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Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in Hanoi, the thousand-year cultural capital of Vietnam. What mysteries of history and culture does this place hold? Let's discover this fascinating location with BDATrip!
Also known as Sword Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake is a vivid representation of the history and culture of Hanoi, Vietnam's ancient capital. The lake formed over 1000 years ago, when the To Lich River flowed through the city's center. Over time, the river and terrain changed, creating a picturesque and ancient lake. Sword Lake is not just a symbol of Hanoi but also a witness to significant events and marvelous legends. In the middle of the lake stands the Turtle Tower, standing firm, reminding us of King Le Loi returning the magical sword to the Golden Turtle after defeating foreign invaders.
The lake is also famous for the legend of Kim Quy, a golden turtle with the ability to transform into various forms, from a turtle, fish, bird, to human. Kim Quy is said to appear on the lake's surface during pivotal moments, such as when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, or when King Le Thai To expelled the Ming army. Kim Quy is also considered a guardian for those destined to be connected with the lake, helping them achieve success and happiness.
The lake's name originates from a famous legend about King Le Loi returning the sword to the Golden Turtle after defeating the Ming invaders. According to legend, in 1428, while King Le Loi was boating on the lake, a large turtle surfaced and requested the return of the divine sword, given to the king by the Dragon King to repel the invaders. King Le Loi, realizing this was a divine will, returned the sword to the turtle and named the lake Hoan Kiem, meaning "Returned Sword." Since then, the lake has also been a symbol of Vietnamese patriotism, loyalty, and filial piety.
The lake has other names like Ta Vong Lake, Luc Thuy Lake, Thuy Quan Lake, each reflecting different historical periods and meanings. Ta Vong Lake, the oldest name from the Ly dynasty, means "lake viewing the sunrise." Luc Thuy Lake, from the Tran dynasty, means "green water lake." Thuy Quan Lake, from the early Le dynasty, means "military water lake," as the lake was used for military drills. Finally, Hoan Kiem Lake, used since the Le dynasty, is based on the legend of King Le Loi and the Golden Turtle.
Hoan Kiem Lake is renowned for its sacred symbol, the Turtle, a large species of freshwater turtle belonging to the Rafetus family, scientifically named Rafetus leloii. The turtles in Hoan Kiem are large, measuring about 2 meters in length, weighing around 200 kg, with a dark gray color, and large scales on their shells and tails. They usually hide at the bottom of the lake and rarely appear on the surface. The people of Hanoi hold great affection and respect for these turtles, considering them divine guardians of the lake and the country. The Turtle is also linked to the legend of King Le Loi returning the sword to Kim Quy.
This turtle species is one of the rarest and critically endangered, existing only in Vietnam and China. Their numbers are very limited, possibly only one or two remaining, facing numerous threats from environmental pollution, climate change, and human activities.
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, covering an area of about 12 hectares. It includes two parts: the main lake and a smaller section within the Ngoc Son Temple. The lake lies on the boundary between Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts, primarily belonging to Hoan Kiem district.
To reach the lake, visitors can use various modes of transport, depending on their needs and circumstances:
- Bus: An economical and eco-friendly option, suitable for those who want to experience life in Hanoi. Buses can be boarded from various locations, and visitors can alight at stations near the lake. The bus fare is 7,000 VND per trip.
- Taxi: A quick and convenient method, ideal for visitors with limited time. Taxis can be hailed or called from many places, and the driver can be asked to go to the lake. The average taxi fare is 15,000 VND per kilometer.
- Personal Transport: A flexible and independent option, suitable for visitors who want to explore Hanoi on their own. Motorbikes, bicycles, electric bikes, etc., can be used to reach the lake.
Upon arriving at the lake, visitors can park their vehicles at public parking areas managed by local authorities, located around the lake, with parking fees ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 VND. There are also private parking lots and unofficial parking areas, but visitors should be cautious and aware of the parking fees.
The Turtle Tower, built on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, resembles a straight-standing sword. It stands approximately 15 meters tall, divided into three levels, each adorned with red-tiled roofs, intricate patterns, and ancient Nôm script, showcasing the sophistication and grandeur of Vietnamese art. The Turtle Tower symbolizes the enduring and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people through historical challenges.
