Ho Hoan Kiem: mirror-like green lake in Hanoi

If you are going to visit the capital city of Vietnam, the first thing comes to your mind is residing somewhere near Ho Hoan Kiem which is considered the centre of Hanoi.

You will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful view of Hoan Kien Lake or Sword Lake. When seen from high above, Hoan Kiem Lake appears in the city’s center like a striking blue gem.

The long-standing Tortoise Tower in the lake’s center reflects off the lake’s transparent blue water. Along the shore of the lake the willow tree branches sway in the autumn breezes reminiscent of young girls combing their long hair. Nearby, Loc Vung trees flaunt their branches laden with red flowers that droop down to just above the water’s surface.

 Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by historical sites, including the magnificent statue of King Le Loi and the ancient Ngoc Son Temple with a preserved corpse of an old tortoise. The tortoise relates to the famous legend about the King who fought invaders with the assistance of a tortoise saint who provided him with a magical sword, and his return of the sword to the saint when he returned in triumph: hence the name Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake).

Then there is the red-painted The Huc Bridge, meaning “sun beams,” and the Pen Tower, which is in the shape of a pen pointing toward the sky (Ta Thien Thanh). The artefacts surrounding the lake not only relate to past events but also provide a platform for modern life.

Every morning the lake awakens to arriving people and their activities that have gone on for years. Amid the fresh morning air, local residents begin a new day, each in their own way. Some do morning exercises by the lake, others having a hot cup of delicious coffee or lotus-scented tea in a shop nearby. It is all part of the lake’s cycle.

Hoan Kiem Lake is considered one of the first things to see in Hanoi when one arrives in this bustling capital city. Visitors are recommended to hire a tour guide or book a Hanoi day tour so that they can learn many interesting stories and legends about the lake and other attractions surrounding it.