1. Where is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi capital, Vietnam. The lake is surrounded by 3 streets: Hang Khay, Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Thai To. Moreover, the lake is also the connecting point of famous old quarters. Such as: Hang Dao street, Hang Ngang street, Luong Van Can street. And neighborhoods such as: Trang Thi, Trang Tien, Ba Trieu, Hang Bai, Dinh Tien Hoang.
2. How is Hoan Kiem Lake unique?
Hoan Kiem Lake is also famous as Ta Vong Lake or Luc Thuy Lake. The lake is 12 hectares wide, 700m long, 200m wide, and 1 – 1.4m deep. Due to its extremely favorable location with many famous tourist attractions around. Hoan Kiem Lake attracts many tourists and locals to visit every day.
Therefore, it creates favorable conditions for the people of the capital and visitors to stroll around the lake. Explore famous nearby landmarks and learn about the unique culture of the surrounding old quarter.
3. Legend of the name of Hoan Kiem Lake
In the past, during the feudal period, Hoan Kiem Lake was famous as Luc Thuy Lake, because the lake had a characteristic blue watercolor. In addition, the lake was also the place where the king used to review the navy, so it was also called Thuy Quan Lake.
The name Hoan Kiem of the lake is relating with the extremely famous legend of returning the magic sword. In the early 15th century, when the Ming invaders invaded Vietnam, King Le Thai To, with the Thuan Thien sword, together with the army and people, defeated the enemy. The Thuan Thien sword was also the sword that the Dragon King lent the king to fight the enemy.
After ascending the throne in 1428, while King Le Thai To was boating on Luc Thuy Lake. Suddenly, there was a Golden Turtle emerged from somewhere and asked the king to return the magic sword to the Dragon King. After returning the sword, the Golden Turtle held the sword in its mouth and dived away. And from there the name Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake was born.
4. When is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake is usually in the fall. Around August, September and October every year. At this time, the weather is cool, there is no harsh sunlight, no rain, the temperature is average, so it is very convenient for tourists to travel, visit and explore many tourist destinations. In particular, the scenery of Hanoi in autumn is absolutely beautiful, so it is worth your trip.
5. How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake?
5.1 Means of transport to Hoan Kiem Lake
In Hanoi, you can choose from many means of transport to get to Hoan Kiem Lake. Below are some suggestions that you can consider choosing depending on your conditions and experience needs:
- Motorbike: When traveling to Hanoi, you can rent a motorbike at the hotel or at rental service providers to explore the capital. In case you do not know the way, you can refer to the Google Maps navigation application, then experience exploring many beautiful roads and interesting places to visit in Hanoi. This means of transport is the most proactive, suitable and cost-effective choice for tourists. • Taxi: Hanoi has many taxi companies, serving the travel and sightseeing needs of tourists and residents. Among them are Mai Linh taxi system, Hanoi taxi, … with outstanding service quality, spacious, clean, smooth operation and reasonable fares.
- Bus: To save on travel costs, you can take bus routes with stops near Hoan Kiem Lake such as: bus routes 04, 08, 09, 11, 14, 18, 23, 31, 34, 36 or 40.
- Car rental: Another suggestion for traveling to Hoan Kiem Lake that you can choose is to rent a car when traveling with a large group of friends or family. This service helps you comfortably visit and proactively travel in the capital.
5.2 Means of transport to visit around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake has a large area, about 12 hectares and the circumference of the road around the lake is about 1.7km. Therefore, when taking a tour and sightseeing around the lake, you can walk to exercise, leisurely enjoy the scenery or choose the following means:
- Motorbike: This is a flexible and popular means of transport, suitable for tourists who want to freely explore Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding area. You can refer to the choice of motorbike rental service in Hanoi with a cost of about 120,000 – 200,000 VND/vehicle/day.
