1. I wasn't born or raised in Hanoi . But I'm fortunate to have studied and worked here. And I consider myself lucky that the editorial office moved to Dinh Le Book Street. Thanks to that, every day I get to admire Ho Guom Lake, breathe in the fresh air every morning, and see the shimmering lights on the lake at night. Even more special is that I get to immerse myself in the lively atmosphere of cultural events, festivals, and holidays that constantly take place around the lake. Sometimes, I even think that this place deserves to be chosen as a place for healing. Because, when my spirits are down, just a stroll around the lake will bring joy from the vibrant atmosphere created by the locals and tourists of all skin colors. Or perhaps, just by walking around the lake and paying attention to the footsteps, like meditators practicing meditation, all worries and sadness will disappear.
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Hanoi – at the intersection of the Old Quarter and the Old Town. It's also one of the rare lakes in Asia associated with a legend: after repelling foreign invaders and restoring peace, King Le Loi returned the magic sword to the Golden Turtle in Ta Vong Lake. From then on, Ta Vong Lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (the lake where the sword was returned), or simply Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected to this legend of the nation's aspiration for peace , Hoan Kiem Lake carries a mission of peace, foreshadowing Hanoi as a "City for Peace." Around Hoan Kiem Lake is a system of one-way streets resembling a revolving lantern, constantly spinning...
Some things are gone, but memories remain.
As someone who has fond memories of my twenties associated with the "Shark's Jaw" building, I believe that some things may be lost or gone, but memories remain. With the development of technology today, it's not difficult to tell a story from yesterday that connects with the story of today; what matters is having the intention. Just like our ancestors told the legend of Ho Gươm Lake hundreds of years ago, and today, future generations are enjoying peace and continuing to write the story of peace in this very "City for Peace."
2025 will be a special year for Ho Guom Lake. The Hanoi government has made decisions that will significantly impact the cultural space around the lake. These include the expansion of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the renovation of the area east of Ho Guom Lake. Earlier this year, before the demolition to expand Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a trend of checking in in front of the "Shark's Jaw" structure emerged. And towards the end of the year, as 40 households/businesses and 12 agencies/organizations prepare to relocate to make way for the renovation project east of Ho Guom Lake, regulars at Pho Thin Bo Ho or the lakeside cafes on Dinh Tien Hoang Street are left with lingering feelings...
Leaving the pho restaurant, as we strolled past several coffee shops, we unexpectedly encountered colleagues from Hanoi Moi Newspaper, An Ninh Thu Do Newspaper, and others chatting over coffee. It turned out they were also among the group of customers wanting to check in at a place that would soon become... a thing of the past. While sipping hot coffee, we enthusiastically discussed the land clearance project. We unanimously agreed that the renovation of the Ho Guom cultural space would transform these cherished landmarks into memories, and we hoped it would open up a new perspective based on preserving and promoting traditional values within a modern context.
2. Architect Nguyen Thanh Tung, Chief of the Office of the Vietnam Architects Association – a person who has been attached to Hanoi since birth and has spent his whole life deeply concerned with the architecture and planning of the capital – believes that the demolition of the "Shark's Jaw" to expand Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the project to renovate the area east of Ho Guom Lake is a major breakthrough. This will create a cultural and creative space. The issue is how to develop this cultural space based on cultural heritage. We must accept that some things will be lost, but others must be preserved, such as the temple, the trees, the historical relics – stories to be told…
Photographer Le Viet Khanh – a Hanoi resident and someone with many beautiful photos of Ho Guom Lake – believes that Ho Guom Lake has always been a symbol, familiar and beloved to the people of Hanoi. Its beauty is deeply ingrained in the people's consciousness. As the city develops and expands the space and landscape around Ho Guom Lake, it is necessary to ensure harmony between the old and the new; modernity without losing its ancient charm; and to clearly define areas that absolutely need preservation.
To capture stunning photos of Ho Guom Lake, Le Viet Khanh must deeply love the place and understand its characteristics at different times, such as seasons, transitions between seasons, the trees/branches, and even changes in weather. He has identified several classic moments for photographing Ho Guom Lake, such as: Mornings with dense fog – a phenomenon that only occurs once or twice a year at the end of winter and beginning of spring. At this time, the fog obscures almost the entire surrounding landscape, leaving only the Turtle Tower and willow branches visible. The kapok flower season – when the nearly 100-year-old kapok tree opposite the Ho Guom Post Office bursts into bloom, creating a vibrant red canopy. Midsummer, when the red of the flamboyant tree blends with the purple of the crape myrtle, complemented by clear blue skies, white clouds, and the emerald green waters of the lake…
Then there's the moment when Ho Guom Lake sparkles at night during the northeast monsoon season... And especially the fireworks display. Hanoi usually has fireworks displays during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), and it's crucial for photographers to find a good spot to capture them. He remembers standing inside Ngoc Son Temple and capturing the moment when fireworks from two different locations soared high above the Turtle Tower, creating an incredibly impressive image.
Sharing about the series of photos of flamboyant and crape myrtle flowers that went viral on social media in 2024, Le Viet Khanh said that thanks to the use of a drone, the photographer was able to capture the entire sky ablaze with red and purple blossoms. One of these photos was awarded the First Prize in Art Photography by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists in collaboration with the Hanoi Association of Photographic Artists. Sadly, not long after, Typhoon Yagi in September knocked down four large flamboyant trees around Ngoc Son Temple. "Now it's impossible to take photos like that again," Le Viet Khanh shared.
Loving Ho Guom Lake and telling its story through photography, Le Viet Khanh hopes that the cultural space around Ho Guom Lake, after renovation, will retain its original essence. Architect Pham Thanh Tung wishes that, when renovated in the 4.0 era, the cultural space around Ho Guom Lake will be preserved and developed in a new way. The heritage will create a vibrant, friendly living space, in line with the development trends of the cultural industry.
Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/khong-gian-van-hoa-ho-guom-i796849/
![[Photo] A large number of people offer incense and visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Church.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/02/21/1771668099014_ndo_br_12-resize-7721-jpg.webp)
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