Ho Hoan Kiem

The Huc Bridge , Ngoc Son Temple

Views of Hoan Kiem lake in the North East side

Views of Lake on the South West ( Thap Rua on the end of South West)

The Island of Ngoc Son Temple ( Jade Temple )

Ngoc Son Gate

Hanoi is well-known for its numerous picturesque lakes and the greenness of its old big trees on the long roads . The most famous lake is Hoan Kiem , located in the center of city . It’s considered the heart of Hanoi capital , and inspires many artists , composers , writers, poets, to create outstanding art works , beautiful songs and lyric poetries . Most curious to people is the history of magic of this lake.

According to legend , in the 15th century a nobleman Le Loi successfully fought against Ming China by having a magical sword . One day during the celebration of a victory , while he was boating around the lake , a golden tortoise swimming on the surface of the water and demanded he return the sword and disappeared immediately into the depths of the lake . Up until this time , the lake had no special name. Afterward, it came to be known as Ho Hoan Kiem ( The Lake of the Restored Sword ). In order to memorize the story , the emperor had a Thap Rua ( Tortoise Tower ) built on an island at the south end of the magic lake which can be still seen today.

Hanoians, who grow up with this story as a part of their childhood , embrace the lake as the spiritual heart of Ha Noi . I try to inhabit the heart of the Hanoians who love Hoan Kiem with all their being , as far as they go, as much as they love Ho Hoan Kiem in the heart , the soul and lungs of capital as well.

Author : Kim