- Cyclo: Going around Hoan Kiem Lake by cyclo is a great choice for you to feel relaxed while admiring the surrounding landscape. The cost of renting a cyclo will depend on the time, you can negotiate with the driver according to your route. The average price of a cyclo in Hanoi will fluctuate around 150,000 – 300,000 VND/route
- Electric car: The sightseeing electric car is a new service that is loved by many people. The electric car route runs through the old quarter, famous landmarks, relics and Hoan Kiem Lake area. If you travel in a group, this will be the most convenient and economical means of transport. The average electric car rental price is about 250,000 – 350,000 VND/7 people/30 minutes.
6. Sightseeings at Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake always has a special appeal, not only for tourists from all over the world but also a favorite destination for many people in the capital. In addition to the unique natural landscape, the Hoan Kiem Lake area also has many famous relics and constructions, giving you many diverse experiences when visiting:
6.1 Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower is an ancient structure located on Turtle Island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The tower has a rectangular architecture with three floors with many windows and railings on the upper floor and some sophisticated decorative details. So, this is a work with many historical meanings and is an everlasting vestige of time.
When coming to the Turtle Tower, you will enjoy the peace and gentleness in the heart of Hanoi. The image of the Turtle Tower, stained with time, has become a symbol of Hanoi, becoming a beauty in many romantic paintings of the Capital.
6.2 Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple is a famous spiritual tourist destination, located on Ngoc Island in Hoan Kiem Lake. The work was built in 1841 and is the place to worship Van Xuong De Quan, Tran Hung Dao. The temple is also a convergence of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Coming to Ngoc Son Temple, visitors can learn about the unique architecture of the Pen Tower – Nghieng Tower, The Huc Bridge, and 2 temples inside the temple.
This is not only a famous tourist destination but also a place containing many traditional cultural and historical values of the Capital. In particular, you can choose to visit the temple during holidays and Tet to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, pray for luck and peace for yourself and your family.
6.3 Inkwell, Pen Tower
The Inkwell and Pen Tower are two unique architectural works built at the same time in 1865 at Ngoc Son Temple, on Ngoc Island, Hoan Kiem Lake. The Inkwell consists of 3 legs resting on the backs of 3 toads, on the body of the inkwell is engraved a Minh Van poem consisting of 64 Chinese characters.
The Pen Tower is designed in the shape of a 9-meter-high brush pen, with the pen tip pointing straight up to the sky. These two works symbolize the tradition of studiousness of the Vietnamese people as well as pride in the intelligence and culture of the country.
6.4 The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge is a special highlight in the green scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge connects from the lake shore to Ngoc Son Temple with red paint and a soft curved design like a soft silk strip. Although it is a famous check-in point, few people know that The Huc Bridge also has a very special meaning.
Especially, the bridge was built in the direction of the sunrise with the meaning of welcoming good air, a place where light condenses. The color scheme of the bridge represents life, joy and happiness. In addition, the name “The Huc” is also likened to “the bridge of the Sun God”.
6.5 Ba Kieu Temple
- Address: 59 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
Ba Kieu Temple was built during the Le Trung Hung period and is currently divided into 2 parts: Tam Quan and Den Den. This mother temple is also known as Thien Tien Dien, located in the Northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake and is the place to worship Princess Lieu Hanh, Que Hoa and Quynh Hoa.
Besides, with many cultural and spiritual values, Ba Kieu Temple has become a place that attracts many people and tourists from all over to visit, learn about beliefs and cultural heritages. You can visit the capital in the third lunar month every year to participate in the Ba Kieu Temple festival. This activity is to honor Goddess Ba Kieu, praying for luck and peace for every family.
6.6 Hoa Phong Tower
Hoa Phong Tower is located close to the east bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, a rare ancient relic remaining from Bao An Pagoda. After being destroyed by the French government to build a post office. The tower was built majestically with three floors, of which the first floor has a window leading to four directions.