Visitors can view the Turtle Tower from any part of the lake, but to explore and experience it up close, one needs to take a boat to the island. There is no entrance fee for the Turtle Tower, but boat rental costs around 20,000 VND per trip. The tower is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Visitors should maintain cleanliness and order, avoid touching or climbing the tower, and refrain from causing noise or disturbances.
Ngoc Son Temple an ancient and sacred site, is located on a small island connected to the lake's shore by The Huc Bridge. Built in the 18th century, the temple honors various gods and national heroes like Quan The Am Bodhisattva, King Le Thai To, literary figure Nguyen Van Sieu, and military leader Tran Hung Dao. The temple's unique architecture harmoniously blends with nature and houses several structures like Tam Quan Gate, Dai Nghiem Pavilion, Thap But Tower, along with valuable artifacts, including steles and paintings.
The entrance fee for Ngoc Son Temple is 30,000 VND per person. The temple is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Visitors should dress respectfully, avoid wearing shorts or revealing tops, respect local rituals and beliefs, and not cause noise or disturbances.
The Huc Bridge, connecting the lake's shore to Ngoc Son Temple, signifies a place illuminated by the morning sun, as it faces southeast. Constructed in 1865, the bridge has a simple yet elegant architecture with 15 wooden spans, joined by iron nails, measuring approximately 18 meters in length and 3 meters in width, with prominent red-painted railings. The bridge offers an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the romantic atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the serene lake, the legendary Turtle Tower, the magnificent Ngoc Son Temple, and the culturally rich old houses.
The bridge is accessible for visits from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Visitors should maintain cleanliness and safety, avoid climbing on the railings, and not hang objects on the bridge.
Located north of Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a unique cultural and entertainment venue famous for traditional Vietnamese water puppetry. This art form features wooden puppets performing on water, controlled by hidden artists. The puppets depict vibrant characters, events, and stories related to Vietnamese life and history, accompanied by music, singing, lighting, and fireworks, creating a captivating and memorable experience for the audience.
To watch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, visitors need to purchase tickets for 100,000 VND per person. There are performances from 3 pm to 9 pm daily, each lasting about 50 minutes. It's advisable to book tickets in advance by phone or through the theatre's website for better seating.
Trang Tien Plaza, built in 2001 with modern architecture, is a luxurious shopping center located at 24 Hai Ba Trung, about 500 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. The plaza offers various shops and services, including fashion, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, spas, and supermarkets, making it an ideal shopping and entertainment destination, especially for those interested in high-end brands.
The plaza is open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm daily. Visitors should dress appropriately and not bring food, drinks, pets, etc., inside the center.
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only a beautiful and famous sightseeing spot but also a source of inspiration for delicious dishes and distinctive specialties, attracting visitors.
Some notable local delicacies in this area include:
- Trang Tien ice cream: A renowned Hanoi ice cream brand since 1958, featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mango, and coffee, made from fresh milk and natural ingredients. The main store is at 35 Trang Tien, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 VND.
- Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls: Made from rice flour, pork, mushrooms, onions, and fish sauce, these rolls are famous for their thin, soft wrappers and savory fillings, often served with cinnamon pork sausages or Vietnamese ham. The most popular restaurant is at 14 Hang Ga, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per serving.
- Bun cha Hang Manh: A special dish made with rice noodles, pork, fish sauce, sugar, chili, garlic, lime, and fresh herbs. The grilled pork over charcoal offers a delicious aroma, combined with soft rice noodles and spicy fish sauce. The most famous restaurant is at 1 Hang Manh, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per serving.
- Pho bo Hang Trong: The pho here is famous for its sweet, fragrant broth made from beef bones and spices. The most famous restaurant is at 1 Hang Trong, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per bowl.
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only rich in cultural, historical, and spiritual values but also offers a variety of attractive sightseeing and entertainment options for visitors to explore and experience. Be sure to visit this exciting location today!
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