Lake of the Returned Sword (Hoanquiem)

Hoankiem Lake is located in the heart of Hanoi. It is a significant historical and cultural landmark of Vietnam. The lake covers an area of about 2000 square meters, its maximum depth is 2 meters.

The beautiful name Hoankiem is associated with the legend of Le Loy, a courageous peasant from the province of Thanh Hoa, who in the XV century raised the Vietnamese people against the tyranny of the Chinese Ming dynasty. According to legend, he was helped by the sea Dragon, who borrowed Le Magic Sword, with which the war was won. A year later, a large golden turtle floated out of the depths of the lake, carrying the returned sword. Since then, the lake has been called the Lake of the Returned Sword. The Turtle Tower, located on a small island in the center of the lake, is associated with legend.

Near the northern shore of the lake there is Jade Island, on which a temple was erected in the XVIII century. It is connected to the shore by a red wooden bridge. From here, a picturesque panorama of Lake Hoankiem and the surrounding park opens.