a fleet of "cyclo" drivers, the iconic three-wheeled cabbies, transport tourists capturing the essence of Hanoi through their cameras.

To the north, near the Old Quarter, you'll find an array of colorful shops, along with the enticing aromas of nearby street food and local coffee shops.

As night falls, you’ll see couples strolling hand in hand along the lake, enjoying the summer breeze or seeking warmth during the winter chill. For those wishing to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s vibrant atmosphere, consider a moment on one of the stone benches to take in the scenery while sharing stories with local friends over a delicious ice-cream cone.

How to Get There

Hoan Kiem Lake is conveniently situated in the city center, just a short walk from Hanoi's Old Quarter, which hosts most of the hotels. From Noi Bai Airport, the journey to the lake takes approximately 40 minutes. If you're staying in the West Lake area, simply follow Yen Phu Road to reach the Old Quarter and head east toward Hoan Kiem Lake.

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