Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi: Legend, What to See & Visiting Tips

Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”) is the lake at the heart of Hanoi, right next to the Old Quarter. It is named after the legend of King Le Loi returning a magic sword to a golden turtle in the 15th century. Walking around the lake is free; the main sights are Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple (small entrance fee), Ly Thai To Square and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Go early in the morning to see locals exercising, or on a weekend evening when the streets around the lake become pedestrian-only.

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Hoan Kiem Lake at a glance

MeaningLake of the Returned Sword

LocationCentral Hanoi, next to the Old Quarter

EntranceFree to walk around

Paid sightNgoc Son Temple, small fee

Walking streetWeekend evenings

Best timeEarly morning or evening

IconTurtle Tower on its islet

LegendKing Le Loi and the golden turtle

NearbyOld Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market

The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake

In the 15th century, King Le Loi is said to have received a magic sword from the Dragon King (Long Vuong) to fight foreign invaders. After victory, while he was boating on the lake, a giant golden turtle rose from the water and asked for the sword back. The king returned it, the turtle disappeared beneath the surface, and the lake has been called Hoan Kiem, “Returned Sword”, ever since.

The story reflects values that still matter in Vietnam: courage in defending independence, and a wish for peace once freedom is won.

Illustration of the legend of King Le Loi returning the sword at Hoan Kiem Lake — The legend of the returned sword.

The turtle in Vietnamese culture

The turtle symbolises wisdom, longevity and harmony, and appears at many Hanoi landmarks, including the Temple of Literature and Quan Thanh Temple. Real giant turtles lived in Hoan Kiem Lake until the last one died in 2016. A preserved giant turtle from the lake is on display at Ngoc Son Temple.

What to see around Hoan Kiem Lake

1. Turtle Tower

Standing on a small islet in the middle of the lake, Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) was built in the late 19th century. Its design mixes Vietnamese and French styles, and it has become the symbol of Hanoi.

Turtle Tower, the symbol of Hanoi.

2. Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge

At the northern end of the lake, Ngoc Son Temple sits on Jade Island, reached by The Huc Bridge, a red wooden bridge whose name means “where the morning sunlight rests”. The temple honours national hero Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong De Quan, the deity of literature, and Quan Vu (Guan Yu), a symbol of loyalty.

Red The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake — The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.

3. Brush Tower and Ink Slab

Before crossing The Huc Bridge you pass Brush Tower (Thap But) and the Ink Slab (Dai Nghien), monuments that celebrate learning and calligraphy.

Brush Tower and Ink Slab at the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple — Brush Tower and Ink Slab.

4. Ba Kieu Temple

One of Hanoi’s oldest temples, on the eastern shore opposite Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to the Mother Goddesses of Vietnamese folk religion.

Gate of Ba Kieu Temple by Hoan Kiem Lake — Ba Kieu Temple.

5. Ly Thai To Square

An open square with a statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, who moved the capital to Hanoi (then Thang Long) in 1010. A popular place for events and morning exercise.

Statue of Emperor Ly Thai To at Ly Thai To Square, Hanoi — Ly Thai To Square.

6. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Just steps from the lake, this theatre shows water puppetry, an art form unique to Vietnam. Wooden puppets “dance” on water to live traditional music, and the shows are easy to follow even without Vietnamese.

Water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi — Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Everyday life at the lake

Early morning

Locals walk, jog, practise Tai Chi, dance and play traditional games around the lake.

Weekend evenings

The streets around the lake become pedestrian-only, with street music, games and families out walking.

Food and drink

Try Hanoi egg coffee in a hidden café, or Trang Tien ice cream near the lake.

For a different view, take a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) or the electric car around the Old Quarter.

Tips for visiting Hoan Kiem Lake

Best time: early morning for calm, evening for street life
Cost: walking around the lake is free; Ngoc Son Temple has a small fee
Photos: sunrise and sunset give the best light
Dress: cover shoulders and knees in temples
Nearby: the Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Dong Xuan Market
Crossing the road: walk slowly and steadily, traffic will flow around you

Starting a trip from Hanoi? Our Ha Giang Loop tours and Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay cruises pick up from hotels in the Old Quarter, a few minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.