Lake of the Returned Sword & Turtle Temple
Lake of the Returned Sword & Ngoc Son Temple
Lake of the Returned Sword & Turtle Temple
Lake of the Returned Sword & Ngoc Son Temple
The heart of Hanoi, where ancient legends of the divine sword meet serene waters.
Hanoi
Lake
History & Culture
Hoan Kiem Lake is the main jewel of Hanoi, shrouded in 15th-century myths. According to legend, it was here that King Le Loi returned the magical sword to the divine turtle after defeating the invaders. A visit to the lake and Ngoc Son Temple offers a glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual heritage and unique architecture right in the center of a bustling metropolis.
- Duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $5
- Admission
30,000 ₫
- Languages spoken
Vietnamese, English
Good to know
History and Legend
The lake got its name in honor of the Le Dynasty. King Le Loi, having received the magical Thuan Thien sword from the turtle, expelled the Ming Dynasty invaders. Later, the turtle reclaimed the sword, thereby completing its mission of helping the people of Vietnam.
Ngoc Son Temple
Located on an island, the temple was built in 1841. It is approached via the famous bright red The Huc Bridge ("Bridge of the Rising Sun"). The complex honors prominent historical figures: the scholar Van Suong, the hero Tran Hung Dao, and La To, the patron saint of doctors. The Pen Tower (Thap But) and Ink Slab (Dai Nghien), shaped like a writing brush and inkwell—symbols of the creative spirit—hold immense symbolic significance.
Sacred Turtles
Inside the temple, you can see taxidermy specimens of the rare Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei). One of the individuals that inhabited the lake is displayed in a glass sarcophagus, serving as a reminder of nature's fragility.
The best time to visit is during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) period, when the lake transforms with festive celebrations, fireworks, and kite flying.
On site
- How to get there
On foot from the center, taxi, Grab, or bus (Bo Ho stop)
- Opening hours
Temple: 07:00–18:00 (summer), 07:30–18:30 (winter)
- Cash
Required for ticket purchases
- Dress code
Shoulders and knees must be covered