Audio Guide to Hoan Kiem Lake

The lake is a public space open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and freely accessible from central Hanoi. However, if you want to enter Ngoc Son Temple on the island, the usual opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

Walking around the lake and enjoying the views is completely free. You only need to pay a symbolic entrance fee of around 30,000 VND (approx. 1.20 USD) if you decide to cross the red bridge to visit the inside of Ngoc Son Temple.

To walk all the way around the lake at a relaxed pace, you will need between 30 and 45 minutes. If you include a visit to the temple and photo stops, I recommend allowing at least an hour and a half to enjoy the experience without rushing.

The lake is legendary for the myth of Emperor Le Loi and the golden turtle that reclaimed a magical sword, hence the name 'Lake of the Returned Sword.' To fully understand this foundational myth of Vietnam, I recommend bringing a cultural audio guide that tells the details as you look at Turtle Tower.

Without a doubt, the weekend, from Friday night to Sunday, is ideal, as the surrounding streets are closed to traffic and become a vibrant pedestrian area. It is also magical to go at sunrise, around 6:00 AM, to see locals practicing Tai Chi.

The lakeside path is flat and paved, making it quite accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, access to The Huc Bridge and the interior of the temple includes some steps and uneven surfaces that may make entry difficult.

The location is excellent; you are just a short walk from the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and the chaotic but charming Old Quarter. You can also walk to St. Joseph's Cathedral, known as the 'Notre Dame' of Hanoi.

Do not forget to try the famous Trang Tien ice cream at the lake’s southeast corner; it is an unmissable tradition. Also, be prepared to walk a lot and consider downloading an audio guide in advance so you do not have to rely on an internet connection while exploring.