Hoan Kiem Lake – The center of the people’s life in the capital Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most iconic sites in the heart of the capital. It is a popular tourist destination as well as a landmark of cultural and historical significance that makes everyone admire its wonderful beauty.
The lake is considered the heart of Hanoi and this lake has been associated with Hanoian people’s lives for a long time. Despite the city being busy and noisy, Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi Old Quarter is still a place where people come to find peace of mind. Along with taking in the amazing views, you may enjoy wandering and sample some unique cuisine here.
>>> For more fascinating in Hanoi, check 33 Amazing Things to do in Hanoi – You Should Not Miss
Where is Hoan Kiem Lake located?
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is a 12-hectare freshwater lake in the heart of Hanoi, a place bearing the resounding history of our ancestors in the past. The lake was formerly known as Thuy Quan Lake or Luc Thuy Lake because of its year-round emerald water.
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Hoan Kiem Lake is the meeting point of the Old Quarter area such as Hang Dao street, Luong Van Can street, Hang Ngang street… with Western neighborhoods planned by the French more than a century ago such as Trang Thi, Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang, Ba Trieu, Hang Bai… With that prime location, the lake is an ideal place for walking around the city as well as exploring the culture and nostalgic beauty of Hanoi old quarter.
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Discover the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake was once larger, and at the end of the 16th century, Lord Trinh split it into Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake. Ta Vong Lake was kept as Hoan Kiem Lake today, while Huu Vong Lake had been filled in to extend the city by the time the French colonialists invaded our nation in 1884.
The name “Hoan Kiem Lake” (literally means the lake of returned sword) appeared in the early 15th century, associated with the legend of King Le Thai To (Le Loi) giving the magical sword back to the Golden Turtle. According to legend, Le Loi took up the Thuan Thien sword—the divine weapon that Long Quan had given the king—before leading the troops to drive out the Ming invaders who were attacking our nation. The king’s miraculous sword allowed him to triumph in every battle, expel the Ming army from the country, and take the throne in 1428.
On one occasion, when King Le Loi was wandering on a boat on Ta Vong Lake, the Golden Turtle suddenly emerged and demanded the magical sword back for Long Quan. After the king gave the sword back, the Golden Turtle grabbed it and dove off. The lake was then renamed Hoan Kiem Lake by the king, sometimes known as Sword Lake, and this name is still in use today.
Most popular means of transportation to get to Hoan Kiem Lake
To get to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, you have a variety of transportation options. Below are some suggestions that you can consider depending on your conditions and your own specific needs:
- By Motorbike: When traveling to Hanoi, you can rent a motorbike from hotels or motorbike rental providers to explore the capital. If you need help finding your way, you can use the Google Maps directions app, then experience exploring many beautiful roads and interesting entertainment places of Hanoi. This means of transport is considered the most proactive, appropriate and cost-effective choice for tourists.
- By Bus: You can reduce your travel expenses by taking one of the following bus routes that pass close to Hoan Kiem Lake: bus routes numbers 04, 08, 09, 11, 14, 18, 23, 31, 34, 36, or 40
- By Taxi: There are numerous taxi companies in Hanoi that provide comfortable services and fair pricing to tourists traveling and sightseeing. Some of these companies include Mai Linh Taxi, G7 Taxi, and Hanoi Taxi Group.
- Car rental: Renting a car is another option for moving to Hoan Kiem Lake if you’re going to be traveling with a group of friends or family. You can visit the capital more comfortably and proactively with the help of this service.
When is the ideal time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake comes with different beauty for each season of the year. Nonetheless, many Hanoi residents claim that autumnal visits to the lake, which span from September through late November, are the most picturesque.
Hanoi is experiencing chilly weather right now, whic. h is ideal for strolling and checking in. When you visit, you can take in the ardent scent of the milk flowers that are blooming surrounding the lake, observe the picturesque yellow leaves cascading down the old streets, and savor delectable Hanoi cuisine from street vendors.
How wide is Hoan Kiem Lake? What is the best way to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake covers an area of around 12 hectares, and its perimeter is roughly 1.7 kilometers long. When you visit the Hoan Kiem Lake area, walking is a comfortable way to take in the beauty as well as get exercise. In addition, there are also other means of transportation available that you can consider:
- Cyclo: Riding a cyclo around Hoan Kiem Lake will make sightseeing more leisurely. The cost of a cyclo ride may vary over time; you can haggle with the driver based on your itinerary. On average, the prices for a cyclo ride in Hanoi range from 150,000 – 300,000 VND/route.
