Overview of Sword Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is the central symbol not only of the Old Quarter but also of Hanoi Capital. The lake is located entirely in the new Hoan Kiem Ward and is surrounded by arterial streets such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To and Hang Khay. The Hoan Kiem Lake area serves as a transportation and cultural axis, and is the focal point connecting the traditional Old Quarter (36 Streets) and the French-architected Western Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake is the main community space for the people of the Capital, especially on weekend nights when the city organizes walking, playing an important role in tourism development and urban landscape.

Sword Lake

The famous Sword Lake is associated with the legend of King Le Thai To (Le Loi) returning the magic sword to the Golden Turtle, thereby creating the name "Hoan Kiem" (Returning the Sword). This legend has profound historical significance, symbolizing the desire for peace and independence of the Vietnamese people. Outstanding architectural works around the lake such as Turtle Tower (on Turtle Mound), Ngoc Son Temple (on Ngoc Island) and The Huc Bridge have become national cultural symbols. With ancient architecture, green space and a system of spiritual relics (such as the Pen Tower - Dai Nghien), Hoan Kiem Lake is a living heritage, attracting domestic and foreign tourists to visit, learn and experience the elegant traditional culture of Hanoians.

Outstanding attractions at Hoan Kiem Lake

Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Turtle Tower located on Turtle Mound in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, is an ancient architectural work with the style of interference between Vietnam and Europe, symbolizing the legend of King Le returning the sword. Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Island, a place to worship Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and Van Xuong De Quan. To get to the temple, visitors must pass through The Huc Bridge (a red curved bridge), creating a harmonious and sacred architectural whole. This complex is the most important spiritual and cultural destination at Hoan Kiem Lake, attracting a large number of tourists.

Pen Tower - Dai Nghien

Pen Tower

Pen Tower and Dai Nghien is an architectural complex located right at the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple (on the old Doc Ton mountain). The Pen Tower stands majestically on the outer gate, engraved with three Chinese characters, Ta Thanh Thien (Write on the blue sky), symbolizing the honor of education and knowledge. Dai Nghien is a stone block shaped like an inkstone placed on three toads, with the meaning of promoting study and exams. This is a monument that is not only beautiful in architecture but also rich in meaning about the studious tradition of Vietnamese people.

Monument of King Le and Ba Kieu Temple

Monument of King Le

Monument of King Le Thai To is a large structure located on the west bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, honoring the hero who is associated with the legend of returning the sword. This is a historical place, often where tourists stop to take photos and admire the lake view. Opposite Ngoc Son Temple, across Dinh Tien Hoang Street, is Ba Kieu Temple (also known as Mother Temple), an ancient temple worshiping Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh (one of Vietnam's Four Immortals). Both of these locations are in the Hoan Kiem Ward area, demonstrating the diversity of beliefs and history surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

Walking Street Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake walking space is a unique community experience, operating on weekend nights (from Friday evening to Sunday) surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake and spreading to some main streets of the Old Quarter. This place has become an open cultural stage, where visitors can participate in folk games (dancing stalls, mandarin umbrellas), enjoy street art performances (music, magic, sketching) and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is a vibrant entertainment activity, helping visitors feel the modern, civilized and friendly lifestyle of the Capital.

Other Attractions Near the Lake

In addition to the monuments directly at the lake, the area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake also has many other attractive places:

  • Hanoi Post Office: Building with French architecture Ancient on Dinh Tien Hoang street, a famous check-in point and the place where the large clock facing the lake is located.

  • Death to the Fatherland's Monument: The project is located at the beginning of Hang Dau street, honoring the fighting spirit of Hanoi's soldiers and people.

  • Hanoi Opera House: Beautiful classical French architecture, located not far from the lake, regularly organizes major art events.

  • Trang Tien Plaza: High-end commercial center, located on the corner of Trang Tien street, is the intersection between ancient and modern features.