This is a work representing a glorious historical period of the Vietnamese people and is also a testament to history, architecture, culture and art. With its ancient beauty, Hoa Phong Tower is a check-in spot loved by many people when coming to Hoan Kiem Lake.
6.7 Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre
- Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre is a great place to enjoy the traditional art of Vietnamese water puppetry. Every day, the Theatre has about 6 shows with unique water puppetry performances that are skillfully and elaborately staged.
After more than 50 years of construction and development, up to now, the Theatre has brought the audience thousands of plays with a variety of genres and forms. In particular, the Theatre always creates new things but does not obscure the quintessence of Vietnamese culture. It honors the noble values of water puppetry.
6.8 King Le Temple
- Address: 16 Le Thai To, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The King Le Temple is located on the west bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, near Nam Huong Temple. The temple was built to commemorate King Le Thai To, the first king of the Le Dynasty. The temple grounds have a statue of King Le Thai To standing on a high pillar, holding a sword as if preparing to hand it over to the Turtle God in the lake.
This is one of the oldest monuments in the capital and an important relic in the Hoan Kiem Lake scenic complex. In addition to its unique architecture, the temple grounds also have many trees and a flock of free-roaming pigeons, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for visitors.
6.9 Hanoi Opera House
- Address: 01 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Hanoi.
The Hanoi Opera House is located in the area of the August Revolution Square with an age of more than 120 years. This building was built in a beautiful neoclassical architecture that perfectly combines the contemporary Baroque architectural style.
This is also a performance place for many generations of artists. Over time, the building has been preserved with the meaning of cherishing and honoring artistic values. When walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, you can visit the Opera House to admire, take photos or buy tickets to enjoy art programs.
6.10 Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
Different from the quietness of historical relics, Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is a vibrant destination with a bustling atmosphere at night. The street sells a variety of products with a rich culinary world and many interesting street activities and folk games. Therefore, this is a weekend entertainment destination chosen by many people and tourists.
When walking around the street, you can stop at historical sites to check in, enjoy many specialties in the old quarter or sip delicious street coffee with friends. A small note is that the walking street is only open on Saturdays and Sundays every week. Therefore, you need to pay attention to arrange your schedule appropriately.
6.11 Hanoi Old Quarter
- Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, don’t forget to walk through the old quarters to admire the unique architecture and part of the soul of old Hanoi. Hanoi’s old quarters are also places for you to enjoy many delicious specialties of the capital.
The boundaries of Hanoi’s old quarter are Hang Dau Street in the North; Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, Hang Thung Streets in the South; Phung Hung Street in the West and Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai Streets in the East. Around the Old Quarter, there are also many souvenir shops where you can buy typical gifts of Hanoi as gifts for friends and relatives.
6.12 Dinh Le Book Street
- Address: Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
Dinh Le Street is considered the “book paradise” of Hanoi, next to Hoan Kiem Lake. The street has many bookstores, where you can easily find a variety of books from philosophy, history, culture, economics, social sciences to specialized books, etc. This street is considered the “knowledge paradise” of Hanoi. Therefore, this is also a place where domestic and foreign authors meet, exchange and discuss books.
6.13 Trang Tien Plaza
- Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
Trang Tien Plaza is a famous shopping and entertainment complex located next to Hoan Kiem Lake. This project was built by the French in 1901. Over time, this place has become an address with many cultural and historical values, becoming the most high-class commercial center in the country.
When coming to Trang Tien Plaza, you will see luxurious and eye-catching architecture with the main color tones of yellow and white. This is also the place chosen by many high-end and luxury brands in the world to display their products.
6.14 King Ly Thai To Monument
- Address: Ly Thai To flower garden, Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
The King Ly Thai To Monument is made of bronze, cast in one piece, depicting the image of a wise king, wearing a Binh Thien hat, holding a capital transfer edict. This is a typical cultural architectural work at Hoan Kiem Lake, to commemorate and honor the king who made great contributions to the construction of Thang Long Citadel.
