Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) in the center of the Hoan Kiem Lake.

A good way to get your bearings in Hanoi is to make a quick circuit of the lake, a pleasant walk at any time of year and stunning when the flame trees flower in June and July.

Hoan Kiem Lake by night.

The Huc Bridge is a beautiful construction built to connect the Ngoc Son Temple located in the heart of Hoan Kiem Lake and the lake bank.

On an island at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake stands Den Ngoc Son or Jade MountainTemple, one of the most beautiful and revered religious buildings in the capital.

Located in the centre of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake (‘Lake of the Returned Sword) is regarded as the heart of the city.

Hoan Kiem lake is one of the city’s most popular venues, generally packed with couples taking a stroll, people practicing Tai Chi, and old men playing chess.

Hoan Kiem Lake overview

Hoan Kiem Lake is the beating heart of Hanoi. It was previously known as Luc Thuy Lake due to its year-round blue water. In the 15th century, this lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake, or “Lake of the Returned Sword,” with the meaning that the sword is returned for the tortoise, and during the warm season, the tortoise will occasionally float on the lake’s surface.

Hoan Kiem Lake features

The lake is located in the heart of Hanoi, and the tower was designed by Vietnamese and European architects. All of these factors combine to make Hoan Kiem Lake one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake is also very famous because it is located near many other famous sites in Hanoi, including The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Thap But, Le Thai To Temple, Hoa Phong Tower, and others.

You can enjoy the fresh air while exploring the lake because this lake is surrounded by green space with many old and large trees, so tourists always feel cool even in the hot summer, and one thing is certain, tourists will have the most beautiful photos after visiting Hoan Kiem Lake.

How to travel to Hoan Kiem Lake?

Hoan Kiem Lake is in the center and heart of Hanoi and is one of the main attractions on the Hanoi city tour. If you stay in a central hotel in Hanoi, you can easily get around on foot to visit this lake.

And, the lake is also especially close to Thang Long Theater, where you can enjoy the Water Puppet Show, which is one of Hanoi’s best attractions. As a result, you should not miss exploring and photographing this site during your visit to Hanoi, Vietnam.

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                                                                                    Best of Vietnam with Hoan Kiem Lake

• 7 Days Best Vietnam
• 10 Days Best Vietnam from Hanoi
• 15 Days Best Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City

                                                                                    Best of Vietnam Regions

• 4 Days Best of Southern Vietnam
• 5 Days Best of Central Vietnam
• 6 Days Best of Northern Vietnam
• 7 Days Best of Southern & Central Vietnam

                                                                                    Best of Vietnam & Southeast Asia

• 7 Days Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
• 10 Days Best of Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos
• 12 Days Best of Thailand – Vietnam – Cambodia
• 13 Days Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
• 14 Days Best of Myanmar & Vietnam
• 18 Days Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
• 21 Days Best of Indochina (Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos)

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