Things to do in Hoan Kiem

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A street lined with colorful paper lanterns, parked motorcycles, and traditional buildings.
A wooden bridge with red railings leading to a traditional gate with intricate designs and Chinese characters.
A wooden boardwalk by a calm lake, surrounded by lush green trees and a metal fence.
A busy street at night with many people on motorcycles and bicycles, illuminated by streetlights.
A historic tower by a lake with surrounding trees and modern buildings.

Things to do

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Hoan Kiem must see attractions

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular meeting spot in Hanoi and the location of one of the city’s most picturesque temples. Just a short walk from the old town, the lake provides a leafy escape from the city crowds and heat. Join the locals for a game of chess, stroll around the lake or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the trees.
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A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

2. St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi

St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.
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A Gothic cathedral with twin towers, a large rose window, and a cross at the top.

3. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest marketplace, is a cavernous building full of tiny aisles. Built by the French at the end of the 19th century, the covered market today has stalls selling anything from household items and food, to clothes and shoes. Tourists visit the market mainly for the experience rather than the shopping.
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A shopping mall with a central fountain, multiple floors, and various shops.

4. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The Vietnamese art of water puppetry is a true cultural experience that is not to be missed while in Hanoi. Performed entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gesturing puppets tell a story that can be interpreted by all.
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A stage with performers in costumes, a water feature, and a dark background.

5. Quan Chuong Gate

Walk through the arched main entrance of the Hanoi Old City Gate and imagine being one of the soldiers who heroically defended the city from this spot during several sieges, as well as the French and American wars. Admire the curved roof of the central tower and gaze up at the red and yellow Vietnamese flag flying in the wind.
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A bustling street scene with a traditional archway, motorcycles, and various shops.

6. Hang Gai Street

Bustling Hang Gai Street, or Silk Street as it is known, is one of Hanoi's famed shopping areas. It is renowned for silk fabric shops and tailors who create outfits for your custom needs. See stalls, tailors, vendors and art galleries with a backdrop of traditional and modern Vietnamese architecture. Scooters zip by, traditional and contemporary shirts and dresses hang on storefronts and Vietnamese hats and paper lanterns line the walls.
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A street with shops, including a pearl jewelry store and a tailor shop.

7. Ngoc Son Temple

Perched on an island in the middle of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) is one of the most picturesque and peaceful spots in Hanoi. This fascinating historic and religious site is known for its scenic beauty, great photo opportunities and an interior filled with intriguing artifacts. Explore the area around the lake and cross the bright red Huc Bridge to reach the temple.
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A historic tower by a lake with surrounding trees and modern buildings.

What to do in Hoan Kiem

Stay near popular Hoan Kiem attractions

A traditional temple with a dragon roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake

9.2/10 (5,833 reviews)
Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.
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Where to stay in Hoan Kiem

Find the best Hoan Kiem areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hoan Kiem
Learn more about Hoan Kiem
A wooden bridge with red railings leading to a traditional gate with intricate designs and Chinese characters.

Old Quarter

A noteworthy feature of Old Quarter is its panoramic lake views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

A historic building with traditional architecture, illuminated by artificial lighting at night.

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

A cathedral with two tall towers and a large bridge overhead.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street are top sights worth seeing.

A serene lakeside scene with a pagoda, palm trees, and a traditional bridge.

Tay Ho

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

A serene pond with a white balustrade, surrounded by lush greenery and a traditional house with a tiled roof.

Ba Dinh

The abundant dining options and lake views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ba Dinh Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cầu Giấy Station to get around town.

Popular day trips from Hoan Kiem

A woman in a yellow dress and a conical hat riding a bicycle along a riverside path with orange flowers and a green fence.

Hanoi

Frequently asked questions

Is Hoan Kiem worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and dining, discovering cool things to do in Hoan Kiem is a cinch. Be sure to add Ta Hien Street to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Hoan Kiem?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Ta Hien Street, spend some time discovering the retail and food scene in Hoan Kiem.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hoan Kiem?
Plan a day at Ta Hien Street and discover why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near Hoan Kiem.
Is three days enough to stay in Hoan Kiem?
You'll have ample time to check out Ta Hien Street, Vietnam Military History Museum and other leading attractions in the area when you plan a three-day trip to Hoan Kiem.
Is Hoan Kiem a walkable neighborhood?
You'll find Hoan Kiem easy to navigate on foot, with leading sights like Ta Hien Street and Vietnam Military History Museum both within walking distance. Well-known neighborhoods like Old Quarter and Hang Trong are also located only 0.32 kilometers and 0.16 kilometers from the center of Hoan Kiem, so you can add a few more adventures to your day — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Hoan Kiem with kids?
Deciding what to do in Hoan Kiem with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Hoan Kiem for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Hoan Kiem for adults including Train Street.
Are there free things to do in Hoan Kiem?
You won't have to search high and low for free things to do in Hoan Kiem. If you ask a local tour guide and they'll have great suggestions for places and attractions you can experience at zero cost. One of the best free options for your trip itinerary is Ta Hien Street.