Hoan Kiem lake, a beautiful heart of Hanoi capital

Hoan Kiem lake, the beautiful heart of Hanoi capital, famous for its mysterious legend and its natural beauty is one of Hanoi's beautiful attractions awaiting for your exploration !

Hoan Kiem lake,the beautiful heart of Hanoi capital

There are many beautiful lakes in Hanoi but the most beautiful one is Hoan Kiem lake in the center of Hanoi, nearby Hanoi ancient quarter & French quarter. As beautiful as a flower basket in the heart of Hanoi capital, this lake is surrounded by the streets of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To and Hang Khay with its total round of about 1.8km long.When viewing the lake from a tall building,its water surface is like a large mirror reflecting its beautiful surrounding areas with big ancient trees, old pagodas & temples and newly skyrised buildings

Hoan iem Lake, Hanoi

Hoan Kiem lake's name and its legend

In the past, this lake was named Luc Thuy (green water lake) because its water colour was naturally green all the year around.Then in 1428, the lake was renamed to Hoan Kiem (translated as the lake of returned sword) by the King Le Thai To basing on an interesting legend narrated as follow.”Vietnam was under Ming’s brutal domination from 1410-1428.They broke down many buildings of great architectural values in Vietnam, burnt our historical documents, raped women..ect…with bad purpose of making Vietnam as a part of China.Vietnamese were unbearable and united themselves under the leadership of Le Loi gereral. Le Loi was supposedly offered a good sword by a fisherman.During 10 years of war ressistance against the Chinese, Le Loi used this powerful sword, defeated the Chinese and finally got the nation’s independence & freedom.He became the king under the name Le Thai To, established the capital & royal palace in Hanoi.On a nice day, on his dragon boat trip along Luc Thuy lake, there was a big tortoise approaching his boat.The king used the old sword pointing at the tortoise for the solders’attention.Suddenlly, that big tortoise took the old sword by its mouth and disappeared.The king thought that the tortoise(the saint) had helped his nation at the wartime with a magic weapon, now the nation got the peace back and the saint would like to get the sword back.That was why the King Le Thai To renamed the lake from Luc Thuy to Hoan Kiem in 1428.You can see this beautiful scene in water puppet show. In fact, we have a very big tortoise living in this lake,sometimes appearing in the water surface.It is a sign of good luck if you can see him.

Hoan Kiem lake view

Hoan Kiem lake's visit and its seasonal beauty.

There are two islands on the lake.The first one in the middle of the lake is Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower)- the symbol of Hanoi’s beauty.Another one is Ngoc island linked with the bank by red bridge (The Huc bridge).Here you can visit Ngoc Son temple (Jade mountain temple) dedicated to general Tran Hung Dao & saint Van Xuong.It ‘s worth your visit with nice photos of the lake’s surroundings from Ngoc island (Jade island).

As the center of Hanoi capital, Hoan Kiem lake is a nice venue, a good meeting point of visitors and locals in four seasons with its different charms

Traditional festivals with Chrismas & New year celebration and the blooming of colorful flowers in Spring
Cool breezes with shady trees to refresh ourselves in Hanoi hot Summer.
Blue sky with yellow leaves on trees, on a cooler weather for the picturesque Hanoi in Autumn.
Trees with yellow leaves falling down, slightly colder weather with drizzle droplets in Winter.

Hoan Kiem Lake1

When travelling to Hanoi, you should spend time visiting Hoan Kiem lake & its surrounding areas such as Ngoc Son Temple, Opera House, big church, Hanoi ancient quarter....etc. A trip to visit the lake in early morning is a nicer way to enjoy its serene, quiet scenery with a number of locals heading there for daily morning exercises : taichi, running, walking, arobic....You can stroll around the lake on your own or join us in interesting tours to explore Hanoi attractions such as Hanoi city tour, Good Morning Hanoi Tour upon your interest.We are happy to support you and be your trusted friend for your enjoyable holiday in Hanoi, Vietnam.For further information of any travel service, please, send us your request to bluewaytourist@gmail.com or visit our website http://goldenholidaytravel.com for reference. See you in Hanoi, Vietnam

Need local support, please, let us know!

Unveiling the Mystique of B52 Lake: A Hidden Gem in Hanoi

Are you planning a visit to Hanoi and fascinated by Vietnamese history? Dive deep into the Vietnam War's history with a focus on the air raids conducted by the United States on Hanoi and Northern Vietnam? Let's follow this writing as we are going to share you about a significant historical site: Huu Tiep Lake, also known as B52 Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam......

