In the heart of the shopping district of the city lies the "Lake of the returned sword". It was formed in place of the old red river channel, which is now running slightly North.

In the middle of the lake stands a tower called "the Temple of the turtle" (Twap joá) and which is connected with an ancient legend, which tells the story of a Vietnamese hero of the XV century Le LOI. One day he was catching fish here, but found the magic sword. With this sword, Le LOI led a revolt against the Chinese rulers. When the hero came to the lake to thank the local spirits of the victory, the magic sword slipped from his hands and fell into the water, where it picked up a huge Golden turtle. Later was built the Temple of the turtle".

Nearby stands the temple of the jade mountain (Ngoc Dan Sean, home to a giant turtle, caught in 1968. The temple was built in the XIV century and was rebuilt several times, most recently in the nineteenth century. Here is revered military leader Tran hung Dao who defeated the Mongol invaders in the thirteenth century, van Swanga – the patron Saint of writers, La – the patron Saint of doctors and martial arts master Kuan Wu.

In the Park near the lake you can sit in the cafe or enjoy water puppet theatre.