Ho Con Rua - Turtle Lake

Ho Con Rua - Turtle Lake – A Special Destination in Saigon

Ho Con Rua - Turtle Lake, one of the special and deeply ingrained places in the lives of Saigon's people, is located in the heart of District 3. It is not only a unique architectural work but also a place associated with many historical, cultural stories, and interesting legends.

1. Location and Role in Saigon

Turtle Lake, officially named International Square, is situated at the roundabout intersection of three streets: Vo Van Tan, Pham Ngoc Thach, and Tran Cao Van. This spot is always bustling with people, from locals, tourists, to young people gathering to date, chat, or enjoy street food. With its prime location near Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, Turtle Lake is one of Saigon's cultural and historical symbols, offering a harmonious blend of the city's ancient and modern aspects.

2. Origin of the Name "Turtle Lake"

The name "Turtle Lake" originates from the area's unique design in the 1960s-1970s. Initially, it was built as a decorative and traffic regulation project with a round lake at the center. In the middle of the lake was a turtle-shaped pedestal, symbolizing stability and longevity. However, over time, the turtle figure no longer exists, but the name Turtle Lake has become an inseparable part of Saigonese memory.

3. History of Formation and Development

Nguyen Dynasty Era: In 1790, the area where Turtle Lake is now located was the Khai Hoan Gate of the Bat Quai Citadel. After the citadel was demolished, Khai Hoan Gate became a connecting point outside the citadel and the riverside.

French Colonial Period: After capturing the Gia Dinh Citadel, the French re-planned the area and built administrative structures such as the Governor's Palace and the Postal Building. In 1878, a water tower was built at Turtle Lake to supply water to residents. By 1921, the water tower was demolished, and the area became Maréchal Joffre Square, later known as Square Warrior, creating a green space and an architectural highlight for the city.

Water tower at the current location of Turtle Lake in the late 19th century

Republic of Vietnam Era: From 1965-1967, under President Nguyen Van Thieu, the area was renovated and built according to architect Nguyen Ky's design. From 1970 to 1974, Turtle Lake was refurbished with five high concrete pillars shaped like spread hands, a central tower 34 meters high, and a traffic roundabout nearly 100 meters wide. Initially called Freedom Fighters Square, it was renamed International Square after 1972.

Turtle Lake during the Republic of Vietnam era

Decorated with greenery and an octagonal fountain with four spiral walkways leading to a memorial, it features a stone stele with the names of countries recognizing the Republic of Vietnam and a metal turtle figure. This period also saw the popularization of the name "Turtle Lake."

Post-1975: After the country's reunification, Turtle Lake became a familiar spot for Saigon's residents, from leisurely strolls, chatting to cultural and culinary activities. Despite many changes, it retains a special allure.

4. Unique Architecture and Feng Shui Symbolism

Turtle Lake features a unique design, combining modern style with Eastern touches:

• Central Lake and Pedestal: The round lake symbolizes completeness and fullness. The central pedestal was originally turtle-shaped, symbolizing longevity and stability in Eastern culture.
• Circular Walkway: The walkway is designed in a circular pattern around the lake, creating a sense of constant flow. It is also an ideal place for people to walk and enjoy the scenery.
• Greenery and Open Space: The area around the lake is covered with lush ancient trees, creating a relaxing and pleasant environment in the midst of the bustling city.

5. Legendary Stories

Turtle Lake is not only a beautiful spot but also enveloped in many legendary stories:

5.1. Feng Shui Story:

It is said that in 1967, when General Nguyen Van Thieu became President of the Republic of Vietnam, a Chinese feng shui master visited Independence Palace to assess the land. He believed the palace's location was the "dragon's head" in a geomantic configuration, but the dragon's tail (at Square Warrior) was restless, suggesting the President's career would be unstable. Therefore, he proposed building a large turtle to calm and stabilize the "dragon's tail." With its circular design and turtle figure, this project was believed to bring peace and prosperity to the city.

There are rumors that the turtle was demolished due to an unfortunate event, and since then, the lake no longer holds its original feng shui significance.

The turtle statue in the past (now gone)

5.2. Turtle Lake Incident:

On the night of April 1, 1976, a group opposing the unified Vietnamese government planted a bomb at Turtle Lake to "free the dragon's tail." However, the security forces foiled the plot, and the participants were arrested, creating the "Turtle Lake Case." This incident was later adapted into a film in 1985, based on a book by journalist Huynh Ba Thanh.

6. Turtle Lake – Cultural and Culinary Gathering Spot

Turtle Lake is not only an architectural work but also a place that vividly showcases Saigon's cultural and culinary life.

Gathering Space: Turtle Lake is an ideal meeting place for all ages. During the day, it's a perfect spot for walking, chatting, and feeling the peace amidst the city's heart. At night, the space becomes vibrant with twinkling lights and bustling crowds.

Street Food Paradise: Around Turtle Lake, numerous eateries, food carts, and vendors offer Saigon's signature dishes such as banh trang tron (mixed rice paper), corn sauté, peach tea, and sugarcane juice. These simple yet flavorful dishes have become an essential part of the tourist experience here.

Conclusion

Dear guests, Turtle Lake is not just a location but also a part of Saigon's memory, history, and culture. Here, you will feel the dynamic yet peaceful rhythm of life, where old and new values blend.

Let Turtle Lake be a place where your memorable experiences are marked when visiting the city named after Uncle Ho.

Memorable Experiences at Turtle Lake
When visiting Turtle Lake, you can:

• Walk around the lake: Enjoy the fresh air and admire the unique architecture.
• Savor the cuisine: Try a cup of milk tea or a bag of mixed rice paper – favorite snacks of many young people.
• Capture photos: Turtle Lake's green space and unique architecture will surely provide beautiful photos for you.