- Motorbike: This is a flexible and well-liked means of transportation, perfect for freely exploring Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding areas. In Hanoi, you may rent a motorbike for about 120,000 – 200,000 VND/day.
- Tram: A sightseeing tram is becoming popular means of transportation in the capital. The tram route passes through the old quarter with some famous tourist attractions and Hoan Kiem Lake. If you go in a group, this will be the most convenient and economical means of transport with an average price of about 250,000 – 350,000 VND for 7 people for 30 minutes.
What to see in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi? Top 15 famous tourist attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake
Many residents of the Capital consider Hoan Kiem Lake to be their favorite place to visit, and it never fails to captivate tourists from all over the world. While visiting the Hoan Kiem Lake area, you will have a variety of experiences due to its distinctive beauty and numerous well-known landmarks and relics, as follows:
You may like to explore more about:
Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower is located on Turtle Island in the middle of the lake, built to commemorate the legend of the Golden Turtle demanding the magical sword. The tower is three storeys tall. The first and second storeys each have five entrances, but the third storey only opens one door on the east side with inscription Quy Son Thap (Tower of Mountain Turtle) etched above.
This 100-year-old Turtle Tower has been associated with Hoan Kiem Lake for a considerable amount of time.Coming to Turtle Tower, you will enjoy the peace and gentleness in the heart of Hanoi. The time-stained image of the Turtle Tower has become an iconic symbol of Hanoi, making it a well-liked material in many romantic pictures of the capital.
Pen Tower (Thap But) – Ink Slab (Dai Nghien)
Built in 1865, Dai Nghien and Thap But are two inseparable works of architecture that are situated northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. These represent the diligent tradition of Vietnam in general and the Hanoi people specifically.
Three toads leaning on three stirrup legs is the inspiration for Dai Nghien’s three-legged pedestal. On the pedestal there is an engraving of a poem consisting of 64 Chinese characters composed by Mr. Nguyen Van Sieu. The Pen Tower is shaped like a 9-meter-high brush pen with a sharp nib pointing straight up into the sky.
Ngoc Son Temple
Located on Jade Island of the lake, Ngoc Son Temple is dedicated to Van Xuong god and Saint Tran Hung Dao. The temple has a unique architectural combination of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, representing the cultural beliefs of Hanoi people. The beautiful red wood Huc Bridge, shaped like a shrimp, connects Ngoc Son Temple to the lakeshore. Standing on the bridge, you can admire the panoramic view of the lake and take beautiful photos.
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge is a special highlight against the emerald-blue water of Hoan Kiem Lake. The red bridge that leads from the lakeshore to the Ngoc Son temple features a curved design like a soft silk strip. The Huc Bridge is a well-known check-in location, although not many people are aware of its deeper meaning.
The bridge was built in the direction of the rising sun with the meaning of welcoming fresh air and being a place where early light dawns. The red color of the bridge represents life, joy and happiness. Besides, the name “The Huc” is also compared to “bridge of the Sun god”.
Ba Kieu Temple
- Address: No.59 Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Built during the reign of Later Le Restoration, Ba Kieu Temple currently consists of 2 parts: Tam Quan and worshiping area. This temple, also known as Thien Tien Dien (Heavenly Fairy pavilion), is located in the Northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake and is the place to worship Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh and her two maidens named Que Hoa and Quynh Hoa.
With many cultural and spiritual values, Ba Kieu Temple has become a place that attracts a large number of people and tourists from all over to visit and learn about beliefs and cultural heritage. Every year in March, people gather to take part in the Ba Kieu temple festival, a celebration honoring the Goddess Ba Kieu and offering prayers for good fortune and peace for all.
Hoa Phong Tower on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoa Phong Tower, located close to the East bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, is a rare ancient relic of Bao An Pagoda after being destroyed by the French government to construct a post office. The tower is majestically built with three storeys, of which the first storey has doors leading to four directions.
This is a work that represents a glorious historical period of the nation as well as a testament to history, architecture, culture and art. With its ancient beauty, Hoa Phong Tower is a favorite check-in point for many people when coming to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Monument of King Ly Thai To
- Address: Ly Thai To flower garden, Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The bronze statue of King Ly Thai To, which was cast in a single block, shows the wise king with a regal hat on and a decree to relocate the capital.
