The lake at the centre of Hanoi with the Ngoc Son temple on an islet, circled by walkers at dawn and closed to traffic at weekends.
Related activities
Hanoi street food tour
Evening walk through bun cha, pho and egg coffee stops in the old quarter.
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Two-day boat trip among the limestone islands with kayaking.
Water puppet performance
Traditional theatre performed in a pool with live musicians.
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake sits in Hanoi, Vietnam. Most visitors base themselves in Hanoi and plan the visit as part of a day there. It pairs well with Temple of Literature, Hỏa Lò Prison, so you can group them on the same day.
Tickets and time needed
The source we checked states that entry to Hoan Kiem Lake is free. Plan about 1h 30m for a typical visit.
Best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake
For Hanoi in general: October to April; winter is cool and grey rather than cold.
Tips for your visit
Related things to do here include Hanoi street food tour, Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, Water puppet performance.
Hoan Kiem Lake FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
The source we checked states that entry to Hoan Kiem Lake is free.
How long should I spend at Hoan Kiem Lake?
A typical visit takes about 1h 30m.
Where is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake is in Hanoi, Vietnam.
When is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
October to April; winter is cool and grey rather than cold.
What is near Hoan Kiem Lake?
Nearby places include Temple of Literature, Hỏa Lò Prison.
Guidese editorial team
Travel research & data review
We build every guide from official tourism boards, operator sites and published price lists. We record where each number came from and when it was last checked.
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- No sponsored rankings or paid placements
- Facts re-checked on a scheduled review cycle
