Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

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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Admission tickets
from ₱280.64
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
The area
See what travelers are saying
  • Thi Hoan N
    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam20 contributions
    The most famous attraction in Hanoi
    The most famous attraction in Hanoi for everyone. Each time I go there I walk for two rounds or more whenever I have time. Can find many hotels in the area which is only 5 mins walk to the lake. Its also convenience to find delicious local foods such as BUN CHA, PHO in the area.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 17, 2022
  • Anna May V
    Pasig, Philippines2,764 contributions
    An Attraction for All Types of Tourists and Locals
    Low-cost attraction that feels like a haven in the middle of an otherwise noisy, bustling city. No rush here as people of all ages and backgrounds go for a stroll, do photoshoots, or explore its many charms. This is pretty much the place by which you measure the distance to any other place in the Old Quarter, and on weekends or evenings it is not unusual to see more stalls or activities along its perimeter.
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 17, 2022
  • DuaneThia
    Singapore, Singapore48 contributions
    Simple Lake in the centre of the city.
    Nothing much on the lake about many charming buildings around the lake....and of course the many Cafes around too. Come night, a nice place for photo taking too.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 18, 2022
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China14,203 contributions
    Landmark of Hanoi
    Even for first-time visitors to Vietnam, Hoan Kiem Lake is easily recognizable from all postcards. The peaceful lake is the de facto core of the Vietnamese capital and offers a lush, pleasant area for locals and tourists alike. A stroll along the waterfront is the ultimate Hanoi experience.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 13, 2023
  • Justin T
    7 contributions
    Peaceful place in bustling Hanoi
    We stayed in Hanoi for 3 nights. Our hotels - the Apricot, was just on the other side of the road, looked over the lake. Liked it very and we could confidently walked along the streets to visit old Quarter at weekend when roads are closed for walking. Highly recommend a walking tour with great street food and do stay somewhere around the lake.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 14, 2023
  • Hang94
    Hanoi, Vietnam2 contributions
    beautiful and peaceful places in Hanoi
    As a local, I would say that the Lake of the Restored Sword, or Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Hanoi. Walking or jogging around the lake in the early morning or late afternoon is a popular activity for locals, and it's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the middle of the lake is also a must-visit, as it offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.
    Visited February 2023
    Written March 1, 2023
  • Alexchung0908
    3 contributions
    Nice place for walking in the evening
    Good place for walking around at night time. At weekend with walking street is very nice. Many activities there like dancing, singing, games playing. Had street food with Vietnam Escape Tours guide then free time for Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Really recommended
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 2, 2023
  • Lynda S
    8 contributions
    Sample at night and by day
    We walked around this expanse of water many times and each time felt different. With traffic banned at the weekend the local families come out to play, literally we saw groups skipping, playing football with a shuttlecock or indulging in board games just as examples. Vibrant and exciting with a band playing to local dignitaries for all to enjoy for good measure.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 5, 2023
  • Steve Buckley
    London, United Kingdom6,302 contributions
    Great Place to spend some time - day or night!
    My wife and myself are currently staying at the Lapis Hotel (see separate Review) which was conveniently placed to visit both the Opera House and Lake Hoan Kiev - indeed, a little over an hour’s walk door to door. We went around the Lake twice (in the morning and early evening) and on both occasions we were in good company. There were also many different activities going on including dancing and keep fit classes. Something all visitors to Hanoi should experience if the opportunitiy presents itself.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 7, 2023
  • Gerald L.Lopez
    Houston, Texas3 contributions
    Hoan Kiem Lake
    Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Hanoi. Walking or jogging around the lake in the early morning or late afternoon is a popular activity among locals and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Ngoc Son Temple located in the middle of the lake is also a must-see as it offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. If you come to Hanoi, you should not miss this place.
    Visited February 2023
    Written March 10, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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13,642 reviews
Excellent
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Alain T
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Our Halong bay cruise booked with HALONG BAY CRUISE HUNTERS on tripadvisor is great. Included city trip to Hoan Kiem lake. It was brilliant and beautiful.
Written 6 December 2023
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.

Wikumj
Bromley, UK317 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A lovely area of the city used by lots of locals. I recommend coming here in the evenings on weekends when the roads around the lake are closed, making it much nicer to walk around as a pedestrian, and lots of the city seem to come out and enjoy the space. A great area for a peaceful, romantic walk, with the city lights reflected in the water.

During the day, I recommend going to the small shrine at the middle of the lake; it's a nice, peaceful spot, tickets are cheap and you get nice views out over the lake.
Written 5 December 2023
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.

JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia18,340 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
that encompasses all the parts of hanoi, the old and the french quarter are very popular with tourists, recommend walking the circumference of the lake at least twice, in the the day and at night, both complexly different experience's, all a good way to get away from the general chaos.
Written 29 November 2023
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.

Rayhan M
9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The lake is right in the city center, and walking distance from our hotel. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple and enjoyed the water puppet show. Lots of restaurants and caffees around the lake!
Written 29 November 2023
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.

Dec 2022 • Friends
It is a peaceful stunning lake located in the central Hanoi. We walked around and enjoyed it so much. By night this lake reflexes colorful shade of red bridge outside the green island.
Written 27 November 2023
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.

Willy G
17 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Nice spot for tourists and locals alike. Lots of people sitting by the lake and enjoy the lake view. You buy a ticket to visit this temple of the lake and some giant turtle exhibit. We visited on a weekend so the area is pedestrian only with shops set up in the street. Kind of a must do while visiting Hanoi
Written 21 November 2023
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.

marri
15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
It's great, we love this place. We come back here. The space is so romantic. 10 points. would like to introduce to everyone
Written 19 November 2023
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.

joe d
Penang Island, Malaysia2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
HALONG BAY CRUISE HUNTERS (The LEGIT AGENT on TRIPADVISOR) and we got our great cruise trip booked with JAMES and team, and hotels also all packages were arranged smoothly from the beginning to the end. We enjoyed our time for walking street food and spent our time around Hoan Kiem lake, it is the best time if you visit in weekend where all vehicles are not allowed and only allowed for walking.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Written 5 November 2023
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.

Travel-future-ahoy
Sydney, Australia1,879 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
A bit overrated in our opinion.

Visited the lake (walked around), the Ngoc Sun Temple and the giant turtle shells in exhibit (and a small koi pond as well), and saw the Turtle Tower.

Written 2 November 2023
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.

kuldip K
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Lake is in the centre of heart but has greenish water. However walk around the lake and Pagoda in the centre make it a great hangout. Famous Water puppet theatre is also round the corner.
Written 24 October 2023
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.

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LAKE 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 ₱271.44, while a popular guided tour starts around ₱276.98 per person.

According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):

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