Water is deeply integrated into Hanoi's geography and culture; the city's name literally translates to "Inside the River."
* **The Red River (Sông Hồng):** The massive river that borders the city to the east. It is the lifeblood of the northern agricultural delta, spanned by historic bridges like the Long Bien Bridge, designed by Daydé & Pillé. * **Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword):** The spiritual and physical center of Hanoi, steeped in the legend of Emperor Le Loi and the magical sword. * **West Lake (Hồ Tây):** The largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, bordered by high-end residential areas, historic pagodas, and lotus ponds. * **Truc Bach Lake:** Separated from West Lake by a narrow causeway, famously known as the site where US Senator John McCain parachuted after his plane was shot down in 1967.