Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Sword Lake) is the heart of Hanoi city. Previously, the lake was called Luc Thuy Lake (blue lake) or Thuy Quan Lake (as it used to be a place to train combat sailors). This is not only a fun space for people to go for a walk or take part in recreational activities, but also associated with the long cultural history of the nation. If you have a chance to visit Hanoi, this is a place that you definitely cannot miss. The following article will provide you with the most detailed information about Hoan Kiem Lake for your future trip to Hanoi.
Where is Hoan Kiem Lake Located?
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of Hoan Kiem district. Surrounding the lake are Le Thai To Street in the West, Dinh Tien Hoang Street in the East and Hang Khay Street in the South. From here, tourists can walk to visit 36 famous streets of Hanoi. It is also easy for you to find and get around the lake. Buses, motorbikes, or taxis are the means to help tourists get there. Or you can take a private Cyclo near Dinh Tien Hoang, Trang Tien, and start your trip to explore the vibrant destination.
Hoan Kiem Lake is in the center of Hanoi
The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake
According to the legend, during the 15th century, Vietnam faced oppression and exploitation from invading forces in the North. In the midst of this struggle, the Sea God witnessed the plight and granted King Le a magical sword to combat the enemy, leading to their successful expulsion. Subsequently, an era of peace descended upon the land.
One fateful day, as the King sailed across the lake, a turtle emerged unexpectedly and demanded the return of the sword bestowed by the Sea God. Yielding to the turtle’s request, the King relinquished the sword, and the turtle dived under the water’s surface. Since that momentous encounter, Luc Thuy Lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake. To this day, the legend and the enigmatic turtle dwelling within the lake remain a captivating mystery.
Getting to Hoan Kiem Lake
Owning a convenient location, located in the center of Hoan Kiem district, there are many transportation options to get to Hoan Kiem Lake. You can travel by private vehicle or public transport.
By public bus
The public bus is the most suitable and economical means of traveling in the central area of the Old Quarter. Currently, many bus routes are passing through Hoan Kiem Lake. You can take bus routes such as 08, 04, 09, 11, 14, 40, 23, 31, 36, and 34 to go to Sword Lake. There are 2 routes, 09 and 14, which have a parking spot next to Hoan Kiem Lake, so it is very convenient. However, before getting to the lake, you should find out about the travel routes to avoid getting lost or going to the wrong address in the city.
By taxi/private car
If you do not like the noise and want a private space, then a taxi is the most suitable choice for you. In Hanoi, you can easily catch a taxi on the routes, or you can directly contact reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Taxi Group, and Thanh Cong. If you want to be proactive, renting a car with a private driver is the most convenient method. More specifically, these drivers are usually very knowledgeable about Hanoi and sometimes can speak English, so they are always willing to share many things about the capital such as historic destinations, good cuisines, entertainment spots, etc. Contact us for more information.
By motorbike
Motorbike is a compact vehicle, very suitable for individual or group travelers who want to explore the Sword Lake area by themselves. Currently, there are many motorbike rental locations in Hanoi for you to choose from at suitable prices. However, you should avoid moving to the lake on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights because this is the time when the pedestrian street is open, so motorbikes will be banned.
By cyclo (Xich-lo)
This is the most common mean of transport in Hanoi Old Quater. If you are staying in the center of the Old Quarter, you can rent a Cyclo to explore the streets of Hanoi. Walking around the city by cyclo is a great suggestion to help visitors enjoy the fresh atmosphere and admire the surrounding landscape. However, to avoid price push, you should choose reputable companies as well as negotiate with the driver in advance about the price.
Cyclo in Old Quater
Best Places to Visit in Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower, also known as Thap Rua in Vietnamese, is a prominent landmark situated on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. The place where King Le Thanh Tong had built a monument. Here, you will see the ancient tower associated with the nation’s history. This is one of the most pride of the city.
Turtle tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake
Ngoc Son Temple
Built in the 19th century, Ngoc Son Temple is not only a famous historical relic of Hanoi but also a place to worship Van Xuong, the master star of academic literature and Saint Tran Hung Dao. Around the temple, you can see a complex of architectural relics with many historical values and humanistic meanings, including The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower, Nghien Pedestal, and Tran Ba Pagoda.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge, also known as the Rising Sun Bridge, is a historic bridge located in Hanoi. The bridge connects the eastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake with the Ngoc Son Temple. It was originally constructed in the 19th century and has undergone several renovations since then. The bridge is painted in vibrant red, which is considered a symbol of good luck and happiness in Vietnamese culture.
