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In the 15th century, the Gods gave the Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword which he used to defeat the Chinese and expel them from Vietnam. Soon after, when the Emperor was boating, an enormous turtle reached up, grabbed the sword and disappeared with it forever into the depths of the lake.

The lake became known as Hoan Kiem, or "lake of the restored sword". Some claim there is still a giant turtle down there - or is it Hanoi's own version of "Nessie"? The beautiful Hoan Kiem is just south of the old quarter and is at the center of Hanoi life.