Best time to travel

Ho Guom Lake has a distinct beauty according to each season of the year, however, there are special times and hours that are ideal for visitors to fully enjoy the space here.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a time considered beautiful and romantic. The best place to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. The weather at this time is extremely cool and dry, with light yellow sunshine and a gentle breeze, creating a rare lyrical scene. This is the ideal season for visitors to walk around the lake, watch the yellow leaves change color and enjoy the scent of milk flowers. In particular, visitors should experience Walking Street on weekend nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to immerse themselves in the most vibrant community cultural atmosphere.

Spring (February to April)

Spring brings a cool, peaceful atmosphere to Hoan Kiem Lake, very suitable for spiritual activities. Visitors can clearly feel the traditional festive atmosphere after Lunar New Year, participating in rituals at Ngoc Son Temple and walking around the lake to watch the trees sprout. Early spring mornings at Hoan Kiem Lake often have light mist, creating a magical scene where local people gather to exercise and nourish.

Ideal Time Frame of the Day

Besides the seasonal factor, Hoan Kiem Lake is most beautiful at two special time frames of the day. Early morning (5:00 - 7:00) is the ideal time to admire Hoan Kiem Lake in quiet, fresh air. Visitors will witness local people practicing Tai Chi and walking, creating a unique community living culture. Evenings, especially weekend evenings (7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.), when the lights shine brightly and the area turns into a pedestrian city, is the most vibrant time to participate in entertainment and street culture activities.

Travel information

By Air

Arrival airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), about 25–30 km from Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem Ward).

Popular flight route:

  • HCMC (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time about 2 hours.

  • Da Nang (DAD) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

  • Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines.

Transportation from Noi Bai Airport to Hoan Kiem Lake:

  • Taxi/Technology car: Travel time about 40–60 minutes, price ranges from 250,000 - 400,000 VND (depending on time and type of vehicle).

  • Public bus (Route 86/86CT): High quality bus route from Noi Bai Airport goes straight through the Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem Lake area. Ticket price is about 45,000 VND/way.

Note: Tourists from the Southern and Central provinces should choose air to save time.

By Road and Rail

Road and rail routes are popular choices for tourists from the Northern and Southern provinces to Ha Noi.

Popular routes (Road):

  • From the Northern provinces: There are many high-quality bus routes from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai... to Hanoi's major bus stations (My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam). From these bus stations, it is easy to catch a taxi or city bus to Hoan Kiem Lake.

Popular route (Railway):

  • HCMC → Hanoi: Thong Nhat SE train (about 30–35 hours).

  • Arrival station: Hanoi Station (Hang Co Station) and Long Bien Station, both located very close to the Hoan Kiem Lake area (Hanoi Station is about 2 km away).

Transportation from the Station/Bus Station to Hoan Kiem Lake: Taxis, traditional motorbike taxis or technology motorbike taxis.

Reference fare: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Hanoi Train: about 900,000 - 1,800,000 VND/person (depending on type of chair/bed).

Moving Around Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem Ward)

Because Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center and the surrounding area is often closed to vehicles, choosing a compact vehicle is optimal.

Suitable vehicle Best:

  • Walking: Ideal for visiting monuments and enjoying the atmosphere, especially on weekend nights when the area organizes Walking Streets.

  • Cyclo: Unique traditional vehicle, suitable for sightseeing, slow tours around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter area. Price negotiable, usually about 100,000 - 150,000 VND/hour.

  • Electric vehicle (Trolley): There are tourist routes around Hoan Kiem Lake and 36 Pho Phuong. Reference ticket price is about 20,000 - 35,000 VND/trip.

Note: The Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter areas restrict cars at certain time frames. Tourists should prioritize using non-polluting means.

