Hoan Kiem Lake is located at the heart of Hanoi. The name literally means '"The Lake of the Restored Sword'".The name refers to the 15th-century legend in which the nobleman Le Loi, who fought for the Vietnamese against Ming China, received a sword from a magic turtle living in the lake. The nobleman defeated the Ming and returned home in victory. One day, the emperor was boating in the lake when the turtle appeared asking for the sword to restore it to its heavenly owner. In memory of this event, the emperor built the Tortoise Tower on an island at the south end of the lake. Enormous turtles still live in the lake today. When they are spotted, it is supposed to foreshadow the death of one of the country's leaders.

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is one of the most enchanting spots in the city. The early morning misty air is energetic for people who throng the footpath that circles the lake for morning exercise, badminton and tai chi.