Hoan Kiem Lake, Central lake in Hanoi, Vietnam
The freshwater lake spans 12 hectares in central Hanoi, featuring a red bridge connecting to Ngoc Son Temple on its northern island.
In the 15th century, Emperor Le Loi received a magical sword from the Dragon King to defeat Chinese invaders, later returning it to a golden turtle.
Residents gather at sunrise for tai chi exercises along the shores, while the surrounding area transforms into a public square during weekend evenings.
Walking paths encircle the entire lake, with numerous benches, cafes, and shops positioned along the perimeter for visitors to rest and refresh.
The lake housed rare giant softshell turtles, with the last documented specimen of Rafetus species discovered in January 2016.
Location: Hanoi
Length: 700 m
Width: 250 m
GPS coordinates: 21.02889,105.85250
Latest update: December 1, 2025 12:58
Vietnam retains an architectural heritage that spans several centuries. From the Confucian temples in Hanoi to the Cham towers in the country's interior, including the imperial citadels of Hué, these structures reflect influences from Hindu, Chinese, and European traditions that have shaped the land. Each building illustrates a specific period, from the 7th century with Po Nagar's towers to modern constructions of the 20th century. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, founded in 1070, embodies the Vietnamese educational tradition with its five successive courtyards. In Hué, the Thien Mu Pagoda has stood since 1601 with its seven-story tower rising 70 feet (21 meters) over the Parfum River. The Cham towers of Binh Dinh and Nha Trang showcase the craft of this civilization through their brick ornaments and stone sculptures. The port city of Hoi An features an architectural ensemble from the 15th century, combining Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. These sites offer a tangible journey through the country's architectural and cultural evolution.
Public squares across Asia combine historical significance with contemporary urban life. These spaces have served as centers for commerce, political gatherings and social events for centuries, reflecting the cultural evolution of their regions. Visitors encounter monuments symbolizing national identity, religious sites preserving spiritual traditions, and architecture spanning from imperial dynasties to the present day. Notable examples include Tiananmen Square in Beijing, one of the world's largest public plazas, and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, a 17th-century masterpiece of Persian urban planning. In Kathmandu, Durbar Square showcases Newari architecture, while Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul merges modern urban design with historical references. Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul sits between Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, and Rizal Park in Manila commemorates the Philippine independence movement. These squares remain active components of urban life, offering travelers opportunities to experience local customs, street markets and seasonal festivals.
Hỏa Lò Prison
752 m
One Pillar Pagoda
2.1 km
Turtle Tower
112 m
Temple of the Jade Mountain
208 m
Hanoi Opera House
760 m
Saint Joseph Cathedral
365 m
National Museum of Vietnamese History
882 m
The Huc Bridge
209 m
Dong Xuan Market
1.1 km
Bach Ma temple
779 m
Quán Sứ Temple
898 m
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
1.6 km
Ngọc Lũ drum
705 m
Đào Thịnh bronze jar
705 m
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
611 m
Viet Dong Guildhall
822 m
Vietnam Museum of Revolution
759 m
Ô Quan Chưởng
938 m
Ham Long Church
1.2 km
Hoàng Hạ bronze drum
705 m
Binh Minh Jazz Club
815 m
Rạp Công Nhân
467 m
Phố Bích Họa Phùng Hưng
1.2 km
Heritage House
614 m
Hanoi Police Museum
818 m
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
324 m
Bronze Lamp in the Shape of a Kneeling Man
705 m
Vietnam Contempory Art Theatre - Lotus Water Puppet Center
149 mReviews
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