Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

The tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are great places to visit if you’re looking to escape the bustling streets and noise of Hanoi. The lake is located near to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the Water Puppet Theatre and is considered the center of Hanoi.
The name Hoan Kiem Lake translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword." Legend goes that in the mid-15th century, heaven sent Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword, which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden turtle grabbed the sword and disappeared into the depths of this lake to restore the sword to its divine owners; hence the name.

There is a pleasant walking path around the perimeter of the entire lake and in the middle lies the Ngoc Son Temple. The temple was built in the 18th century, and translates to Temple of the Jade Mountain. It was built in commemoration of Tran Hung Dao, a 13th century military leader and sits on Jade Island, which is reachable by Huc Bridge or the Rising Sun Bridge. This bridge is painted with classical Vietnamese design and scarlet paint and is one great love of photographers.
This is the most ideal place in all of Hanoi to sit back, relax and really take in the surrounding local life. If you visit in the early morning, you may see locals practicing Tai Chi and walking or jogging around the lake.