For the people of Hanoi, this is a familiar entertainment venue. In particular, at the foot of the monument is also a place where cultural and artistic activities and important events of the country are regularly held.
6.15 The Martyrdom Monument by Hoan Kiem Lake
- Address: on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, next to the gate of Ngoc Son Temple and Ba Kieu Temple.
The Martyrdom Monument for the Fatherland impresses with the image of a soldier standing proudly with a young woman in ao dai holding a sword and a worker holding a gun, ready to fight. This monument symbolizes the brave and indomitable spirit of the army and people of the capital in the early days of the resistance war against the French.
7. Specialties when traveling to Hoan Kiem Lake
The route around Hoan Kiem Lake and the neighboring Old Quarter is known as a culinary paradise with many famous shops and restaurants selling Hanoi specialties. Below are great suggestions for your culinary exploration journey in the Hoan Kiem Lake area:
7.1. Dong Xuan Market – the culinary paradise of the Old Quarter
- Address: Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District.
- Reference price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND/dish.
Dong Xuan Market is the oldest and largest market in Hanoi. This is also a destination for you to enjoy many famous dishes such as: bun cha, bun ngan, banh tom, bun oc, skewered meat, sweet soup and many other dishes at affordable prices.
7.2 Bun thang Cau Go
- Address: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi.
- Reference price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND/portion.
Mrs. Duc’s bun thang restaurant on Cau Go Street attracts a large number of diners thanks to its long-standing reputation and irresistible delicious flavor. The restaurant’s Hanoi bun thang bowl has chicken, pork roll, dried shrimp, young eggs, shiitake mushrooms, onions, coriander, etc.
All the ingredients blend together to create a rich, delicious flavor. For Hanoians, this is not only a dish but also a culinary quintessence because its aftertaste is extremely delicate, bearing the typical characteristics of Hanoi cuisine.
7.3 Trang Tien Ice Cream 35
- Address: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 5,000 – 9,000 VND/cone.
Trang Tien Ice Cream is a long-standing ice cream shop and a famous brand in the Hoan Kiem Lake area. The shop is memorable for its cool, delicious ice cream sticks with traditional flavors. You can choose vanilla ice cream, coconut milk, green beans, etc. depending on your preferences and tastes. Holding a cool ice cream in your hand, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake has become an unforgettable experience for many tourists.
7.4. Bun Cha Hang Quat
- Address: Alley 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 40,000 – 90,000 VND/portion.
Bun Cha is one of the specialties that you should not miss when you visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. The bun cha shop at the beginning of Hang Quat Street has existed for a long time and always scores with a full meal, fragrant, soft grilled meat and standard dipping sauce.
The source of ingredients to make bun cha is selected fresh every day, so you can completely rest assured when enjoying it. This is also a cheap specialty dish that many people love.
7.5. Dried beef salad Dinh Tien Hoang
- Address:No. 51 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND/portion.
If you are looking for snacks, visit the Hanoi dried beef salad shop at 51 Dinh Tien Hoang. This place not only serves salad but also many other delicious dishes such as spring rolls, tapioca dumplings, etc. However, salad is still the most popular dish here because of the fresh crunchiness of papaya combined with the rich flavor of fish sauce and dried beef liver.
7.6. Four-season sweet soup No. 4 Hang Can
- Address: No. 04 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Hanoi.
- Reference price: 20,000 – 45,000 VND/portion.
Che Bon Mua No. 4 Hang Can is one of the famous delicious chè shops near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. The shop offers you many choices with a variety of Chè, suitable for each season, from fragrant hot chè to cool chè. The chè shop is over 50 years old, this is a familiar snacking place for locals and tourists when traveling to Hanoi. Coming to Che Bon Mua, you will enjoy Chè in the style of “each season has its own dish” which is extremely delicious and attractive.
7.7. Dinh Liet Hot Snail
- Address: 01 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 60,000 – 90,000 VND/portion.
