Artwork/INT As a person with more than 20 years of research on Ho Guom turtles, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc, former senior lecturer at the University of Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University) still has many doubts. Hoan Kiem Lake turtle is the only species loài Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc said that ten years ago, the Asian Turtle Conservation Program posed the problem of searching for individual Ho Guom turtles living in other places to pair for the purpose of species conservation. Since 2006, when he discovered that Dong Mo Lake is also likely to have at least one individual of Ho Guom tortoise, he disagreed on the subspecies. Although he went to the place and studied on photos, he found that the Dong Mo lake turtle was completely different in terms of the Sword Lake turtle morphology. Sword Lake turtle is a new species of turtle, the world’s scientific name is Rafetus leloii because this turtle is associated with the legend of King Le returning his sword on Luc Thuy lake in the 15th century, the lake changed its name to Hoan Kiem lake (Ho Guom). . The word “Rafetus” is the name of the genus of turtle, which is derived from the name of the river Raft in India. “leloi” is the species name, named after Le Loi. The person associated with the legend returns the Treasure Sword to the Turtle God. As a rule, the species name is one word, not capitalized, so the two words Le Loi write together as leloi, and add the character ‘i’ to become leloi. In the International Conference “Sustainable Development – Hanoi Capital – City of Culture, Heroes, For Peace” on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, once again Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc again Announcement on Sword Lake Turtle a new species of tortoise for science. “It can be affirmed that the Asian Turtle Conservation Program has never studied the Sword Lake Turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake but only investigated the Rafetus species. Dong Mo turtle and Chinese tortoise are not Sword Lake turtles”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc. Sword Lake Turtle has the largest size of freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia, as well as in the world. Ho Guom tortoise has a white spot on the top of its head and is slightly skewed to the left. Eyes are rounded slightly upward, but do not rise above the surface of the head. The nostrils open to the anterior limit of the anterior jaw bone. The ivory-white horns cover the anterior jaw bone. The fleshy lip encloses the outer margin of the upper jaw and the posterior half of the lower jaw. The back of the head, neck and carapace are light gray. The underside of the chin, neck and bib are pale pink. The carapace is oval in shape, the spine is slightly concave, without spots or stripes. The shell is covered with soft frilled skin that extends beyond the outer margin of the carapace. The fringe of the skin is thin, the back is elongated and slightly cambered. The upper horn covers the anterior jaw bone and the anterior half of the maxillary bone. The lower horn covers the anterior half of the dentate bone and the anterior part of the coronal bone. The limbs are very strong, the feet have wide swimming webbed and have 3 large horn claws. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc said, in history books as well as in legends, there are no documents or stories about a large turtle that once lived in Luc Thuy Lake. It was not until the 15th century that people knew about this turtle through the legend of Hoan Kiem of King Le. So far, there are no documents or information about this large turtle in any water body of Hanoi. Based on the results of comparative research on morphology with large soft-shelled turtles in the world, as well as in Southeast Asia, and discussed with international turtle researchers, such as: Prof. Kraig Adler – University Cornell (USA) and two other experts, Dr. William P. McCord and Dr. Patrick J. Baker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc found that Hoan Kiem Lake turtle species is completely different. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc. Sword Lake has only one “turtle” “Someone said there are 2-3 “turtles” in Hoan Kiem Lake. But from the time I started researching until the “old man” passed away, I confirmed that Sword Lake had only one “old turtle”. Even when the “grandfather” was weak, everyone trembled when deciding to bring him up. Seeing 2 bubbles of water, many people said that there were 2 “old turtles”, after picking up the “tools”, they thought that there was another “tool”, possibly bigger. However, there is nowhere to catch. Personally, I find that “old turtle” has actions that are really difficult to explain”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc shared. In many interviews with the press decades ago, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc always expressed the need to find additional sources, because he affirmed that Hoan Kiem Lake has only one “turtle”. . In 2016, the “old turtle” died, he was also a consultant to make a template to look like “the old man” as when he was alive. At present, despite his advanced age, whenever he hears that there are descendants of the “grandfather” he is on the road again. