1. Where Is Hoan Kiem District?
Hoan Kiem is a district located in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam. About 27 km southeast of Noi Bai International Airport. Geographical location:
- The North and Northwest border Ba Dinh District.
- It borders Ba Dinh district and Dong Da districts to the West.
- The South borders Hai Ba Trung District.
- The East borders Long Bien District.
2. How Is Hoan Kiem District Unique?
Hoan Kiem District was established on May 31, 1961 with a total area of 9.29 km2 and 14 wards. And it is the smallest district in Hanoi. The district is named after Hoan Kiem Lake. The district has many historical – cultural relics, large bustling commercial and trading centers. Such as: Trang Tien Plaza, Dong Xuan market, Hang Da market, ..
In addition, the history of Hoan Kiem district is closely linked to the thousand-year history of building and preserving Thang Long – Hanoi. The evenly planned streets as they are today are the result of the French. They transformed this place from a small rural area into a neighborhood for Europeans and the local elite. Most of the neighborhoods in Hoan Kiem today used to have French names.
In addition, Hoan Kiem district is a famous natural, cultural and historical highlight of the capital Hanoi. This is where the government and local people often meet, organize many important events, festivals and other interesting social – entertainment activities.
3. When Is The Best Time To Visit Hoan Kiem District?
Hoan Kiem District is a gathering place, an ideal meeting place in all four seasons:
- Brilliant in peach blossoms and traditional festivals in Spring.
- Breezy winds dispel the hot Summer heat.
- Enchanted by the drooping willow branches in the magical mist of Autumn.
- Splendid in the rain of yellow leaves and the light drizzle of Winter.
According to the travel experience of previous tourists in Hanoi, the ideal time to travel to Hoan Kiem District is in Autumn and Spring, from September to November and from February to April every year.
During this time, the air is cool and pleasant, the weather is sunny and there is little rain. It creates favorable conditions for you to travel, visit and explore destinations, historical and cultural relics. And participate in traditional festivals and important events here.
4. How To Get To Hoan Kiem District?
4.1 Traveling to Hanoi
4.1.1 By plane
For tourists departing from far away provinces, such as the Central or Southern regions of Vietnam. Traveling by plane is the best choice. You can save time and energy to continue your journey to explore Hanoi.
After landing, you can take a taxi or bus to Hoan Kiem district. The distance is only about 27 km and the travel time is about 30-45 minutes.
4.1.2 By bus
For tourists in the northern provinces of Vietnam. You can take buses from the provinces to bus stations in Hanoi, such as: Gia Lam, Giap Bat, My Dinh, Yen Nghia, … Then, you can rent a motorbike service, take a taxi to continue to Hoan Kiem district.
4.2 Traveling to Hoan Kiem District from neighboring areas and districts
You can choose from a variety of means of transportation such as: motorbike, taxi, cyclo,… Of which, the bus is the most economical and suitable means of transportation for you to both travel and see the city. There are many bus routes that go through Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Lakeside parking lot stop: buses 09, 14.
- Hanoi City Post Office stop: buses 08, 09, 31, 36.
- Le Thai To and Hang Trong intersection stop: buses 09, 31, 36.
- Dinh Tien Hoang stop: bus 36.
- State Bank of Vietnam stop: buses 04, 11, 18, 23, 34, 40.
- Hanoi Children’s Palace stop: buses 04, 08, 11, 18, 23, 40.
5. Sightseeings At Hoan Kiem District
5.1 Hanoi Old Quarter
If you ask what to do near Hoan Kiem Lake, the locals here will immediately introduce you to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Hanoi has 36 streets with familiar names such as: Hang Ma Street, Ta Hien Street, Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street, …In particular, each street, each name carries an old story that evokes the thousand-year history of the capital. When visiting the old quarter, you can learn about traditional craft villages and check in with the ancient backdrop. This is definitely an interesting experience not to be missed when coming here.
5.2 Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a famous tourist destination not only for Hoan Kiem District but also for the whole capital. On weekend evenings, this is the space of Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, people from all over the districts and counties flock here to participate in fun and entertainment activities. When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, you can take a walk around, breathe in the fresh air in the early morning, and admire the poetic lake scenery. These are memorable experiences when coming here.
5.3 Hanoi Cathedral
Hanoi Cathedral is an interesting place for you to check in and have fun. The church has a beautiful ancient French architecture. When you come here, in addition to admiring the beautiful architecture, you can also enjoy the fresh, cool air. You can also sit and sip a cup of lemon tea and chat with friends and freely “live virtual” with the extremely “cool” space here.
