Top 10 Sensational Facts about Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake by Ltn12345 – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is undisputed as one of Asia’s most beautiful lakes. Known as one of the best places to visit, it has many spectacular facts about it, making this attraction pretty interesting for all visitors. Hoan Kiem Lake, formerly Saigon Lac and French Lac, is located in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City.

This 500-acre lake is surrounded by a row of trees on both sides and serves as a natural setting for the city’s gardens. The beauty of this area is irresistible. When planning your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, schedule some time to explore Hoan Kiem Lake. Here are ten fascinating facts about this much-loved location.

1.Hoan Kiem Lake is Named After a Legend of the 15th Century

Hoan Kiem Lake by Christophe95 – Wikimedia Commons

The sword lake is named after a unique legend in the 15th century since it was initially called Luc Thuy Lake. A fisherman called Le Than caught a sword in a fishnet while fishing. He gave the blade to the leader of Le Loi in the Lam Son insurrection against the Chinese invaders. One day Le Loi climbed a banyan tree and found a jewelled hilt that was a part of the sword given to him by Le Than; using the magic sword, Le Loi won the battle.

When he became king of Vietnam, a golden turtle appeared on the surface of the Luc Thay Lake and asked him to return the magic sword to the Dragon King. The turtle god took the magic sword to the lake. That is a fascinating story behind Sword Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake.

2.Hoan Kiem Lake is the Largest Freshwater Lake in Southeast Asia

Evening at Hoan Kiem Lake by Caitriana Nicholson – Wikimedia Commons

Hoan Kiem Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is considered one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions. The lake contains fresh water from the spring at its southern end, which flows through various channels to join the Nam Hoa River that empties into the South China Sea.

Hoan Kiem Lake is a freshwater lake located in the city of Hanoi. It is also known as the Lake of Red Flowers because many colourful flowers, especially azaleas and camellias, can be found there. These flowers are closely related to Ba Na Hills, nearly 1km from Hoan Kiem Lake.

3.Hoan Kiem Lake is One of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Its stunning scenery and cultural heritage make it a must-go for all tourists. The lake is known for its popular tourist attractions, such as the Temple of Kuan Yin, the Money Museum and some of the most impressive monuments in the city as well.

Located within Ho Chi Minh’s former home district, this tourist destination is frequented by tourists from numerous countries.

4.Hoan Kiem Lake is the Largest Man-Made lake in Southeast Asia

Hoan Kiem Lake is the largest artificial lake in Southeast Asia, and its western shore runs along a historic UNESCO world heritage site, stretching 11 km from the central city area. It is home to numerous floating restaurants, water sports and other activities, including transport rides and rickshaw rides similar to those found in the nearby Old Quarter.

Its centrepiece is the Pedder Building which houses offices for civilian business. The lake is also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies having over 5 million visitors annually.

5.Hoan Kiem Lake is Popularly known as Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake, commonly known as Hanoi, is an urban lake with a length of 1,700 meters and a width varying from about 150 to 200 meters. It has two branches, Viet Vuong, the East Branch, and Viet Bac, the West Branch that flows into the Nam Hau River, the capital’s second main waterway.

Its basin covers an area of 928,000 square meters, and its water volume is 15 million cubic meters. Hoan Kiem Lake lies in the northeastern part of Hanoi, next to Xuan Dieu Lake, the West Lake.

6.Turtle Tower is a Landmark in the Center of Hoan Kiem Lake

The Turtle Tower at the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake by Syced – Wikimedia Commons

The most outstanding turtle tower has been a significant landmark in the center of Hoan Kiem lake for almost 150 years. It was previously used as a resting place for the king when he was out fishing. It is now the pride and heritage of the people of Hanoi. During the French occupation, the revolutionary flag of Vietnam was raised to the top of the turtle tower.

It was a reminder to the Vietnamese people to constantly fight against the invaders and protect their country. The tower symbolizes unity and patriotism to the Vietnamese people even though the outlook is not built in Vietnamese style and design.

7.Hoan Kiem Lake is Located in Hoan Kiem Park

Sunrise at Hoan Kiem Lake by VŨ HÙNG – Wikimedia Commons

Hoan Kiem Lake, located in Hoan Kiem Park, is a vital city feature. The lake is named after a Vietnamese legend, Buddha, who flew over the lake on a lotus leaf to spread his teachings among the people. This lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Several historical sites around this lake include the Temple of Literature, Royal Palace and French Concession.

8.Hoan Kiem Lake Was Once a Salt Pan, Where Human Settlement Began Before AD 1400

Hoan Kiem Lake was once a salt pan where human settlement began before AD 1400. During World War II, Hoan Kiem became one of the most critical strategic strongholds during the battles between France and Viet Minh forces.

9.Hoan Kiem Lake Has Famous Places to Explore

Hoan Kiem Lake, a famous Vietnamese lake, including Hoan Kiem Park and Tay Son Church, has had snow and wind throughout the life of Vietnam. More than 30% of snow and wind clearing are obtained from Hoan Kiem Lake, but they are deep in the highlands, listening to the leaves. Because this perfect park is named La Bang Ba, people use the name Hoan Kiem.

10.Ngoc Son Temple is Located at the Center of Hoan Kiem Lake

You can quickly locate the Ngoc Son Temple by looking from any side of the lake. The name Ngoc Son means the Temple of Jade Mountain. It was built in the 18th century, and the primary purpose is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a war hero who defeated more than 300,000 Mongolian soldiers invading Vietnam. You can find the altars and a preserved specimen of the giant turtle, about 250kg.