New look of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi’s Autumn

After five months of paving natural stones to replace dilapidated bricks, Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of Hanoi has been given a facelift, which is a pleasant surprise for many residents. According to the legend that dates back to the 15th century, King Le Thai To found a holy turtle during a cruise on the then Luc Thuy, or Green Lake. The turtle told the king to return the sacred sword that had helped him defeat the northern Ming aggressors, now that peace had returned. Le Thai To unsheathed his sword and threw it to the turtle. He later named the lake "Hoan Kiem" (Lake of Returned Sword). (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The stone paving on the entire Hoan Kiem Lake pavement gives a facelift to the area, as it looks cleaner and more spacious. A proposal by the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district to build an embankment around Hanoi's iconic site has been applauded by many local residents. The proposal was made to address areas around the lake that have seen various degrees of subsidence and breaking up over the past few years. Under the project, embankment around the lake’s banks was built using precast concrete blocks. Each hollow block will be 2.5 metres in height and 1.6 metres in width. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The concrete revetments used on the embankment are made of new materials which can resist corrosive agents. The embankment is painted in a mossy-green to match its surroundings, with gaps to grow aquatic plants. The method of using hollow concrete blocks had been in use in many other countries. The blocks are made from special materials suitable for Hoan Kiem Lake, and there is space for aquatic plants. The lake is located at the heart of Hanoi, a bustling area seeing heavy traffic every day, putting up with a large level of vibration and severe weather conditions in the north of Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A large number of people sit and jog around the lake every day for a moment of tranquillity and delight, thanks to its optimal location, scenery and perimetre of 1,750 metres. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Old Quarter streets including Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang to the east and Hang Khay to the south. People can be seen walking around the lake all the year round, especially during the weekends with fair weather of Hanoi’s Autumn. At that time, the air will be a little cooler, filled with gentle sunshine and clear blue sky. The lake is also among the top destinations for foreign tourists. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

People enjoy their time contemplating the picturesque scene offered by Hoan Kiem Lake during Autumn. The entire embankment would be about 1,600 metres in length, including 600 metres of subsided sections. The concrete blocks are made from special materials suitable for the lake, and there is space for aquatic plants. The pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas in downtown Hanoi has been put into operation since January 1, 2020, after three years of trial operation. The creation of the pedestrian streets has become a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors with some 3,000-5,000 arrivals during daytime, and 15,000-20,000 in evening. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Nguyen Huu Xi, a resident in Hoan Kiem district, looks at the iconic Thap Rua (Turtle Tower) situated at the centre of the lake. With a new, modern and refreshing look, he said he finds the lake more beautiful than ever. Many Hanoians have applauded a proposal by the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district to build an embankment around Hoan Kiem Lake, saying that would make the landscape around the icon of Hanoi cleaner and more beautiful. Xi voiced his hope that more projects will be rolled out in the time to come to give a facelift to the capital city. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

People seen at the lake. After two months of paving natural stones to replace dilapidated bricks, Hoan Kiem Lake in the downtown district of the same name in Hanoi has been given a facelift, which is a pleasant surprise for many residents. According to the legend that dates back to the 15th century, King Le Thai To found a holy turtle during a cruise on the then Luc Thuy, or Green Lake. The turtle told the king to return the sacred sword that had helped him defeat the northern Ming aggressors, now that peace had returned. Le Thai To unsheathed his sword and threw it to the turtle. He later named the lake "Hoan Kiem" (Lake of Returned Sword). (Photo: VietnamPlus)

On the occasion, Hanoi opened an exhibition on the history of the capital city, attracting a large number of visitors. An array of events was held to mark the 1,010th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi. Of note, an exhibition themed ‘Kinh Do Muon Doi’ (The eternal capital) was arranged at the Thang Long Royal Citadel as part of activities to celebrate 1,010th anniversary and the 66th anniversary of the city's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2020). Held by the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, the exhibition aims to highlight the role and vision of King Ly Thai To in moving the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La and then renaming Thang Long 1,010 years ago. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Flower beds of myriad colours adorn the improved embankment around Hanoi's iconic site of Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Guom (Sword) Lake. The trees and flowers here are regularly tended by devoted workers. Large-scale flower arrangement will be on display at the lake to commemorate special occasions of the country, such as National Day (September 2), or when Vietnam hosting major international events. Hanoi has become more and more integrated into the world, having been given the title 'A City for Peace' by UNESCO. Hanoi is also known as a safe and friendly destination, with consistent successes of many international events. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The bright colours of flowers are believed to give a facelift to and revitalise Hoan Kiem Lake. The trees and flowers here are regularly cared for by devoted workers. A statue of King Ly Thai To is located on the east side of the lake. He moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La and then renaming Thang Long 1,010 years ago. His statue depicts the King holding the Thien do chieu (Edict on the Transfer of the Capital). The compound surrounding the statute has been a place for local people to visit and spend time leisurely. It also hosts various significant cultural events of the country. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A worker waters the trees and plants grown on the embankment of Hoan Kiem Lake. Large-scale flower arrangement will be on display around the lake to commemorate special occasions of the country, such as the National Day (September 2), or when Vietnam hosting major international events. Many local residents have applauded a proposal by the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district to build an embankment around Hoan Kiem Lake, saying that would make the landscape around the icon of Hanoi cleaner and more beautiful. The pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas in downtown Hanoi has been put into operation since January 1, 2020, after three years of trial operation. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Hoan Kiem Lake affirms its status as an ideal destination of the capital city’s citizens after getting a facelift. The pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas in downtown Hanoi is put into operation from January 1, 2020, after three years of trial operation. The creation of the pedestrian street has become a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors with some 3,000-5,000 arrivals during daytime, and 15,000-20,000 in evening. The streets are open from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7pm to 12pm in summer and from 6pm to 12pm in winter. The Hanoi People’s Committee has assigned Hoan Kiem district to expand the pedestrian zone to the south of the Old Quarter. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An elderly woman rests at the embankment. The entire embankment is about 1,600 metres in length, including 600 metres of subsided sections. The concrete blocks are made from special materials suitable for the lake, and there is space for aquatic plants. The concrete revetments used on the embankment are made of new materials which can resist corrosive agents. The method of using hollow concrete blocks had been in use in many other countries. The blocks would be made from special materials suitable for Hoan Kiem Lake. The makeover is a pleasant surprise for many people, event people who spend a lifetime living in the city. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

