A Legend That Shaped History
The history of Hoàn Kiếm Lake is deeply intertwined with Vietnamese legend. Its name, which translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword,” originates from a 15th-century tale. According to legend, Emperor Lê Lợi was given a magical sword by the gods to help defeat the invading Ming dynasty. After his victory, while boating on the lake, a giant golden turtle surfaced and reclaimed the sword, returning it to its divine origins. From that day forward, the lake became known as Hoàn Kiếm, symbolizing the unity and protection of the Vietnamese people.
This legend is commemorated by the Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa), a small pagoda located on an island in the lake, which serves as a reminder of the lake’s mythical past. The sight of Turtle Tower illuminated at night remains one of the most iconic images of Hanoi
TOUR OPTIONS & DETAILS
GROUP TOURS
Guide: Tran Quoc Dat guide you to his very FAVORITE street food spots in Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter.
Group Size: Limited to 7 curious foodies / Contact Us for larger groups
Tour Type: Walking Tour
Tour Length & Start Time: Length – 3hrs / Start times 8:30am & 4:00pm
Food Details: Specializing in Hanoi cuisine (foods, desserts & drinks). We’ll hit approximately 7-8 of Lylla’s favorite vendors.
Pricing – VND
- 100.000 VND/person
- Pricing includes all food & drink costs, and a welcome gift / All stops are walking distance inside the Old Quarter