Hoan Kiem Lake Tours

Hoan Kiem Lake showing a garden

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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.

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. 

Hồ Hoàn Kiếm means “Lake of the Returned Sword” and the name is derived from an ancient myth. Legend states that the Vietnamese emperor Le Loi returned a sword, which he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam, to a magic turtle at this very spot. 

In the middle of the lake lies Jade Island and the majestic Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain). Cross the bright red Huc Bridge (Bridge of the Rising Sun) to reach the temple. Peer down into the water and see if you can spot the large soft-shell turtles that inhabit the lake. Unfortunately, due to pollution and destruction of their habitat, the turtles are almost extinct. 

Throw down a rug on the grass and relax with a picnic. Hoàn Kiếm Lake is just a short walk from a number of markets and stores selling fresh produce so you can easily pick up supplies. Watch as locals run laps around the lake or join in if you are feeling energetic. 

A kiosk serving fresh Vietnamese coffee can be found on the eastern edge of the lake. For something more substantial, you can find restaurants serving local delicacies in the streets of the French Quarter to the south.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is located between Hanoi’s old town and French Quarter and can easily be reached on foot from most central locations. Bus routes serve the area and some street parking is available. The lake is open daily and is free of charge. 

Plan a trip to see Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Reviews of Hoan Kiem Lake

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
615
" "5 - Excellent 67.73127753303964%
4 - Good
252
" "4 - Good 27.75330396475771%
3 - Okay
37
" "3 - Okay 4.07488986784141%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.44052863436123346%

5/5 - Excellent

Don
Feb 5, 2020

From 5AM till after 10PM the lake is a beehive of activity. I traveled alone, but never felt alone or lonely at the lake.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 11, 2019

On Saturdays and Sundays they close down the road next to the lake for cars. It becomes a nice area with many families and kids hanging out and playing around.

4/5 - Good

Dawg888
Sep 20, 2019

Old Quarter has no street logic grid, need GPS to find your way walking.

4/5 - Good

Tan
Jul 1, 2019

Street around lake is closed off for the weekends to make a pedestrian walkway.

4/5 - Good

Charlie1
Feb 12, 2019

Ngoc Son Pagoda is in the middle of the lake. There is a small fee to go in, so I passed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 26, 2018

Relaxing walk with much activity and great people watching.

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Best Lodging Options Near Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
5 out of 5
15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Oriental Jade Hotel
The Oriental Jade Hotel
5 out of 5
No. 92-94 Hang Trong Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
The Oriental Jade Hotel
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
122 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
5 out of 5
18-20-22-24 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
Hanoi Brilliant Hotel and Spa
Hanoi Brilliant Hotel and Spa
4 out of 5
44 Hang Trong, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi Brilliant Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.