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Little Hanoi's spring roll with catfish
Uncle Ho's House
"The Well of Heavenly Clarity"
The parade grounds in front of the Ho MauseleumLakes are important landmarks in Hanoi
Lakes are important landmarks in Hanoi, but not only! The old city developed between the western bank of the Red River and Hoan Kiem Lake; later, many temples, pagodas and palaces were built on the shores or islands of the nearby lakes, mainly West lake (Ho Tay Lake), where the breezes freshened a bit the air during the hot days. Also, many divinities in Buddhist religion are linked to water.
Today, the lakes have more “practical” uses: tanks for rainwater and water for household or industrial use (after treatment), waste intake, wastewater treatment ponds. . . . Well, the water does not look very clean, in general, but there are usually parks or gardens around, small restaurants, tea houses. . . It is very relaxing and pleasant to walk on the shores of the lakes, have a rest from the hectic traffic and the noise.
The map (picture 2) shows lakes I visited, once, or several times, and the small stars show other lakes; there are lots, and you are never far from one of them.
Picture 1: Hoan Kiem Lake, looking north, and Tortoise tower.
Picture 3: Fishing on Ho Tay Lake
Picture 4: “Swans” on Ho Tay Lake
Picture5: Young people like to meet. . . . and more on the quiet shores of the lakes.