This is a special cultural architectural work at Hoan Kiem Lake, honoring the king who had great contributions to the development of Thang Long Citadel. For the people of Hanoi, this is a well-known entertainment site that frequently hosts national events as well as cultural and artistic events.
Temple of King Le Thai To
- Address: No.16 Le Thai To street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Situated close to the Nam Huong communal house, on the western shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, is the temple dedicated to King Le Thai To. King Le Thai To, the first king of the Le dynasty, is honored by the temple.
On the grounds of the temple is a statue of King Le Thai To, poised on a tall pillar, about to return a sword to the golden turtle of the lake. This is one of the ancient monuments in the capital and an important relic in the Hoan Kiem Lake scenic complex. In addition to the distinctive architecture, the temple grounds also have many green trees and a flock of free-living pigeons, creating peace and relaxation for visitors.
Thang Long Puppet Theater, Hanoi
- Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Thang Long Puppet Theater is a great place for you to enjoy traditional Vietnamese water puppetry art. Every day, the theater hosts about 6 shows with unique water puppet shows, all of which are expertly and passionately performed.
The theater has developed over fifty years and has produced thousands of plays in a wide range of genres and formats. In particular, the theater is always creative but still maintains Vietnamese cultural identity, preserving the quintessential values of water puppetry.
Hanoi Opera House
- Address: No.1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The more than 120-year-old Hanoi Opera House is situated on Cach Mang Thang 8 Street. This project’s highly intricate neoclassical design blends in well with modern baroque architecture. This is also the home of many generations of famous artists. Over the years, the work has been preserved with respect and honor for its artistic values. When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, you can visit the Opera House to admire, take photos, or buy tickets to watch special art shows there.
Trang Tien Plaza
- Address: No.24, Hai Ba Trung street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake is a well-known shopping and entertainment center called Trang Tien Plaza. The French constructed this structure in 1901. Over time, this place has become a cultural and historical symbol as well as the country’s leading high-end commercial center.
Coming there, you’ll be in awe of the exquisite architecture at Trang Tien Plaza, which features yellow and white as its primary colors. This is also the destination for many high-end brands to display their products.
Walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake
Different from the serenity of historical relics, Hoan Kiem Lake walking street is a vibrant destination where you can fully immerse yourself in the colorful nighttime ambiance. This area is diverse in cuisine, street activities, and interesting folk toys. Therefore, many locals and visitors choose here as their weekend entertainment destination.
When strolling around the walking street, you can visit relics, freely check-in and enjoy many specialties in the old quarter or unwind with friends over delectable cups of street coffee.It should be noted that the walking street is only available on Saturdays, Sundays and on Friday evenings, so plan your visit accordingly.
Hanoi Old Quarter
- Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t miss walking through the Old Quarter to admire the unique architecture and explore the daily life of Hanoian people. Hanoi Old Quarter is also where you can enjoy many delicious specialties of the Kinh Ky region.
Hanoi Old Quarter is limited by Hang Dau Street to the North, Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, Hang Thung to the South, Phung Hung Street to the West, and Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai Streets to the East. Around the Old Quarter, there are also many souvenir shops where you can buy typical Hanoi gifts to give to friends and relatives.
Read more:
- Hanoi Old Quarter: The COMPLETE Guide to Your Journey in Hanoi!
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Dinh Le Book Street
- Address: Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Dinh Le Street, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is considered “the heaven of books” in Hanoi. This is where many bookstores gather and you can easily find a variety of books from philosophy, history, culture, economics, social sciences and various specialized books. Dinh Le street becomes a convergence of knowledge, attracting both domestic and foreign authors to meet, exchange ideas and discuss books.
Monument Determined to Brave Death for the Survival of the Fatherland
- Location: On the bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, near the gate of Ngoc Son temple and Ba Kieu temple
This monument is a symbol of determination to protect the Fatherland, impresses with the statue of a strong national guard soldier with a young woman wearing ao dai and a worker ready to fight. This monument honors the brave and steadfast spirit of the army and people in the capital throughout the arduous battle against the French.
Hanoi post office
- Address: 745 Dinh Tien Hoan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist
You can visit the Hanoi post office if you still like to explore Hoan Kiem Lake while meandering around. The post office, which is near Hoan Kiem Lake, has an old-world appearance. Visitors can come here to take photos, create many “virtual living corners” to make many impressive photo sets!
