Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A rare breed of turtle enjoys this popular lake almost as much as countless locals and tourists. Hoan Kiem Lake is a dynamic daily tableau, from morning walks amid locals doing exercises on the shore, to young couples water-gazing on park benches, to the multiple shopping and sight-seeing opportunities in the vicinity. Centrally located in the city, Hoan Kiem Lake serves as a massive home base, and provides endless people-watching and recreational opportunities on the edge of the Old Quarter.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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from ₱281.15
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Top ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,276 within 5 kms
Attractions
258 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- Amanda McDonaldNew York City, New York3 contributionsA nice lake!It's a very nice lake right in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter. Clean and peaceful too! We've seen lots of elderly locals doing aerobic in early morning. Wow, it's interesting! They looked so happy while doing aerobic and dancing together. We didn't think that people can do aerobic outside and close to nature like that.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 21, 2023
- Lee AHanoi, Vietnam16 contributionsPleasant experienceIt was a pleasant experience walking around this Central Lake. It is surrounded by many beautiful trees and historical places. The lake is always crowed with many local people and tourist. At weend, the road is locked to become walking street with many cultural taking place hereVisited January 2023Written March 22, 2023
- VTSAMNew Haven, Connecticut37 contributionsLike a festival by the lakeGreat morning stroll on a Saturday. Streets around were closed for a 'Tourist Festival ". Lots of kids out for various activities, couples and groups taking photos and a variety of vendors. Fun vibe!Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 24, 2023
- Peter B6 contributionsBeautiful Lake in center of HanoiWe stayed just a couple of minutes walk from the lake. There are many shops and restaurants along the lake. We were here during Tet Holiday and it was very busy with a lot of people, but a lot of fun!! Street Food, Artists, etc. If you are visiting Hanoi it is a must see!!Visited January 2023Written March 27, 2023
- notacouchpotato523 contributionsA restful place to walkWe spent a whole day walking round this lake which was immensely aided by the fact that, at the weekend it is fully pedestrianised. The centre of the lake contains the Turtle Tower and at the far end an elaborate Temple reached by an ancient bridge. We also attended the water puppet show - a mustVisited March 2023Written March 28, 2023
- Min Cen QingOttawa, Canada10 contributionsA nice like in the old townThis is a clean and beautiful lake in the old town center. This is also next to the walking streets that operates at the weekend. Definitely a good place for walking around and see how locals do their business at the surrounding areas.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 4, 2023
- Phi SomchaiBangkok, Thailand3,795 contributionsPleasant stroll around the lakeThis is a famous lake surrounded by the Old Quarter and the opera house city center area. The surrounding area by the lake is clean and very pleasant to stroll around it. The view around the lake is beautiful at night.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 6, 2023
- Soko37Budapest, Hungary4,537 contributionsNo cars this timeToday walk around was very special, due to some city event preparation, the streets were closed for cars and it was suddenly walking zones. Many people out, locals, tourists, kids or older people. Street around the lake was for them. No traffic and unusual calmer, people were not crowded as usual, This could be repeated even stay like that foreverVisited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 8, 2023
- meskeremVietnam4 contributionsStunning sight to beholdThe serene environment of the lake is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake is abundant with wildlife, from the turtles that inhabit the lake to the birds that soar above it. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll or just sit and take in the beauty of the lake. The lake also has great historical significance, as it is believed to be the place where Emperor Le Loi returned the magical sword to the Golden Turtle God. Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape or to explore the history of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-see.Visited April 2023Written April 13, 2023
- Alex BenjaminMontreal, Canada3 contributionsBeautiful LakeMust-see destination when coming to Hanoi. Beautiful lake!! The lake is an excellent location for sightseeing and people-watching because both locals and visitors frequent the region. It's a terrific place to wander and take in the sights because there are many pedestrian-friendly streets to discover.Visited April 2023Written April 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,665 reviews
Excellent
6,090
Very good
5,486
Average
1,859
Poor
179
Terrible
51
Escape25033461203
Munich, Germany4 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The weather in Hanoi is very pleasant and fresh, the people are very friendly, the hotel food is suitable for taste, the service is very good, the customer service is very dedicated.
