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Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

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Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
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A mural on the gate to Ngoc Son. - Hanoi
A mural on the gate to Ngoc Son.
by worldkiwi
Things to Do in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake tips and photos posted by real travelers and Hanoi locals.
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Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake: The Legend (Part 1)
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  • By victorwkf on March 2, 2007
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  • Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam - Hanoi
    Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
    by victorwkf, 2 more photos
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    Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of Restored Sword) is a famous landmark in Hanoi and a centre of the city. There is an interesting legend behind this lake. Apparently in the 15th century, Emperor Le Thai To of Vietnam was supposedly handed a magic sword by a divine tortoise living in the lake, thus helping him to repel invaders from China. After the country has been liberated, the tortoise snatched back the sword from the emperor and thus the lake is named "Lake of Restored Sword". This lake was once part of the nearby Red Riber (Song Hung) and a swamp, until the French drained the land in the 19th century thus forming this lake. There are several species of tortoise living in this lake, and you will sometimes see them on the water surface. The area surrounding the lake is very beautiful with flowers, trees, benches, paths etc where both locals and tourist relax. Please see part 2 of this tip.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: HOAN KIEM LAKE
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  • Updated By Umea6 on December 22, 2003
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  • Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the middle of Hanoi. Its name means "The Lake of the Restored Sword". The name was given due to a 15th-century legend in which Le Loi, who fought for the Vietnamese against Ming China, received his sword from a magic turtle living in the lake. The nobleman defeated the Ming and returned home in victory. One day, the emperor was boating in the lake when the turtle surfaced demanding the sword's return. In memory of this event, the emperor built the Tortoise Tower on an island at the south end of the lake. Enormous turtles still live in the lake.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake: Tortoise Tower (Part 2)
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  • By victorwkf on March 2, 2007
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  • The Tortoise Tower at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi - Hanoi
    The Tortoise Tower at Hoan
    Kiem Lake, Hanoi
    by victorwkf, 3 more photos
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    The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) is a three-tiered tower located at the southern part of Hanoi's famous Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of Restored Sword) on a small island, and it is dedicated to the mythical tortoise of the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake as mentioned in part 1 of this tip. Part 3 and 4 of this tip will touch on the famoys Rising Sun Bridge (The Huc) and Ngoc Son Temple (Den Nogc Son) located at this lake.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake: Ngoc Son Temple (Part 4)
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  • By victorwkf on March 2, 2007
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  • Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi - Hanoi
    Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem
    Lake, Hanoi
    by victorwkf, 4 more photos
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    After crossing the famous red-coloured Rising Sun Bridge Bridge (The Huc), you will reach the Ngo Son Temple (Den Ngoc Son) located on a small island at Hoan Kiem Lake. This temple is also known as the Temple of the Jade Mound and it opens daily from 8am to 6pm (admission is about 10,000 vietnamese dong per person). This temple is associated with Tran Hung Dao, the general who defeated the Mongols at the Bach Dang River in 1279. Other than the temple's architecture, the entrance of the temple is also very impressive as shown in the photos here. The view of Hoan Kiem Lake and surroundings from the temple is also very beautiful.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc San Temple : serene ..
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  • Updated By myspices on February 8, 2006
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  • a scenic spot - trees having a dip in calm waters - Hanoi
    a scenic spot - trees having a
    dip in calm waters
    by myspices, 2 more photos
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    Take a tour round the Hoan Kiem Lake (meaning "Lake of the Restored Sword") and be refreshed. Pool of water surrounded with greens. It is scenic - weeping williows and other greens dipping into the pool of calm waters. Benches along the lake allow old and young to relax and maybe do some soul searching. It's a spot in the centre of Hanoi town. Perfect spot for you to rest your feet after a long walk or shopping. The Legend ========== In mid15th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To (LeLoi) a magical sword to chase the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day, after the war, while the Emperor was out boating, he encountered with a huge golden tortoise. The tortoise snatched the sword and went into the water to restore the sword to the rightful owner. There, you will see Ngoc San Temple which can be reached via a red wooden bridge (The Huc - "Rising Sun") . We did not enter the temple but we had a good slow walk around the lake. This temple was built to honour Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao who defeated Mongols in the 13th century and La To who is the saint of physicians.