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc’s whole life has been with the University of Hanoi (now the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi). At the age of “rare and old”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc still has many concerns with Hoan Kiem turtles. On December 18, 2020, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Conservation Program (ATP), announced the sex determination results of Hoan Kiem turtles in Dong Mo Lake. Hanoi). The results of genetic testing published by scientists have confirmed that the female turtle caught in October 2020 is a species of Rafetus swinhoei, a soft-shell turtle that is on the verge of extinction. This tortoise is also known as Giai Sin-hoe – Hoan Kiem Turtle. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc also visited the place to see this trapped turtle. He said that although the genetic test results match with the Ho Guom tortoise, he is still “troubled”. Because in terms of appearance, the individual turtles in Dong Mo and Xuan Khanh lakes are not like the “old turtle” of Hoan Kiem Lake as he has known so far. To classify turtles, people rely on morphological characteristics and genetic testing. According to his observations, the Dong Mo turtle does not have the same characteristics as the Sword Lake turtle. “I observed that this turtle’s head is more pointed, the snout is more pointed, and has a very different pattern. The structure of the turtle’s eye is also not the same as that of the Ho Guom turtle I know. I have no knowledge of genetics or genetic engineering, but I am skeptical. Sword Lake Turtle is a new, endemic and rare species of turtle, but this turtle in Dong Mo looks like many common turtle species. I think it is possible that it is the same species of turtle, but belongs to a different species, a different breed… Hopefully scientists will clarify this with concrete evidence,” wondered Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Dinh Duc. Currently, there are two specimens of Ho Guom turtle. The first specimen died on June 20, 1967 and the second specimen died on January 19, 2016. The second specimen is plasticized according to modern German technology, which can be preserved for a long time.

Go camping Camping is a great way to temporarily let go of the pressures of life and immerse yourself in nature. Get rid of dust, noise, loud sirens of the capital, camping helps you change the atmosphere and recharge positively. Camping is not a bad idea. On this occasion, there is no need to travel too far, when near Hanoi, there are extremely famous camping spots. One of the places that are “moved” favored by the world is Son Tinh Camp, Ho Dai Lai, Ba Vi National Park … In the city, you can go to Yen So Park, Red River rocky beach. , Long Bien longan garden … are very “hot” camping places recently. You just need to prepare food, because there are tent rentals, barbecue, food, even speakers, microphones, services … Suggestions to bring the whole family to have fun In Spring Park and Thien Nga Lake Park in Ecopark urban area is also not a bad choice. Walking around Sword Lake, experiencing the cuisine of the old town Although it is a familiar destination for the people of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake is still a good choice for you and your loved ones to enjoy the holiday. The early summer weather is not too hot, you can visit famous destinations such as The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Thap But … Hanoi dishes are always very attractive. Taking a vacation during your vacation to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, immersed in the fresh air with lyrical and ancient beauty will definitely bring an interesting feeling. Many people share that no matter how many times they go through Sword Lake, they still can’t get rid of the feeling that this place brings. And in the journey to discover that familiar place, do not forget to stop to enjoy the famous cuisine of the old town. There are many delicious dishes gathered around the old town such as Bon Mua tea, La Vong fish cake, Trang Tien ice cream, Dong Xuan Market vermicelli, Trung Yen alley food court … Explore new cafes Hanoi has many lovely cafes. Hanoi is one of the places that owns the most beautiful cafes in the country. Another interesting suggestion for the holiday season is that you can explore the cafes with all styles. Each cafe with different decoration and flavor of drinks will give you a very rich experience. There are nostalgic styles such as Cong, Cu Xa, Vintage 1976 … There are also shops designed in the garden style, fresh like Gardenista, Tropical Forest … Or for girls who like a space to take pictures. Pretty, lady, shops like Lofita, BeWhy or Papaa … will be good choices. Visiting tourist spots right in Hanoi Hanoi is also famous for many tourist attractions. Why don’t you take advantage of this vacation to understand more about the culture and beauty of the place you live? Some places you can