How about a quick journey to the heart of Hanoi? Right there in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake sits the Turtle Tower. This iconic structure is more than just a pretty picture. It is a symbol of Hanoi and Vietnam.
The Turtle Tower stands on a small islet. It’s a peaceful spot amid the bustling city. The tower’s image is often used to represent Hanoi. This highlights its significance.
Let’s dive into the Turtle Tower’s story. It starts with Emperor Le Loi in the 15th century. He led the Vietnamese against the Ming Dynasty. Legend says a divine turtle gave him a magical sword. He used the sword to defeat the Chinese invaders. After the victory, the turtle asked for the sword back. The King returned it, and the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake. This means “Lake of the Returned Sword.” The Turtle Tower is linked to this legend.
Originally the islet was used as a fishing site. Later a temple was built. Then in 1886, during French occupation, things changed. A musician secretly working for the French got permission to build a tower. It was supposedly in honor of Le Loi. But the musician planned to bury his father there.
Locals found out about the scheme. They removed the body. Despite the controversy, the three-story tower was completed. It was initially called Ba ho Kim Tower. For a time, the French even put a miniature Statue of Liberty on top. But it was removed after French control ended.
The architecture is a mix of French and Vietnamese styles. The tower has three floors. The upper floors are smaller. The curved roof still reflects Vietnamese traditions.
The tower’s dimensions are interesting. The bottom floor is 6.28 meters long and 4.54 meters wide. It has ten doors and three compartments inside. The floors get smaller as you go up. The third floor only has one circular door.
You can visit the Turtle Tower anytime. Autumn is a particularly good time. The weather in Hanoi is cool.
To get to the Turtle Tower, head to Hoan Kiem Lake. The tower is on an islet in the lake. You can walk there if you are in central Hanoi. You can also take a taxi, Grab, or bus. Once at the lake, cross The Huc Bridge to reach the islet.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a great place to stroll. You can also visit Ngoc Son Temple. It is on another islet. The Huc Bridge offers great views of the lake.
Large soft-shell turtles used to live in the lake. They were either Rafetus swinhoei or Rafetus leloi species. Sadly, the last known turtle died in 2016.
The Turtle Tower stands as a reminder of Vietnam’s history. It represents the legend of the returned sword and the country’s resilience. So next time you are in Hanoi, take a moment to appreciate the Turtle Tower. It is a symbol of Vietnamese pride and history.