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarisumirk m
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The lake is relaxing in morning and our overnight Halong cruise trip was beautiful. We had lots of amazing times in Hanoi and Halong Bay
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moureen
St Ives, UK25 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Nothing says Hanoi like a walk around Hoan Kiem lake. If you're ever in the region an early morning walk or late even wander will give you the best sense of community. The lake is a bit too busy for me during tge weekend, but I highly recommend a few laps while in the city.
Written February 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This lake occupies the center of Hanoi's Old quarter.
The restored sword refers to a legend in which the Emperor was given a sword by the Golden Turtles God (who live in the lake) to defeat Chinese. After he succeeded, he returned the sword into the Lake and built the Turtle tower in the middle of the lake to thank them. The Tower became Hanoi's symbol.
Besides this tower, on the northern lake side is a picturesque Confucian Temple Ngoc Son, reached via a red bridge.
Whole area around the lake is very nice and popular with locals. It's really pleasant to walk around it contrary to chaotic streets of old quarter.
The restored sword refers to a legend in which the Emperor was given a sword by the Golden Turtles God (who live in the lake) to defeat Chinese. After he succeeded, he returned the sword into the Lake and built the Turtle tower in the middle of the lake to thank them. The Tower became Hanoi's symbol.
Besides this tower, on the northern lake side is a picturesque Confucian Temple Ngoc Son, reached via a red bridge.
Whole area around the lake is very nice and popular with locals. It's really pleasant to walk around it contrary to chaotic streets of old quarter.
Written February 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glashdave M
New Jersey2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Best cruise we did from the agent. We love the tour pretty much with lots of things to do and see. Our time for walking the lake was worth it,too.
Written February 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin Carl
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This is a lake associated with many historical stories of Vietnam. In the past, there was a king who returned a sword to the god who helped him fight off foreign invaders and rule the kingdom. In the middle of the lake there is a temple. To enter that temple, you have to across a red curved bridge called The Huc Bridge
Written January 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon
Suva, Fiji1,034 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Decent lake with lots of seating and decent landscaping all around. Best to come at night when the lights are on. The only issue is pathways are quite narrow and there isn't much space between benches and walking spaces for joggers or cyclists.
Written January 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Louis
Liverpool, UK6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
A large, peaceful lake with anancient temple in the middle of the lake. To go to the temple, you have to cross a red gridge. It is really to take pictures and learn about Vietnam
Written January 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China513 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Good location. It was quite comfortable by walking around Hoan Kiem Lake even there were numerous people there and shops around. The lake was very beautiful and peaceful. Nice place.
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
farak h
Mumbai, India2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
the walking tour around HOAN KIEM LAKE and overnight tour were advised to book through HALONG BAY CRUISE HUNTERS on TRIPADVISOR was brilliant. the place is beautiful, busy but still local
Written January 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabarish
2 contributions
Is it safe to travel to Vietnam with an infant given the current situation of the nCoV??
Simon W
65 contributions
Vietnam medical is not perfect but the virus is more dangerous to older people.
The level of people infect is not high in Vietnam. Your issue is flights and airports.
As regards temperature, the virus can remain intact at 4 or 10 degrees for a longer period of time. But at 30 degrees then you get inactivation.
This was from a HK expert;The virus doesn’t like high humidity either. That’s why I think Sars stopped around May and June in 2003. The environment will be unfavourable for growth around May. The evidence is to look at the common cold – it’s always during winter. So the natural environment will not be favourable in Asia in about May.
Hope this helps in the end it is your decision.
Simon
Mr.David
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi train street, Vietnam
Would you like go inside ?