The Huc Bridge
Ly Thai To Statue
Ly Thai To monument is located at Chi Linh flower garden on Dinh Tien Hoang Street. This is a typical cultural and architectural work in Hoan Kiem Lake to portray Emperor Ly Thai To on a horse, symbolizing his leadership and the establishment of the dynasty. It is a significant landmark and a popular tourist attraction in the city.
Ly Thai To Flower Garden
Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre
This is one of the most famous water puppetry performance venues in Vietnam, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Thang Long Water Puppetry Theater is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional art form of water puppetry, which has a long history in Vietnam. You can go there every day of the week, and ticket prices range from 60,000-100,000 VND/ticket.
Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre
Trang Tien Plaza
Located at the corner of Trang Tien in Hang Bai, Trang Tien Plaza is the most luxurious and high-class shopping center in Hanoi. Coming here, you can shop for expensive items or visit high-quality luxury restaurants to enjoy Hanoi-flavored dishes. This is also one of the favorite wedding photography locations for many young people.
Trang Tien Plaza
Hoan Kiem/Trang Tien Walking Street
Hoan Kiem Walking Street, also known as the pedestrian zone, is a vibrant area located in the heart of Hanoi. Although it was only officially opened a few years ago, the walking street has become an attractive common space not only for tourists but also people living in Hanoi. The street offers a wide array of local street food, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing shops for visitors.
Hoan Kiem Walking street
Dinh Le Street
Considered the “paradise” of books in Hanoi, Dinh Le Street sells a variety of books from specialized books, history, literature, philosophy, and economics… The prices here are often very cheap and the quality of the book is also pretty good.
A bookstore on Dinh Le Street
>>> Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings are perfect destinations for a half-day or full-day tour around Hanoi. Join us to feel how magnificent it is. Or, check our well-designed Hanoi City Tours here for more options.
Must-try Foods in Hoan Kiem Lake
Trang Tien Ice-cream
En route to Hoan Kiem Lake, a delightful sight awaits you – Trang Tien ice cream shop, which holds a distinguished reputation as one of Hanoi’s most popular ice cream brands.
Trang Tien ice cream
Situated at 35 Trang Tien, this charming ice cream shop welcomes visitors from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. The affordability of Trang Tien ice cream adds to its allure, with prices ranging from just 7,000-40,000 VND per serving. Despite not being served in extravagant settings or featuring an array of extravagant flavors and vibrant colors like other ice cream varieties, Trang Tien ice cream continues to enjoy widespread popularity. The simple yet delectable nature of this treat, characterized by its traditional, lightly sweet taste and familiar yet enticing aroma, appeals to individuals of all ages. It is this timeless essence that has cemented the fame of Trang Tien ice cream, attracting a loyal following throughout the years.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is one of the most favorite dishes of Hanoi people every morning. You will see Hanoi Bun Cha restaurants anywhere on the street, from popular to high-end. It is impossible to mention Bun Cha Huong Lien, which President Obama once visited and respectfully praised this special cuisine. If you visit Hanoi, don’t hesitate to try Bun Cha, it is certain to be a dish you will remember forever with just one taste.
Bun Cha
Bun Thang
As a long-standing dish in the capital, bun thang is not only special in its name but also in its processing. This dish is a combination of many different flavors, made from leftover Tet ingredients ò Vietnam such as dried shrimp, shredded chicken, fried eggs, spring rolls, etc. With a beautiful presentation, blending many different ingredients, Hanoi bun thang is likened to the “five-color flower” of the capital’s culinary quintessence.
Bun Thang
Hang Can 4-Season Sweet Soup
This is one of the most popular dishes with young people in Hanoi. Opened before 1975, the 4-season sweet soup of Hang Can is considered one of the oldest food stalls in Hanoi Old Quarter. Going to Hang Can in the summer, visitors can enjoy sweet soup made from green beans, black beans, lotus seeds, coconut, pearl jelly, etc. In winter, they change the menu with Ba Co soup, drift cake, etc. The price of sweet soups here is affordable; each cup costs around 30,000 VND (just more than US$1).
Hang Can sweet soup
If you have the opportunity to go to Hanoi, don’t forget to explore the old town and do a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, many new and interesting things are waiting for you. Hopefully, the above information will help you have a memorable trip to Sword Lake. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are planning a trip to Vietnam.
