Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter · Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Last updated 2026-10-30
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The lake is associated with the legend of the returned sword; Ngoc Son Temple is reached by a red bridge and charges a small entry fee. The Old Quarter's streets are named after the trades once practised there, and many still sell the same goods. Weekend evenings close several streets to traffic, making them pedestrian-only. The lake is free and open 24 hours. It is a 15-minute walk from the railway station, and Noi Bai airport is 45 to 60 minutes away.
Ticket Price
Free to walk around the lake and the Old Quarter. Ngoc Son Temple charges about VND 30,000 (≈ USD 1.2); other sites ticket separately.
Opening Hours
The lake is accessible 24 hours. Ngoc Son Temple roughly 7:00-18:00; the weekend walking streets run Friday evening to Sunday midnight.
Transportation
The Old Quarter is compact and best explored on foot; taxis and ride-hailing (Grab) serve the area, and Noi Bai Airport is about 45-60 minutes away.
Best Season
In Viet Nam, plan Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter for May-Sep; Jul-Aug is peak and Dec-Feb is cold.
Pro Tip: Walk the lake early
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Walk the lake early Hoan Kiem Lake is calmest before 8am, when locals exercise and the streets are quieter. Walk the full loop, then cross into the Old Quarter for breakfast.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
Walk the lake loop, cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and explore the Old Quarter streets for food and shops. The loop takes about 30-45 minutes.
The streets around the lake close to traffic from Friday evening to Sunday night, with performances and food stalls. Weekday evenings are calmer.
Yes for a compact introduction to Vietnamese folk stories; the Thang Long theatre is a 10-minute walk north of the lake. Book a front-row seat for the best view.