5.4 Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is located in August Revolution Square. The theater was built by the French in 1901 based on the model of the Opera Garnier in Paris. When you come to Hanoi Opera House, you will admire a unique architectural masterpiece. This place is also an ideal meeting place for those who love classical and academic art forms. This is considered by many to be one of the must-see attractions when traveling to Hanoi.
5.5 Phung Hung Mural Street
Phung Hung Mural Street is one of the hottest check-in locations in Hanoi. There are many paintings on the arches of the bridges conveying messages about the capital with a long history.
When coming to the mural street, you will admire an ancient, quiet Hanoi through colorful paintings. The ancient beauty and traditional beauty of the thousand-year-old capital are conveyed gently and vividly through the drawings.
5.6 December 19 Book Street
Hanoi Book Street is one of the entertainment venues in Hoan Kiem district that is extremely loved by young people in Hanoi. There are countless famous bookstores here. When coming to December 19 Book Street, in addition to buying books, you can also walk around the quiet walking street and read books. In addition, you can also enjoy delicious cups of coffee nearby or take many beautiful pictures with the sparkling space here.
5.7 Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is one of the most famous water puppetry performances in Vietnam. It attracts a lot of tourists to watch the performance and learn about the traditional art of water puppetry. Thang Long Theater has a performance schedule throughout 365 days, contributing greatly to promoting the folk art of water puppetry to tourists and international friends.
5.8 Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison was built in 1896 by the French colonialists and was one of the most fortified prisons in Indochina at that time. Today, when visiting Hoa Lo Prison, you will see the gruesome iron shackles, artifacts, photos of prisoners wearing wooden shackles and leg shackles that prevented them from standing or moving. Through that, people in the present will understand more about the life of former prisoners in prisons who were often starved, tortured, and beaten. From there, feel the harshness of the old prison under the colonial government.
5.9 Ta Hien Street
If you are looking for places to eat and play in Hoan Kiem district at night, visit Ta Hien Beer Street. This street is always noisy, bustling, and crowded, especially on weekends. Ta Hien Beer Street is a gathering place for countless sidewalk shops. When you come here, you can sit with your friends right in front of the house at a simple table. With cool glasses of beer with a layer of pure white foam wrapped in a beautiful golden color, sipping with lemongrass and chili chicken feet, grilled birds are delicious.
5.10 Shopping centers
Hanoi’s shopping centers, bustling markets are places to shop, have fun, check in or enjoy cuisine. In Hoan Kiem district, Trang Tien Plaza and Vincom Ba Trieu are large shopping centers that attract a lot of people and tourists. Trang Tien Plaza is one of the oldest shopping centers in our country, considered a precious gem in the heart of the capital.
The building is a historical symbol, witnessing the changes of the capital over the years. Meanwhile, Vincom Ba Trieu is a modern entertainment complex, shopping, and attractive cuisine. This place attracts a lot of people to visit on weekends to shop, watch movies, date, …
5.11 Experiencing the double-decker bus in Hanoi
Visiting the capital by double-decker bus is a new and interesting experience that you cannot miss when traveling to Hanoi. With a route traveling through 25 streets, the double-decker bus will help you admire the panoramic beauty of the capital from above. This type of Hanoi sightseeing service not only brings a new and unique experience. It also helps you see and visit many famous tourist destinations in Hanoi.
5.12 The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge, even seen from afar, still stands out with its red color. Located on the large and beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, The Huc Bridge has transformed into many beautiful and strange images in literature and is a wonderful place to visit for many tourists. Where you can admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake from a different, closer angle.
5.13 Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple brings you not only a sacred architectural space. It is also a beautiful cultural belief of the Vietnamese people. Located in the relic complex in Hoan Kiem Lake, you can easily visit these places, so don’t miss it!
5.14 Pen Tower – Inkwell
Another symbol representing the culture and tradition of learning of the Vietnamese people. It is also located in the relic complex in Hoan Kiem Lake, that is Pen Tower – Inkwell. This is also a place for you to try your photography skills as well as check-in a little with the ancient works from the time of King Tu Duc.
5.15 Hanoi Walking Street
Every weekend, Hanoi Walking Street is bustling with people. The walking street area is quite crowded, including Hoan Kiem Lake and some of the 36 streets, creating a safe, healthy cultural exchange space that is completely free for the public.
On the walking street, there are often music shows, attractive entertainment games such as shuttlecock kicking, rope jumping, painting, … and many other attractive activities. Along with that, culinary activities are also strongly developed here. Therefore, the walking street can be said to be an ideal destination for tourists.
5.16 Trang Tien Plaza
As a symbol of luxury, Trang Tien Plaza is a shopping center dedicated to the most notorious luxury players. Located on a corner of Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien Plaza always stands out with its luxurious appearance as well as its lavish, splendid interior space. You can go in for a walk or this is also an address for you to find and buy many fashion items from high-end fashion houses around the world.