After five months of construction, the 1,500-meter embankment around Hoan Kiem lake, has been completed, giving it a makeover that earned the recognition as the work in celebration of the 1,010th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi. In 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu (the northern province of Ninh Binh, about 100km south of Hanoi) to Thang Long (now Hanoi). The capital city has experienced ups and downs through different dynasties. Hanoi has become more and more integrated into the world, having been given the title 'A City for Peace' by UNESCO. Hanoi is also known as a safe and friendly destination, with consistent successes of many international events. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Areas surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake are covered by lush green trees. The concrete revetments used on the embankment are made from new materials which can resist corrosive agents. The embankment is painted in a mossy-green to match its surroundings, with gaps to grow aquatic plants. The trees and flowers here are regularly tended by dedicated workers. “Lieu” (weeping willow) is the most common trees grown at the embankment of the lake. Large-scale flower arrangement will be on display at the lake to commemorate special occasions of the country, such as the National Day (September 2), or when Vietnam hosting major international events. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A man points at a stele recognising the 1,500-meter embankment around Hoan Kiem lake as the work in celebration of the 1,010th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi. A large number of people sit and jog around the lake every day for a moment of relaxation and delight, thanks to its optimal location, scenery and perimetre of 1,750 metres. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Old Quarter streets including Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang to the east and Hang Khay to the south. People can be seen walking around the lake all the year round, especially during the weekends with fair weather of Hanoi’s Autumn. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The work on improved sidewalks and stone pedestals at Hoan Kiem Lake started in 2010 as the construction marking the millennial anniversary of the capital city. Following many disruptions, the project could be resumed only in January this year and finished in early October. After five months of construction, the embankment earned the recognition as the work in celebration of the 1,010th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi. As the resurgence of COVID-19 in Vietnam has been basically brought under control, the tourism sector in the capital city of Hanoi has been swiftly making plans to attract visitors again and gradually return to previous levels of growth. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Architect and researcher Nguyen Quoc Thong, former Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Architects' Association, said that the improved sidewalks and stone pedestals at Hoan Kiem Lake create a harmony in architecture, and unevenness could not be sensed. The concrete revetments used on the embankment are made of new materials which can resist corrosive agents. The embankment is painted in a mossy-green to match its surroundings, with gaps to grow aquatic plants. The method of using hollow concrete blocks had been in use in many other countries. The blocks are made from special materials suitable for Hoan Kiem Lake, and there is space for aquatic plants. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Motorcyclists and pedestrians stop to look at pigeons at the surrounding areas of the lake. A large number of people sit and jog around the lake every day for a moment of relaxation and delight, thanks to its optimal location, scenery and perimetre of 1,750 metres. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Old Quarter streets including Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang to the east and Hang Khay to the south. People can be seen walking around the lake all the year round, especially during the weekends with fair weather of Hanoi’s Autumn. The creation of the pedestrian street has become a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors with some 3,000-5,000 arrivals during daytime, and 15,000-20,000 in evening. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Daily activities take place around the lake. The lake houses various famous landmarks, including Thap Rua and The Huc, a small bridge linking the bank with a small islet where Ngoc Son Temple is located. The temple, a tourist destination, was built in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty, attracting numerous visitors. Many people travel to the lake every day for a moment of relaxation and joy. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Old Quarter streets including Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang to the east and Hang Khay to the south. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An outright ban on smoking will be imposed in 30 popular tourist destinations in Hanoi, including famous landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple at a small islet on Hoan Kiem Lake and nearby Ba Kieu Temple. Anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined between 100,000 – 300,000 VND (4.3-13 USD). Hoan Kiem district is home to 190 historical sites and nearly 20 cultural tourist destinations, 311 restaurants and hotels of three stars upwards. Aiming for a clean tourism environment, the district People’s Committee has carried out the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control at all restaurants, hotels, accommodation establishments, schools, hospitals and offices in the locality. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A large number of people sit and jog around the lake every day for a moment of tranquillity and delight, thanks to its optimal location, scenery and perimetre of 1,750 metres. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by Old Quarter streets including Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang to the east and Hang Khay to the south. People can be seen walking around the lake all the year round, especially during the weekends with fair weather of Hanoi’s Autumn. At that time, the air will be a little cooler, filled with gentle sunshine and clear blue sky. The lake is also among the top destinations for foreign tourists. (Photo: VietnamPlus)