If the capital Hanoi has Hoan Kiem Lake as one of its prominent symbols, Hai Phong has Tam Bac Lake, a lake located in the central area that has witnessed many historical events of the city.
Tam Bac Lake – The poetic symbol of the “Red Flamboyant City”
Tam Bac Lake was originally the Liem Khe creek in old An Bien village. In 1885, the French straightened and widened the creek into the Bonnal Canal, separating the Western and Vietnamese quarters.
Flamboyants blooming vibrant red by Tam Bac Lake. Photo: thanhphohaiphong.gov.vn.
Vibrant scenery on both sides of the lake. Photo: @b_baochay.
By 1925, the French filled in a section from Hai Phong Port to today's exhibition center, and the remaining river section was called Tam Bac River. In 1985, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tam Bac River, the city built Tam Ky Dam, connecting Tran Nguyen Han Street with Quang Trung Street, turning this river section into a lake known as Tam Bac Lake.
Swans in the lake. Photo: thanhphohaiphong.gov.vn.
Photo: @huyennail.12071989.
Tam Bac Lake has an area of nearly 5 ha and a depth of about 3 m; the entire promenade and sidewalks around the lake are paved with granite and lined with shady trees providing cover for stone benches where visitors can rest and admire the scenery.
Photo: @bayenle.
Tam Bac Lake at night. Photo: Pinterest.
The railings around the lake are made of natural stone carved with flamboyant flowers and anchors, with a 1.25m-high stone pillar placed about every 3m. Around the lake, there are also rows of ancient weeping fig trees interspersed with flamboyant trees.
Photo: @davenguyen1989.
Park around the lake. Photo: @eleven_11_thapnhat.
Surrounding the lake are architectural landmarks characteristic of Hai Phong: Tam Ky Temple, the statue of Female General Le Chan, Sat Market, the pedestrian street, Ngo Quyen School, Trang Trinh Street…
Photo: @pham_thanhloan.
The city center in the Tam Bac Lake area is modernizing day by day, has been and remains a famous tourist destination of Hai Phong, and has become a symbol of the port city. Come evening, the lake becomes bustling with sports activities, fishing, dating, and recreation…
Photo: @ntma_ss.
Photo: @callme.chit.
When visiting Tam Bac Lake, do not forget to savor the local specialties. Right next to the lakeside is the pedestrian street with hundreds of snack and drink stalls. There are many must-try treats such as grilled chicken feet, lemongrass pork skewers (nem lui), dracontomelon juice, spicy baguettes, chamomile tea, coconut dessert (dua dam)…
Tam Bac Lake chicken feet. Photo: @nhinhifoodie_.
Tam Bac at sunset. Photo: @nguyenvan0128.