  • Address: Hoan Kiem Lake is in the heart of Hanoi town
  • Directions: You won't miss it. Everyone knows where it is.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Center of Activity in Hanoi
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  • Updated By neurochic on December 24, 2005
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  • Lovebirds on the Lake - Hanoi
    Lovebirds on the Lake
    by neurochic, 3 more photos
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    You will find that the place where all the action happens in Hanoi is around Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you will find Ngoc Son Temple and the Three Tiered Tower but that's not the brilliance of this lake. Around this lake is where you will really get to see how everyday Vietnamese life takes place in Hanoi. Here you will find people playing a game of badminton, couples making out along the lake, old mamasans panhandling their fruits and veggies, little old ladies doing tai chi in the morning, the Vietnamese version of the mall walker and anything else you could imagine. Its like Hanoi's Central Park. A great place to take a seat and people watch for a couple of hours. Also the lake is lit up at night, so its a nice place to take a romantic stroll.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: The Huc Bridge at Night
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  • Updated By munapong on June 25, 2006
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  • Huc Bridge at Night - Hanoi
    Huc Bridge at Night
    by munapong, 1 more photos
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    Many people visit The Huc Bridge in day time. At night, it is also as beautiful. On Sunday night, the Bridge has special lightings - worth a visit in day and night time.

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  • Directions: Go to Hoan Kien Lake - you can see the Bridge - cant miss it :P

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Hanoi V - More sights of Hanoi.
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  • Updated By pfsmalo on August 19, 2007
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  • Rising sun bridge at Hoan Kiem lake. - Hanoi
    Rising sun bridge at Hoan
    Kiem lake.
    by pfsmalo,
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    Hoan Kiem lake is one of the nicest places to go to in Hanoi. Not far from the old quarter, this where the locals come for their early morning Tai chi.In the north east corner there is the "Rising sun" bridge leading over to the Ngoc Son pagoda. A short walk from here takes you to the water puppet theatre. Also on the eastern side of the lake is the main post office.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: The Heart (and Soul) of Hanoi.
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  • Updated By bcatton on April 13, 2008
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  • View from the City View Cafe. - Hanoi
    View from the City View Cafe.
    by bcatton, 4 more photos
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    Obviously i'd read about Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) before i came to Hanoi, but i definitely wasn't prepared for how much i would like it. 'The Rough Guide to Vietnam' describes it as 'not particularly spectacular'. I have to totally disagree with these thoughts/feelings, i personally think the writer has got it completely wrong. This lake to me is more than spectacular. To capture the essence of the lake i think you have to do what i did, which was to visit it on different days (and at night) and for more than just a half hour to truly understand it. I just found myself drawn to it time and time again. It's wonderful to sit on one of the many benches beside the lake to relax, read a book or watch people go about their everyday lives. It's also a great place to meet people, i had numerous people approach me just to talk or in a couple of cases for me to help them pronounce their English language skills!! Throughout the day and particularly at night couples would sit or snuggle up on the benches or on the banks beside the lake enjoying one anothers company. I have to say i think it's quite a romantic place at night. If you're in Hanoi you have to go visit Hoan Kiem Lake. (Not that you can miss it!).

  • Directions: Walk south of The Old Quarter, you can't fail to miss this beautiful lake.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Ngoc Son Temple
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  • By KhanhLy on October 12, 2005
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  • Ngoc Son Temple - Hanoi
    Ngoc Son Temple
    by KhanhLy, 3 more photos
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    On Hoan Kiem Lake is Ngoc Son Temple. Pay your entrance fee and cross over the red bridge to see the temple.

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  • Directions: Hoan Kiem Lake/Old Quarters

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