Hoan Kiem Lake which means Lake of Returned Sword was formerly known as "Luc Thuy" The Green Lake, as the water was green all year round. It was renamed as Hoan Kiem after the mythical legend in 15th century, which said that when Emperor Le Loi was cruising on the lake, his magic sword "Heaven's Will" was grabbed by a turtle that swiftly varnished into the lake. It was failed in many attempts to find for the sword and the turtle. The Emperor finally concluded that The Golden Turtle God had come to reclaim the sword given to him earlier during his revolt against Chinese Ming Dynasty. To commemorate the event, Emperor Le Loi renamed the lake as Hoan Kiem.
Near northern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, there is a small island known as Jade Island, and a temple named as Temple of Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple). The Temple was erected in 18th to honor the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who defeated an alleged force of 30k Mongol warriors dispatched by Kublai Khan to extend his empire. The Vietnamese hero distinguished himself in the fight against Yuan Dynasty. Ngoc Son Temple was instrumental in its restoration in 1864 by Scholar Van Xuong and Ngugen Van Sieu, a confusion master and a famous writer. The island and temple are connected to the shore by a wooden red painted Morning Sunlight Bridge which is called as The Huc Bridge by locals.
Attractive neon light of The Huc Bridge and Lake side restaurant glittering by the side of Hoan Kiem Lake
In addition to its architectural adornments at the appearance, Ngoc Son Temple has also undergone a lot of renovations with an extension of a Pen Towel (Thap But) on its hill and a pool in the shape of an ink well inside the gate. It is believed that the sunlight will be absorbed before the ink well and led to the shrine.
The little pagoda structure is Thap Rua, The Turtle Tower. It stands in a small island at the center of the lake as to remind Vietnamese people of the great assistance of Turtle God.
The Lake is necklaced by benches and circled by people out enjoying the view. It takes about 40 minutes to leisurely stroll around its perimeter.
The mirror like Green Lake is the core of Hanoi City.
Locals call Hoan Kiem "bo ho" that means Shore of the Lake.
The depth of the lake is within 4-6 feet only.
Large soft-shell turtles have been sighted in Hoan Kiem Lake. It is believed that whoever see it, will be blessed for the whole life.
During wedding season, you can see group of professional photographers taking photos of brides and grooms on the green lawns beside Hoan Kiem Lake.
Vietnamese brides choose to retain their happy moment with the ever lasting scenic sight.
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the major scenic spots in Hanoi City that serves as a focal point for its public life.
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the breathing holes of Hanoi City. Locals gather here, chatting, relaxing and doing exercises.
The world needs people like these two young students. They did a very wholesome deed by voluntarily picking and collecting rubbish and trash to protect the lake being polluted, while others are relaxing at the lake side.
Hoan Kiem Lake was once part of Red River (Song Hong) The Lake moved eastwards to its present position through thousands of geographical changes.
The garden at the northern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hanoi is a historical city and Hoan Kiem lake is right at the center of the city. By the corners around The lake, there are temple, stupa and historical arch structure.
Open worshiping Altar for Emperor Le Loi (1385-1433).
This Monument was built in 1896 in memory of the exploits of their national hero Emperor Le Loi and later King Le Thai To who was the leader of the resistance against the invaders to liberate the country in 15th century. The cultural work was closely connected with the legend of retrieving the magic sword on Hoan Kiem Lake.
Trishaws for the tourists and scooters for the locals.
Old parts of Hanoi City sit just next to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Crowd of tourists flocked in for Water Puppet Show just around the corner of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The musician, puppeteers and the audiences.
The water puppet show.
The wooden puppets are controlled by long bamboo sticks.
A Vietnamese hat shop, an ice-cream store and an ancient living quarter, all are within courtyard of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Contrast structures at French Quarter nearby Hoan Kiem Lake. An Vietnamese praying site, modern offices and a Neo-gothic style Saint Joseph Romen Catholic Cathedral. The striking presence of the Cathedral with two large square towers which was built in year 1886-1887, looks somehow out of place at the busy streets of Hanoi. The church was closed for 10 years upon the reunification of Vietnam in 1975 and was reopened in 1985.
The French Quarter of Hanoi covers mainly the southern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. It was established in 1883 immediately upon arrival of French in the city.
In Hanoi, French Quarter is also characterized with wide tree-lined boulevards sidewalk cafes, fine dining restaurants and luxurious hotels.
The elegant French colonial buildings.
The French influenced architecture at French Quarter.
French styled villas.
Colonial buildings were converted into museums, cultural center and public site ..
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