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About Hoan Kiem Lake

It is a natural body of water located in the Old Quarter, close to Hanoi's city center. The place is a hive of activity right from the morning through the afternoon, when joggers run around the shores and the seniors settle down on the park benches to play chess. A beautiful, quiet and serene place, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the center on a small island. Hoan Kiem Lake is a dynamic place with morning walkers, locals exercising and young couples water-gazing on park benches, and multiple shopping and many sight-seeing opportunities in the vicinity. Centrally located in Hanoi, locals gather around the beautiful Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi, particularly on weekend nights, to eat street food, dance, play games, buy trinkets, and just enjoy the view. The lake’s tranquil waters serve as a charming backdrop to the quaint and serene character of Hanoi culture and is a must see a place for any tourist visiting Hanoi.

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Must See

Thap Rua, the Tortoise Pagoda located at the lake's south end and Ngoc Son Temple, connected by a wooden bridge, located in the center of the lake are a must-see attraction.
Plenty of action in terms of shopping activities, food, and drink, sights to visit in the Old Quarter in the vicinity of the lake.
Take time to stroll around the lake and walk over the Cầu Thê Húc Bridge, which is lit up in bright red lights at night
The bridge leading to Ngoc Son temple is beautifully illuminated at night.
The late afternoon sun plays on the water and creates some great opportunities to photograph one of the iconic towers of Hanoi at its center.

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How to reach

It is 2.4 km away from the city center.

It is a few minutes walking distance from Hanoi's Old Quarter. You can even take a taxi or a bus.

Taxi Fare: 10,000 VND

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Tips

The Ngoc Son Temple is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and it Is best to get to the lake as early as possible to watch the locals do their morning yoga and Tai Chi.
Coffee lovers should definitely drop in at the Hapro Coffee Kiosk on Pho Le Thai To.
Those looking for a more satisfying meal should head straight to Restaurant Bobby Chinn at 1 Ba Trieu.
Best time to visit is Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings when vehicle traffic is closed around the lake.
Come here on weekends to enjoy shows of the street artists
It is often cold and wet in the morning so a raincoat or umbrella is useful.
You can buy your ticket at the end of the bridge (quite cheap)
Wear modest clothes as it is a religious site (shoulders and knees covered)
They lend you some cover-ups if they're not happy with your clothes.

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Visit Time

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

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Waiting Time

It takes time to gain entrance as you will need to wait for a security check.

Entrance Fee

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

Weather

Broken Clouds 20.97°C

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Hoan Kiem Lake

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About Hoan Kiem Lake

Must See

How to reach

Tips

Visit Time

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