Located right in Hoan Kiem district, about 1 km from The Lapis Hotel, Sword Lake is an attraction that visitors staying at the hotel should not miss. Because this place is not only one of the symbols of the capital Hanoi, but also associated with historical and cultural vestiges of the Vietnamese people.
Content
- 1 Detailed information about the schedule to visit Hoan Kiem Lake from The Lapis Hotel
- 2 Introduction to Hoan Kiem Lake
- 3 The Story of Hoan Kiem Lake (History and Culture)
- 4 Images of Hoan Kiem Lake
- 5 Famous Attractions Around Hoan Kiem Lake
- 5.1 The Huc Bridge
- 5.2 Ngoc Son Temple
- 5.3 Pen Tower (Tháp Bút)
- 5.4 Nghien Pavilion
- 5.5 Hoa Phong Tower
- 5.6 Ba Kieu Temple
- 5.7 King Le Temple
- 5.8 Hanoi Old Quarter
- 5.9 Hanoi Opera House
- 5.10 Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- 5.11 Exploring Exciting Dining Spots Around Hoan Kiem Lake
- 5.12 Shark Jaw Building
- 5.13 To Tich Street
- 5.14 Cafe Pho Co 11 Hang Gai
- 5.15 Bun Cha Cau Go
- 5.16 Trang Tien Ice Cream
- 6 Direct Contact Information to Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Detailed information about the schedule to visit Hoan Kiem Lake from The Lapis Hotel
The following is detailed information about the schedule to visit Hoan Kiem Lake from The Lapis Hotel, which visitors can refer to to help make their trip more convenient:
| Substance | Detail infomation |
| Distance to Sword Lake | The Lapis Hotel Hanoi is located at 21 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, only about 1km from Hoan Kiem Lake. |
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| Travel time |
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| Sightseeing ticket price | Sword Lake is one of the famous tourist destinations in Hanoi and is especially free to visit. Visitors to the lake will not have to pay any fees to visit the space around the lake. However, there are some prominent locations around Hoan Kiem Lake that require admission tickets, such as:
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Introduction to Hoan Kiem Lake
Located right in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake in Hanoi is likened to a splendid emerald. It is a tourist attraction due to its peaceful beauty and immense historical and cultural value.
The lake covers an area of about 12 hectares and is surrounded by bustling old streets like Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Luong Van Can,… and modern Western-style streets like Trang Tien, Trang Thi, Ba Trieu. This prime location has made it a point of intersection between the traditional beauty and the modern charm of the capital.
Hoan Kiem Lake has long been a symbol of the thousand-year-old civilized capital, a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists. Taking a stroll around the lake, you will feel the fresh, cool atmosphere and admire the tranquil lake reflecting the ancient trees.
The Story of Hoan Kiem Lake (History and Culture)
Hoan Kiem Lake has a long history, intertwined with legendary tales and special cultural values of Hanoi. The name Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) originates from a famous Vietnamese myth involving King Le Loi and a magical sword.
According to legend, in the 15th century, when the Ming army invaded Vietnam, King Le Loi received help from a magical sword. After defeating the Ming army, King Le Loi went boating on the lake to return the sword to the divine turtle, as requested by the deity. Since then, the lake has been called Hoan Kiem Lake (which means the lake of the returned sword).
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only a symbol of history but also deeply embodies the cultural and spiritual values of the people of Hanoi. The lake is a place of worship, where national heroes are commemorated, and where the residents of the capital send their hopes for peace and good fortune. It is also a space for relaxation and leisure for both the people of Hanoi and tourists.
Images of Hoan Kiem Lake
Below are some beautiful images of Hoan Kiem Lake with the Turtle Tower standing out amidst the clear waters, along with the vibrant red The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple. All these elements blend together to create a peaceful and poetic scene in the heart of the capital.
Famous Attractions Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, there are many attractive sites that you can explore when visiting Hanoi. Specifically:
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge, with its striking red color, spans Hoan Kiem Lake leading to the gate of Ngoc Son Temple. The bridge was built by scholar Nguyen Van Sieu in 1865, facing east, symbolizing “convergence of halo.” The name The Huc means “the place where the morning sunlight rests.”
Ngoc Son Temple
The temple is located on Jade Island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a historical relic of the thousand-year-old civilized land and also a symbol of the Vietnamese concept of “three religions’ unity.”
The architecture of Ngoc Son Temple reflects religious colors throughout many dynasties. The interior is decorated with many horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences, bringing an ancient and sacred beauty.
Ngoc Son Temple is both a historical relic and a famous scenic spot in the capital, Hanoi. It worships Saint Tran Hung Dao and the deity Van Xuong, who is revered as the star governing literature and exams.
