Explore graham.trimming's photos on Flickr. graham.trimming has uploaded 2271 photos to Flickr.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of Ha Noi is a quiet respite from all of the chaotic traffic of Ha Noi. The lake has also played an important part in the history and legends of the city. It is known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. In the 15th century, it is believed that the heavens sent the emperor a divine sword to chase the Chinese out of Vietnam. A giant golden tortoise of the lake came and disappeared with the sword to the bottom of the lake and the real owners of the lake, the Vietnamese, had their land returned to them. This bridge gets its radiance from red lacquered paint and is called the Huc bridge which means the rays of morning light.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi. According to the legend, emperor Le Loi handed a magic sword which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as "Luc Thuy" meaning "Green Water"). The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the center of lake is linked to the legend. View On Black

Baloons over lake of restored sword - Hanoi

Baloons over lake of restored sword - Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake, "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword" in Hanoi, Vietnam