Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi

About This Activity

Hoan Kiem Lake ('Lake of the Restored Sword') is Hanoi's most iconic landmark — the lakeside is the city's communal living room, where joggers and tai chi practitioners gather at dawn. Cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, dedicated to scholar Văn Xương and general Trần Hưng Đạo. A preserved Giant Soft-Shell Turtle (now extinct in the wild) is on display inside. Temple entry is 30,000 VND (~$1.20; cash only, open 8am–6pm). On Fri–Sun evenings, surrounding streets become a pedestrian zone with street food and live music.

Seasonal note: Year-round; most atmospheric in autumn and spring. The weekend pedestrian zone is a highlight on Fri–Sun evenings.