When I was in Hanoi, I went looking for Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake. I had read that there was a lot of sporting activity at Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning. This was something I was very much looking forward to seeing. These are those typical Asian peculiarities that we rarely see here and that I was very curious about. Joining in would of course be totally cool… but would I dare?
On the second day I was in Hanoi, I got up early and walked towards Hoan Kiem Lake. My hotel was only a 10-minute walk from this wonderful lake.
Early morning activities at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam
I was very surprised that I immediately saw many people exercising when I arrived. They were stretching and some were doing Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake. I also heard music and saw people dancing! How great was this? Exactly what I came for was unfolding before me!
When I thought about this when I was still at home, I had in mind to maybe do some Tai Chi myself here… but now that I was standing there. I practiced Wu Shu for 10 years in the past, where you also learn Tai Chi… But now, now that I saw it here, I really didn’t dare to do my exercises 🙂 I sat down on a bench and watched for a while all the people who were dancing and people who were playing badminton. You see all kinds of activities, super!
Healthy Lifestyle @ Hanoi – Vietnam
I also saw birds hanging in their cages in the trees. You see that a lot in Asia, right? That people bring their bird and then hang it in the tree all day or hang it by their market stall. They are real pets here and they take good care of them!
The Statue of Ly Thai To
This statue of Ly Thai To I saw on a street somewhat near Hoan Kiem Lake. I think there had been a festival judging by all those flowers at the foot of the statue.
In the photo below you see the park that lies behind it. The next day I walked past it again and saw that a wedding was taking place. The little chapel in the middle was used for the ceremony. What a wonderful spot, right?
Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa)
When I walked on, I came to walk on the other side of the lake. Again I saw people being active. In the middle of the lake stands a building, this is Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa). There is nothing more in that building now I believe, but in the past it was the fishing spot of the former king Le Thanh Tong.
That’s a wonderful spot too!
You can see the Turtle Tower behind me here.
The Perfect Tai Chi Moment
And when I was a little further, I finally saw an older man doing his Tai Chi exercises very relaxed. This really was the perfect picture as I had it in my head. Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi… Absolutely wonderful! He did it so controlled, he was so absorbed in himself… I don’t think he really noticed that quite a few people were enjoying watching him!
Isn’t this a wonderful picture?
I really sat there for quite a while. Watching the fluidity in this man’s movement. This was exactly what I had imagined, that little tower in the background… Could it get any better?
Sometimes everything goes the way you want it… then it’s picture perfect! I felt so happy at that moment! These were those first so many defining moments in my first longer solo trip that made that journey so successful.
When I walked back, I came into the busy traffic of Hanoi again, on my way to my hotel. I felt like the happiest person in this whole world!
Staying in Hanoi Near Hoan Kiem
Would you also like to stay close to Hoan Kiem Lake? I can’t find my hotel from that time anymore, but in approximately the same place you’ll now find this beautiful The Silk Boutique Hotel.
Are you more the hostel type? Just around the corner, a bit closer to Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll find the Little Charm Hostel.
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Do you want to see some more about my Vietnam travel?
- The Famous Cu Chi Tunnels
- Canyoning in Dalat
- The Fairy Stream and the Sand Dunes at Mui Ne
- Tips for Saigon – Vietnam
- Hue, Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty, in Vietnam