Learn about Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Whenever mentioning Hanoi, people cannot help but think of Hoan Kiem Lake first. That’s why, for a long time, Hoan Kiem Lake has become the pride of the people of Hanoi in particular and the people of Vietnam in general. This place not only preserves the historical beauty of the Vietnamese people but is also considered the “heart of the capital Hanoi“. Visiting Hanoi, Vietnam, I think Hoan Kiem Lake is definitely an interesting attraction that you cannot miss. So let’s explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple next to Hoan Kiem Lake with Smile Travel.

Read more:

>> Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

>> The Temple Of Literature in Hanoi

>> About Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

1. About Hoan Kiem Lake history

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Ho Guom (Sword Lake), has an area of ​​about 12 hectares and 700 meters long, surrounded by streets: Le Thai To in the West, Dinh Tien Hoang in the Northeast and Hang Khay Street in the West-South… In the past, the lake also had names such as: Luc Thuy Lake (because the water is green all year round), Thuy Quan Lake (used to review naval forces). In the 16th century, Lord Trinh divided the lake into two parts, Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake. By 1884, Huu Vong Lake was filled in to expand the capital, while Ta Vong Lake was retained, becoming Hoan Kiem Lake as we know it.

The name Hoan Kiem Lake is closely related to the story of King Le Thai To returning the magic sword to the Golden Turtle. Legend has it that, when King Le Thai To chased away the invading Ming army, he accidentally picked up a sword named Thuan Thien. That was the magic sword that Dragon King lent the king to fight the enemy. After defeating the Ming invaders and ascending the throne in 1428, during a walk on Ta Vong Lake, the Golden Turtle emerged and asked the king to return the magic sword to Long Quan. When the king returned the sword, the Golden Turtle slowly disappeared. From then on, the king decided to change the name to Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake, the name that everyone still uses to this day.

Around Hoan Kiem Lake is a system of historical relics imbued with cultural depth and unique architectural features of Hanoi such as: Ngoc Son temple, The Huc bridge, But tower, Nghien tower, Turtle tower, Hoa Phong tower, Ba Kieu temple, Nam Huong communal house… or urban heritage works imbued with Hanoi cultural style such as: King Ly Thai To monument area and Octagon trumpet practice house, Khai Tri Tien Duc Association headquarters, house no. 8 Le Thai To – President Ho Chi Minh’s residence during the early days of the Vietnamese national resistance war… Besides, the system of green trees around the lake also contributes to creating the “soul” of Hoan Kiem Lake, from the trees Ancient trees and colorful trees and flowers.

Hoan Kiem Lake is a convergence and meeting place for tourists in all four seasons. Spring is rich in traditional festivals and colorful peach blossoms. Summer blew with gusts of wind, fanning away the heat of the streets filled with the sound of cicadas. Autumn with its magical mist and willow shape that looks vaguely real or imaginary has captivated many tourists. In winter, we walk in the rain of yellow leaves, our feet lightly step on the carpet of leaves that have just shaken, rustling with the cold and the fluttering drizzle of raindrops. Every season has love, Hoan Kiem Lake is forever a glorious mark of the time of defending the country and the desire for peace of the people of Thang Long – Hanoi and the country, and is the most beautiful meeting place for Hanoians, domestic and foreign friends.

Tell tourists that if they come to Hoan Kiem Lake, they must definitely try Trang Tien ice cream and Thuy Ta lemon ice cream here, because they are the trademark dishes of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Right in front of visitors’ eyes is definitely the Turtle Tower in the distance in the middle of the lake. Turtle Tower was built in the second half of the 19th century and has long become a close symbol of the capital Hanoi. The reason it is called Turtle Tower is because the tower was built on turtle island – a small mound of land rising in the middle of the lake – where Sword Lake turtles often go to bask in the sun or lay eggs. People often call this mound Quy Son. The tower is designed to be small from bottom to top, consisting of 3 floors. The tower has four sides, each side has a door, and is decorated with exquisite patterns. At the top of the tower is a small dome, creating a harmonious and balanced whole.

To get to Hoan Kiem Lake, visitors can travel by themselves from the old town because the distance is not too far. You can also walk while admiring the scenery, watching the streets, watching people’s daily activities or enjoying delicious dishes, strange street food of Hanoi. In addition, you can also travel here by bus with buses passing through Hoan Kiem Lake: 02, 08A, 09A, 146.

2. Ngoc Son Temple – sacred temple in the heart of Hanoi

Ngoc Son Temple, located on Ngoc Island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the most famous spiritual places in Hanoi. The temple not only has unique architectural beauty but is also associated with many legends and heroic historical stories of the Vietnamese people.

Ngoc Son Temple entrance fee is 50,000 VND/person/time (about 2 USD) and visitors will buy tickets as soon as they step through the gate leading to the temple gate.

Ngoc Son Temple opening hours is from 8:00 to 18:00 every day.