Pen Tower (Tháp Bút)
Pen Tower is located on the northeastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. The tower was built in 1865 and has five floors. At the top of the tower is a symbol resembling a pen pointing to the sky, with the body of the pen engraved with three characters “Tả Thanh Thiên” (Writing on the Blue Sky). The body of the third level of the tower has a poem engraved called “Bút Tháp Chí.”
These landmarks highlight the rich history and cultural significance surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, making it a must-visit area in Hanoi. If you need more translations or have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Nghien Pavilion
Nghien Pavilion is also located in the northeastern part of the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. The body of the pavilion is inscribed with a Minh poem, consisting of 64 Chinese characters composed by Nguyen Van Sieu. This architectural work was built together with Pen Tower, symbolizing the “pen against the sky.”
Hoa Phong Tower
The tower is situated on the eastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is the only remaining relic of Bao An Pagoda – the grandest pagoda in Hanoi in the 19th century. The tower is made of brick, three stories high. The first floor has four doors, thus it is called the “Four Gates Tower.” The second floor features the Bagua symbol, while the third floor is inscribed with “Hoa Phong Tower.”
Ba Kieu Temple
The temple is located on the northeastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake and was built during the Le Dynasty. Originally a complete relic, it was split into two parts due to road construction. The main gate is close to the lake, while the temple itself is on the other side of the road, oriented south.
King Le Temple
King Le Temple is majestically situated on the western shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, near Nam Huong Temple. This prime location allows easy access for tourists and contributes to honoring the historical and cultural values of the site.
The temple is built in traditional Vietnamese architectural style with curved roofs and a soaring ridge. Inside, it worships the ancestral tablets of King Le Thai To and other kings of the Le Dynasty. Prominently, there is a statue of King Le Thai To standing on a high pedestal, holding a sword, showcasing the heroic spirit of the founder of the Le Dynasty.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter is a historical area with narrow streets, ancient houses, and traditional shops. It is an ideal place for visitors to explore the unique features of Hanoi.
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Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is located very close to Hoan Kiem Lake and is a classic French architectural structure. It is the venue for major art performances and cultural events of the capital and the country.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
This is the first and only water puppet theater in Vietnam, established in 1956. It has become a symbol of this unique traditional art form, helping to introduce Vietnamese water puppetry to international friends.
The theater hosts puppet shows for both children and international tourists to enjoy.
Exploring Exciting Dining Spots Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only famous for its picturesque scenery but also attracts visitors with its rich culinary culture. Here are some recommendations for exciting dining spots around the lake:
Shark Jaw Building
Located right at the beginning of Hang Dao Street and Cau Go Street, the Shark Jaw Building boasts one of the most prime locations in the Hoan Kiem Lake area. It attracts visitors not only with its unique architecture but also with its stunning views of the picturesque lake.
Inside this building, there are many different dining establishments. You’ll find a variety of delicious dishes, from traditional Hanoi cuisine to Korean, Japanese, and Western dishes…
To Tich Street
To Tich Street has long been famous for its delicious and appealing fruit salads and yogurts. Walking along this small street, you can easily find numerous options for your favorite desserts.
Fruit salads and yogurts with various toppings such as fresh fruits, honey, granola,… are a must-try when you visit. Additionally, To Tich Street offers a variety of tasty sweet soups like pomelo sweet soup, Thai sweet soup, durian sweet soup… Each dish has its own unique flavor, providing you with delightful culinary experiences.
Cafe Pho Co 11 Hang Gai
Located deep in a small alley on Hang Gai Street, the cafe named Pho Co 11 gives you the feeling of stepping into another world. It is completely separate from the bustling noise of the old quarter. To reach this cafe, you need to pass through winding alleys and climb old stairs.
From the high position of the cafe, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling old streets. Cafe Pho Co 11 is famous for its unique egg coffee with an unforgettable delicious flavor.
Bun Cha Cau Go
If you don’t have much time to travel but still want to enjoy delicious Hanoi bun cha, you can visit Cau Go Street. There is a delicious bun cha restaurant opposite Cau Go Market Alley, which is often crowded. The bun cha here is tasty with fragrant grilled meat, served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and rich dipping sauce.
Trang Tien Ice Cream
Mentioning Hoan Kiem Lake, everyone knows about the famous Trang Tien Ice Cream brand in Hanoi. Located on a busy street, Trang Tien Ice Cream has become one of the cultural icons, associated with the childhood of many generations of Hanoians.
Direct Contact Information to Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
In summary, a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake will allow you to learn about the history and culture of the people of Hanoi. At the same time, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and delicious food of the capital. With the insights shared by The Lapis Hotel in this article, we hope you will have a complete and memorable trip to Hoan Kiem Lake.
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