Hoan Kiem Lake – Legendary Sword and the Beating Heart of Hanoi

When speaking of Hanoi, one cannot miss Hoan Kiem Lake – the emerald gem at the capital’s center, forever tied to the legendary tale of King Le Loi and the divine sword. From this story, Ta Vong Lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake – “Lake of the Returned Sword” – symbolizing the nation’s resilience, independence, and freedom.

The Legend of the Sacred Sword

During the Ming invasion, the Lam Son uprising led by Le Loi struggled due to limited power. Moved by the people’s suffering, the Dragon King granted Le Loi a divine sword to defeat the enemy.

The sword appeared miraculously: its blade was found by a fisherman, while the hilt shone from a banyan tree Le Loi passed by. When joined, the two parts fit perfectly – a heavenly gift to the nation’s liberator.
With the sacred sword, Le Loi’s army grew stronger, instilling fear in the Ming forces, and eventually secured independence for Vietnam.

Returning the Sword to the Golden Turtle

A year after peace was restored, King Le Loi was boating on Ta Vong Lake when a giant Golden Turtle surfaced, asking for the sword to be returned to the Dragon King. The sword on the king’s waist trembled, and realizing heaven’s will, he handed it over. The turtle dove beneath the waters with the sword, leaving behind a sparkling lake – since then known as Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoan Kiem Today – The Soul of Hanoi

Beyond legend, Hoan Kiem Lake is the spiritual and cultural heart of Hanoi. Its tranquil waters reflect the ancient Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, and the sacred Ngoc Son Temple. Both locals and travelers come here to stroll, relax, and feel the timeless essence of the city.
From Léman Old Quarter Hotel, it takes only minutes on foot to reach Hoan Kiem Lake, where guests can witness this living legend and embrace Hanoi’s most iconic symbol.
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