Built in the 19th century, Ngoc Son Temple worships the god Van Xuong De Quan, the god in charge of literature and examinations, and Saint Tran Hung Dao, the national hero who defeated the Mongol army. The temple is a harmonious combination of traditional and modern architecture, with sophisticated lines and warm colors.

The Huc Bridge, the famous red painted bridge, is the only road leading to the temple. The bridge curves like a soft silk strip across the lake, creating an extremely romantic scene. Coming to Ngoc Son Temple, visitors can not only admire the unique architecture, but also immerse themselves in a quiet, peaceful space, wishing for good things.

The current architecture of Ngoc Son Temple basically retains the scale and style from ancient times. From the outside, the architectural works include: Nghi Mon on the outside, Pen Tower, Nghi Mon on the inside, Dai Nghien, The Huc bridge, Dac Nguyet gate, Tran Ba ​​communal house, Tien Te house, Middle hall, Hau palace, Left – Right. Vu, Kinh Thu house, Hau house (Turtle room).

Besides these historical stories full of victories, Ngoc Son Temple also brings cultural significance such as: The temple is considered a cultural symbol: Ngoc Son Temple is a symbol of Vietnamese culture, associated with patriotic tradition, the spirit of fighting for independence. And a religious center: Ngoc Son Temple is where people come to pray for peace, health and pay respect to the gods. Especially, the place has unique architecture, in harmony with the natural landscape, and is one of the most ancient and beautiful architectural works of Hanoi.

Revolving around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, traditional cultural activities take place all year round such as: traditional festivals, human beliefs and ca tru art… In addition, the street food around here is also quite good. Popular and diverse with restaurants and Hanoi culinary dishes such as bun cha, pho, and banh cuon. Around the lake is a walking street that is always bustling with images of people walking, exercising, and taking photos, because this place is also considered one of the most beautiful places in Hanoi.

Tourists can refer to some Hanoi 1 day tours recommended by Smile Travel below:

>> Hanoi Jeep Tours

>> Tour to Duong Lam Old Ancient Village

>> Hanoi City Shared Day Tour

3. Places to visit around Sword Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House, located at August Revolution Square, is one of the most typical and unique architectural works of Vietnam. Built in the early 20th century, the theater has a bold French architectural style, with sophisticated patterns and elegant colors.

Hanoi Cathedral

Hanoi Cathedral, also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, is one of the most massive and beautiful architectural works in Hanoi. This church is not only a religious site but also a cultural symbol and an attractive tourist destination.

Dong Xuan Market

As one of the largest and most famous markets in the North, Dong Xuan market has a variety of products for tourists to shop for, in addition, the cuisine in the market is also very diverse.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, located in the heart of Hanoi, is one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam. Built in the late 19th century by the French colonialists, this prison was once a place to detain and torture thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.

Over the years, Hoa Lo Prison still retains its historical traces. Prison cells, torture tools, walls imprinted with the words of revolutionary soldiers… are all living evidence of a heroic period of the Vietnamese people.

Stroll around Hanoi Old Quarter

Walking around Hanoi Old Quarter to see the bustle, enjoy super attractive street food, witness the daily lives of people, you will feel more in love with Hanoi.

Ta Hien Beer Street

With rows of ancient houses on both sides of the street, beer bars close together, along with vibrant music, Ta Hien brings an extremely youthful and modern atmosphere. Coming here, you will not only enjoy cool fresh beers and Hanoi specialties but also have the opportunity to interact and make new friends from all over the world.

So together we have discovered one of Hanoi’s precious historical and cultural symbols called Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Over the centuries, Hoan Kiem Lake has not only been a beautiful landscape but also a witness to many important events in the nation’s history. Ngoc Son Temple, with its ancient architecture and sacredness, has become an indispensable spiritual and cultural destination in the journey to explore Hanoi. If you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi, you should definitely visit Sword Lake and Ngoc Son Temple!

To search for Vietnam package tours, visitors can immediately contact Smile Travel to be provided with high quality package tours at reasonable prices. Connect with us via email: info@smiletravel.com.vn or hotline/WhatsApp: (+84) 941776786 for 24/7 support!

 

Smile Travel is one of the fast growing Tour Companies in Vietnam. We are as Inbound and Outbound Tour Operator Licence No 01-1051/TCDL-GPLHQT. We specialize in tailor-making and customizing individual, Couple, family and group tours throughout Indochina destinations.

Our Tour:

Halong Cruises Tours, Vietnam Classic Tours, Hanoi Daily Tours, Danang Daily Tours, Ho Chi Minh Daily Tours, Biking and Motorbike Tours,Vietnam Beach/ Relaxing Tours,Vietnam Muslim tour in Hanoi,Vietnam Muslim tour in Danang ,Vietnam Muslim tour in Ho Chi Minh,Vietnam Eco Tours,Vietnam- Laos Tours,Vietnam- Cambodia Tours,Vietnam- Myanmar Tours,

Our Travel Services:

Tour Guide, Car/Motorbike For Rent, Visa to Vietnam, Bus Tickets, Bus Tickets, Flight Tickets, Train Tickets

--------------------------------------------------

Head Office: