Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom, or Sword Lake) is the heart of Hanoi. This 12-hectare lake in Hoan Kiem Ward sits on the southern edge of the Old Quarter, and locals simply call its banks “Bo Ho”. It is free to visit at any hour. A walk around it is about 1.7–1.8 km and takes 25–40 minutes, and the water is only about 1.2 m deep on average.
The lake takes its name from the legend of a king who returned a magic sword to a golden turtle. Its best-known sights are Ngoc Son Temple, the red The Huc Bridge and the Turtle Tower. On weekends, the streets around the lake become a traffic-free walking street.
Hoan Kiem Lake at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Where: Central Hanoi, in Hoan Kiem Ward, at the southern edge of the Old Quarter. It is about 28 km from Noi Bai Airport.
- Size: About 12 ha. It is about 700 m long and the loop around it is 1.7–1.8 km; it is about 1.2 m deep on average and 2 m at most.
- Entry: The lake is free and open 24 hours. Ngoc Son Temple costs 50,000 VND (₹183), open about 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Walking street: Friday 7:00 PM to Sunday midnight, with the Old Quarter night market from Friday to Sunday evenings.
- Best time: October to April for weather; 5:00–7:00 AM for quiet and local life; weekend evenings for street performances.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours for the lake and Ngoc Son Temple, or half a day with the nearby sights.
Where Is Hoan Kiem Lake, and How Big and Deep Is It?
Hoan Kiem Lake is in the centre of Hanoi, between the Old Quarter to the north and the French Quarter to the south. It is a freshwater lake of about 12 ha, roughly 700 m long and up to 250 m wide. You can walk all the way round on a 1.7–1.8 km path. The lake is shallow, about 1.2 m deep on average and no more than 2 m at its deepest point.
| Fact | Detail |
| Names | Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Guom, Sword Lake; locals call the banks “Bo Ho” |
| Ward | Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (Hoan Kiem District before 1 July 2025) |
| Area | About 12 ha |
| Length and loop | About 700 m long; the walking loop is 1.7–1.8 km |
| Depth | About 1.2 m on average and 2 m at most |
| Entry | Free, open 24 hours |
| Main sights | Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, the Pen Tower, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square |
The lake sits where many of Hanoi’s main streets meet, including Hang Dao, Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Trang Tien and Hang Khay. That makes it the easiest landmark for finding your way around the city. Most Old Quarter hotels are within a 5–15 minute walk.
The Legend of Sword Lake: Why It Is Called Hoan Kiem
“Hoan Kiem” means “returned sword”. According to legend, in the early 15th century the fisherman-turned-general Le Loi received a magic sword called Thuan Thien (“Heaven’s Will”) and used it to drive the Ming army out of Vietnam. After he became Emperor Le Thai To, he was boating on the lake when a golden turtle rose from the water and asked for the sword back. The king returned it, and the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem.
Before that, the lake was called Luc Thuy (“green water”) because of its jade-green colour, and also Ta Vong. The Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake honours the legend.
Real giant softshell turtles once lived in the lake, and locals called them “Cu Rua” (Great-Grandfather Turtle). The last one died in January 2016. Its preserved body is now displayed in a glass case at Ngoc Son Temple, beside the turtle that died in 1967. You will not see live giant turtles in the lake today.
What to See Around Hoan Kiem Lake
A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake takes in five sights: Ngoc Son Temple on its island, the red The Huc Bridge, the Pen Tower, the Turtle Tower in the middle of the water, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square at the north end. St Joseph’s Cathedral is a short walk to the west.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) stands on a small island at the north end of the lake. It honours three figures:
- Van Xuong De Quan, the god of literature
- The scholar-saint La To
- Tran Hung Dao, the 13th-century general who defeated the Mongol invasions
Inside, you can see the preserved giant turtles of Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Entrance fee: 50,000 VND (about ₹183) per adult since 2024.
- Hours: about 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, sometimes later at weekends.
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered, as it is a place of worship.
The Huc Bridge
The red wooden The Huc Bridge (“Bridge of the Morning Sunlight”) links the east bank to Ngoc Son Temple, and you cross it with your temple ticket. It was first built in 1865 at the request of the scholar Nguyen Van Sieu. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1897 and again in 1952–53.
Next to the entrance stand the Pen Tower (Thap But) and the Ink Slab (Dai Nghien), built by Nguyen Van Sieu in the 1860s as symbols of learning.
Turtle Tower
The Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) stands on a small island in the middle of the lake. It was built in 1886 and mixes Vietnamese and French styles. You cannot go out to it; it is best seen from the west bank along Le Thai To Street, especially when it is lit up at night.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the East Bank
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square at the north end of the lake is where the Old Quarter begins. In 2025, the city demolished the old “Ham Ca Map” (“shark’s jaw”) building on the square. That created a larger traffic-free plaza of about 14,000 sq m with a big LED screen.
