Hoan Kiem Lake was also called as Luc Thuy Lake, which means Green Lake because the water here has the green color all year round.
Hoan Kiem lake- a historical treasure in Ha Noi. Hoan Kiem Lake or Guom Lake wide approximately 12 ha, located in the center of the capital city. Hoan Kiem Lake is a trail of an ancient bed of the Red River, which has changed course for a thousand years. This charming lake surrounded by extravagant trees and old trees so when you visit Hoan Kiem Lake, you can feel the atmosphere here is very peaceful that is the reason why Hoan Kiem Lake occupies a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants for more than one reason. A walk through this romantic place, boasted of poems, songs and legends, is an ideal introduction to the discovery of Hanoi It not only the place to relish but it also the symbolically of the fresh in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake was also called as Luc Thuy Lake, which means Green Lake because the water here has the green color all year round.
The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple
Nowadays, there is much activity around the lake for every people of every age. Early morning when the sun is rising, you can spend time to go jogging around the lake, you can also understand more about the activity in the early morning like Tai Chi, badminton, chess, football… The local people always welcome you to join with them. you may have powerful energy for a new day. From Friday nights to Sunday nights, Hoan Kiem Lake and it is adjacent are transformers into pedestrian zones. Pedestrian zones are opened to create a common cultural space for al Hanoi citizens and foreigners. If you come here, you can enjoy live performances of many street artists and you can also join in many traditional games like tug of war, stilt walking, jump rope, etc. The legend tells that the name Hoan Kiem Lake is the named15th century when King Le Thai To returned a sword for a Golden Turtle God. According to the legend, there was a fisherman named Le Than. One night, when Le Than cast a net in a river, he picked up a sword in his net. Later on, Le Than took part in Lam Son insurrection and gave the sword for Le Loi, a leader of Lam Son insurrection against Minh invaders (China) at this time. One day, when Le Loi passed through a forest, he suddenly saw a strange light on a banyan tree. He climbed to the tree and found a jeweled hilt. Le Loi immediately came back home and realized that that was the hilt of the sword that Le Than gave him. Since Le Loi used the magical sword, the morale and strength of his army significantly increased. Finally, Le Loi and his army won. He became a King of Vietnam under the name Ly Thai To. One year later, when he was sitting on the boat on Luc Thuy Lake (Ta Vong Lake), a Golden Turtle God surfaced and asked him to return the magic sword to the Dragon King (in Vietnamese, Long Vuong). Le Loi gave the sword for the Turtle. The Turtle, as quickly as possible, received the sword and dived into the lake. To commemorate this event, Le Loi renamed Luc Thuy Lake to Hoan Kiem Lake of restored the sword or Sword Lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake at night
Since the mid-nineteenth century, Thap Rua, the small tower of the Turtle, commemorates the legendary event on an island in the middle of the lake. Turtle Tower is located in the center of the lake under the influence of French architecture. Some people said that if Hoan Kiem Lake is like a bouquet of Hanoi, Turtle Tower is considered the most beautiful and impressive flower in this bouquet. The tower has a distinct and unique beauty of the combination of European styles and Vietnam architecture. Being constructed in a harmonized position with nature, the Tower has ancient and scared beauty.The Huc Bridge is a connecting point between Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Bridge was constructed in 1865 and painted in red color, which makes it outstanding and in harmony with the surrounding landscape. “The Huc” means a place welcoming the sunlight in the early morning. Thereby, foreign tourists also know The Huc Bridge by another name as Bridge of the Rising Sun. Additionally, a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake will not be fulfilled if tourists do not visit Ngoc Son Temple. The Temple is a beautiful architecture containing many historical values of Vietnam. It consists of two main temples. The first one is in the north worshipping Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong. In the south, Tran Ba Temple has a unique architecture. In general, the architecture of Ngoc Son Temple is very beautiful and is a typical example of combinations between natural landscapes and manmade architecture. Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the famous attractions in Hanoi not only for international tourists but also for local citizens. The lake plays an important role in Hanoi citizens in many aspects. For example, in New Year Eve, people often gather here to see fireworks and wish others the good things. Couples often choose the Lake as one of Hanoi attractions to take wedding photos. In the early mornings, people arrive here to walk around, enjoy the cool atmosphere and do exercise.
Ngoc Son temple at middle of lake
The Lake is a favorite destination of tourists as well because of the harmony among nature, architecture, and people. Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake at any time of year, tourists can experience the peaceful beauty in the vibrant crowded city of Vietnam. Hoan Kiem Lake is a perfect place to sit and observe the Hanoi pace of life. The lake pride for those living in the city, and once you visit this beautiful place, you will see why.
