Photos

Hoàn Kiếm Lake located in the center of Vietnam’s capital city, Ha Noi, is a major scenic spot. It takes about 30-40 minutes to make a brisk stroll around the lake. Although it is not the city’s largest or deepest lake, it holds much significance to Hanoians. Many festivals and celebrations, including Liberation Day, are held at the lake.

Legend has it that during the 15t century, Emperor Le Loi of the Le Dynasty was given a magic sword by Kim Qui (the Golden Turtle God). With the heavenly sword, the king led his army to defeat the Chinese Ming dynasty army, thus reclaiming his country’s independence.

On day while boating on Luc Thuy Lake (Green Water Lake), a large turtle came towards the king’s boat. He knew that it was time to return the sword to its divine owner, and placed it in the turtle’s mouth. The turtle then disappeared into the water with the sword. The king renamed the lake Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning Lake of the Returned Sword or Lake of the Restored Sword.

Note: When I was in Ha Noi in early December, the sun would have set around 5.15pm. I used a tree trunk as a support to take this photo. Hand-held using ISO800.