Are you planning a trip to Vietnam soon? Then Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is a must-visit. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful with spectacular views, but it is also located in the Hoan Kiem district, right in the heart of Hanoi. Additionally, many of the city’s top tourist attractions are nearby, making this lake an essential stop on your Vietnam itinerary.
Getting to Hoan Kiem Lake is easy since it sits between Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the French Quarter. You won’t need public transport—you can simply walk there from various points in the city center. There are also multiple walking routes to reach the lake quickly.
If you prefer a guided experience, you can join one of the available Hanoi tours. Here are a couple of options:
Hoan Kiem (Hoàn Kiếm) is a district of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The lake is one of its main attractions, featuring Jade Island and the Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), as well as the Turtle Tower, which you may have seen in previous photos.
To reach Ngoc Son Temple you must cross the Huc Bridge, also known as the “Bridge of the Rising Sun.” Its striking red color is particularly stunning at night when illuminated. Be sure to add this landmark to your list of must-see places in Hanoi!
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the magic of Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t forget to look into the water—you might just spot a soft-shelled turtle. Though their numbers have declined due to pollution, a few still inhabit the lake. Sadly, most of their species have become extinct.
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm means “Lake of the Restored Sword.” This name is no coincidence, as it is linked to an ancient myth of the city. According to legend, Emperor Lê Lợi returned a magical sword to a sacred turtle after using it to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. This is why the lake is known as the Lake of the Sword.
If you’re planning to visit the lake, we recommend waking up early and bringing a camera or a fully charged phone, as you’ll want to capture the Tai Chi sessions practiced by the locals. The first time I saw it was one morning after returning from Sapa by train.
As I approached the lake, I was amazed to see groups of women (and some men) performing graceful, synchronized movements. Don’t hesitate to join in and follow their motions. It’s perfectly fine!
The area around the lake is also a perfect place to rest, unwind, and relax… or simply take a leisurely stroll. The lake’s long perimeter invites you to walk around it, with several rest areas along the way, some beautifully decorated with flowers.
Or maybe you’d rather enjoy a delicious Vietnamese coffee. There are plenty of cafés around the lake, but we recommend choosing those frequented by locals. The coffee at these places is usually pretty decent, although it’s also true that few places serve weak coffee.
If you get hungry, you can visit the restaurants nearby to try traditional Vietnamese dishes. Additionally, the area is full of shops and markets where you can buy anything you need.
But if you’re already planning to visit the lake, don’t miss out on some of Hanoi’s other top attractions, such as: The Water Puppet Theatre, The Vietnam History Museum and The Hanoi Opera House.
