ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS
Ngọc Sơn Temple
A historic lakeside temple situated on Jade Island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Reach it via the iconic red Húc Bridge. The temple complex (honoring scholars and generals) is small but scenic. Visitors say it’s “worth a visit” with an entry fee (~50,000 VND). It’s very photogenic, especially when lit up at night, and offers great views of the lake.
Hàng Gai Street
A bustling shopping street in the Old Quarter, just northwest of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It’s known for high-quality silk shops, handicrafts and souvenirs, but with its central location near the lake, it can get extremely busy. The street’s mix of traditional tailors, galleries and cafes attracts many tourists.
Bà Đá Temple
An ancient Buddhist temple at 3 Nhà Thờ (Hàng Trống ward), just north of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Originally built in 1056 under King Lý Thánh Tông, it’s one of Hanoi’s oldest pagodas. The temple compound (with a peaceful courtyard) is free to enter. It also houses Hanoi’s Buddhist Association headquarters. It’s tucked on a small alley but is well worth seeing for its history and quiet atmosphere.
Lotus Water Puppet Theater
A lakeside theater at 16 Lê Thái Tổ (also known as 79 Hàng Trống), housed in an elegant 1918 colonial building (“Viet Culture Space”), it stages traditional Vietnamese water-puppet shows. Performances run several times daily (afternoon and early evening) with each show lasting 45-60 minutes featuring folk stories with live music–– a memorable cultural experience right by the lake.
Sacred Heart Convent
A Catholic convent at 31 Nhà Chung St., a few minutes’ walk northeast of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. The site includes a chapel and gardens. While not a typical tourist attraction, visitors often notice the rows of nuns in black habits here, especially on religious feast days. It reflects Hanoi’s historic Catholic community; the convent’s building and chapel exhibit charming French-colonial architecture.
Báo Hà Nội Mới
The elegant old newsroom building at 44 Lê Thái Tổ St. (just west of the lake). Built in 1957, it has classic French-colonial design (white walls, green shutters) but in recent years, it’s become a popular photography spot, especially in spring with flowers. It’s located a block from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, making it easy to include in a walking tour of the area.
Octagonal House
An eight-sided pavilion on Lê Thạch St at the north end of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Its bright yellow walls and red tile roof are iconic. This French-colonial structure (with perfectly symmetrical octagonal design) stands in the lake water. It’s a famous photo spot and symbol of Hanoi’s blend of Eastern and Western architecture.
Ly Thái Tổ Flower Garden
A tree-lined park on the east side of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where the large statue of King Lý Thái Tổ stands. Bounded by streets Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Lê Lai, Lê Thạch and Ngô Quyền, it includes green lawns, ornamental gardens and the Nhà Bát Giác. It’s a pleasant place for families and hosts open-air events.
Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre
The main water-puppet company of Hanoi. Founded in 1969, it now performs in a 400-seat theater on the lake’s shore. The troupe does multiple shows daily featuring traditional stories (e.g. the legend of Emperor Lê Lợi and the Hoàn Kiếm turtle). This is Hanoi’s iconic water-puppet venue; each performance (about 50 min) is considered a “not-to-miss” cultural attraction for visitors.
Weekend Walking Street
Each Friday evening through Sunday night, the roads around Hoàn Kiếm Lake are closed to vehicles and the area becomes a pedestrian fair with craft stalls, food vendors and street performances. It’s a festive time when both locals and tourists flock to stroll by lantern light. Even on weekdays, lakeside path is popular: at dawn and dusk locals gather for tai chi, dance and exercise by the water.
