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

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

4.4

#1 of 328 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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Tours to Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Highlights of Hanoi Full-Day City Tour with Lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $44

4.5

10 reviews

Duration: 1 day

Buy tours from $44

Private Hanoi City Half-Day Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $65

4.5

9 reviews

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Buy tours from $65

Small-Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $28

5.0

6 reviews

Duration: 3 hours

Buy tours from $28

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

13,064 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

4.5

277 likes

By Anna M

Really nice walk around the Lake during the day . Early morning, afternnon and evning. Garden around the Lake and place to rest more »
By Laura C

Lots to do and see in this area. Friday to Sunday the side near the old quarter and water puppet theatre are pedestrianised and it is much easier to get around on foot. However, you will still need to... more »

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By Pooja Upadhyay

Very beautiful lake. A must visit attraction in Hanoi. Go in the evening and you will see it some what more beautiful. Lake has a temple in the middle which is connected by a small bridge. There are 3 4 spots to see at the same place. A turtle temple is also there which had an interesting story.

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By Shashank Singh

The Lake is the heart of the Hanoi city. It is the major tourist spot and recreational place for the locals and visitors. It is the most lovable place to visit during weekends. The road on the side of lake gets closed on Sunday and all the locals gather and do many activities over there. The scenic is beautiful. There are little shops near the lake and also main market nearby.

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