Things to do in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Eat Trang Tien ice cream
- Address: No.35 Trang Tien street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Reference price: 5,000 – 9,000 VND/stick
Trang Tien Ice Cream is a long-standing ice cream shop as well as a famous brand in the Hoan Kiem Lake area, Hanoi. Trang Tien Ice Cream has become a very popular brand among Hanoians and a must-try when you come to the capital. In addition to tasting the locals’ preferred ice cream, the shop is a great spot to help you dispel the heat of Hanoi.
There are a wide variety of flavors available for ice cream, including chocolate, vanilla, taro, cereal, and coconut milk. However, vani ice cream and coconut milk ice cream are the most well-known among them. Cones of ice cream are excellent, crunchy, and loaded with milk – not too sweet, nor too rich. Each ice cream costs between 12,000 and 25,000 VND.
Try egg coffee
Egg cafe is truly a new discovery on the journey to Vietnam. Coffee may be found in many places, but the coffee in Hanoi, especially the egg coffee, is the most impressive. The taste of coffee mixed with the aroma of egg yolks, adding a sweet cream flavor, all create hot and fragrant cups of eggs that anyone who has tried it cannot be confused with any other flavor.
To enjoy an “authentic” cup of Egg Coffee, try it at Giang Cafe or Dinh Cafe..
- Giang Cafe: No.39 Nguyen Huu Huan street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Dinh Cafe: No.13 Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hang Trong ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- A cup of egg coffee ranges from 20,000 – 35,000 VND.
Participate in folk games
When it comes to worthwhile activities, engaging folk games like tug of war, jumping rope, and Mandarin square capturing is one of the best things about Hanoi walking streets.
Every weekend, a lot of young or cultural organizations set up equipment, boards, etc. to transform the street into a traditional playing field. Of all of them, jumping rope and Mandarin square capturing are the two most popular games.
The young people here are also very enthusiastic and friendly. They will introduce and guide you about the origin, meaning and how to play each game. This is such a great opportunity to learn about Vietnamese folk culture.
Things to eat in Hoan Kiem Lake? Recommended restaurants to try
The route around Hoan Kiem Lake and the neighboring Old Quarter is known as a culinary paradise with many famous shops and restaurants serving Hanoi specialties. Below are great suggestions for your culinary exploration journey in the Hoan Kiem Lake area:
Thuy Ta ice cream
- Address: No.1 Le Thai To street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Reference price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/ice cream
Thuy Ta Ice Cream is also one of the famous ice cream brands, which is available in numerous locations in Hanoi. When you come here, you can select from a wide variety of ice cream flavors.
This brand is also reasonably priced, so you can buy with confidence and not worry about getting scammed. If this is your first time trying this ice cream, the friendly staff also can assist you in making a selection.
Dried beef salad (Nom Bo Kho) on Dinh Tien Hoang street
Address:
- No.23 Hoan Kiem Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
- No.51 Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
- Reference price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND/portion
If you are looking for light snacks, stop by the Hanoi dried beef salad restaurant at No.51 Dinh Tien Hoang street. In addition to dry beef salad, the establishment offers a wide variety of other mouthwatering foods like spring rolls and traditional rice dumpling cakes. Nonetheless, the most well-liked meal here is undoubtedly the dry beef salad, which combines the rich flavor of dried beef liver and fish sauce with the crunchy texture and freshness of papaya.
Old Quarter culinary paradise – Dong Xuan Market Alley
- Address: Dong Xuan neighborhood, Hoan Kiem District
- Reference price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND/dish
Dong Xuan Market is the oldest and largest traditional market in Hanoi. This is the ideal destination for you to discover many famous dishes such as Bun Cha, vermicelli, shrimp cake, snail vermicelli, meat skewers, sweet soup and many other dishes at affordable prices.
Bun thang – Hanoi rice vermicelli soup with chicken and eggs – On Cau Go street
- Address: No.48, Cau Go street, Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi
- Preference price: 30,000VND – 55,000VND
Due to its long-standing reputation and mouthwatering flavor, Bun Thang by Mrs. Duc on Cau Go Street draws a sizable crowd of diners. The Hanoi rice vermicelli bowl at the restaurant comes with chicken, pork sausage, dried shrimp, fried eggs, onions, and herbs. Together, all the components produce a flavor that is rich and delectable. This is not just a typical dish for the people of Hanoi; its exceedingly delicate aftertaste is what makes it a quintessential dish of Hanoi cuisine.
