DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Hoan Kiem Lake

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
—°15
Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)

Weather…

Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning 'Lake of the Restored Sword,' is the historical and spiritual centerpiece of Hanoi. Its name is derived from a 15th-century legend involving King Le Loi, who supposedly received a magical sword from a golden turtle to defeat Ming invaders and later returned it to the lake's depths. The lake features the iconic Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) on a small central island, which has become a symbol of the city. To the north, the Ngoc Son Temple sits on Jade Island, accessible via the bright red wooden Huc Bridge. The lake serves as a major social hub where residents gather for morning exercises and weekend festivities on the surrounding pedestrian streets. Historically, the lake was known for its rare giant soft-shell turtles, which were revered as sacred guardians of the nation's independence.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Vietnam?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Hoan Kiem Lake

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161822252829292827242117
Rain mm352349741762022923282321285226

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Situated squarely in the center of Hanoi, the lake is easily accessible on foot from the Old Quarter. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local buses drop visitors right at the surrounding promenades.
📅
Best season
Autumn, from September to November, has handy mild temperatures and clear skies for strolling. Weekends are particularly special as the surrounding streets become pedestrian-only zones.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The path around the lake is completely flat, paved, and very well-maintained, suitable for all fitness levels. Wheelchair and stroller access is generally straightforward along the main walkways.
🎒
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are the main essentials for this urban attraction. During the summer months, a hat and a bottle of water are necessary to combat the urban heat.
🅿️
Parking
Finding parking for cars nearby is extremely difficult; visitors usually rely on designated motorbike parking lots scattered around the perimeter. Public transport or walking is the most practical choice.
⚠️
Safety
The area is very safe and heavily patrolled, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded spots. Exercise extreme caution when crossing the busy streets outside the pedestrian zones.
⏱️
Time needed
A full circuit around the lake takes about 45 minutes, but visitors typically spend one to two hours visiting the island temple and enjoying the atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
21.02800, 105.85200

Facts

  • Legend: Named after King Le Loi's 15th-century victory
  • Icon: The Turtle Tower was constructed around 1886
  • Shrine: Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 18th century
  • Bridge: The red Huc Bridge was first built in 1865
  • Pedestrian Zone: Surroundings close to traffic every weekend
  • Fauna: Formerly home to the near-extinct Hoan Kiem turtle

Explore nearby

Notable places around

HanoiHanoi<1 km · EExplore →
Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh Mausoleum2 km · NWExplore →
Thủ Lệ Park (Hanoi Zoo)Thủ Lệ Park (Hanoi Zoo)5 km · WExplore →
West LakeWest Lake5 km · NWExplore →
Hồ Tây Water ParkHồ Tây Water Park6 km · NWExplore →
Epizootic Disease Research CentreEpizootic Disease Research Centre8 km · WExplore →
Bac Ninh Industrial ZoneBac Ninh Industrial Zone29 km · NEExplore →
Vĩnh YênVĩnh Yên40 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hoan Kiem Lake (15)

House number 48 Hang Ngang Street🏛 museum

The historic house where President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1945.

Hoa Lo Prison🏛 museum

A former colonial prison known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', documenting the history of the Vietnam War.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:00

Vietnamese Women's Museum🏛 museum

A museum showcasing the vital role of women in Vietnamese history, culture, and family life.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:00💶

Turtle Tower🏺 historical

A small 19th-century stone tower standing on a tiny islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hai Bà Trưng Temple⛪ religious

A temple dedicated to the legendary Trưng sisters, who led a rebellion against Chinese rule in 40 AD.

Chùa Sét⛪ religious

An ancient Buddhist temple featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene courtyards.

Ke Set Parish Church⛪ religious

A Catholic church that blends Western Neo-Gothic elements with local architectural details.

Nhà hát Hồng Hà🎭 culture

A specialized theatre dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional Cheo opera.

Dong Xuan Market🎭 culture

Hanoi's largest indoor market is housed in a colonial-era building and has all kinds of local goods.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-19:00

Hoa Phong Tower📍 landmark

A solitary brick tower on the lakeshore that is the last remnant of the once vast Bao An Pagoda.

Công viên Võ Thị Sáu🌳 park

Also known as Youth Park, this spot features green spaces and recreational facilities around a large lake.

🕒 24/7

Thong Nhat Park🌳 park

One of the city's largest parks, known for the central Bay Mau Lake and its spacious walking paths.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-22:00

Monument of King Le Thai To🏺 historical

This lakeside monument commemorates King Le Thai To and the legend of the restored sword.

Nhà bia tưởng niệm liệt sỹ🏺 historical

A small memorial house containing stone steles in memory of the neighborhood's revolutionary martyrs.

Ho Guom Theatre🎭 culture

A modern lakeside opera house known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and elegant contemporary design.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can we swim in the lake?
No, swimming in Hoan Kiem Lake is prohibited.
What does the lake's name mean?
It means 'Lake of the Returned Sword'.
Is there a bridge to the island?
Yes, the red Hứa bridge leads to the Ngoc Son Pagoda.
What is the best time of day to visit?
The atmosphere is most beautiful in the early morning or evening.
Are there entrance fees for the waterfront area?
No, the waterfront paths are public and free.
Hoan Kiem Lake: where is it located?
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include House number 48 Hang Ngang Street, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnamese Women's Museum.
Hoan Kiem Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Hoan Kiem Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning 'Lake of the Restored Sword,' is the historical and spiritual centerpiece of Hanoi.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Vietnam →

Nearby cities

Hanoi — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam with over a thousand years of history and French colonial heritage.
🗺️
Vĩnh Yên
The capital of Vĩnh Phúc province and a significant economic hub near Hanoi.
Bắc Giang — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Bắc Giang
A city to the northeast of Hanoi, known for its lychees and strategic location.
Hải Dương — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Hải Dương
A city in the Red River Delta, known for its traditional green bean cakes.
Phủ Lý — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Phủ Lý
A city on the banks of the Đáy River, heavily destroyed during the Vietnam War and later rebuilt.

History & landmarks

Nam Dinh — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Nam Dinh
Nam Dinh is a historical province in the Red River Delta, known for its magnificent temples and as the birthplace of the famous Phở noodl…

Nature

West Lake — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
West Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, a popular recreational spot with many temples, restaurants, and cafes along its shores.

More places

🗺️
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
The political centre of Vietnam for 13 consecutive centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese revolutionary leader, in Hanoi.
One Pillar Pagoda — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
One Pillar Pagoda
A historic Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, resting on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond.
Hanoi Botanical Garden — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Hanoi Botanical Garden
A peaceful green space near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to a collection of rare trees and plants.
Thủ Lệ Park (Hanoi Zoo) — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Thủ Lệ Park (Hanoi Zoo)
A large park and zoo in central Hanoi, featuring a large lake, playgrounds, and a variety of animals.
Hồ Tây Water Park — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Hồ Tây Water Park
A large water park on the shore of West Lake in Hanoi, offering a welcome escape from the city's summer heat.
Epizootic Disease Research Centre — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Epizootic Disease Research Centre
A specialized center dedicated to the research and control of epizootic diseases, playing a vital role in public health and agriculture.
Perfume Pagoda — Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnam)
Perfume Pagoda
A vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains.