Today, we will explore Hoan Kiem Lake – The heart of Hanoi and a must-go place when you visit this city. Let’s go!
Hoan Kiem Lake in history
Hoan Kiem Lake is a center point of Hà Nội, with many things often referenced in distance from the lake. The lake has been romanticized, and characterized since the beginning, and made the subject of poems and literature as well. One of the reasons why Hoàn Kiếm Lake is such a special place is because of the legend behind the lake.
The history context
In 1407, the Ming Dynasty invaded northern Vietnam and this oppression lasted about 20 years. The Chinese were overthrown due to the efforts of Le Loi, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated heroes. In 1417, Le Loi began gathering a following and mustered enough soldiers to begin the revolt against the Chinese. It took 10 years of fighting, but they were able to oust the Chinese. And finally, declare the sovereignty of Vietnam in 1427. Vietnam and China have a history of fighting for centuries. This invasion of Vietnam was shorter than the previous three invasions. But it was a very atrocious and demeaning attempt to spread Chinese culture in Vietnam. For this reason, Le Loi is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated heroes. Because of his having led the country to freedom in such a short period of time.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Cre: Halo Hanoi)
The legend
There are many poems and legends told of Le Loi. However, the most famous one is his sword said to have been a gift to save the country. The way the story goes is that a fisherman in Thanh Hóa Province named Lê Thận. He accidentally caught the blade in his nets, brought it to his house, and forgot about it. Le Loi came to his house one day, the fisherman now one of the rising soldiers in Le Loi’s following, and saw the blade give off a beam in the corner of the house. The fisherman gave Le Loi the blade, which they found had “Thuận Thiên” or “heaven’s will” inscribed on it. Le Loi found the second part of the sword, the hilt, in a tree after a defeat. These two pieces fit together perfectly. And they said that when Le Loi used the sword it made him appear more powerful. With the help of the sword, Le Loi was able to lead Vietnam to victory.
After Le Loi became king, he went on a cruise around Hồ Lục Thủy (Green Lake) on a small boat. It was when a turtle called the Golden Turtle emerged from the water, and, speaking in human language, asked the king to return the sword to his master, Long Vương (Dragon King). The king surrendered the sword willingly. Because he understood that he meant to hold on to it for the purpose of freeing Vietnam, and no more. The turtle then disappeared back into the water. Since then no one has been able to locate the sword to this day.
The truth
They believed that the Golden Turtle that inhabits the lake today is the same turtle that took the sword from the King over 500 years ago. There have been a few turtles spotted in the lake throughout its history. But there is one that is a distinct species of its own. And the one believed to have been the one to receive the sword. On rare occasions, people catch a glimpse of the Golden turtle peeping its head above water before disappearing back into the lake’s green waters. Sometimes, people have seen the turtle resting on the little islet on the south end of the lake. On the islet, there is a tower named the Tháp Rùa (Turtle Tower). On the opposite end, there is another small islet where you can find the Ngoc Son Temple which you can reach by crossing The Huc (Morning Sunlight) Bridge.
Hoan Kiem lake, at present
Today, Hoàn Kiếm Lake has become the top destination to visit for locals and tourists. In the morning hour as early as 5 am you can see people dancing, walking, and teaching exercise classes around the lake. On these sidewalks, you don’t need to worry about motorbikes whizzing by you, so many like to come here to exercise in peace and escape the chaos of the busy downtown. The lake has been romanticized for centuries and is a popular spot for couples to walk side by side and enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes, you will see couples taking their wedding photos on the lake, along with just photoshoots in general. Depending on the season, the trees decorating the lake change from green, to yellow, to bare, to reddish-orange. Something about the waters of the lake just makes it the perfect place to take a break and reflect. Ask any Hanoian, and they will have their own reason for cherishing the lake. Come visit at nighttime and you will see the sidewalks, as well as the turtle tower, lit up, making the lake just as scenic as the daytime.
The Huc Bridge
Whether you believe the legend of the “Returned Sword” and the turtle, Hoàn Kiếm Lake is truly one of Vietnam’s treasures. This lake has seen it all. Thousands, probably millions, have walked its edges since the beginning of Vietnam’s long 2000-year history and beyond, and just as many have lost track of time gazing at its waters. Hoàn Kiếm is a truly beautiful and cherished place in Vietnam and we are sure that you too will fall in love with it during your visit.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-go destination in the city tour, find out more right in our blog.
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