Why to visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is literally the heart of Hanoi. It offers a peaceful escape amidst the noise of the city. This peaceful lake, surrounded by historical landmarks, is one of the most iconic spots in the capital, loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, which makes it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Hanoi.
What’s special about Hoan Kiem Lake
- The lake is deeply rooted in Vietnamese legend. According to folklore, the lake's name ("Hoan Kiem" means "Return the Sword") originates from a story about Emperor Le Loi, who returned a magical sword to a golden turtle after defeating foreign invaders.
- Ngoc Son Temple is located on an island in the middle of the lake. This temple is a key cultural site dedicated to Confucian and Taoist traditions. A red bridge called The Huc Bridge leads to the temple and adds a beautiful touch to the scenic view.
- Despite being located in the center of the city, the lake offers a peaceful space for both locals and visitors to relax, jog, or enjoy a morning walk.
- The lake is surrounded by greenery, colonial-style buildings, and streets lined with cafes and shops, which makes it a great spot for people to watch and enjoy Hanoi’s daily life.
Things to do in Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple: Walk across the Red Huc Bridge to the island temple, which is dedicated to the legendary General Tran Hung Dao and the great scholar Confucius.
- Walk Around the Lake: Take a peaceful walk around the perimeter of the lake, especially in the early morning when the area is calm and locals engage in Tai Chi.
- Take a Boat Ride: Rent a traditional boat to enjoy a leisurely ride on the lake.
- Photograph the Scenic Views: Capture the beauty of the lake, the surrounding streets, and the reflection of the ancient Turtle Tower in the water, especially during sunset.
- Explore the Old Quarter: After visiting the lake, walk around the nearby Old Quarter to experience the vibrant life of Hanoi, with its many shops, cafes, and traditional street food stalls.
Unknown facts about Hoan Kiem Lake
- The lake was originally a part of the Red River but was separated by a dam built during the Ly Dynasty (11th century).
- The Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake is a symbol of Hanoi and is often depicted in photos of the city.
- The lake is believed to house a giant turtle, and there have been rare sightings of this creature in the past, leading to many local legends.
- The area around the lake is a popular spot for locals to practice Tai Chi in the early morning hours.
Entry fee
- Free Entry: Visitors can walk around the lake and enjoy the surrounding area at no cost.
- Ngoc Son Temple Entry Fee: VND 30,000 (INR 100) for entry to the temple.
Timings
- Lake Access: The lake is accessible 24/7.
- Ngoc Son Temple: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
Average duration to explore
- 1 to 2 hours: Spend about 30 minutes to an hour walking around the lake and another 30 minutes to an hour visiting Ngoc Son Temple.
Distance from key locations
- From Hanoi City Center (Hoan Kiem Lake): Central location.
- From Hanoi Railway Station: 2 km (approximately 10 minutes by car).
- From Noi Bai International Airport: 30 km (approximately 40 minutes by car).
Nearby tourist spots
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral (0.5 km)
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (0.8 km)
- Hanoi Opera House (1.5 km)
- Hoa Lo Prison (1 km)
- Temple of Literature (2 km)
