January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
A calm lake in the middle of Hanoi, with a red bridge, an island temple and the city’s favourite morning walk.
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 30,000 VND
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Early morning or evening
Overview
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi. Locals come here at sunrise to jog, stretch and practise tai chi, and visitors use the lake as a starting point for the Old Quarter. A paved path of about 1.7 km goes all the way around the water.
On the northern side, the red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island. In the middle of the lake you can see Turtle Tower, which is linked to the legend of the magic sword returned to a golden turtle. In the evening the area is lit up and cooler, and on weekend evenings the streets around the lake are closed to cars.
Highlights
- Walk the 1.7 km path around the lake
- Cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
- See Turtle Tower on its small island
- Watch tai chi at sunrise and join the weekend walking street
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Lake: open all day Ngoc Son Temple: daily, about 8:00 – 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Lake: free Ngoc Son Temple: about 30,000 VND, cash |
| Time needed | 1 – 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning or evening |
| Good for | First-timers, families, photographers, joggers |
| Accessibility | Flat paved path around the lake; the Huc Bridge has a few steps |
| Facilities | Benches, cafes, public toilets nearby, weekend walking street |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The lake sits at the edge of the Old Quarter. From most Old Quarter hotels it is a 5 to 10 minute walk. From Noi Bai Airport, a taxi or Grab to the lake takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tips before you go
- Go before 7:00 for cooler air and local exercise groups
- Streets around the lake are car-free on weekend evenings
- Cover your shoulders and knees if you enter the temple
- Keep your phone and bag close in crowded spots
Location
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
City centre, at the edge of the Old Quarter
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Is Hoan Kiem Lake free to visit?
Walking around the lake is free. Only Ngoc Son Temple has an entry ticket.
How long should I spend at Hoan Kiem Lake?
Plan 1 to 2 hours: about 30 minutes for the walk, and the rest for the temple and a coffee nearby.
Is it worth visiting in the evening?
Yes. The lake is lit up, the air is cooler, and the weekend walking street is lively.