➤ With history stretching back 4,000 years, Hanoi has long been one of Asia's most appealing destinations.
If Hanoi is the heart of Vietnam so Hoan Kiem Lake that located in very the centre of the city is the heart of the capital city of Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Hồ Gươm, is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.
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| Photo by pixabay |
Cultural Center of Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake is always crowded with people coming for sightseeing, recreation, entertainment, photographic memories, the foreign tourists often stroll around the lake to save their moments only here.
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only beautiful in the heart of capital’s residents, attractive tourism destination of people across country, but also impressive place of international tourists. Selymam, Turkey said: "My country also has many landscapes, but I love Hoan Kiem Lake because of romantic beauty and green surface. Travelling to Hanoi without visiting this lake considers as just touching foot in the capital alone, not to its heart".
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| Photo bymuathuvangcamera |
Weekend in Hoan Kiem Lake
At present, around Hoan Kiem Lake has been gradually becoming one of the capital's tourist attractions, a place for people to go out, play, and slow down between the roads.
Many streets around Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) have been organized as a walking street to serve the needs of residents and visitors.
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| Photo by Quang Thế |
The walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake spreads over 11 streets, which are Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Lai, Le Thach, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Trang Tien (from Ngo Quyen to Dinh Tien Hoang), Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Trong (from street Joseph’s Cathedral to Le Thai To), Nha Tho and the Cathedral square. The streets are closed to traffic from Friday night through Sunday mid-night.
The area is linked to the pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter include Hang Buom, Ma May, Dao Duy Tu, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong, Dong Xuan.
Walking Street Hanoi officially operates every weekend. Walking street time starts from 19 pm on Friday to Sunday 24 hours in the area around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom) with Turtle Tower in the center. This is considered the historical and physical center of Hanoi city, Vietnam. Most hotels for tourists are located around this area and it is just minutes walking from Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Typical weekend looks like in Hanoi. From Friday through Sunday, the Hoan Kiem lake area gets closed off to motorcycle and car traffic, allowing families to come out and have lots of fun in a safe environment.
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| Photo by Quang Thế |
You can also find the Hanoi Night Market as you venture into the Old Quarter. While walking around, you'll probably also stumble into the very popular Ta Hien "beer corner" where everyone sits on plastic stools, drinks beer, and munches on yummy food.
This looks like a chaotic festival to some people, but this is normal life 3 days a week in Hanoi.
There were lots of local Vietnamese kids looking to chat with foreign visitors to try and improve their English language. Was great to see their interaction.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a destination not to be missed in Hanoi City Tours. Check out our suggested itinerary of what to see and do in Hanoi City Tours, which comprises only the best things to see and do during your holiday.
