Trip Planner: Asia / Vietnam / Hanoi / Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), Hanoi

4.3

#1 of 307 in Parks in Vietnam

Situated at the rim of the Old Quarter among the city's most popular attractions, the green shores of Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) offer a break from sightseeing and provide a quiet spot for people-watching. Notice the temple--topped with a red star--on a small islet in the middle of the lake. Apart from being the city's emblem, it commemorates a local legend, which involves an Excalibur-like sword. The story goes that a local dragon god gave a magical sword to a 15th-century Vietnamese emperor who used it in an uprising against the Ming Dynasty. When the war was won, a giant turtle emerged from the lake and took back the sword to return it to heaven. The lake is home to a rare species of soft-shell turtles. Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our online itinerary creator, Hanoi Edition.

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Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) Tours

Private Tour: Hanoi City Full-Day Tour including Cyclo Ride BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $45

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Ho Chi Minh's Hanoi Small Group Adventure Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $48

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Private Tour: Hanoi City Tour Including Water Puppet Show and Cyclo Ride BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $46

29 reviews

Duration: 10 hours

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Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) Reviews

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10,254 reviews

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4.5

By Lee_family_219053 On May 18, 2018

Our 4 days in Hanoi always brings us back to Hoan Kiem Lake wherever we come back into town. A good central meeting place if ever one gets lost. It's easy to locate prominent. The pagoda and Huc bridg... more »
By Catherinablasi H On May 18, 2018

Hoan Kiem Lake is located in between the capital Hanoi. The lake is situated in a district with key ancient town. The lake had a celebrated god blade pays for Golden Turtle. The lake abounds with beau... more »
By Tae-won P On May 18, 2018

베트남 하노이 시민들의 삶과 여유를 느낄 수 있는 호수 입니다. 아침에는 체조하는 사람들 점심에는 더위를 피해 시간을 보내는 사람들.. 저녁에는 예쁜 조명과 함께 산책하기 좋은 공간입니다. more »

The lives of the citizens of Hanoi, Viet Nam can feel free to the Lake. In the morning, lunch at the gymnastics people spend time to escape the heat, people ... In the evening, stroll along the pretty lights.

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By M A On April 16, 2018

One of my favorite spots in Hanoi. Walking around the lake is really nice and relaxing. You may have the chance to see some women dancing. You can sit down and observe the Vietnamese around here. Other than the pagoda area, the lake is not as crowded as you may imagine.

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By Andy Martin On March 23, 2018

Really nice lake to just walk around and gather some thoughts with music playing in the morning. You'll see plenty of locals doing exercise and random things just sitting, selling, poaching and today I saw some dancing stuff going on! If you like to run then it's a good circuit for you to use! There is also a temple along the river you have to like 30k to get in 15k if a student! Wanted to go in but decided to save money.

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By CS TRAVELife On March 31, 2018

A beautiful and scenery lake in the heart of capital Hanoi old quarters. Locals and tourists can be found along the lake. Day time and night time will give different view from the lake. Do spare some time at this spot!

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By Knaus Jenifer On March 16, 2018

The lake is beautiful. A lot of people enjoying the lake, walking around, families sitting on the benches. I even saw a handful of people working out. I ate ice cream at a shop and it was great.

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By Nadiah Khansa Salsabila On April 12, 2018

Such a great place to enjoy and hanging out. Even for shopping. The day and night will give you different view, vibes, atmosphere, and scenery! Worth to visit

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