Hoan Kiem Lake is loved and revered by all Vietnamese people. Besides that, it is probably the most charming place in Hanoi. Calm mirror-like waters with green plantings along the banks look very picturesque!
In addition to its natural beauty, the lake is famous for the legend of how, in ancient times, during the war with China, the national hero of Vietnam, Le Loi, was granted a sword with the help of which he defeated all the invaders. According to the legend, the weapon was given to Le Loi by a turtle living in the lake. However, later, when the hero returned to the lake in gratitude, the sword fell from his hands, returning to the depths of the waters.
Such an interesting and patriotic story about the turtle prompted the Vietnamese to rename the lake from "Green Water" to "Lake of the Returned Sword." The original name, however, is more practical, since the water in it really is green all the time. And as for the turtles, it is said that a very rare species of these amphibians actually lives here, though they do not show their magic sword to anyone ;)
In the middle of the lake there is a small islet. You can reach it by a bridge that will lead you to Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 19th century in honor of significant figures in the history of Vietnam. These are Van Suong, a famous scholar and writer, and Huang Dao, who became renowned in the struggle against the invaders of the Yuan dynasty. The temple has several interesting sculptures, as well as hieroglyphic inscriptions. This place is literally permeated with symbolism and the spirit of traditional Vietnamese culture.
