Hoan Kiem Lake

CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0

The heart of thousand-year-old Hanoi, where the Turtle Tower casts its reflection and the legend of the returned sword still echoes.

In the early morning, Hanoians exercise around the lake while rows of weeping willows mirror themselves in the water. The bright red The Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple. Legend says King Le Loi returned a magic sword to the Golden Turtle in this very lake — which is why it is named 'Hoan Kiem', meaning 'the returned sword'. On weekend evenings, the streets around the lake become a pedestrian zone, alive with laughter and music.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?

Autumn (September–November), when the weather is cool and mild

How long do you need at Hoan Kiem Lake?

1–2 hours

What are the opening hours of Hoan Kiem Lake?

All day

Did you know

Its old name was Luc Thuy ('Green Water') Lake, for the water that stays green year-round.
The Huc Bridge means 'where the morning sunlight alights'.
Ngoc Son Temple is dedicated to the great general Tran Hung Dao.

Travel tips

Stroll the pedestrian streets from Friday to Sunday evening.
Try egg coffee and Trang Tien ice cream near the lake.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%C3%A0n_Ki%E1%BA%BFm_Lake

Updated: 2026-08-06