Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

This place is the heart of Hanoi city with the poetic Hoan Kiem Lake and the beauty of sanctuary at Ngoc Son temple.
The temple is located on an island in the middle of  Lake connected to the bank by an iconic bridge of Hanoi capital.

Hoan Kiem Lake or the Return Sword Lake:
A central Lake in Hanoi city with an area of 12 ha, surrounded by Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Hang Khay Str, about 1800m long. The water is a great mirror to reflect the ancient trees, the slender willows on the water of the lake. The temple roofs, ancient pagodas, old towers covered with moss and new high buildings are around the Lake.
This lake is a vestige part of Nhi Ha River.
 

Red Bridge connects to Ngoc Son temple in Hoan Kiem Lake

Ngoc Son temple:
Located on a pearl island of Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a special national monument of Vietnam
The temple was built in the 19th century. At first it called Ngoc Pagoda (Jade pagoda) after that, it was renamed Ngoc Son temple because in the temple, people worship Van Xuong De Quan( who is the master of scientific literature) and worship Tran Hung Dao the hero has destroyed the Mongolian army in the 13rd century.
Between Ngoc Son temple and the bank connected by red wooden bridge named The Huc bridge means to retain the beautiful light of the sky.

Entrance fee is at 30 000 VND (1.5 USD)
Open time from 7.00 to 18.00
Note: this is a temple, a sanctuary so once come to visit, visitors should pay attention to polite dress, gently walking and quietly.

Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake:
Turtle Tower is located in the middle of the lake. There is no bridge to conect the tower.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple are long historical relics. And every visitor will think that the turtle tower has the same age as the Ngoc Son temple since it looks very ancient. However, in the fact that the turtle tower was built in the 19th century.

According to the legend, the Turtle Tower was the place where the Golden turtle appeared to get the sword backs from King Le Loi. In the warm sunny days, the turtle still occasionally nearby the tower that makes the story of “sword of god” to be real and attractive.
And with any legends, turtle tower in the middle of the Lake became a sacred symbol of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Turtle Tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake

Activities around the Hoan Kiem Lake:
Around Hoan Kiem Lake is walking streets on the weekend from Friday night to Sunday night There are some art performances, cultural activities, street music performances, folk instruments, folk games… all is free and you can donate upon your interests.
Every weekend, the walking streets around the lake attract thousand visitors as well as local people come to enjoy.

Walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple are the cultural center of Hanoi where the beautiful sceneries is associated with historical value, the symbol of Vietnam. Therefore, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple are places should not be missed during the visit to Vietnam.
 
 

Related Articles
Unveil Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Opera House - A landmark in Hanoi city
Hanoi Temple of Literature