Hoan Kiem Lake, Home of Hanoi’s Giant Turtle
Hanoi, Vietnam
FILED UNDER: ASIA, VIETNAM
TAGGED WITH: HANOI VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA
There’s a lot to be said for having a body of water in the middle of a city. Hanoi has a lot of lakes, but Hoan Kiem Lake is in its cultural and historic heart. It may not be big–it’s much smaller than West Lake–but the Old Quarter wraps around it, making for a scenic and relaxing escape from the chaos and bustle of the Old Quarter’s streets.
In the middle of the lake is a small island with a small stone Pagoda. You can’t get to it–there are no bridges or boats to the island.