Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a freshwater lake located in the heart of Hanoi. The lake has an area of about 12 hectares. This lake is a symbol of this city.

About Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is also called as Guom Lake located in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. In the past, the lake also had names such as Luc Thuy Lake (because the water was green all year round), Thuy Quan Lake (used for naval review), Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake (during the Le Mat period). The name Hoan Kiem appeared at the beginning of the 15th century in association with the legend of King Le Loi to return the treasured sword to the divine turtle.

Hoan Kiem lake

According to legend, during a time when King Le Loi was walking on a boat, suddenly a golden turtle floated to the surface, demanding that the king pay the sword that Long Vuong lent to fight against the invading Ming army. The king returned the sword to the turtle and the turtle dived into the water. 

However, around the end of the 16th century, Lord Trinh allowed to separate the lake into two parts - Ta Vong and Huu Vong. Then in 1884, Huu Vong Lake was filled by French colonialists to expand the capital, while Ta Vong Lake was retained as Hoan Kiem Lake today. The name of the lake is also taken for a central district of Hanoi (Hoan Kiem district) and is the only lake in this district to this day.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Attractive spots in Hoan Kiem Lake

• Ngoc Son temple is one of the must-visit places when coming to Hanoi, it is located on a small islet in the north of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is connected to the bank through a red wooden bridge called The Huc bridge. Visiting Ngoc Son temple, tourists not only admire the spectacular architectural works but also have chances to learn the culture as well as the history of the temple.
• Together with Ngoc Son temple, The Huc bridge is a symbol of the seductive feature of Hoan Kiem lake. With the unique architecture and the values of culture and history, The Huc bridge is the must-visit place for all who come to Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake walking street

• Ly Thai To monument is situated in Ly Thai To flower garden. The structure was built to memorize the great king of Vietnam - Ly Thai Tho - who moved the capital of the nation to Hanoi. This is not only a flower garden but also the famous amusement for local people and tourists in the late afternoon. 
• Hoan Kiem Lake walking street is just officially opened over one year but it quickly becomes the ideal destination for people to enjoy Hanoi in the weekend. According to Hanoi travel experience, the most crowded time in this walking street is around 7 pm in the weekends. There are many interesting and exciting activities in this street.

Hoan Kiem Lake is not only the symbol of Hanoi but also one of the most impressive image of Vietnam tourism to tourist’s hearts.