Accommodation information

Luxury (4–5 Stars)

Hotel de l'Opéra Hanoi, MGallery located at 29 Trang Tien Street, right near Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a 5-star hotel with a design inspired by the architecture and theater space of 19th century Paris, with a romantic neoclassical style. The hotel offers modern amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, a premium spa and a luxurious restaurant. Room prices at Hotel de l'Opéra Hanoi range from 4,000,000 - 9,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Hotel de l'Opéra Hanoi, MGallery

Hotel Oriental Suites Hotel & Spais located at 58 Hang Dao, a prime location right in the Old Quarter. This 4-star hotel is known for its friendly service, elegant design and full amenities, including a spa and gym. The big plus is the location just a few minutes walk from Sword Lake. Average room price is about 1,800,000 - 3,200,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation right in the heart of Sword Lake/Old Town, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • Hilton Hanoi Opera – No. 1 Le Thanh Cardboard - Price about 3,500,000 - 7,000,000 VND/night

  • Melia Hanoi - No. 44 Ly Thuong Kiet - Price about 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 VND/night

  • The Chi’s Boutique Hotel located on Hang Bong street, is a 3-star choice with impressive boutique style and professional service. Despite its affordable price, the hotel still feels luxurious and cozy. Chi’s Boutique Hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant and rooftop bar.

    For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

    • Old Quarter View Hostel - No. 48 Hang Bac Street - Price from 350,000 - 600,000 VND/night (private room or dorm)

    • Hanoi Central Hotel & Residences – No. 33 Bat Dan Street – Price from 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND/night

    • Hanoi Lucky Hotel – No. 12 Hang Vai – Price from 500,000 – 850,000 VND/night

    Festival cuisine and culture

    High-class restaurant

    Restaurant Skyline Hanoi is located at 38 Hang Dau Street, right next to Hoan Kiem Lake. This restaurant is famous for its rooftop bar and dining space, offering 360-degree views of Long Bien Bridge, the Red River and the Old Town. The menu is mainly International cuisine and modern Asian dishes. The ideal space for watching the sunset and having a romantic dinner. Average price is from 700,000 - 1,500,000 VND/person.

    Skyline Hanoi Restaurant

    Club De L'Oriental Restaurant located at 22 Hang Gai Street, deep in the Old Quarter. The restaurant features traditional Vietnamese royal cuisine in the quaint, quiet space of an old house. The menu focuses on sophisticated dishes, artistically presented, recreating the meals of ancient royalty. Average price 600,000 - 1,100,000 VND/person.

    Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to in the Hoan Kiem Lake area:

    • Samadhi Garden & Bistro – No. 75 Ly Thuong Kiet Street (near the lake): Famous for its green garden space and European cuisine – Asian combination. Price from 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.

    • A La Carte Restaurant - 19th Floor, 44 Ly Thuong Kiet Street: Panoramic view of the city, serving international buffet and A la carte. Prices range from 700,000 - 1,300,000 VND/person.

    • Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill Restaurant - No. 8 Do Duc Duc (Located far from Hoan Kiem Lake but a top 5-star choice): Specializes in premium steaks and seafood.

    Local cuisine

    Old Town Bread is one of the street foods not to be missed, with diverse fillings and unique flavors. Banh Mi 25 is famous for its special recipe, serving both international tourists and locals.

    Suggested address:

    • Banh Mi 25 - 25 Hang Ca Street (in the Old Quarter): Specializes in mixed sandwiches and grilled meat.

    • Ba Luong Snail Vermicelli - 19-21 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street (in the Old Quarter): Traditional snail noodle shop, rich, hot broth.

    • Dong Thinh Eel Vermicelli - 87 Hang Dieu Street (in the Old Quarter): Crispy or watery eel vermicelli dish, prepared with Hanoi standards.

    Sidewalk Iced Tea

    Iced Tea is a typical cultural feature of Hanoi people, a place of popular social exchange. Although not a dish, sidewalk iced tea is an indispensable experience. Visitors can sit on plastic chairs, enjoy a cup of cool iced tea or hot tea at a very cheap price, and observe the street life.

    Suggested address:

    • Lemon tea of the Cathedral - Nha Chung area, Ly Quoc Su (near Hoan Kiem Lake): A gathering place for young people.

