Hoan Kiem Lake is also called Sword Lake. The lake located in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam contains fresh water in abundance. It is remembered with different names like Luc Thuy Lake and Thuy Quan Lake. Due to the perfect location, the lake serves as a major tourist and picnic point in the city and has great role to play in public life.
As per some legendary stories, emperor Le Loi was boating on the lake in 1428 and at that time Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) appeared suddenly and asked for a magic sword called Heaven’s Will. Loi had an understanding that Kim Qui wants to reclaim the sword given to him during a revolt against Ming China. Therefore, the Emperor gave the sword back to the Turtle after finishing the fight with the Chinese. From this, the emperor named this lake as Luc Thuy which means green water. The very first name that was given to this lake was Ta Vong at the time when the king had not given the sword to the turtle.
A small island in the center of the lake has an ancient building called Turtle Tower. Jade Island where Temple of the Jade Mountain is situated lies close to the northern shore of the lake. This temple was constructed in the 18th century. It is built in the name of Tran Hung Dao, a military leader who earned his name during Mongol invasion of Vietnam.
A large number of local and international tourists are attracted towards it round the year as it is away from frenetic pace and noise of the bustling city. The lake also surrounds Ngoc Son Temple. To reach there, head towards Old Quarter past the main post office which is adjacent to the lake. Tickets are purchased at the booth located just before crossing the bridge. The bridge is the connection point between Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. It was built in 1985 and painted red. Foreign tourists know the bridge by another name called Bridge of the Rising Sun.
Friday to Sunday is the best time for visiting the lake. Traffic is banned towards this area after 7 PM till midnight just for the visitors so that they could have great fun. People gather here on new year eve to enjoy fireworks and wish good to the loved ones. Couples come to take wedding photos. In the early morning, you might see many coming for a morning walk. The public enjoys coffee, drinks, and the serene environment. Many people opine that Hoan Kiem Lake acts a bouquet as it makes the overall landscape of the city more beautiful and airy.
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