Is Hoan Kiem Lake Worth Visiting in Hanoi?
Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips
Known for its central location in Hanoi, the iconic Turtle Tower, and the serene atmosphere surrounded by cultural landmarks, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the more famous parks in Hanoi.
This is a very popular park to visit in the city, as it offers a great experience. Make sure you set aside some time to see it as it's worth visiting for a variety of reasons. Since this is a very touristy locations in the city, be prepared for crowds. Also, during peak season in Hanoi, the crowds can get even worse, so you should plan ahead.
What is Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake is a scenic and historic freshwater lake located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. It serves as a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The lake is surrounded by walking paths, temples, and vibrant street life, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and people-watching. One of its main attractions is the iconic Turtle Tower situated on a small island in the lake. Visitors can explore the Ngoc Son Temple on the lake's edge, accessible via a charming red bridge. The lake is especially lively in the early mornings and evenings when people come to exercise, socialize, or enjoy a stroll. It is free to visit and is a must-see spot reflecting the culture and daily life of Hanoi.
Families with kids really enjoy visiting, so if you're traveling with children, make a point to see it. It's not particularly romantic for couples, but not bad either. Budget travelers and backpackers enjoy visiting the park. Also, it's free, so that adds to it's appeal.
Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake
How much does Hoan Kiem Lake cost?
Hoan Kiem Lake is free. There is no admission fee to visit the lake and its surrounding areas.
Do I need a tour for Hoan Kiem Lake?
You'll be exploring Hoan Kiem Lake on your own.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, you do not need to book in advance. Just pay attention to the opening hours and arrive when ready. Admission is free.
How long does it take to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
Many people will spend around 1 hour during their visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking. Since this is mostly an outdoor area, you might need to plan ahead for the weather.
When is the best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem Lake is busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. While many visitors come during the day, it's also a great activity at night due to the lights and terrific atmosphere.
More things to do around Hanoi
For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Hanoi.
- Are Old Quarter Worth Visiting?
- Is Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Worth Visiting?
- Is West Lake (Tay Ho) Worth Visiting?
- Is One Pillar Pagoda Worth Visiting?
- Is St. Joseph's Cathedral Worth Visiting?
- Is Tran Quoc Pagoda Worth Visiting?
- Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?
- Hanoi Travel Costs
- Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?
- Is Can Tho Worth Visiting?
- Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting?
- Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?
- Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?
- Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.