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The red Thê Húc Bridge lined with flags
Photo: josh jackson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Temple Draft · not yet reviewed

Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple

The “Lake of the Returned Sword” south of the Old Quarter. On Jade Islet stands Ngọc Sơn Temple, reached by the red Thê Húc Bridge.

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Photos

  • Turtle Tower in Hoàn Kiếm Lake
    Turtle Tower in Hoàn Kiếm Lake
  • A hall of Ngọc Sơn Temple
    A hall of Ngọc Sơn Temple

Guide text

Short guide (~1 min)

This is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the “Lake of the Returned Sword.” Legend says that after defeating the Ming, Lê Lợi was boating here when the Golden Turtle God rose and asked for his sword, and he returned it. On the islet in the north of the lake stands Ngọc Sơn Temple, reached by the red Thê Húc Bridge.

Full guide (~3 min)

This is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the “Lake of the Returned Sword.” It was once also called Lục Thủy, “Green Water.”

The name comes from a legend. After defeating the Ming, Lê Lợi was boating on the lake when the Golden Turtle God, Kim Quy, surfaced and asked for his sword. Lê Lợi returned it, and the lake has carried that name ever since. Turtle Tower, on a small island near the middle of the lake, recalls this story.

On Jade Islet in the north of the lake stands Ngọc Sơn Temple. You reach it over Thê Húc Bridge, a wooden bridge painted vermilion whose name means “Perch of the Morning Sunlight.” Near the bridge are the Pen Tower and the Ink Slab, both of symbolic meaning.

The temple was originally dedicated to three figures: Wenchang Dijun, Guan Yu and Lü Dongbin. Later the national hero Trần Hưng Đạo was also honored here. Inside, a preserved giant turtle from the lake is on display.

A walking path circles the lake, and in the morning many people exercise here. Why not take a slow stroll around it?

Practical info

Opening hours
Being verified
Admission
Being verified
Suggested time
45 min

Etiquette

  • Remove your hat and keep quiet inside the temple.
  • Ask before photographing people who are praying.
  • Dress code at temples: At pagodas and temples, cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf is handy.
  • Manners when visiting shrines: Remove your hat indoors and speak quietly. Ask before photographing people who are praying.

Sources