The legend of “the lake of the returned sword” tells the story of Emperor Le Loi and a divine turtle in the 15th century. With its rich history and tranquil beauty, Hoan Kiem Lake has now become a cherished symbol of Hanoi and a not-to-be-missed attraction in any Hanoi travel itinerary.
Walking around Hoan Kiem lake is sheer joy.. but the one thing that makes all the difference to the experience is the day and time of your visit. Weekends after sun down is when it is the best. Vehicular traffic isn't allowed on weekends, so walking around is all the more relaxed and fun.