Interesting place you can visit if you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi. Currently the area is closed and there are a few guards here but don't worry please contact me +84388014896, I will help you to get inside
Sabine8514
Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany82 contributions
There is always the possibility to get in, if you go to a cafe or Restaurant located there.
Looking to book something for myself and 5year old on 31st of December to bring in western new year can anyone suggest restaurants hotels etc
Thanks in advance
Customer909
Lanark, UK192 contributions
It all depends on your budget. One hotel to avoid is Apricot. Service is rubbish.
You can have.
For a young child you probably want swimming pool so head for any 5 star except Apricot which is not great for customer service or cleanliness.
Bonjour, j'aimerai savoir combien de temps comptez vous environs pour profiter de faire le tour du lac ainsi que ces temples?
Merci
Mario N
Montreal, Canada157 contributions
D’entrée de jeu, quels sont vos intérêts (histoire, détente, etc)? combien de temps avez-vous à consacrer? En couple ou avec des enfants?
J’ai séjourné à Hanoi à 4 reprises. Mon plus grand plaisir, ce fut de me promener lentement dans les rues, autour du lac, dans les parcs afin de voir le quotidien des habitants. Au-delà de l’attraction touristique, il y a le vécu d’un peuple. Pendant mes différents séjours, j’ai agrandi mon cercle de visite, toujours à pied soit dit en passant.
Quels sont vos intérêts? Un vulgaire visite d’une heure ou deux ou un PLUS. Bonne visite.
Charlene Gael A
2 contributions
is it open early in the morning? because our arrival is at 1am in hanoi airport, we would like to visit the lake as early as possible to maximize our time and take a stroll and watch locals do tai chi 🤣
rachie_xo
Gold Coast, Australia379 contributions
it's a lake, it's always open...
there's no fence around it or anything
Charlene Gael A
2 contributions
is it open early in the morning? because our arrival is at 1am in hanoi airport, we would like to visit the lake as early as possible to maximize our time and take a stroll and watch locals do tai chi 🤣
Pepijn A
Sint-Michielsgestel, The Netherlands146 contributions
the locals get up pretty early to do their exercises. If you go there around 4 a.m/5am. you will already see people running and old ladies exercising
forbes715
Montrose, UK635 contributions
Is it safe for 2 tourists from uk to walk round park in evening?
BobKL
Amsterdam, The Netherlands93 contributions
I live in Hanoi and, although of course you have to use normal common sense in protecting your valuables, this is probably one of the safest cities in Asia. And the Hoan Kiem Lake at night is beautiful. Would recommend booking a table at Cau Go restaurant on the outside terrace. Great food and an amazing view over the lake.
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Claim your listingLAKE OF THE RESTORED SWORD (HOAN KIEM LAKE): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost ₱272.07, while a popular guided tour starts around ₱277.62 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets (From ₱555.25)
- Half Day Hanoi city - Old Quater - Food walking tour (From ₱777.35)
- Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie (From ₱1,586.90)
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City (From ₱277.62)
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide (From ₱284.84)
- Hotels near Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- (0.02 km) Hanoi Golden Palace Hotel
- (0.05 km) Cozy House
- (0.18 km) Apricot Hotel
- (0.21 km) Solaria Hotel
- (0.21 km) Bonsella Hotel
- Restaurants near Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- (0.21 km) MIAs Restaurant
- (0.25 km) Lake View Side Restaurant & Cafe - Best Vietnamese & Vegan Foods
- (0.27 km) The Rhythms Restaurant
- (0.28 km) Terraço Sky Bar & Restaurant
- (0.27 km) Ding Doong Restaurant
- Attractions near Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- (0.09 km) HanoiKids Voluntary English Tour Guiding Club
- (0.19 km) Hanoitismiss
- (0.14 km) Lotus Water Puppet Theater
- (0.15 km) Ngoc Son Temple
- (0.28 km) Thang Long Water Puppet