Hoàn Kiếm Sword Lake and the Turtle Tower

Shannon
Jul 12
3 min read

Updated: Sep 1

Walking Through Centuries in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is framed by the urban landscape of Hà Nộis Old Quarter, providing a tranquil contrast to the chaotic city that surrounds it. Spanning approximately 12 hectares and 700 metres long, the natural freshwater lake has stood as a historical and cultural landmark for centuries. Though the exact age of the lake is uncertain, its existence predates the founding of Hà Nội itself, with some estimates suggesting it may be well over a thousand years old.

Lake with green water surrounded by lush trees and city buildings. "Viettel" sign is visible. Sky is clear and bright.

The origins of Hoàn Kiếm are entwined with the legend of the sword of Emperor Lê Thái Tổ, a 15th-century Vietnamese monarch. According to the myth, after successfully repelling Chinese invaders, the Emperor was boating on the lake when a giant golden turtle emerged and reclaimed the sword he had used to defeat his enemies. This moment led to the lake being named "Hoan Kiem," symbolising the return of the sword to the gods. The turtle, revered in Vietnamese culture, has since become an emblem of the divine and mysterious, with a notable connection to the lakes folklore.

Preserved turtle on display in a glass case with a red velvet base. Autumn leaf mural background. Red text panel on the left.

At the centre of the lake stands Turtle Tower, also known as Tháp Rùa, an iconic structure that symbolises the legend of the returned sword. This small, three-story tower, built in the 19th century, was designed with classical Vietnamese style with a pagoda-like structure. The tower’s silhouette against the backdrop of the lake is a sight to behold, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the calm waters mirror its design. Although no longer commonly used, the Tower is also featured on the 1000 dong banknote. The inclusion of it on the currency reflects its symbolic significance in Vietnam’s heritage and underscores its national importance as a unifying icon of patriotism and peace.

Ancient stone tower on a small island surrounded by lush greenery and water, with city buildings and trees in the sunny background.

On the eastern side of Sword Lake, you’ll find Ngọc Sơn Temple, one of Hanoi's most revered sites. This temple, dedicated to General Trần Hưng Đạo, the founder of the Trần Dynasty, is an important part of the lake’s history. The temple is accessed via a red overpass called The Huc Bridge, which translates to "The Morning Sunlight Bridge,". Ngọc Sơn houses several historical artefacts, including statues of important Vietnamese deities, making it a sacred place of reflection for both locals and visitors. Nearby Jade Island, which the temple sits upon, is home to a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts the busy streets of Hanoi. Visitors can wander through the temple’s courtyard, adorned with intricate carvings and manicured gardens, providing an immersive experience into the region's Buddhist heritage.

🗺️ Location

Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Phố Hàng Trống, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

🚆 How to get there

Reaching Hoan Kiem Lake is effortless, as it lies directly adjacent to the southern edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Most visitors can simply walk south along any of the main streets and arrive at the lake within 5 to 10 minutes on foot.

⭐ Attraction Info

A chilled walk around the 1.6km perimeter takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos. Turtle Tower stands on a small islet at the centre of the lake and is not accessible to the public however Ngọc Sơn Temple is located on Jade Island at the northern end of the lake. It is open to visitors for a small entry fee of around 30000VND and accessible via the iconic red Huc Bridge. The entire area is very walkable, with plenty of cafes, street food vendors and souvenir shops nearby.