Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Name: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm
Address: Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hà Nội, Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

#4 among attractions in Hanoi

Natural attraction, Lake, Top attraction, Body of water, More...

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 2.0 / Richard Mortel / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / @fub / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Daderot / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / DerFussi / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ottaviani / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, also known as Hoan Kiem Lake, serves as a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling cityscape of Vietnam's capital. The name translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword," a moniker steeped in legend and history, which adds to the site's cultural significance.

The lake's serene waters are encircled by verdant trees and well-manicured parks, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility or a leisurely stroll. At its center lies a small island accessible by the iconic Huc Bridge, which leads to the Ngoc Son Temple. This temple, dedicated to a 13th-century military leader, provides a picturesque view of the lake and serves as a focal point for cultural and spiritual practices.

The legend of Hồ Hoàn Kiếm dates back to the 15th century when Emperor Lê Lợi was said to have received a magical sword from the Dragon King to repel Chinese invaders. After his victory, a turtle deity surfaced on the lake, reclaiming the sword to restore it to its divine owners, hence the name of the lake.

Hồ Hoàn Kiếm is not only a place of beauty and legend but also a hub of social activity. Early mornings see locals practicing Tai Chi and exercise routines, while evenings bring families and friends together to enjoy the cool air and the vibrant atmosphere.

Alternative names: Maximum depth: 7 ftElevation: 46 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 21°1'44"N, 105°51'7"E

Address

Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hà Nội, Hồ Hoàn KiếmHanoi Vietnam

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Day trips

Hồ Hoàn Kiếm – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Turtle Tower, Đồng Xuân Market, Vietnamese Women's Museum, Hong River Delta.

~400 ftS
Historic tower on a scenic city lake
Turtle Tower, Hanoi
2 min walk • In the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, amidst the bustling city life, lies a serene emblem of history: Turtle Tower. Standing proudly on a small island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake, this stone structure is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese capital.
0.6 miN
Sprawling standby for wholesale shopping
Đồng Xuân Market, Hanoi
17 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter, Đồng Xuân Market stands as a historical and cultural landmark, drawing both locals and tourists to its vibrant atmosphere. This expansive market, established in 1889 during the French colonial period, is the...
0.4 miS
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Vietnamese Women's Museum, Hanoi
11 min walk • The Vietnamese Women's Museum is a cultural repository dedicated to the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. Located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, this museum is a testament to the complexities and richness of Vietnamese women's lives, both...
~1790 ftN
Protected area
Hong River Delta, Hanoi
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the Hong River Delta, also known as the Red River Delta, is an area of rich cultural and historical significance. This fertile region, cradled by the winding flows of the Red River, has been the agricultural and economic backbone of...
0.5 miSE
Grand classical music hall built in 1911
Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi
13 min walk • The Hanoi Opera House stands as an architectural and cultural beacon in the heart of Vietnam's capital. This grand edifice, reminiscent of the opulent French colonial era, was completed in 1911 and has since been a prestigious venue for the performing arts.
~660 ftN
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Đền Ngọc Sơn, Hanoi
4 min walk • Nestled on a peaceful islet in the heart of Hanoi's bustling cityscape, Đền Ngọc Sơn, or the Temple of the Jade Mountain, stands as an emblem of Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry. This serene temple, accessible via the iconic red-painted Huc Bridge, is a revered...
0.6 miSE
Exhibits on prehistory and modern times
National Museum of Vietnamese History, Hanoi
16 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the National Museum of Vietnamese History is a cultural gem that offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of the nation's past. Housed in an exquisite French colonial building that once served as the École Française d'Extrême Orient...
~1030 ftW
Grand Catholic seat dating to 1886
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi
5 min walk • St. Joseph's Cathedral is a church on Nha Chung Street in the Hoàn Kiếm District of Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a late 19th-century Gothic Revival church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi.
~1160 ftSE
21°1'39"N • 105°51'18"E
Ly Thai To Statue & Park, Hanoi
6 min walk • Park, Playground, Garden
0.5 miSE
Museum, History museum
Bảo Tàng Cách Mạng Việt Nam, Hanoi
12 min walk • The Vietnam Museum of Revolution was a museum in Hanoi, Vietnam. Located in the Tong Dan area of the city, it was established in August 1959 in a two-story building, formerly used by the Trade Department of Vietnam.
~1040 ftN
21°1'54"N • 105°51'11"E
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi
6 min walk • Theater, Concerts and shows

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Hồ Hoàn Kiếm?

Nearby attractions include Turtle Tower, Hanoi (2 min walk), Đền Ngọc Sơn, Hanoi (4 min walk), Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi (4 min walk), National Library of Vietnam, Hanoi (5 min walk).

How to get to Hồ Hoàn Kiếm by public transport?

The nearest stations to Hồ Hoàn Kiếm:

Bus

Ngã 3 Lê Thái Tổ • Lines: 09A, 09B (2 min walk)
Bưu điện Thành phố Hà Nội • Lines: 08A, 09A, 09B, 86 (5 min walk)

Train

Long Biên station (20 min walk)
Hanoi Train Station (21 min walk)