Hoan Kiem Lake, Home of Hanoi’s Giant Turtle

There’s a lot to be said for having a body of water in the middle of a city. Hanoi has a lot of lakes, but Hoan Kiem Lake is in its cultural and historic heart. It may not be big–it’s much smaller than West Lake–but the Old Quarter wraps around it, making for a scenic and relaxing escape from the chaos and bustle of the Old Quarter’s streets.

In the middle of the lake is a small island with a small stone Pagoda. You can’t get to it–there are no bridges or boats to the island.

But you can get to the other slightly bigger island on the lake–Jade Island. To get there, you cross a small bright red wooden bridge (The Huc Bridge) that leads to the entrance of an 18th-century Buddhist temple–the Temple of the Jade Mountain.

The glassy waters on the lake at night set off the city lights beautifully, enhanced by more lights around parts of the lake wall and on Jade Island.

And then there are those turtles. The lake’s name translates as “Lake of the Returned Sword.” It’s based on a legend of a turtle stealing–or, more accurately, reclaiming–a sword from Emperor Le Loi. The story goes that the emperor had been given a magical sword by the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) to smite the Chinese Ming Dynasty. After successfully fending off the invaders, the emperor was boating on Hoan Kiem Lake when a giant turtle rose up and snatched the sword from him and disappeared into the depths, never to be found again. It was explained as the Golden Turtle God reclaiming the magical sword.

There are, it turns out, giant turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake, but they’re very elusive and there’s probably only one of the revered creatures left in the lake. Sightings are rare.

But in April 2011, one of the famous turtles was captured for the first time to receive veterinary care. There are only three other living examples in this species known–one other in another lake in Vietnam and a pair in a zoo in China, so the long-term prospects for the species aren’t great, to say the least. The one in Hoan Kiem Lake was estimated at 80 to 100 years old and weighing in at around 440 pounds.

Photos of Hoan Kiem

What to Know Before You Go

It’s just part of the landscape of downtown Hanoi, so it’s accessible day and night.

You can’t go to the Turtle Tower pagoda in the middle of the lake that’s pictured in the top photo, but you can cross the red Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple that juts out onto the lake.

Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

More About Hoan Kiem Lake

• Also known as “Sword Lake” or “Lake of the Restored Sword”.
• Associated with a 15th-century legend involving Emperor Le Loi and a magical sword.
• Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Home to the Ngoc Son Temple, an 18th-century temple dedicated to various historical and mythological figures.
• Features the Huc Bridge, a red wooden bridge connecting the temple to the lakeshore.
• Turtle Tower, situated on an islet in the lake, symbolizes Hanoi’s history and legends.

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake or Lake of the Restored Sword, is a significant cultural and historical site in Hanoi, Vietnam. Situated in the city’s bustling Old Quarter, the lake is central to a 15th-century Vietnamese legend involving Emperor Le Loi and a magical sword. According to the tale, the emperor received a sword from the Dragon King to fight against Chinese invaders. After successfully defending Vietnam, the sword was returned to the dragon in the lake.

The Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island within Hoan Kiem Lake, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Accessible via the iconic red Huc Bridge, the temple is dedicated to Confucian and Taoist philosophers, such as Van Xuong, and Vietnamese national heroes like General Tran Hung Dao. Visitors can admire the traditional Vietnamese architecture and learn about the temple’s history and significance.

Another notable feature of the lake is Turtle Tower, which stands on an islet in the southern part of the lake. The tower, also known as Thap Rua, commemorates the legendary tale associated with the lake and serves as a symbol of Hanoi. Early morning visitors to the lake can witness locals participating in yoga and other exercises, while on weekends, the surrounding area transforms into a lively walking street.

What’s Nearby to Hoan Kiem Lake

• Hanoi Opera House: A beautiful colonial-era building showcasing performances and events.
• Dong Xuan Market: A large, bustling market offering a variety of goods and local cuisine.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: A neo-Gothic church dating back to the late 19th century.
• The Temple of Literature: An ancient Confucian temple complex and Vietnam’s first national university.
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: A unique cultural experience showcasing traditional Vietnamese water puppetry.

How to Get to Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is situated in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The nearest major airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to reach the lake and surrounding attractions. Public transportation options, such as buses and the Hanoi Metro, are also available to navigate the city.

Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hoan Kiem Lake FAQs

Reading Recommendations

If you’d like to dive deeper with some reading before your trip or during, here’s an excellent list of books of various genres related to Hanoi put together by Vietnamese novelist and poet Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai.