Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake 河內还剑湖散散步

Known in the past as Luc Thuy Lake meaning Green Water Lake, because the water was forever green. It was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake/Ho Guom meaning Lake of the Restored/Returned Sword (or Sword Lake for short) after a legend; although related in different versions but were all associated with the emperor, the turtle and the sword.

Here's a simple version: In 1418, Emperor Le Loi was having a hard time fighting against or the invaders from the Chinese Ming dynasty. One day while he was by the lake, a giant golden turtle named Kim Qui appeared to lent him a magic sword that led him to a glorious victory. When he went to the lake again, Kim Qui appeared. The sword flew off from the Emperor's hand back to the turtle's mouth and submerged into the lake with a thunder clap and lightning flashing in the sky. 

Located in the center of the city of Hanoi and within walking distance from the Old Quarter. It's a local's favourite spot for exercising, strolling, socialising, dating and relaxing. One of the famous tourist destinations that should not be miss when in Hanoi.  

The first gate with two big red Chinese wordings of 福 meaning happiness on the right and 祿 meaning prosperity on the left together with a series of parallel Chinese writings.

The second gate with a Vietnamese dragon on the right and a tiger on the left. Dragons and tigers are symbols of stability according to Feng Shui theory. 

Huc Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge is a red wooden bridge built in an arched shaped of a sickle moon or an ivory comb. 

The bridge is a popular spot for outdoor wedding photography. It seems that this young Vietnamese couple is a match made in heaven for their faces look so much alike!

Crossing the red bridge towards the end is the Ngoc Son Temple 玉山寺 (Jade Mountain Temple ) sitting on an islet at the north end of the lake dated back to 1225 which was initially called Ngoc Son Pagoda. It has a main temple with two inter-linked sub-temples.  

With a dragon horse carrying eight I-ching of eight elements and a yin-yang mirror to ward off evil spirits on the right side of the entrance gate. On the left side is a turtle carrying a book and a sword on its back indicating knowledge and military strength. Above is a small room with round window called Moon Gazing Pavilion.

The temple is open daily from 7:30am-6pm with an entrance fee of VD20,000/RM2.90. It also serves as a small museum with relics from different historical eras, including stele writing and 1,156 valuable carved wooden blocks for printing books. There is also a specimen of a rare giant turtle 2.1m long, 1.2m wide and a weight of 250 kilo, It was believed to be 500 years old when it was found in 1967.

The three storey Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake is to remind the Vietnamese of the Giant Golden Turtle of his great assistance. There are turtles still living in the lake. To catch a glimpse of a giant turtle's head rising above the water is considered extremely lucky and be blessed with a good life.

Looking out for turtles? 

The serene lakeside ringed by a weeping willow tree made it a perfect dating spot. 

 A lovely romantic shot i caught!