Discovering Bat Trang Pottery Village: Helpful Travel Guides and Tips for First-Timers

Are you seeking a relaxing escape from the bustling streets of Hanoi, eager to immerse yourself in local culture and craftsmanship? Bat Trang Ceramic Village will surely be your ideal choice.This article is designed to offer valuable insights and tips to ensure your journey to Bat Trang is both fulfilling and enriching.....

B52 Victory Museum : The Place Affirming the Intelligence and Heroic Spirit of Vietnam

Fifty-two years ago, on the last 12 days and nights of December 1972, the military and people of Hanoi, along with the entire nation, achieved the victory known as the "Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air." They successfully repelled the strategic bombing campaign by the United States using B-52 bombers over Hanoi and Haiphong, forcing the U.S. government to sign the Paris Agreement to stop the wars in Vietnam... Let's read this article for your great insight of this battle & B52 Victory Museum - a mustsee place in your coming trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.....

Capturing the Essence: Photography and Craft Experiences in Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Are you preparing for an upcoming trip to Hanoi but still unsure where to go? If you're a lover of traditional and classic beauty, then Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is definitely a suitable destination for you.Let's explore the beauty of this village by reading this blog.....

Hi Ban

I hope you havent't forgot us. If you have I have included a photo of us in attach file.I promised to e-mail you when we get back. Sorry for the delay but we had so much shit to sort out when we've got back home.

Thanks very much for giving us a tour of Hanoi. Without you two, we would of missed a hell of a lot of Hanoi which we never had the time to explore.

When we were in the south, we came across a lot of English and Irish backpackers that were heading to Hanoi and we've recomended you and the taxi driver Binh to them. I hope they contact you two when they get to Hanoi and give you business.

So so much had changed since I left Vietnam. Some changes are positive and a lot of negatives but people link yourself and Binh will keep up the traditions.

I hope that you will get this e-mail. If you do please reply.

Since we've came home, I've had so many ideas about starting a business venture in Vietnam and and hoping that you might want to be be part of the it.

Alec (Hung)

Alec Hung & Challote from UK

Dear Ban,

Sorry for being late.

I tried to write you a letter several times, but I couldn't finish the letter. I don't know why.

I am still in winter vacation, so I have been very lazy, frankly speaking. And I miss you and the other good people I met in Vietnam. You cannot imagine how much it is!! As for our meeting, let's put it aside for my next trip, possibly that would be the coming August. At that time, we can have time to talk a lot about Vietnamese school system and other interesting things. Don't you think??

And I am so happy to know that you think my voice is tender in different songs... *^^*

By the way, how's it going with your new business? Is it going well? I'm sure you will be successful because you are quite ambitious and intelligent. You agree, Ban?? ^^

When my school starts, I cannot tell anything about Vietnam without talking about you to my students... I get impressed a lot, surely yu know that. Right?

I will attach the picture you took together in my next mail because my camera battery is out. Sorry about that!!

It's Saturday today. I wonder what you are doing at this moment in Vietnam when I am writing to you. Keep in touch often. OK?? ^^

Take care and be well & happy

Your friend,

Hwayoung Lee from Korea

Ms Hwayoung Lee from Korea

Hello Mr Ban,
What a surprise to hear from you and a good one. yes I do remember you quite well....as Black Dan? Is this right?
It has been 5 years since I was in your country. a long time, but I remember how bright and funny you were and also how polite!!!
So, have you a family to look after now? A wife and some beautiful children?
I hope all is well with you and you have plenty of work to do.
I am taking a break at my work as it is Christmas time here and everything stops and family get together. I know you have TET around the corner and I wish you much success and good fortune for the next year. Which animal will it be next year for TET, I wonder? And which year you born in?
I am still working with flowers. Iam known as a florist and my job keeps me pretty busy. I enjoy it very much as I love to make beautiful things from flowers and stones, dried things from Mother Nature and sometimes with man made stuff as well.
It is quite funny that you emailed me at this time as I have been thinking of coming over to Vietnam alot lately and may do next year sometime. I missed out on a few places I would love to go ( Hoi Ann), and re visit some places I have been to last time. Are you still a guide?
All the best.

Julie

Ms Julie deVis- Australia