Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Sword Lake) is the heart of Hanoi. This is not only a place for people to relax and take a walk, but also significant to the residents of the capital in terms of history, culture, and poetry
I. Introduction to 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 (green water lake) or Thuy Quan lake (because the lake used to be a place to train combat sailors). In the 15th century, the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (returning the sword), associated with the legend of returning the treasure sword to the golden turtle of King Le Thai To.
Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal meeting place and meeting place. On weekends, there will be a pedestrian street around the lake, so people will come here to take a walk, participate in street shows and experience many delicious foods.
Hoan Kiem lake is stunning at night
II. Sightseeing facilities around Hoan Kiem Lake
To experience the trip around Hoan Kiem Lake to the fullest, you can use some of the following means of transport:
Motorbike: A compact vehicle, very suitable for individual or group travelers who want to explore the Hoan Kiem Lake area by themselves. There are many motorbike rental locations in Hanoi for you to choose from.
Cyclo: Walking around the city by cyclo is a great suggestion to help visitors relax and admire the surrounding landscape. However, to avoid being hacked, you should choose reputable and reputable companies as well as negotiate with the driver in advance about the price.
Take a cyclo round the lake is an interesting activity
Electric car: This is a new type of vehicle but is preferred by many people. The car runs through many old streets as well as landscapes and monuments around the Sword Lake area and the old town. The operating time of the tram during the day is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the evening hours from 19:00 to 23:00. Each electric car can carry 8 people, running in an average time of 35-60 minutes/trip.
III. Places to visit around Hoan Kiem Lake
1. Ngoc Son Temple
Located on Ngoc Island, Ngoc Son Temple is not only a historical relic, a famous scenic spot of Hanoi, but also a place to worship Van Xuong, the master star of academic literature and Saint Tran Hung Dao. Around the temple is a complex of architectural relics with many historical values and humanistic meanings, including The Huc bridge, Pen tower, Nghien radio, and Tran Ba communal house. The combination of Ngoc Son temple complex and Hoan Kiem lake has created a harmonious ancient architecture, contrasting between man and nature.
Dac Nguyet Lau - Gate of Ngoc Son temple
2. Hanoi opera house
Located on August Revolution Square, it was designed and built by the French in 1901 according to the model of the Opera Ganier theater in Paris. This is also a familiar and typical place that you cannot ignore when traveling to Hanoi.
Outstanding Frech architecture in Hanoi
3. Hanoi old quarters
Old houses in the Old Quarters - typical Hanoi style
Next to Hoan Kiem Lake are old streets such as Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong, etc. where visitors can visit and explore the life, culture and people as well as the unique cuisine of Hanoi. Coming here, you will be immersed in the beauty of old houses, large trees with tangled power lines. Around it is the extremely busy and bustling working life of the people here
4. Ly Thai To statue
Ly Thai To monument is located at Chi Linh flower garden on Dinh Tien Hoang street. This is a typical cultural and architectural work in Hoan Kiem Lake to honor the king who openly founded Thang Long citadel, Hanoi nowadays
Ly Thai To statue
If you have the opportunity to go to Hanoi, don't forget to explore the old town and do a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, many new and interesting things are waiting for you. Follow Vietnamtravel to discover new exciting journeys
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