Originally, this island served as a fishing site. In the 1400s, during the reign of Emperor Lê Thánh Tông, a tower was constructed here to enhance the emperor's fishing experience. Subsequently, during the 17th and 18th centuries under the Revival Lê dynasty, the Trịnh lords built Tả Vọng Temple on the islet. However, during the 18th century, when the Nguyễn lords took control, the temple vanished.
In 1886, while Vietnam was under French occupation, a musician secretly working for the French received permission from the government to build a tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. This tower was a tribute to Lê Lợi, one of the most renowned figures in Vietnamese history and a revered hero. Legends revolving around Lê Lợi's life, his sword Thuận Thiên, and the Hoan Kiem turtle are tied to Hoan Kiem Lake and the island.
Originally, the musician intended to clandestinely bury his father within the tower, but the city's residents discovered his plans and removed his father's body from the structure. Nevertheless, they completed the three-story tower, which was initially named Bá hộ Kim Tower. In 1890, the French added a miniature Statue of Liberty on top of the tower.
In 1945, after the Vietnamese overthrew French control, the country's government decided to remove the statue. Since then, Turtle Tower has stood as a symbol of Hanoi's rich history and cultural heritage.
