Lake & Riverfront
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm & Đền Ngọc Sơn)
The emerald heart of Hanoi linking the 36 guild streets of the Old Quarter with the French Quarter, crossed by the scarlet Huc Bridge.
Why Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Named "Lake of the Returned Sword" after Emperor Le Loi’s 15th-century legend of the Golden Turtle God, Hoan Kiem Lake anchors daily civic life in Hanoi. Ngoc Son Temple sits on Jade Island on the northern shore.
What to See: The Huc (Morning Sunlight) Scarlet Wooden Bridge • Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) in the center of the lake • Weekend pedestrian walking zone (Friday 19:00 to Sunday 24:00)
Local Visitor Tips:
- Pair an early morning walk around the lake with egg coffee at Dinh Cafe overlooking the northern shore.