On the east bank, a new square and park of about 2.14 ha, between Dinh Tien Hoang and Tran Nguyen Han streets, has been under construction since early 2026. In late 2026 some sections were still fenced off. A larger redevelopment of the whole lake area is planned up to 2029, so expect works and diversions on parts of the east side.
Best Time to Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake is October to April, when Hanoi is cooler and drier. The best times of day are early morning (5:00–7:00 AM) and weekend evenings. At dawn, locals jog, dance and practise tai chi along the banks. At weekends, the walking street brings out families, buskers and food stalls.
| Time | What to expect | Verdict |
| Early morning, 5:00–7:00 AM | Cool air, mist on the water, locals exercising | Best for photos and local life |
| Daytime, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Hot from May to September, busy with tour groups | Visit Ngoc Son, then head indoors |
| Weekend evenings (Friday–Sunday) | Walking street, street shows, night market | Best atmosphere, but crowded |
| October–December | 18–27°C, clear and dry | Best season; a good fit for Diwali trips |
| January–March | Cool (12–20°C), drizzle, Tet decorations | Good; bring a jacket |
| May–September | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms | Go at dawn or after sunset |
For month-by-month weather Hanoi details, see our guide to the best time to visit Hanoi. Around Tet (6 February 2027), the lake is decorated with flowers and lights, but many small shops close for a few days.
Hoan Kiem Walking Street and the Weekend Night Market
From Friday at 7:00 PM to Sunday at midnight, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are closed to traffic. They become a walking street with street performers, folk games and families out for the evening. The pedestrian zone has run since September 2016 and also covers nearby streets such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To and Hang Khay.
From the north end of the lake, the Old Quarter weekend night market runs up Hang Dao Street towards Dong Xuan Market from about 6:00 PM to midnight, Friday to Sunday. It sells clothes, souvenirs and snacks.
For more ideas for the evening, read our guides to the Hanoi walking street, the Hanoi night market and Hanoi nightlife.
Things to Do at Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is best enjoyed slowly. Walk the loop, visit Ngoc Son Temple, watch a water puppet show, sip egg coffee with a view of the lake and shop in the old streets next to it.
Walk the Loop and Watch Hanoi Wake Up
The 1.7–1.8 km path around the lake is flat and shaded by old trees, and it takes 25–40 minutes. Start at The Huc Bridge, walk south past the Turtle Tower to the post office end, then return along Le Thai To Street. At dawn you will see locals doing aerobics, badminton and tai chi, one of the most memorable sights in Hanoi.
Watch a Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street is on the corner of the lake. Its 50-minute shows tell village stories with puppets that dance on water, accompanied by live music.
- Tickets: about 100,000–200,000 VND (₹365–735), depending on the seat. There is an extra fee for cameras.
- Show times: usually 4:10, 5:20, 6:30 and 8:00 PM, with extra morning shows on Sundays.
- Booking: book a day ahead at weekends.
Egg Coffee, Ice Cream and Street Food
| Treat | Where | Price (2026) | Vegetarian? |
| Egg coffee | Cafe Dinh, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang (upstairs, with a lake view) | About 35,000–45,000 VND (₹130–165) | Contains egg |
| Egg coffee | Cafe Giang, 39 Nguyen Huu Huan (branch at 7 Dinh Tien Hoang) | About 45,000–55,000 VND (₹165–200) | Contains egg |
| Trang Tien ice cream | 44 Trang Tien and 18 Hang Bai (the old shop at 35 Trang Tien closed in September 2026) | Low-priced cones and ice bars | Many egg-free flavours; ask |
| Coconut coffee, juices, fruit | Cafes along Dinh Tien Hoang and Hang Dau | About 35,000–60,000 VND (₹130–220) | Yes |
Vegetarian travellers will find Buddhist and vegetarian restaurants a short walk away; see our list of vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi. Several Indian restaurants are also within 10 minutes’ walk in the Old Quarter.
Shop the Old Streets Around the Lake
The streets north and west of the lake have long specialised in particular crafts and goods:
- Hang Gai: silk scarves, ao dai and tailoring
- Hang Trong: lacquer and art
- Hang Duong: o mai, Hanoi’s dried and candied fruit
- The Old Quarter: non la conical hats and souvenirs
Ask the price before you buy and bargain politely at market stalls. Shops with fixed prices are common on Hang Gai.
Ride a Cyclo Around the Lake
A cyclo (pedal rickshaw) ride round the lake and into the Hanoi Old Quarter is a relaxing way to see the area, especially for grandparents. Agree on the price and the length of the ride before you set off, or book it through your tour operator.
