Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys - explore experiences, adventures, holiday packages, hotels, transfers and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys - explore experiences, adventures, holiday packages, hotels, transfers and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys - explore experiences, adventures, holiday packages, hotels, transfers and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning “Lake of the Restored Sword,” is the literal and emotional center of Hanoi and a defining highlight of Hanoi tourism. This small willow-lined lake sits in the heart of the city. The red Huc Bridge connects the lakeside to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island. According to legend, this site marks where a magical sword was returned to a golden turtle in the 15th century. Wrapping around the northern edge of the lake is the Old Quarter, a dense medieval maze of 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade. Streets like Hang Bac for silver, Hang Gai for silk, and Hang Ma for paper still retain many of their traditional commercial identities today. Exploring this area is one of the most popular things to do in Hanoi, as it blends history, commerce, and daily life in a very authentic way. On Friday to Sunday evenings, several streets near the lake close to traffic and transform into the Hanoi Night Market, featuring street food stalls, local shopping, and live performances. This lively atmosphere is a major part of modern Hanoi tourism, offering visitors a vibrant contrast to the city’s daytime rhythm.
What makes this place special
The lacquered red bridge curves gracefully across Hoan Kiem Lake, connecting the shoreline to Jade Island. This iconic structure is one of the most photographed places to visit in Hanoi especially for travelers exploring Old Quarter. The bridge leads directly to Ngoc Son Temple, a 19th-century temple dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong and the revered military leader General Tran Hung Dao. Inside the temple complex, visitors can also see a preserved giant turtle from the lake, an important symbol tied to the legendary story of the Restored Sword. This small but culturally rich site remains one of the more meaningful stops offering a blend of history, architecture, and folklore in a compact setting.
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Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys - explore experiences, adventures, holiday packages, hotels, transfers and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Located at the northern edge of the Old Quarter, this is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and an important stop in Hanoi tourism for visitors who want to experience the city’s everyday commerce. The market spans three floors filled with textiles, clothing, accessories, and household goods, making it one of the more practical places to visit in Hanoi for shopping. The atmosphere is busy and local, offering a direct look at how residents trade and bargain in the city. In the basement, there is a large food court known for affordable and authentic local dishes. Here you will find stalls serving pho, bun cha, and other Vietnamese street foods at very low prices.