5.17 Ly Thai To Flower Garden
With a fairly large area, Ly Thai To Flower Garden is a gathering place for many tourists. Especially on walking street days or festivals, Ly Thai To flower garden is often chosen to host many attractive performances, fairs, etc., attracting many tourists to visit.
Not only that, Ly Thai To flower garden is also a central area near most of the check-in and entertainment spots of Hoan Kiem district
5.18 Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, also known by Hanoi people as “Shark Jaw”, is the busiest intersection connecting Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. With such a prime location, the square is surrounded by a series of famous food brands, restaurants, and luxury cafes. It gives you a space to eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
In addition, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is also a venue for many great shows. It attracts public attention on weekends or special days.
5.19 Vietnam Women’s Museum
A place where all related documents and artifacts honor the role of women in life and society is the Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum is not only a space to display and introduce the stories of many female heroes in the past. This place also regularly holds many meaningful exhibitions to honor the beauty and praiseworthy virtues of Vietnamese women in all periods.
5.20 Long Bien Bridge
One of the oldest historical witnesses in Hanoi is Long Bien Bridge. The bridge was built by the French in 1898 and still stands tall across the Red River. You can ride a motorbike across the bridge to enjoy the breeze and take a few photos on this historic bridge. Or, if you are lucky, you can experience the challenging and exciting feeling when a train passes by.
5.21 Dong Xuan Market
Source Photo: Internet
Another great check-in spot is Dong Xuan Market. The wholesale market with thousands of stalls with everything from fashion, accessories, jewelry, food, souvenirs, etc. makes tourists fascinated and praise endlessly. This is also the place where the most bustling business activities take place that tourists love to visit to feel the unique features as well as buy some gifts to bring home.
Around Dong Xuan market is also a real culinary paradise. It is located in the old quarter so it is very convenient for tourists who want to explore this area.
5.22 Ceramic Street
If you pass Hang Voi Street, you will immediately see the colorful ceramic street here. On the wall of the street, there will be many unique works of art with many different fresh and youthful colors, honoring the beauty of Hanoi. All of these works are skillfully assembled from many tiny pieces of ceramic, very unique and elaborate.
5.23 Train Street
No need to go to Thailand, right in Hanoi, there is also a bustling Train Street. With the characteristic of houses on both sides of the street close to the train tracks. All living, trading or entertainment activities take place close to the tracks, which will be an experience for the most daring guests.
What is more exciting than sipping a cup of coffee and watching the train pass right next to you or witnessing the bustling life of the people of Hoan Kiem every morning.
5.24 National History Museum
Another historical destination for curious visitors is the National History Museum. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the museum houses many artifacts and documents from the earliest historical periods.
With spacious facilities, you will have the opportunity to admire and listen or learn about many fascinating historical events of the Vietnamese people. From the beginning until now, to further love the great history of the Vietnamese people.
5.25 Hanoi Ancient House
As one of the few ancient houses that still fully preserve the architectural beauty to this day, Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May has successfully recreated the living space and activities of an ancient Hanoi family.
Remaining in the ancient house are many objects stained with time, old stories and many ancient spaces. It makes your soul calm down to live the most peaceful moments that the past brings.
5.26 Bach Ma Temple
As one of the four towns of the ancient Thang Long citadel, Bach Ma Temple is located in the East of the citadel and is still very well preserved to this day. The temple was built in the 9th century, through thousands of years of history and many restorations. This place still retains the traditional architecture of the ancient Vietnamese people as well as the tranquility and purity of a leading sacred place in the region.
5.27 Quan Su Pagoda
Quan Su Pagoda is also a peaceful place for your soul that you should visit. The pagoda is located right on Quan Su Street and is an ancient temple as well as the central office of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
Over time, the pagoda still retains beautiful architecture, many precious statues or screens. Above all, the very gentle tranquility is completely different from the pace of life outside, just step into the temple door and all your worries seem to disappear.
6. Enjoying Hanoi Specialties When Traveling To Hoan Kiem District
In addition to wondering what to do in Hoan Kiem district, many tourists are also interested in the delicious dishes here. Hoan Kiem district has many restaurants selling famous Hanoi delicacies such as pho, sticky rice, bun cha, etc.
6.1 Hanoi Pho (Hanoi beef noodle)
When mentioning the delicious dishes of the capital, it is impossible not to mention Pho. No one knows when Hanoi pho was created, but we only know that this delicious dish has been associated with many generations of people born and raised in Hanoi.
