Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), Hanoi: Hours, Address, Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) Reviews: 4.5/5
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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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from ₱670.88
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Top ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,974 within 5 kms

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Katze
71
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206 within 10 kms

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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,535 reviews
Excellent
6,006
Very good
5,445
Average
1,853
Poor
180
Terrible
51
Harrison F. Carter
Cologne, Germany10,600 contributions
Didn't get to experience the lake during daylight hours, but of an evening the lake and the illumination of the bridge and temple was really lovely and well worth coming to see.
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ishvaryaa Chandhan
Yokohama, Japan18 contributions
Ideal for an evening hangout, along the lakeside with busy shopping experience and buzzing activities!
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Z1125XOjoanneh
10 contributions
It was an extremely hot day so large trees around lake provide a sheltered walking zone. We visited the Temple across the bridge. Open bus city tour would have been better than trying to walk in the heat. Very busy but interesting area.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael A
14 contributions
Solo
The hoan khiem lake is beautiful in its own rights, lovely location an ancient temple located on a mini island on the lake itself linked by a red walking bridge. The temple is said to be a 1000 years old .
Lots of activities around the lake both day time and in the evenings.
A must visit if in Hanoi
Lots of activities around the lake both day time and in the evenings.
A must visit if in Hanoi
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz
Seoul, South Korea37 contributions
This lake has a super interesting tale involving a turtle and a king. Any ideas what it could be? Apparently the turtle who lived in this lake gave a sword to the king to defeat the enemies in the war. So, the king built a temple to honor the turtle.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marcus K
Ampang, Malaysia77 contributions
Saved money and just take pictures or video during day and night time as nothing special if you pay normal entrance fees for these attraction. I believe not many will appreciate to pay such amount of entrance fees to go inside.
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancie
Market Harborough, UK18 contributions
Couples
Very good. Glad we had the info beforehand otherwise you would be very lost and confused about the significance of the lake. Only downside was the smell of the lake itself and surrounding litter.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clevelang
Cleveland, Australia44 contributions
Couples
Steamy, hot but lots of fun. July is perhaps not the best weather window for Hanoi but the lake can provide a cooler environment.
Early mornings see locals enjoying exercise with dance, tai chi or just a relaxing stroll. Evenings are the same. Plenty of large shady trees and often a cooling breeze means even in the heat of the day this is a great place to have a cool drink, an ice cream and watch the world go by.
Weekends are special as the streets around the lake are closed to traffic. People replace vehicles. Laughter replaces horns. Groups of students seek out tourists to practice the language they are learning at school or university. These make the most wonderful and engaging conversations where you experience the incredible friendliness of the Vietnamese people.
If you are near the old quarter on the weekend don't miss it.
Early mornings see locals enjoying exercise with dance, tai chi or just a relaxing stroll. Evenings are the same. Plenty of large shady trees and often a cooling breeze means even in the heat of the day this is a great place to have a cool drink, an ice cream and watch the world go by.
Weekends are special as the streets around the lake are closed to traffic. People replace vehicles. Laughter replaces horns. Groups of students seek out tourists to practice the language they are learning at school or university. These make the most wonderful and engaging conversations where you experience the incredible friendliness of the Vietnamese people.
If you are near the old quarter on the weekend don't miss it.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
doscal
Dubai, United Arab Emirates530 contributions
Well worth the visit - I walked around this place in the drizzling rain which added to the experience.
Theres plenty of shops and coffee shops dotted around... and it leads to the old town. Visit and enjoy.
Theres plenty of shops and coffee shops dotted around... and it leads to the old town. Visit and enjoy.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grace H
London, UK12 contributions
To our horror, we found that this lake stinks. The streets around it are filthy with litter and discarded food containers and trash too. A disappointment. Hanoi should up it's game post-covid.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Noosa, Australia357 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 Netherlands142 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, UK568 contributions
Is it safe for 2 tourists from uk to walk round park in evening?
BobKL
Amsterdam, The Netherlands90 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost ₱666.26, while a popular guided tour starts around ₱277.61 per person. See all 229 Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 229 Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- Skip the Line - Water Puppet Entrance Ticket (From ₱666.26)
- Private Hanoi City Half-Day Tour (Food/Sightseeing/Cutural) (From ₱277.61)
- Private Hanoi Old Quater Walking - Sightseeing Tour (Cyclo/Food) (From ₱277.61)
- Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie (From ₱1,586.81)
- Full-day Private Hanoi Sightseeing And Rickshaw Tour (From ₱1,708.40)
- Hotels near Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- (0.05 km) Cozy House
- (0.21 km) Solaria Hotel
- (0.18 km) Apricot Hotel
- (0.21 km) Bonsella Hotel
- (0.23 km) The Oriental Jade Hotel
- Restaurants near Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake):
- (0.18 km) Stellar Steakhouse
- (0.20 km) Quan Que Restaurant
- (0.21 km) Pho Bo Mau Dich
- (0.25 km) Lake View Side Restaurant & Cafe
- (0.27 km) The Rhythms Restaurant