Hoan Kiem Lake: Legend and Daily Life in the Heart of Hanoi

1. The turtle legend and the origin of the name “Hoan Kiem”

The origin of Hoan Kiem Lake's name

In the past, this lake had other names like Ta Vong, Luc Thuy (Green Water Lake), or Thuy Quan, as it was once used for naval training.

The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake: King Le Loi & the Turtle God

In the 15th century, legend says that King Le Loi was given a magical sword by the Dragon God Long Vuong to fight off foreign invaders. After winning the war, the king was sailing on the lake when a golden turtle rose from the water and asked him to return the sword. Le Loi handed it over, and the turtle disappeared into the depths. From then on, the lake became known as Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword.”

What does the legend mean?

More than just a myth, the story reflects the Vietnamese spirit of patriotism and peace. It suggests that weapons are only tools to regain independence and should be set aside once peace is restored.

The Turtle God as a cultural and spiritual symbol

The Turtle God is deeply rooted in Vietnamese belief, representing wisdom, longevity, and harmony. You’ll often find the turtle symbol in Hanoi’s historic sites, such as the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple.

Do turtles still live in Hoan Kiem Lake?

Real turtles once lived in the lake. Sadly, the last known giant turtle died in 2016. Today, you can see its preserved body at Ngoc Son Temple, located on the lake itself.

2. What to See Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Turtle Tower – A Symbol of Hanoi

Turtle Tower sits on a small islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Built between 1884 and 1886 during the Nguyen Dynasty, it blends Vietnamese and French architectural styles.
The three-tiered tower features a small altar at the top and is closely tied to the legend of King Le Loi returning the sacred sword to the Turtle God. Click to see the legend of Turtle Tower

Not many people know that over a century ago, a small Statue of Liberty once stood on top of Turtle Tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

It was placed there by the French around 1890, just a few years after the tower was built by Ba Ho Kim, a wealthy and respected Hanoian. Some say he built the tower to secretly bury his parents’ remains. Others remember him as the brave man who dared to give General Hoang Dieu a proper burial after the fall of Hanoi, when everyone else fled.

The statue, nicknamed "Ba dam xoe" (the lady with the wide skirt) by locals, stood on the tower for years before being taken down due to growing resentment. In 1952, after years of being hidden away, it was finally melted down to cast a massive bronze Buddha for a pagoda nearby. Today, Turtle Tower still stands in silence, holding within it a story far more complex than its quiet reflection in the lake suggests.

Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge

On a small island at the northern end of the lake lies Ngoc Son Temple, a major cultural site in Hanoi. To reach it, visitors walk across The Huc Bridge, a curved wooden bridge painted bright red, built in 1865. Its name means “place where sunlight rests.”

Brush Tower and Ink Slab (Tháp Bút and Đài Nghiên)

Before crossing The Huc Bridge, you’ll see the Brush Tower, shaped like a calligraphy brush pointing skyward. Built in the 19th century, it carries the words "Tả Thanh Thiên" (Write in the blue sky). At its base is the Ink Slab, held by three stone toads - a tribute to learning and folk wisdom.

• The Huc Bridge

The Huc Bridge was built in 1865. Its name translates to "the place where the morning sunlight rests." With its traditional wooden architecture and vermilion red color, the bridge features an elegant curve that joins the shore to Ngọc Island, where the temple is located.

Inside Ngoc Son Temple

The temple honors three figures:

• Guan Yu (Quan Van Truong), a symbol of loyalty and strength
• Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who fought against Mongol invasions
• Van Xuong De Quan, the deity of knowledge and literature

Its traditional roof and calligraphy panels blend beautifully with the peaceful lake surroundings.

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Other places around the lake

• Ba Kieu Temple

Located just across from Ngoc Son Temple, Ba Kieu is one of Hanoi’s oldest temples. Built during the Later Le Dynasty, it honors the three Mother Goddesses in Vietnamese folk religion. Though modest in size, it holds strong spiritual meaning.

• Ly Thai To Square and Flower Garden

On the east side of Hoan Kiem Lake, this open plaza features a statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, who moved Vietnam’s capital to Thang Long (now Hanoi) in 1010. Today, the square is a favorite public space for locals, hosting morning workouts, street art, and weekend events.

• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Right next to Hoan Kiem Lake on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers a unique glimpse into one of Vietnam’s oldest art forms. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry tells stories of village life in the northern delta using wooden puppets that glide across the water.

Before the show, there’s a short introduction in both Vietnamese and English. During the performance, the language is Vietnamese, but the music, movements, and expressions make it easy to follow. Tickets cost between 100,000 and 200,000 VND, and each show lasts around 50 minutes. This is a popular cultural activity near Hoan Kiem Lake, especially for first-time visitors.

>>> Learn more about: Vietnam Water Puppetry

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3. Everyday Life Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is more than a tourist attraction. It’s where local life unfolds from dawn until night.

In the early morning, people come here to walk, stretch, practice tai chi, or simply enjoy the quiet. Kids play traditional games like shuttlecock kicking, hopscotch, and the stone-counting game ô ăn quan. In the evening, the lakeside fills with couples, families, and groups doing aerobics or relaxing under the trees.

On weekends and holidays, the streets around the lake turn into a pedestrian-only area. You might come across live music, art shows, book fairs, or pop-up markets. Street artists draw portraits, vendors sell fruit or snacks, and groups gather to dance or perform. It’s lively, but still feels relaxed.

Be sure to stop for a local egg coffee at Café Đinh, hidden in a small alley near the lake. Or try a scoop of Tràng Tiền ice cream, a Hanoi classic loved by generations.

If you want to see the lake from a different angle, take a short ride in a xich lô, Hanoi’s traditional tricycle. On foot or by bike, the area is a great place to slow down and take in the rhythm of the city. Right nearby, you’ll also find stops for electric carts and the double-decker sightseeing bus.

4. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Did the Turtle God of Hoan Kiem Lake really exist?

Large turtles once lived in Hoan Kiem Lake and were occasionally spotted by both locals and tourists. However, the "Turtle God" from the legend is a mythical figure deeply tied to Vietnamese culture. The real turtles belonged to a rare species that is now extinct in the lake.

Are there other places in Hanoi connected to the Le Loi legend?

No. The story of King Le Loi returning the magical sword to the Turtle God is only linked to the Hoan Kiem Lake area, including Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple.

Conclusion

Hoan Kiem Lake is more than just a pretty spot in central Hanoi. It's a place of legend, history, and everyday life. The tale of King Le Loi and the Turtle God remains one of Vietnam's most cherished stories, blending myth with national pride.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the deeper meaning behind the lake, discover what to see, and feel more connected to the rhythm of life in the capital.

Take time to walk along the lake, sip a local egg coffee, or enjoy an ice cream on a quiet bench. Slow down and let the spirit of Hanoi sink in.

If you'd like to explore Hanoi and Vietnam with a private, tailor-made tour, feel free to contact Kampá Tour.

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