Turtle Tower

Welcome to the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, the emotional and spiritual center of Hanoi. Standing on a small island in the southern part of the lake is the Thap Rua, or Turtle Tower, arguably the most iconic and photographed…

The story of the Turtle Tower begins with a divine intervention. In the early 15th century, Vietnam was struggling under the occupation of the Ming Dynasty. …

The site where the Turtle Tower now stands has not always been so grand. In the late 15th century, King Le Thanh Tong built a small fishing shack on the island to enjoy the lake's cool breezes. …

The Turtle Tower is a relatively small structure, but its proportions are perfectly suited to the scale of the lake. It consists of three distinct levels, or 'tiers,' each smaller than the one below it. …

While the legend of the Golden Turtle is ancient, the presence of real giant turtles in the lake was a living reality until very recently. The species, known as Rafetus swinhoei or the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, is one of…

As the sun sets over Hanoi, the Turtle Tower undergoes a dramatic transformation. A sophisticated lighting system, installed in recent years, bathes the tower in a soft, golden glow. …

The area of the lakeshore nearest to the Turtle Tower is the epicenter of the weekend walking street. From Friday evening to Sunday night, the roads surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake are closed to all vehicles, turning the heart of the…

As we conclude our tour of the Turtle Tower, we take one last look across the Emerald Lake. This small tower on its lonely island is far more than an architectural landmark; it is the physical heart of Hanoi. …