If Hanoi, the capital, has Hoan Kiem Lake as one of its prominent symbols, Hai Phong has Tam Bac Lake, centrally located and witness to many of the city’s historical events.
Tam Bac Lake – The Poetic Symbol of the “City of Red Flamboyants”
Tam Bac Lake was originally Liem Khe Creek, in the former An Bien Village. In 1885, the French straightened and widened the creek into Bonnal Canal, separating the French and Vietnamese quarters.
Flamboyant flowers bloom brilliantly beside Tam Bac Lake. Photo: thanhphohaiphong.gov.vn.
The vibrant landscape on both sides of the lake. Photo: @b_baochay.
By 1925, the French had filled in a section from Hai Phong Port to the present-day exhibition hall, and the remaining stretch of river was called Tam Bac River. In 1985, marking the 100th anniversary of Tam Bac River, the city built the Tam Ky Dam, connecting Tran Nguyen Han Street with Quang Trung Street. This stretch of river became a lake and was called Tam Bac Lake.
Swans in the lake. Photo: thanhphohaiphong.gov.vn.
Photo: @huyennail.12071989.
Tam Bac Lake covers nearly 5 ha and is approximately 3 m deep. The entire promenade and sidewalks around the lake are paved with granite, while trees provide shade over rows of stone benches where visitors can rest and admire the scenery.
Photo: @bayenle.
Tam Bac Lake at night. Photo: Pinterest.
The railing around the lake is made of natural stone carved with flamboyant flowers and anchors, with a 1.25 m-high stone pillar placed approximately every 3 m. Around the lake are also rows of ancient banyan trees interspersed with flamboyant trees.
Photo: @davenguyen1989.
The park around the lake. Photo: @eleven_11_thapnhat.
Surrounding the lake are Hai Phong’s distinctive architectural landmarks, Tam Ky Temple, the monument to female general Le Chan, Sat Market, the pedestrian street, Ngo Quyen School, Trang Trinh Street…
Photo: @pham_thanhloan.
The city center in the area around Tam Bac Lake is modernizing day by day and has become, and continues to be, a famous tourist destination in Hai Phong and a symbol of the port city. In the late afternoon and evening, the lake becomes lively with sports activities, fishing, dating, recreation…
Photo: @ntma_ss.
Photo: @callme.chit.
When visiting Tam Bac Lake, don’t forget to sample the local specialties. Located right beside the lakeshore, the pedestrian street has hundreds of snack and beverage stalls. There are many dishes and drinks you simply must try, such as grilled chicken feet, nem lui, iced dracontomelon juice, spicy bread, chrysanthemum tea, coconut jelly…
Tam Bac Lake chicken feet. Photo: @nhinhifoodie_.
Tam Bac at sunset. Photo: @nguyenvan0128.