A delicious bowl of Hanoi pho must have enough soft pho noodles, clear and sweet broth, crispy fatty pork, served with onions, lemon, chili, herbs, etc. On cool autumn days in Hanoi, there is nothing better than enjoying a delicious bowl of pho with hot broth, soft and delicious pho noodles.
Suggestions for some delicious Pho restaurants in Hoan Kiem district:
- Ly Quoc Su restaurant: No. 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bat Dan restaurant: No. 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Ly Beo restaurant: No. 4 Hang Non, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Hang Trong restaurant: No. 8 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6.2 Bun Cha (Hanoi vermicelli with grilled pork)
When talking about delicious Hanoi dishes, people often mention bun cha as a favorite dish of many people. The dish is simple, made with familiar ingredients but has a special delicious flavor. A portion of bun cha includes vermicelli, grilled pork and pork balls, grilled meat, fish sauce and vegetables.
The important step in making a delicious bun cha dish is the marinating stage. The meat and pork are grilled on a fragrant charcoal stove until the edges are burnt, served with an attractive sweet and sour fish sauce.
Suggestions for some delicious Bun Cha restaurants in Hoan Kiem district:
- Hang Qua restaurant: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Hang Than restaurant: 34 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Cua Dong restaurant: No. 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bat Su restaurant: 23 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6.3 Hanoi sticky rice
Hanoi has many delicious sticky rice restaurants. If you ask what to do in Hoan Kiem district, what to eat, the locals will tell you about the typical sticky rice restaurants in Hanoi. Sticky rice dishes in Hanoi are skillfully cooked, showing the meticulousness and sophistication of Hanoians.
Here, there are many sticky rice dishes with unique flavors such as sticky rice with jackfruit, sticky rice with Xeo, sticky rice with birds, sticky rice with corn, etc. Although they are all cooked from sticky rice, each sticky rice dish has its own way of preparing the filling, creating a different and delicious dish.
Suggestions for some delicious sticky rice restaurants in Hoan Kiem District:
- Mrs Yen sticky rice shop: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Xoi Xiu: 29 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Cat Lam sticky rice shop: 24B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Mrs Thu’s family tradition sticky rice shop: 57 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6.4 Snacks
6.4.1 Nem nuong Au Trieu (Nem chua)
- Price: From 20,000VND – 30,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 10 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.2 Mixed rice paper – Grilled rice paper
- Price: From 20,000VND/portion.
- Address: Cau Go, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.3 Dried beef salad
- Price: From 30,000VND – 40,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 23 Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.4 Various grilled meat skewers
- Price: From 5,000VND – 15,000VND/skewer.
- Address: No. 31 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.5 Hot fried dough sticks
- Price: From 10,000VND – 20,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 73 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.6 Mixed fruit
- Price: From 20,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 17 To Tich Street, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.7 Trang Tien Ice Cream
- Price: From 10,000VND – 15,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
6.4.8 Four Seasons Sweet Soup
- Price: From 15,000VND/portion.
- Address: No. 04 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
7. Accommodation When Traveling To Hoan Kiem District
When traveling here, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 05-07 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 38 Tran Phu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa by AIRA. Address: No. 33 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- The Oriental Jade Hotel. Address: No. 92 – 94 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Acoustic Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 39 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 22/5 Hang Voi, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 33-35 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Address: No. 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Melia Hanoi Hotel. Address: No. 44 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- Solaria Hanoi Hotel. Address: No. 22 Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
8. Some Important Notes When Visiting Hoan Kiem District
To make your visit Hanoi complete. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- When traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you should rent a car to be taken around the old quarter. The cost is not expensive but very convenient for the tour.
- If you buy Hanoi gifts for relatives and friends, you can buy dried apricots, lotus tea or green rice cakes.
- Some attractions around Hanoi’s Old Quarter have entrance fees. You should ask and find out to follow the regulations.
- When visiting sacred temples and pagodas, you need to dress modestly. Limit taking pictures and speaking loudly in the temple and pagoda grounds.
- If this is your first time traveling to Hanoi, especially exploring the Old Quarter. You should look at the map or search Google Map first. Because the streets in the city are mostly one-way streets.
- Avoid bargaining when shopping early in the morning. Or if you just look and ask for prices too much without buying. The seller will not be comfortable with you and being “reminded” is completely possible.
- Keep your belongings carefully, especially in crowded places.
- Always be aware of protecting the landscape and heritage. And do not litter during your visit.
Hoan Kiem District, rich in history and cultural significance, continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm and mysterious legends. This iconic district offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s deep-rooted heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Join Origin Vietnam, the leading tour operator, for an exciting Hanoi tour to explore the wonders of Hoan Kiem District and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Contact us today to plan your perfect adventure!
