Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake - The heart of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake (as known as Sword Lake) is the heart of Hanoi. This is not only a place for people to relax, take a walk, but also associate with the people of the capital in many aspects of cultural history as well as going into poetry

The history of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of the capital, surrounded by 3 streets: Hang Khay - Le Thai To - Dinh Tien Hoang. Previously, the lake also had some other names such as Luc Thuy Lake (Blue Lake) or Thuy Quan Lake (because the lake used to be a place to train combat troops). By the 15th century, the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (return the sword), associated with the return of the golden sword for the golden turtle of King Le Thai To.

Hoan Kiem Lake is a gathering place, the ideal meeting place for four seasons: Brilliant in peach blossom and traditional festivals in the spring; cages of wind dispel the heat of summer; infatuated with willow branches hanging in the fanciful mist of autumn; gorgeous in the rain of yellow leaves and drizzle drops floating in the winter.

Places not to be missed when coming to Hoan Kiem Lake

1. Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple is one of the destinations not to be missed when traveling to Hanoi. Located on an island to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the shoreline by the striking The Huc bridge painted in bright red.
Coming to Ngoc Son Temple, visitors not only admire the masterpiece of architecture imprinted with traces of nostalgic time, admire the beautiful panorama of Sword Lake but also have the opportunity to learn about the culture as well as the Little-known story pertains to the history of the temple.

2. The Huc Bridge

Along with Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge is a symbol of the charming beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake in general and Hanoi capital in particular. With unique construction architecture, many cultural values, and long history, The Huc Bridge has become an indispensable destination for every tourist coming to Hanoi.

When it was started, The Huc Bridge was designed with a shrimp-shaped bend, made of very primitive wood and painted red - the color of life and prosperity. Legend has it that at the end of the 19th century, the bridge was broken and newly built with legs made of reinforced concrete, floor, wooden railing and still retains its characteristic red color.

3. Hoa Phong Tower

Located on the banks of the lake, Hoa Phong tower is an ancient relic of Bao An pagoda after it was destroyed by the French to take land for building a post office.

4. Walking Street

Open on three weekends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be immersed in the youthful and dynamic atmosphere of Hanoi at night, with extremely attractive recreational activities. and culture

How to move to Hoan Kiem Lake?

✽ Public bus

Many bus routes are passing Hoan Kiem Lake, this is also a suitable and economical means for those who are far from the center of the capital.

• Stop at the lake parking: 09, 14

• Hanoi Post Office stop: 08, 09, 31, 36

• Stop at Le Thai To, Hang Trong intersection: 09, 31, 36

✽ Taxi

If you take a taxi, you can choose reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Taxi group, or if you want to be cheaper, you can go to Thanh Nga, Ba Sao, Thanh Cong firms …

✽ Motorbike
 A compact vehicle, suitable for individuals or groups who want to explore the area of Hoan Kiem by themselves. There are many motorbike rental locations in Hanoi to choose from.

✽ Cyclo
Lying on the cyclo is a great suggestion for visitors to relax and admire the surrounding landscape. However, to avoid being chopped, you should choose reputable brands as well as negotiate with the driver in advance for the price.

Hopefully the above information will help you have an interesting and memorable trip to Hoan Kiem Lake. For further information or tours to Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t hesitate to contact us via whats app: +84968859966 or visit our Hanoi City Tour for explore Hoan Kiem Lake

THANK YOU SO MUCH!