consider to visit are: Hoa Lo prison relic, Ba Dinh square, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoang Thanh Thang Long, Ha flagpole. Cabinet … Two-storey bus in Hanoi. If possible, try buying a two-story bus ticket to play the role of a tourist, admiring the beauty of Hanoi. Enjoy the nightlife in the capital If you are too familiar with Hanoi by day, you should try a few times to see Hanoi’s captivating beauty at night. You can walk around Ta Hien Street to enjoy the noisy life of young people, lemon tea shops, iced tea, beer … crowded and crowded. You can also enjoy street music or go to youth entertainment venues such as bars and pubs in Hanoi. Go up to Long Bien Bridge to see the agricultural market from above, feel the fresh air on the banks of the Red River. Enjoying the nightlife in Hanoi, being able to wake up late the next day without having to wake up on time to go to work or school tomorrow is definitely one of the unforgettable experiences of the holiday. Enlist watching good movies For movie fanatics, watching movies will create wonderful relaxing moments, even more than traveling. If you are afraid that the holiday is boring, then immediately make a list of must-see movies for yourself. Currently, outside theaters are showing a lot of attractive blockbusters such as: “Flip: 48H” for those who like action genre, “Child Bee Adventure 4”, “Famous Detective Conan: Red Bullet. “For Children” or “Guardian Angel” for horror movie fans. Movie “Guardian Angel” by Victor Vu begins to open in theaters. If you do not want to go to theaters, you can still spend time at home enjoying good movies through online movie apps … Discover homestay, experience as a tourist between the capital The lovely nostalgic homestay in the capital city. Due to the influence of the Covid-19 translation, the number of foreign visitors still cannot return to Vietnam as crowded as before. Therefore, the price of the lovely homestay in the inner and suburbs is still very “soft”, giving you an enjoyable experience without spending too much expensive costs. You can invite relatives, friends or even alone, book a lovely homestay room on West Lake or around Sword Lake … Maybe you will discover more interesting things that you rushed. omitted in everyday life. You don’t have to go far to travel, when near Hanoi, there are extremely attractive places and activities for you to enjoy. Wish you, your family and friends will have great moments together on this vacation./.

Hanoi is a city surrounded by the Red River with great flow and fertile alluvial deposits. With long-standing living characteristics, two riversides are always crowded places. Many big bridges in Hanoi connect the two banks of the Red River such as Nhat Tan, Chuong Duong, Vinh Tuy, Thanh Tri, … Stretching from the residential areas of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho districts to the middle of the river is a blank stretch of land with a green color of trees and crops. Although it has a large area, this place where people are used to calling it “middle ground” is just a place where people cultivate, increase production and make beaches. Mr. Pham Van Thi today visited the garden and harvested water spinach. He has 2 sao of land along the river. Every season, he kept a different kind of vegetable, and he planted it for his family to eat and sell at the same time. Rubbing his hands onto the wet, wet field ground, Mr. Thi shared: “The land along the river should be fertile. Vegetables and grass are up, no need to fertilize much nitrogen. Just sowing, watering, clearing the grass is a vegetable garden for harvest ”. However, the fertile land is so, but the plants here are mainly: bananas, corn, potatoes and Northern vegetables. These are cultivars with little capital and short harvest time. The reason for planting these trees is because this is the land area of ​​the city, people only plant trees in the “temporary” mind, when planning will be returned. The entrance to the beach in the middle of the Red River is covered in a green color with rows of bananas, vegetable gardens mixed with dense vegetation. If you are not familiar with the way down, it is easy to get lost by the blinded view. – Squid! Where are you running? Come back. The voice of Mr. Vu calling his dog so that it does not get lost on the way to the beach. Every afternoon, Mr. Vu and his companion ride a bicycle across the Long Bien Bridge, together to cool off along the Red River. Along the riverbank, there are 3-4 large and small beaches. Each beach also went to dozens of people. From children, young people to the elderly, calls to each other, laughs stirred up both sides of the river. No one remembers when these riverside beaches have existed, but for a long time, swimming here is a very familiar living image. Located close to the edge of the Red River, Phuc Xa (Ba Dinh) inn with old cement-tiled roofs has been around for more than 20 years. The inns are long, connected with dozens of rooms. This is known as the lodging area for people from other provinces who come to Hanoi to earn a living with low income. Most of them are workers working in Long Bien night market such as