Along with famous destinations of culture and history in Hanoi capital, Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) really plays an indispensable role in Vietnamese’s heart for many generations. This place not remains priceless values of history and culture until the periods of ancient emperors but also becomes a communal meeting site for Hanoian in the present time. It is likely that Sword Lake is always one of the first destinations that tourists choose to visit in their Vietnam trips. Those information below may help you to discover more interesting things about Sword Lake:
The magic legend of Sword Lake
In Vietnamese language, Sword Lake is often called as Hoan Kiem Lake. Its name is derived from a legend of Vietnam history in the early 15th century under Le Thai To emperor. Ta Vong Lake or Luc Thuy Lake is the original names of Sword Lake. During the defense against the invasion of the Chinese enemy, it was said that the dragon king (the king of the sea) gave a magic sword for the emperor. Thanks to the endless power of this sword, the Chinese enemy had to withdraw to their own country. One day, a Golden Turtle God- the messenger of dragon king surfaced and asked for the Magic Sword when the emperor and his courtiers were contemplating on Ta Vong Lake. After receiving the magic sword, the Turtle God dived into the bottom of the lake. Since that moment, Ta Vong Lake was renamed as the Sword Lake.
Structures of Culture and History
Sword Lake really composes of a complex of small-scale structures, which manifest for long-standing values of Vietnamese culture until thousand years ago.
The Turtle Tower was erected in the center of Sword Lake in the lately 19th century with the influence of French architecture. The tower has 2 floors with 2.97m in height and 1.9m in width.
Erected in Sword Lake in the 19th century, Ngoc Son Temple is a Buddhist structure that worships Van Xuong – the god of scholars and Tran Hung Dao- a Vietnamese famous General in the 13th century. The Huc Bridge is the only way to access Ngoc Son Temple, which was built by a Vietnamese scholar in the 19th century. It is said that “The Huc” means the parking place for sunrise. The bridge was painted with bright red color and it is also an ideal place for everyone to contemplate the scenery of Sword Lake.
What we can do?
Along with visiting cultural structure around the Sword Lake, it is the best choice for visitors to take a stroll around Sword Lake and discover a part of Hanoian’s lifestyle. It is a favorite place for leisure activities of Hanoians because of the airy atmosphere with flourish tree-lined along the lakeside. In the early morning, local people gather on the lakeside to do exercise or hang out together.
Sword Lakeside
Especially, Sword Lake always attracts visitors in the weekend because the local authorities turned to surround of this lake into a walking street. There is no noise of vehicles; instead, the lake has become a cultural destination, where both modern and folk art are performed by talented artists.
Sword Lake is also a perfect site for anyone who wants to experience the traditional games of Vietnam people in the previous time.
Cafes around Sword Lake are also one of the most attractive stopovers after wandering around every corner of this place. It is a taste of relaxation when you take a rest in a quiet cafe and watch the pace of Hanoian’s daily life through the glass window. Some of the best cafes you can find around Sword Lake such as Cafe Quang, Cafe Dinh, Pho Co Cafe…
