Last updated: 29 July 2026
This guide covers opening hours, tickets and how to get there. If you want to know what to do around the lake and where to eat nearby, read our Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple walking guide.
Hoan Kiem Lake is the natural starting point for a first visit to Hanoi, linking the Old Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple, St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Opera House. The lakeside promenade is free and open around the clock. A full loop is about 1.7 km (roughly one mile); allow 2–3 hours if you also want to visit Ngoc Son Temple, take photos and stop for coffee.
The red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple is the most photographed spot on the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake opening hours, location and ticket prices
| Item | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeside hours | Promenade open 24 hours | Ngoc Son Temple and the shops around the lake keep their own hours. |
| Location | Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi | There is no single entrance — join the lake at Huc Bridge, Ly Thai To Park or the southern edge of the Old Quarter. |
| Lake entrance fee | Free | Walking the loop, sitting by the water and photographing Turtle Tower all cost nothing. |
| Ngoc Son Temple | 50,000 VND per adult | Based on Hanoi's current published rate; bring ID if you qualify for a reduced ticket. |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours | Allow half a day if you also add the Old Quarter, St. Joseph's Cathedral and a coffee stop. |
What makes Hoan Kiem Lake worth visiting?
Hoan Kiem means “the returned sword”, a name drawn from the legend of Emperor Le Loi giving a magic sword back to a golden turtle; the lake was earlier known as Luc Thuy (Green Water). Hanoi's cultural authorities record the lake and Ngoc Son Temple as a Special National Monument, recognised in 2013. Turtle Tower on its islet, the scarlet Huc Bridge and the crowds exercising at dawn or strolling at dusk together form one of the city's defining scenes.
- Turtle Tower: On a small island in the middle of the lake; the west and south banks give the cleanest full view.
- Huc Bridge: The bright red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, at its best at sunrise and again once it is lit at night.
- Ngoc Son Temple: A historic complex on Jade Island, with the Pen Tower, the Ink Slab and Tran Ba Pavilion.
- Weekend walking street: Some roads around the lake close to traffic and become pedestrian space, which makes the area livelier — though Grab pick-up and drop-off points move further out.
When is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
October to December is the coolest stretch of the year and the easiest time to walk the full loop.February to April is mild but can bring drizzle. Between May and September, aim for roughly 6:00–9:00 in the morning or after 17:00. Early light suits Huc Bridge, while blue hour and after dark are better for the lakeside lights.
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake
From the Old Quarter
Most streets on the southern side of the Old Quarter are a 5–15 minute walk from the lake. Over these distances walking is usually quicker than driving through the narrow lanes.
From elsewhere in Hanoi
Grab, metered taxis and city buses all work. When weekend road closures are in place, set your drop-off at St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Opera House or the outer edge of the Old Quarter and walk the last few minutes.
Visiting several Hanoi sights in one day
If you are travelling with young children or older parents, or want to combine Hoan Kiem Lake with the Temple of Literature, West Lake and Train Street on the same day, a private car with a driver removes a lot of waiting and re-booking between stops.
A half-day walking route around Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower viewpoint on the west bank → Huc Bridge → Ngoc Son Temple → lunch on the south side of the Old Quarter → St. Joseph's Cathedral → a coffee stop. With only 90 minutes, prioritise Turtle Tower, Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple; with half a day, add the Old Quarter or continue towards the Opera House.
Hoan Kiem Lake FAQ
No. The lakeside is free and open to everyone. Ngoc Son Temple is ticketed separately, currently 50,000 VND for adults.
The loop is about 1.7 km and takes 25–35 minutes without stops. Allow 2–3 hours if you want photos and a temple visit as well.
Early morning light is soft and you also catch locals exercising by the water; after sunset the promenade and Huc Bridge are lit, which gives a completely different mood.
Yes. The two sit side by side. Start with the lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then enter the Old Quarter from the northern side — it makes an easy half-day walk.
Hoan Kiem Lake location map
Guides to nearby attractions
These sights sit in the same part of Hanoi and are usually visited together — useful if you are still shaping your northern Vietnam itinerary.
- Best Things to Do in Hanoi Top sights, tickets, transport and 1–2 day itineraries
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-Day Walking Route How to link Hoan Kiem Lake, the 36 Old Streets and the cathedral
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple Tickets, transport and walking routes
- Hanoi 36 Old Streets Guide Street specialities, how long to spend and the best season
- Hoa Lo Prison Guide Tickets, opening hours and what to see