How to Get to Hoan Kiem Lake
Most visitors simply walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, because it is 5–15 minutes on foot from most Old Quarter hotels. From further away, Grab or a taxi is easiest.
- On foot: from the Old Quarter (Hang Dao, Hang Bac, Ta Hien), 5–15 minutes.
- Grab or taxi: set “Ho Hoan Kiem” or “Den Ngoc Son” as the destination. A short ride across central Hanoi costs about 30,000–60,000 VND (₹110–220) by car.
- From Noi Bai Airport (about 28 km, 45–60 minutes):
- Airport bus 86 costs about 45,000 VND (₹165) and stops near the lake.
- A taxi or Grab costs about 300,000–400,000 VND (₹1,100–1,465).
- City bus: many routes stop near the lake, including 09, 14 and 34. A single ride is 8,000 VND (₹30).
During walking-street hours (Friday evening to Sunday night), cars cannot reach the lake edge. Ask your driver to drop you at Hang Bai, Trang Tien or Ly Thai To Street.
Places to Visit Near Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the natural starting point for exploring Hanoi. Several major sights of the Vietnam capital are within a 15-minute walk.
| Place | Distance from the lake | Why go |
| St Joseph’s Cathedral | About 400 m | A neo-Gothic cathedral from 1886 |
| Hanoi Opera House | About 800 m | A French colonial landmark; closed for restoration in 2026, but you can still see the facade |
| Hoa Lo Prison | About 1.2 km | The “Hanoi Hilton” museum |
| Hanoi Train Street | About 1–1.5 km | Railway-side cafes; access is restricted and changing in 2026 |
| West Lake | About 3 km | Hanoi’s largest lake, with Tran Quoc Pagoda and sunset cafes |
| Ba Vi National Park | About 60 km | A cool mountain day trip with forests and temples |
Walk 400 m west to St Joseph’s Cathedral, then on to Hoa Lo Prison. South of the lake is the French Quarter, home to the Hanoi Opera House.
Before visiting Hanoi Train Street, check the latest access rules, as the city cleared the railway cafes in 2026. For sunsets, head to Hanoi West Lake, and for a nature day out, try Ba Vi National Park.
Hanoi has many other lakes worth seeing, compared in our guide to lakes in Hanoi. For a full city plan, see the best things to do in Hanoi.
Tips for Indian Travellers at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Go early or late: from May to September, midday is hot and humid, so plan the lake for dawn or after sunset.
- Dress modestly at Ngoc Son Temple: keep your shoulders and knees covered.
- Carry small cash: the temple ticket, coffee and street snacks are usually paid in cash, although many cafes take cards and QR payments.
- Agree prices first: for cyclos, shoe-shine offers and street sellers.
- Watch your bag: in weekend crowds and on the night market.
- Vegetarian food: say “an chay” (vegetarian) or show it on your phone; Indian and vegetarian restaurants are a short walk away.
Want Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter and the rest of Hanoi planned for you, with a guide and Indian or vegetarian meals? Browse our Vietnam tours and travels, or share your dates in the form below.
FAQs about Hoan Kiem Lake
Is there an entrance fee for Hoan Kiem Lake?
No. Hoan Kiem Lake is free and open 24 hours. The only paid sight is Ngoc Son Temple on the island, which costs 50,000 VND (about ₹183) per adult.
How big is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake covers about 12 ha. It is roughly 700 m long and up to 250 m wide, and the walk around it is 1.7–1.8 km, which takes 25–40 minutes.
How deep is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake is shallow: about 1.2 m deep on average and about 2 m at its deepest. Its green colour comes from algae, not depth.
Why is it called Sword Lake?
The name comes from the legend of King Le Thai To, who returned his magic sword Thuan Thien to a golden turtle on the lake after defeating the Ming army in the 15th century. “Hoan Kiem” means “returned sword”.
Are there still turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake?
No giant turtles remain. The last Hoan Kiem turtle died in January 2016, and its preserved body is displayed at Ngoc Son Temple. Smaller turtles still live in the lake.
What is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
October to April has the most pleasant weather. The best times of day are 5:00–7:00 AM, for quiet and local life, and Friday to Sunday evenings, when the walking street and night market are open.
What are the Hoan Kiem walking street hours?
The walking street runs from Friday at 7:00 PM to Sunday at midnight, when the roads around the lake are closed to traffic. Hours can change around major holidays and events.
How far is Hoan Kiem Lake from Noi Bai Airport?
About 28 km, or 45–60 minutes by road. Airport bus 86 costs about 45,000 VND (₹165), and a taxi or Grab about 300,000–400,000 VND (₹1,100–1,465).
Fees, opening hours and prices were last checked in November 2026 and may change. Prices are converted at ₹1 = 273 VND.
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