One of the most serene locations in the whole of Vietnam is the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. A mere picture of this location is quite sufficient to second the statement above. Located in the heart of the historic city of Hanoi, this lake emulates the majestic aura of unmatched beauty and history. Hoan Kiem is indeed one location that must not be missed in Vietnam. For the lake portrays some of the most breathtaking locations in the world.
Without doubt, the Hoan Kiem Lake had earned the popularity it deserves. Every day, hundreds of both locals and tourists alike visit the lakeside, for either a mere stroll or for some quiet relaxation on the many benches that border the lake. The Hoan Kiem or the Sword Lake is also famously known as “Lake of the Restored Sword”. The story behind this is just as interesting as the name it holds.
Legends go back to the boating trip of Emperor Lê Lợi, where he once indulged in a boating trip along with his magic sword. It is believed that on the midst of his ride, his magic sword was grabbed by a turtle that immediately disappeared into the expanse of the lake. A frantic attempt to find the sword was conducted but to no avail. The emperor realized that the turtle was in fact the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) who had actually surfaced from the water to claim his sword that was lent to the emperor during his battles with the Ming Dynasty. In memory of this event, Emperor Lợi named the lake ‘Hoan Kiem’ and to this day the lake, along with the turtle tower found in the lake’s island, uphold this legend of Vietnam.
There are several features throughout the lake that amplifies its beauty. The 18th century temple of the Jade Mountain, the Jade Island and the Huc Bridge are among the many ornaments of the lake. In addition to its unmatched beauty, the lake also has a naturalistic appeal, for it is the home of a very rare and endangered variety of large soft-shelled turtles.
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