    • Vong Coffee Shop - 30A Luong Van Can Street (in the Old Quarter): Famous for ground coffee and fruit smoothies.

    • Hang Dieu Street - An area with many sidewalk pubs with delicious food.

    Cultural Experience & Festivals

    Display of Hang Ma Street lanterns

     Hang Ma Street

    Takes place mainly in the 8th lunar month, before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hang Ma Street (Hoan Kiem Ward) turns into a colorful space, displaying and selling traditional lanterns, masks and folk toys. This is the best time for visitors to feel the festive atmosphere, shop for decorations and take souvenir photos.

    Tet Flower Market (Hang Luoc Flower Market)

    Takes place at the end of the 12th lunar month (near Lunar New Year). Hang Luoc Street (Hoan Kiem Ward) becomes a traditional Tet flower market, selling unique flowers and ornamental plants only available during Tet such as peaches, kumquats, and gladiolus. The market is imbued with traditional Tet culture, an opportunity for visitors to experience the Tet preparation atmosphere of Hanoi people.

    Other cultural activities around Hoan Kiem Lake:

    • Thang Long Water Puppet Show: Traditional folk art performance at the Water Puppet Theater (57B Dinh Tien Hoang).

    • hat dir="ltr">Amusement area

      Hoan Kiem Lake area (Hoan Kiem Ward) is the entertainment and cultural center of Hanoi, with many types of entertainment from traditional to modern, serving all ages.

      Ta Hien Beer Street

      Bia Ta Street Show

      Ta Hien Street - a street known as the "international crossroads" - is the most vibrant place in Hanoi at night, located right in the Old Quarter. Along both sides of the road are a series of beer shops, snacks and fragrant grilled dishes. Visitors can sit on small plastic chairs, sip cool draft beer at affordable prices, chat and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Ta Hien offers a unique experience of youthful and liberal urban life, the ideal place to end a day walking around Hanoi.

      Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding area also have many attractive entertainment and cultural venues suitable for both tourists and locals who want to relax and explore:

      • Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street Space: Activities on weekend nights, where cultural activities, street art, folk games and community exchanges take place.

      • Trang Tien Plaza Commercial Center: Located right at the corner of Hoan Kiem Lake, is a high-end shopping area combined with a modern dining and entertainment area.

      • Hanoi Opera House: Architectural work Beautiful classical French architecture (near Hoan Kiem Lake), regularly organizes major concerts, operas and art events.

      • Hanoi Book Street: Located on December 19th Street (near Hoan Kiem Lake), is a space for reading, coffee and cultural exchange in the heart of the old town, suitable for those who love tranquility and knowledge.

      Suggested tours

      Ho Guom Lake is the central point and ideal starting place for tours to explore the culture and history of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Visitors can choose short tours to fully enjoy the beauty of this area.

      Experience tour

      Sword Lake and Old Quarter tour (2-3 hours)

      Itinerary: Hoan Kiem Lake - Visit Ngoc Son Temple (The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower) - Walk through the 87 Ancient House Ma May – Experience Thang Long Water Puppet Show (optional) – Enjoy traditional Egg Coffee.

      Transportation: Walking and Cyclo.

      Reference tour price: 300,000 - 450,000 VND/person (not including Water Puppet tickets).

      Organizing unit: Companies local travel, Hanoi Free Tour Guides.

      Sword Lake Street Food Tour (3-4 hours)

      Itinerary: Explore special dishes around the Lake Sword and Old Quarter such as Pho, Bun Cha, Trang Tien Ice Cream, and Ta Hien Street snacks (evening).

      Transportation: Walking.

      Reference tour price: 550,000 - 800,000 VND/person (Including food costs at 6-8 locations).

      Organizing unit: Hanoi Local Tour, professional culinary guides.

