HOAN KIEM LAKE HANOI
Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake is a legacy of Hanoi's turbulent past. As one of the capital's emblems, it is a must-see for visitors.
Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi Information:
Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
There are plenty of stunning sights to see in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake, a Hanoi icon, best captures the "essence" of an old, kind Hanoi. Tourists may wander around the lake and explore the nearby Old Quarter. You will be able to discover the distinct elements of Vietnamese architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle, as well as learn about Hanoi's traditional culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Ho Guom Hanoi, is a natural freshwater lake located in the middle of Hanoi. Previously, the lake was known as Luc Thuy Lake (rough translation: Emerald Lake) because of its year-round emerald water, or Thuy Quan Lake (rough translation: Naval Lake) since it was utilized for naval exercises. It was dubbed Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) in the 15th century because of the tale of King Le Thai To (1385-1433), who returned the magical sword to the turtle deity.
This iconic Hanoi lake connects numerous prominent streets in the Old Quarter, including Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, and Hang Ngang. This is an ideal tourist attraction due to its central position. You may wander around the lake, see adjacent notable landmarks, and learn about the local culture in the neighboring Old Quarter.
Hanoi Sword Lake is around 12 hectares large, 700 meters long, 200 meters wide, and has an average depth of 1 to 1.4 meters.
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
There are several methods to travel to Hoan Kiem Lake, including taxi, motorcycle, and public transportation. Several bus lines in Hanoi stop near the lake, therefore this is regarded as the most cost-effective mode of transportation for individuals who live outside of the city center. You may also rent a bike from your hotel or other rental companies to get about independently. It is important to note that you should inquire about the pricing and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before acquiring it.
The Legendary of the Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
According to legend, in the 15th century, Vietnam was oppressed and exploited by Northern invaders. Witnessing the situation, the Sea God granted King Le a magical sword to battle the enemy and successfully repel the foreign invaders. Following it, the country had a period of peace.
One day, as the King was boating on the lake, a turtle appeared and requested that he return the sword that the Sea God had provided him. The monarch returned the sword to the turtle, who dove beneath and vanished. Luc Thuy Lake is now known as Hoan Kiem Lake. This folklore, coupled with the turtle residing in the lake, is an unexplained enigma until now.
According to mythology, after defeating Ming China in early 1428, Emperor Le Loi was boating on the lake when a Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) appeared and requested his magical weapon, Heaven's Will. According to King Le Loi, Kim Qui came to recover the sword granted to Lợi by a local God, the Dragon King, to destroy Ming China. After beating off the Chinese, the Emperor returned the sword to the turtle. To honor this occurrence, Emperor Loi nicknamed the lake Luc Thuy, which means "Green Water".
The Turtle Tower (Thap Rua), which stands on a tiny island near the lake's middle, is tied to the folklore. When the King did not return the Magical Sword to the Golden Turtle God (Cu Rua), Hoan Kiem Lake was known as Ta Vong.
1. Turtle Tower - Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
Turtle Tower is a modest tower set on a 350-square-meter island amid Hoan Kiem Lake. Turtle Tower, built during the French colonial period, combines elements of French and Vietnamese architectural styles, with the multi-story building reflecting French architecture and the curving roof symbolizing Vietnamese architecture. Turtle Tower features three stories, with the higher stories being smaller than the lower ones.
Turtle Tower is unique not just for its architecture, but also for its location and historical significance. Although modest, it has stood in the center of the lake for hundreds of years. This lends the tower a peculiar beauty, as visitors perceive it to be both close and far away. There are no boats to Turtle Tower. It is only visible from the lake's shores, making it all the more intriguing to the beholder.
2. Ngoc Son Temple - Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
The Ngoc Son Temple is located on an island in the midst of Hoan Kiem Lake. This temple, built in the nineteenth century, was initially dedicated to Guan Yu (a well-known Chinese commander) to ward against misfortune. It was later converted into a pagoda to worship Buddha before being restored to its current form as a temple.
Inside, you will observe two main temple structures. They are designed in the manner of temples seen in northern Vietnam. There are two enormous sculptures in each of the temple structures. The statue of Tran Deity stands on a stone pedestal more than a meter tall, while the figure of Van Xuong Deity holds a brush in his comfortable pose.
In addition to the two structures, a feature of this location that tourists should see is the glass cabinet containing a replica of Hoan Kiem Lake's turtle. The elegant turtle will undoubtedly pique tourists' interest when they visit.
3. The Huc Red Bridge - Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
To visit the aforementioned Ngoc Son Temple, you must first cross The Huc Bridge. This red wooden bridge, built in 1865, connects the shore to the Ngoc Son Temple in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Huc Bridge contains several old architectural characteristics. It is patterned after a wooden home from the Red River Delta. Throughout its existence, The Huc Bridge has witnessed several amazing stories. According to legend, since the construction of the Huc Bridge, Huong exam takers (a local academic test in the past) have crowded Ngoc Son Temple to pray for favorable results. When the time of the exam approached, the temple keeper would have to urge the test takers not to jostle so that the bridge.
The bridge was restored twice, in 1897 and 1952, when a bridge span collapsed on New Year's Eve owing to visitor congestion at Ngoc Son Temple. The bridge was then reconstructed this time with a cement foundation rather than wood.
4. Temple of King Le - Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
The Temple of King Le Thai To, located in an architectural complex at No. 16, Le Thai To Street (Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District), is one of Hanoi's oldest landmarks. The monument of King Le and the memorial architectural complex was built in 1894 to celebrate the king's victory over the enemy and to honor the tale of returning the magical sword to the turtle deity at Hoan Kiem Lake.
The complex has three primary structures: the entryway, the communal home, and the memorial. The entrance was made with bricks in the style of three doors and four pillars and is located near the sidewalk. The community home is open on all four sides. The 1.2-meter-high bronze figure stands on top of a stone pillar, clutching a sword as if going to return it to the lake.
Highlights of the Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
When the French conquered Vietnam in 1884, they reconstructed and significantly altered the landscape around the lake, including the Old Quarter. Although the war has finished, Vietnam retains the glories of French architectural creations. This location marks a painful and momentous historical period in the country.
Today, one ancient turtle lives in the lake. It is thought to have lived for several centuries. Is this the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle from the tale, or simply an ordinary old turtle? This question remains unanswered, which is why this lake attracts foreign travelers.
In particular, Hoan Kiem Lake is connected with Hanoi's walking boulevard. On weekends, this area resembles a large fair, with a variety of items and activities. In addition to shopping, you may eat at local eateries. A portion of the street is dedicated to traditional games. Everyone plays together, so you are welcome to participate if you wish. Buskers might be seen on the street singing and performing music for free.
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi:
There are several easy and intriguing transportation alternatives accessible for visiting the picturesque site of Hanoi Sword Lake.
By Bus: You may take a bus to Hanoi Sword Lake. The city offers a well-connected bus network that will transport you to your destination.
Taxis are commonly accessible in Hanoi and provide an easy method to go to Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi. You can simply locate taxi stands or hail a cab on the street.
By Pedicab/Rickshaw: Another alternative is to take a cyclo, a typical three-wheeled bicycle taxi popular in Hanoi. It might be a fascinating and unique way to explore the city and see the sites.
By Bike/Walk: If you stay in Hanoi Old Quarter, walking or cycling can be a great choice. Hanoi Sword Lake is centrally located, so if you are in the vicinity, you can enjoy a stroll or bike ride to reach your destination.
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