Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword, is one of the most iconic and beautiful landmarks in Hanoi, Vietnam. Located in the center of the city, the lake is surrounded by historical and cultural attractions, as well as lively and vibrant activities. The lake is also steeped in legend and mythology, making it a symbol of the Vietnamese identity and spirit.
In this article, we will explore the legend, the attractions, and the tips for visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the most enchanting and captivating places in Hanoi.
The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake
The name of the lake comes from a legend that dates back to the 15th century, when Vietnam was under the rule of the Ming Dynasty of China. According to the legend, a Vietnamese emperor named Le Loi received a magical sword from a dragon king that helped him defeat the Chinese invaders and liberate his country. One day, while boating on the lake, he encountered a giant turtle that emerged from the water and asked him to return the sword to the dragon king. The emperor obliged and threw the sword into the lake, where it was caught by the turtle and disappeared. The emperor then named the lake Hoan Kiem, meaning the Lake of the Returned Sword, to commemorate the event.
The legend has different versions and interpretations, and some historians believe that it is based on historical facts and figures. The legend reflects the Vietnamese culture and identity, as it shows the values of courage, loyalty, and gratitude, as well as the connection between the natural and the supernatural worlds. The legend also inspired many other legends and myths associated with the lake, such as the legend of the white horse that guided the emperor to the location of the lake, and the legend of the golden buffalo that created the lake by digging the ground with its horns.
The Attractions of Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake is not only a place of legend, but also a place of attraction. Around the lake, there are many historical and cultural attractions that can be visited, such as temples, pagodas, museums, and markets. Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake:
1. Ngoc Son Temple
This is a temple on the island in the lake, dedicated to the national hero Tran Hung Dao and the scholar Van Xuong, who are revered for their contributions to the country. The temple is connected to the shore by a red wooden bridge called The Huc, meaning the Morning Sunlight Bridge. The temple also features a pen-shaped tower called Thap But, meaning the Pen Tower, which symbolizes the power of literature and culture.
2. Thap Rua
This is a tower on another island in the lake, representing the turtle that returned the sword to the emperor. The tower is also known as the Turtle Tower, and it is a symbol of Hanoi. The tower can be seen from different angles around the lake, and it looks especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated by lights.
3. Hoa Lo Prison Museum
This is a museum that was formerly a prison used by the French and the Americans, and it displays some of the artifacts and exhibits related to the prisoners and the war. The prison was nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the American POWs, who included the late Senator John McCain. The museum also shows the harsh conditions and the torture methods that the prisoners endured, as well as the stories of their resistance and escape.
4. Temple of Literature
This is a temple that honors Vietnam’s finest scholars and offers a chance to learn about Vietnamese culture and education. The temple was built in 1070 and it was the first university in Vietnam. The temple consists of five courtyards, each with its own gate, pavilion, and garden. The temple also houses the stone steles of the doctoral laureates, who passed the royal examinations and earned the highest degrees.
The Activities of Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake is not only a place of attraction, but also a place of activity. Around the lake, there are many lively and vibrant activities that can be done, such as tai chi, line dance, chess, cycling, walking, and photography. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy around the lake:
1. Tai chi
This is a martial art and exercise that is practiced by many locals around the lake, especially in the morning and evening, to improve their health and balance. You can join or watch the tai chi practitioners, who are usually friendly and welcoming, and learn some of the basic moves and techniques.
2. Line dance
This is a dance that is performed by groups of people around the lake, especially on weekends, to enjoy the music and the atmosphere. Line dance is a fun and easy dance that involves following the steps and movements of the leader. You can join or watch the line dancers, who are usually cheerful and energetic, and learn some of the popular songs and dances.
3. Chess
This is a game that is played by many elderly men around the lake, who challenge each other and share their wisdom and stories. You can join or watch the chess players, who are usually respectful and competitive, and learn some of the tips and tricks of the game.
The Tips for Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake
To make the most of your visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, here are some useful tips that you should know:
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the lake is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the lake is more peaceful and scenic. You can also avoid the crowds and the traffic, and enjoy the sunrise or the sunset over the lake. The lake is also beautiful at night, when it is illuminated by lights and reflected by the water.
Weather:
The weather in Hanoi is hot and humid in the summer, and cold and dry in the winter, so you should dress accordingly and bring sunscreen, water, and umbrella. The average temperature in Hanoi is about 24°C, but it can range from 15°C to 33°C depending on the season. The rainy season is from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April.
Safety:
The lake is generally safe and secure, but you should still be careful and vigilant, especially at night and in crowded areas. You should watch out for pickpockets, scammers, and beggars, and keep your valuables and documents in a safe place. You should also follow the traffic rules and signs, and cross the street carefully and confidently.
Traffic ban:
The traffic around the lake is banned on weekends, creating a more pedestrian-friendly and festive atmosphere, with more activities and events. You can walk, cycle, or skate around the lake, and enjoy the music, the performances, and the street food. You can also rent a bicycle or a pedal boat from the vendors around the lake, and explore the lake at your own pace.
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart and soul of Hanoi, and a must-see destination for anyone who visits the city. The lake offers a rich and diverse experience, from the legend and the history, to the attractions and the activities, to the tips and the interaction. The lake is a place where you can learn, enjoy, and connect, and where you can feel the essence and the spirit of Hanoi and Vietnam. If you are looking for a place that is both beautiful and meaningful, then Hoan Kiem Lake is the place for you.