      Cultural - historical tour

      Half Day "Signs of Thang Long" Tour

      Itinerary: Sword Lake - Ngoc Son Temple - King Le Monument - Visit Hoa Lo Prison (1.5 km from the lake) - Visit Hanoi Opera House (500m from the lake) - Return to Sword Lake.

      Transportation: Small tourist car, Electric car (Trolley) or taxi.

      Reference tour price: 600,000 - 850,000 VND/person (including entrance tickets and support vehicles).

      Organization unit: Hanoitourist, units specializing in cultural tours.

      Discovery tour around the Old Quarter by car Electricity

      Itinerary: Starting from Hoan Kiem Lake - Tram takes visitors around traditional craft streets (Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Ma) - Stops at Quan Chuong Gate and Dong Xuan Market - Returns to Hoan Kiem Lake starting point.

      Transportation: Tram (Trolley).

      Reference tour price: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person (depending on tour time).

      Organizer: Tourist electric vehicle companies operating in Hoan Kiem Lake area.

      Night and entertainment tour

      Walking Street & Ta Hien Tour (Weekend Evening)

      Itinerary: Participate in Walking Street activities around Hoan Kiem Lake - Enjoy music and folk games - Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Ta Hien Beer Street (Old Town) - Enjoy night snacks.

      Transportation: Walking.

      Reference tour price: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person (Mainly the guide fee and initial drink costs).

      Organizer: Nightlife Tour groups, personal guides.

      Shopping and Souvenirs

      Ho Guom area (Hoan Kiem Ward) is an ideal place for tourists to shop from high-end brands to traditional handmade souvenirs. Visitors can visit Trang Tien Plaza (right at the corner of the lake) to search for branded products, luxury international fashion and jewelry. Opposite Hoan Kiem Lake, streets such as Hang Khay and Hang Gai Street are home to shops specializing in selling silk, embroidery, and sophisticated handicrafts, very suitable as highly cultural gifts.

      Souvenirs next to Hoan Kiem Lake

      To buy culinary specialties, visitors should go deep into the streets of the Old Town. Hang Duong Street and Hang Buom Street are famous for selling traditional O Mai and Jam, with typical flavors of Hanoi. Besides, traditional toys and souvenirs bearing the image of Hoan Kiem Lake are also widely sold. Shopping here is not just about buying goods but also about experiencing the capital's long-standing commercial culture.

      Support information and other information

      To have the safest and most convenient trip in the center of the Capital, visitors should save emergency contact information and official support agencies in the Hoan Kiem Lake area (Hoan Kiem Ward).

      Support for Security and Tourist Police

      In the Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter area, the security system is always strengthened, especially on weekends.

      • Hanoi City Police/Emergency Switchboard:

        • Report Project/Emergency security support: 113

        • Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

        • Hoan Kiem Ward Police: 024 3825 5538 (Headquarters at 2 Co Tan Ward, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem)

      • General Department of Market Management - Consumer Rights Protection:

        • Contact switchboard: 1900.888.655

        • Contact when encountering problems with non-transparent prices, counterfeit goods or other practices Doing business illegally in the market area and shopping street.

      Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

      When in need of emergency medical assistance, visitors should quickly contact the emergency number and know the major hospitals near Hoan Kiem Lake area.

      • The switchboard Emergency: 115

      • Viet Duc Friendship General Hospital:

        • Support phone number: 1900 1902

        • Address: 40 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem District (away from Lake Sword is about 1.5 km).

      Tourism and Service Support

      To have the best experience and protect travel rights, tourists should use the following support channels:

      • National tourism support hotline:

        • Contact phone number: 0941 33 66 77

        • Useful for answering questions, consulting travel information and receiving feedback.

      • Noi Bai Airport – Guest support center:

        • Contact number: (+84) 024 3886 5047

        • Useful if you need information about luggage or airport services.

      Wish you a truly wonderful journey, with memorable experiences and peaceful, romantic moments at Hoan Kiem Lake, the cultural heart of the Capital of a thousand years of civilization!