The hot snail shop at No. 1 Dinh Liet is always crowded with customers thanks to its excellent quality. People served the snail bowl at the restaurant so quickly, hot with fresh, crispy, fatty and sweet snail meat, served with rich dipping sauce. The owner here has a recipe for making clean, delicious snails, along with the processing of the dipping sauce is also very rich, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste for diners.
7.8. Thuy Ta Ice Cream Restaurant
- Address: 01 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/ice cream bar.
Thuy Ta Ice Cream is also one of the famous ice cream brands and has many stores throughout Hanoi. Coming here, you can choose and enjoy many types of ice cream with different flavors. The price of this brand is also quite cheap, you can rest assured to choose without worrying about being ripped off. The service staff is also very enthusiastic, and can support you in choosing if you enjoy this ice cream for the first time.
7.9. Cafe Dinh – delicious egg coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake
- Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/drink.
When you come to Hoan Kiem Lake, you will feel the wonderful feeling when stopping at Dinh shop, enjoying a cup of delicious, rich Hanoi egg coffee. This is the shop’s famous drink with a unique recipe. When drinking egg coffee, you will smell the fragrant, strong and very rich coffee aroma. This is also the reason why egg coffee becomes a drink that you will remember forever after trying it once.
7.10. Hang Bo Dumplings
- Address: 55 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Reference price: 25,000 – 55,000 VND/portion.
Hang Bo fried dumplings conquer many diners with the perfect combination of a crispy fried outer shell and a delicious, rich meat filling. When enjoying it, you can combine it with raw vegetables and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce. It creates a special and unforgettable flavor.
8. Accommodation when traveling to Hoan Kiem Lake
Because it is located in the center of Hanoi, when traveling to Hoan Kiem Lake, you do not have to worry about accommodation. You can refer to some hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake below:
- Apricot Hanoi Hotel. Address: 136 Hang Trong, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- The Chi Boutique Hotel. Address: 13 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Hanoi Pearl Hotel. Hanoi Pearl Hotel. Address: 6 Ngo Bao Khanh, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel. Address: 53-55 Hang Trong, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- HanVet Hanoi Hotel. Address: 5 Ngo Huyen, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
9. Some important notes when traveling to Hoan Kiem Lake
To make your Hanoi tour to Hoan Kiem Lake more fun and thorough. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- The attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake are not too far from each other, so walking is the most ideal option. It helps you conveniently visit and slowly enjoy the natural scenery.
- When you want to experience the cyclo service. You should ask the driver in advance about the distance and the applicable price.
- Any time of the year is suitable for you to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. In particular, autumn is the most beautiful time of Hoan Kiem Lake. With clear weather and the romantic scenery of falling yellow leaves.
- Around the lake, Dong Xuan market and the old quarters have many shops selling a variety of goods. You can buy gifts for friends and relatives such as: handicrafts, Hanoi green rice cakes, dried apricots, etc. According to Hanoi travel experience, you should go shopping in the afternoon to conveniently ask for prices. Because shops often do not like customers coming to ask without buying anything in the morning.
- For convenient sightseeing, you should choose a hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake or a hotel in the old quarter.
- If you go to Hoan Kiem Lake at the end of the year, you should prepare warm clothes.
- When walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, you should pay attention to your wallet and phone and keep them safe. Be careful in case thieves take advantage of your carelessness to steal them.
- You should only bring a small amount of cash for shopping and eating. Remember to bring your ATM card for convenient payment or withdrawal.
- Before buying, you should ask for the price first to avoid being overcharged.
It is worthy to visit Hoan Kiem lake
Above is the most detailed information and experience of visiting Hoan Kiem Lake. If you have the opportunity to visit the capital Hanoi, please contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you to visit and experience the unique beauty here. The poetic scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake with unique architectural works and a rich culinary world will bring you the most memorable memories of Hanoi.
