1. Hoàn Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)
About this lake in Hanoi & Why it’s iconic
Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also called Sword Lake, is one of the most famous lakes in Hanoi, right in the heart of the Old Quarter. It’s tied to the legend of the Golden Turtle God, who is said to have reclaimed a magical sword from the emperor, giving the lake its name. Around the shore, you’ll find some of Hanoi’s most recognized symbols, including the small Turtle Tower in the middle of the water and Ngọc Sơn Temple on Jade Island, connected by the bright red Thê Húc Bridge. More than just a landmark, the lake has long been seen as the cultural and spiritual center of the city.
Visiting & Practical tips
The lake is one of the easiest places to visit in Hanoi, since it’s right in the Old Quarter and surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and walking streets. Early mornings are lively with tai chi groups, joggers, and locals meeting friends, while evenings and weekends bring a more social vibe with families and young people strolling around.
Travelers often get approached by students who want to practice their English, which can make for a fun cultural exchange. The main sights to check here are Ngọc Sơn Temple and Turtle Tower, but the real highlight is simply walking the loop around the lake and soaking in daily Hanoi life. If you’re here on a weekend, note that the area becomes a pedestrian zone with street performers, which makes it busy but atmospheric.
2. West Lake (Ho Tây)
About this lake in Hanoi & Why it’s iconic
West Lake, or Hồ Tây, is the largest lake in Hanoi, stretching over 500 hectares with a shoreline that seems endless compared to the city’s smaller lakes. Its history is wrapped in legends about foxes, buffalos, and even dragons, and over centuries it has been a retreat for emperors as well as a place of worship. Today, the lake is bordered by temples, pagodas, and a mix of upscale villas and modern developments, making it both a cultural and residential hub. Unlike the compact Hoàn Kiếm Lake, West Lake gives a sense of open space in the middle of the capital.
Visiting & Practical tips
Visiting West Lake is less about a single attraction and more about the atmosphere and variety of experiences around it. The 17-kilometer shoreline makes it popular for cycling, jogging, or simply taking a slow walk. Cafés and restaurants line the waterfront, ranging from casual spots to some of Hanoi’s trendiest dining and nightlife venues.
The must-see highlight is Trấn Quốc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple, set on a small island near the southeastern corner. Quán Thánh Temple, dating back to the 11th century, is also nearby. Sunset is one of the best times to be here, when the light reflects off the water and locals gather along the shore. For something more down-to-earth, try bánh tôm Hồ Tây (fried shrimp cakes), a dish strongly associated with the lake.
3. Trúc Bach Lake
About this lake in Hanoi & Why it’s iconic
Trúc Bạch Lake is a small but interesting lake in Hanoi, right next to West Lake, once part of it until a dyke was built to create space for fish farming. The area became known for its silk-weaving workshops and carries a darker legend of a palace where concubines were once kept in seclusion.
In modern history, the lake gained attention during the Vietnam War when U.S. pilot John McCain was shot down and captured here in 1967, a moment still marked by a small memorial. Although less grand than West Lake or Hoàn Kiếm, Trúc Bạch has layers of history that make it quietly fascinating.
Visiting & Practical tips
Today, Trúc Bạch Lake is more about its neighborhood feel than sightseeing. Small cafés and eateries dot the waterfront, making it a pleasant place to sit and watch daily life. Thanh Niên Road, which separates it from West Lake, is a popular spot for evening walks and leads directly to Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
It’s not a polished tourist attraction, but that’s part of its charm—calm, local, and authentic compared to Hanoi’s busier spots. If you enjoy a quieter corner of the city, this is one of the better places to pause and take in the rhythm of everyday Hanoi.
4. B-52 Lake (Huu Tiep Lake)
About this lake in Hanoi & Why it’s iconic
B-52 Lake, officially called Hữu Tiệp Lake, is a small pond tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Hanoi. Its significance comes from the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber that was shot down here during the Christmas Bombing campaign of 1972. The twisted metal still rests partly submerged in the water, making the site a stark reminder of the war’s destruction and Hanoi’s resilience. It has since been recognized as a historical vestige, and while the lake itself is modest, the story it carries is powerful.
Visiting & Practical Tips
Finding B-52 Lake requires navigating a maze of small alleys in the Ngọc Hà area, which adds to its off-the-beaten-path feel. The setting is very local—surrounded by houses, small shops, and children playing nearby—so visiting feels less like a tourist stop and more like stepping into daily Hanoi life.
There isn’t much to “do” besides viewing the wreckage and taking a few photos, but it’s a meaningful stop if you’re interested in war history. It combines well with nearby Ba Đình landmarks, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the B52 Victory Museum, for a fuller understanding of the events of 1972.
5. Bay Mau Lake
About this lake in Hanoi & Why it’s iconic
Bay Mau Lake is one of the more peaceful lakes in Hanoi, located within Thống Nhất Park, one of Hanoi’s largest green spaces. Unlike the lakes tied to legends or major historical events, this one is valued more for its setting—lush trees, flower gardens, and small islands connected by bridges. For Hanoians, it’s a popular spot to escape the city’s noise, go for a stroll, or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the view. While it doesn’t carry the same symbolic weight as Hoàn Kiếm or West Lake, it represents another side of Hanoi life: peaceful, everyday leisure.
Visiting & Practical tips
The lake is ideal if you want a quiet break from sightseeing. Locals use the paths around it for jogging or cycling, and on weekends families come to picnic.
It’s especially pleasant in the late afternoon and evening, when the park cools down and the atmosphere becomes lively without being overwhelming. As it’s inside a gated park, there’s usually a small entrance fee, but the relaxed environment makes it a good value if you’re looking for green space in central Hanoi.
