Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi

Location: Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of Hanoi.

Characteristic: Hoan Kiem Lake also called Lake of the Restored Sword. The name Lake of the Restored Sword is derived from a legend.

Hoan Kiem Lake is an enchanting body of water right ill the heart of Hanoi. Legend has it that in the mid-15th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To (Le Loi) a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese out or Vietnam. One day alter the war, while out boating, he came upon a giant golden tortoise swimming on the surface of the water; the creature grabbed the sword and disappeared into the depths of the lake. Since that time, the lake has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) because the tortoise restored the sword to its divine owners.

The forlorn Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower), topped with a red star, on an islet in the middle of the lake, is often used as an emblem of Hanoi. Every morning around 6 am, local residents can be seen doing their traditional morning exercises, jogging and playing badminton around this lake.

Tag: Hotels in Hanoi, Hanoi Tours, Halong bay cruises, Mekong river cruises, Ho Chi Minh city Tours