Nem chua nuong (Grilled fermented pork rolls) on Au Trieu street
- Price: From 20,000 VND – 30,000 VND/portion.
- Address: No.10 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Banh trang tron (Mixed rice paper) – Banh trang nuong (Grilled rice paper)
- Price: From 20,000 VND/portion.
- Address: Cau Go street, Hang Bac ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Quay – Fried dough sticks
- Price: From 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND/portion.
- Address: No.73 Hang Bong street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
Hoa qua dam – Fresh fruits with ice and coconut milk
- Price: From 20,000 VND/portion.
- Address: No.17 To Tich Street, Hang Gai ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Sua chua thach la nep – Yogurt with pandan jelly
- Price: From 20,000 VND/portion.
- Address: No.05 Dinh Liet street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Suggested itinerary for a one-day visit to Hoan Kiem Lake
With so many appealing locations, you ought to plan your trip to Hoan Kiem Lake in advance for the most satisfying and unforgettable experience. If you are unsure of where to go or what to eat throughout a day at Hoan Kiem Lake, please refer to the following suggested itinerary and customize it according to your preferences to have the best trip:
In the morning:
- Start your journey at Dong Xuan market, enjoy breakfast with Hanoi specialties such as: Pho, Bun oc (snail vermicelli soup) or Bun rieu (vermicelli soup with crab and tomato broth).
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, admiring the cool green scenery on the quiet lake in the early morning. - Wander around different streets in Hanoi Old Quarter such as Hang Ma street, Ta Hien street.
In the afternoon:
- Have lunch with “Bun Cha” on Hang Quat street or “Bun Thang” on Cau Go street.
- Stop by Dinh cafe, enjoy egg coffee and admire the poetic scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Continue your journey to explore Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, check in The Huc Bridge, Dai Nghien and Pen Tower.
- Visit Hoa Phong tower, Temple of King Le Thai To , Monument of King Ly Thai To.
- Take time to rest, explore the book stalls on Dinh Le street, and indulge in Trang Tien ice cream.
- Take check-in photos at Hanoi Opera House, Trang Tien Plaza and stop by Thang Long Puppet Theater to watch water puppetry.
Evening Itinerary
- Savor dinner with delicious street food at the night market.
- Have fun and enjoy the fresh air on the walking street, watching the scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake at night. Enjoy the fresh air and the nighttime scene of Hoan Kiem Lake while having fun on the walking street. Alternatively, you may book a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater following dinner to delve into and witness the genuine existence of historical Vietnamese farmers, meticulously brought to life with water puppets.
>>> See our 1-Day Tour to Explore Entire Hanoi for the most comprehensive 1-Day Hanoi Itinerary that includes visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and other well-known locations. <<<
Useful travel experience for your trip to Hoan Kiem Lake
- To have the best sightseeing experience when coming to Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t miss the following useful experiences:
- Walking is the best way to help you conveniently visit and leisurely enjoy the natural scenery because the attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake are not too far from each other.
- If you want to experience cyclo, you should inquire about the cost and distance in advance with the driver.
- You can visit Hoan Kiem Lake at any time of the year. Autumn is regarded as the most picturesque season for Hoan Kiem Lake due to its cool weather and picturesque view of falling yellow leaves.
- There are numerous stores surrounding the lake, Dong Xuan market, and the old quarters that sell a variety of items that you can purchase as presents for friends and family, such dried sweetened fruits, Hanoi green rice cake, and handicrafts. According to Hanoi travel experience, you should go shopping in the afternoon to conveniently ask prices because shop owners often don’t like customers coming to ask without buying anything in the morning.
- For convenient sightseeing, you should select to stay in an accommodation near Hoan Kiem Lake or in the old town area.
The most comprehensive information regarding addresses, means of transportation, destinations, delicious cuisine, and schedules for Hoan Kiem Lake can be found above. If you ever get the chance to visit Hanoi, make sure to stay for the entire day so you can take in all of its special beauty. The poetic scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake, unique architectural works and rich cuisine will undoubtedly bring you the most memorable memories of Hanoi.