selling, loading, towing … Ms. Pham Thi Ngat is a State official, mobilized to Hanoi in 1992. She owns 30 rooms of about 500 square meters in Phuc Xa ward. In the past, this was a part of arable land along the river, to grow vegetables. Later she poured land, built a room and rented it at a cheap price. The small rooms are the accommodation of 2-3 workers, the area of ​​which just fits a bed, wardrobe, cooking shelf is about 10 m2. People in the neighborhood go to work from 22:00 the day before until 6-7 o’clock the next day. They spend most of their daytime time resting, eating and drinking in their rooms. Until more than 15 o’clock, the inn is still quiet. Only Ms. Khuong and a few people woke up, and she pulled some stained plastic chairs from the house to sit and enjoy the wind. – Wake up, get up here to sit cool, Mrs. Hai, Fresh! The voice of Miss Area was loud enough for Miss Tuoi’s room at the far end of the inn to hear. The story is the same every day, just revolves around the shopping, selling … but always juicy. While talking to each other to eat fruit and hot weather, we buy ice cream and yogurt. Heaven in Hanoi on hot days is considered “harsh” extremely for the neighbors. Sitting in the inn at dusk, Mr. Pham Van Binh dined with sweat drops on his forehead. “In the day it is hot and can’t sleep, and at night there is no strength to go to work,” he lamented. Ms. Tuoi has been working in Hanoi for 4 years now. The room less than 15 m2 is where she lives with her husband and daughter “in and out”. Her health is not good, so the main income in the family is still under the care of her husband and daughter. Occasionally, she went to Long Bien market to take some shrimp and bring them to retail to increase her spending. The temporary accommodation is built on a cultivated land, without a red book. Although she pays full land tax every year, Ms. Ngat and the whole hamlet always have the spirit of “temporary residence”. If the city has land to build, they will move. “The living quarters of the working people are not spacious, beautiful, everything is temporary, but everyone living together is always happy,” said Ms. Tuoi. She added, there are families living here for decades, since the first days the village was built. Just like that, there are kids who have grown up here with their parents. “Grandma let me go ashore”, the boy Hieu called to Mrs. Oanh. For people in Phao hamlet, “going ashore” means going to work, going out, and “going in the water” means going home. The old boat with an area of ​​about 20 m2 has been the house of Mrs. Oanh’s family for nearly 20 years. The whole family of 3 is 3 generations: Grandmother, youngest daughter and grandchild. Nguyen Tien Hieu (5 years old) was born here, can also be considered a Hanoi boy, although Hieu’s birth certificate and household registration must be very difficult to do. Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh, a farmer from Yen Thanh (Nghe An). She was one of the people in Phao village for the longest time. She did not remember the year she came here, the woman only remembered that her youngest daughter was only 7 years old. Over the years, her boat house has been damaged, or even broken, during the great floods. However, she still repaired to stay, because life here “is still easier than in the countryside”. The Red River is in high water season, every time a boat goes back and forth, the water waves rush into her family’s boat, the boat keeps rocking all day. However, with grandchildren, “it will be familiar to live a long life,” said Mrs. Oanh. The people of Phao village, nearly 30 dozen households, live close together by the river bank. Until now, their activities have no electricity or water. So is Mrs. Oanh’s family. A few units came down to support people with solar panels, batteries. However, every day when the sun is strong, the electricity is strong, and like in winter, the whole space in the boat is dimly lit because there is not enough electricity. Although it is about 3 km from the center, but Phao hamlet wants to connect and move back and forth with the city, there is only one road from the middle of Long Bien Bridge sloping down. A hurried, bumpy, concrete road less than 1m wide with grass cluttering on both sides. Young Hieu attended a private kindergarten across the river. Every day, at 6:30, Mrs. Oanh took her bicycle to school, and picked her up again in the afternoon. A few days ago, while taking Hieu back from school, when we took the bicycle from Long Bien Bridge down the steep road, our two grandchildren fell down and had to wait for everyone around to help. The accident also made her knee aching so far. The life of the people of Phao village was like that, when the big country came, they ran ashore. They stayed at the neighbor’s house. Soon, for a few days, for a whole month. That’s why everyone wants the flood season to be short for life to be stable. When asked, if she later proceeded to plan the land on both sides of the river, where would her family live, Mrs. Oanh just looked at the far bridge, dropping her thin shoulders: Where is not known. At least there is no cost of rent here like the lodgers.