The Tale of Hoan Kiem Lake in the Heart of Hanoi

The Hoan Kiem Lake, or the “Lake of the Returned Sword”, is an iconic body of water located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. This lake holds a very special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, as it is steeped in folklore and legend.

According to local legend, the lake was named after a magical sword, known as the “Heavenly Sword”, which was gifted to the Vietnamese emperor, Le Loi, by a magical turtle. This sword proved to be the key to defeating the Chinese invaders and restoring peace and prosperity to the region. After achieving his victory, Le Loi encountered a giant turtle in the lake, who took the sword from him, and he named the lake Hoan Kiem, which translates as “Lake of the Returned Sword”.

The Hoan Kiem Lake has since become a national symbol of Vietnam and has been featured in many films and television shows. The lake is also home to a number of religious sites, such as Ngoc Son Temple, which is dedicated to the legendary turtle that returned the sword to Le Loi. The lake is also home to a number of small islands, the most famous of which is Turtle Island.

Today, Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination for tourists and is also a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the scenery. The lake is surrounded by a number of cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as a number of parks and gardens, making it a great spot to explore. There is also a vibrant nightlife in the area, making it a great place to explore after dark.

The Turtles of Hoan Kiem Lake

The Hoan Kiem Lake is home to the Yangtze giant softshell turtle (fafetus swinhoei), a critically endangered species. The species is thought to be extinct in the wild, with the last known example of the species living in the lake. Scientists and conservationists have made efforts over the past few years to try to breed the species in captivity, but their efforts have yet to be successful. It is estimated that the Hoan Kiem Lake may be the last remaining refuge for this species.

In 2016, the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, lost its beloved giant turtle. The turtle was believed to be over 100 years old and had been living in the lake since 1968 when it was given to the lake by the French ornithologist Guy de Foucaul.

In 2016, the lake’s habitat was severely polluted, leading to the death of the turtle. The death of the turtle was a huge loss to the Vietnamese people, as it was seen as a symbol of good luck and a reminder of the lake’s past glory. The death of the turtle also sparked numerous discussions about water pollution and the importance of proper environmental conservation. Local authorities have since invested heavily in improving the lake’s habitat, and the lake is now home to many other species of wildlife.

According to VietnamNet, the endangered Yangtze giant softshell turtle was one of only four left in the world, with one surviving creature in Hanoi’s Dong Mo Lake and the other two in China.

The Hoan Kiem Lake remains an important part of the cultural identity of Vietnam and will continue to be a source of pride for generations to come.