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Hanoi’s Lakes: Guided Tours and Activities Around the Water

When mentioning Hanoi, tourists often think of historical and cultural tourist attractions or authentic Vietnamese dishes. But Hanoi's lakes are also one of the elements that create the beauty of the capital. In the article below, Impress travel will help tourists update more diverse tourist destinations in Hanoi.

Introducing the beauty of Hanoi’s lake

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi has many lakes and green trees, one of the few capitals that has this. Tourists from all over Hanoi are always captivated by two very unique things: water and trees. Thanks to the shimmering lakes and shady trees, you can feel the heat of the capital of the country with a tropical climate.

Hanoi's lakes have hundreds of large and small ones. Large lakes such as West Lake, Truc Bach, Hoan Kiem, Bay Mau, Ba Mau, Linh Dam, Giang Vo, Thanh Cong are quite popular. However, there are still many small lakes located in suburban districts. Because there are high-rise buildings and rows of trees protecting it, the lake water is always calm, with only ripples despite heavy rain and strong winds.

The shimmering, sparkling lakes and rows of shady trees of Hanoi’s lakes not only create the peaceful and beautiful beauty of a thousand-year-old civilized capital but also have very practical meanings related to health and peace of human life.

Hanoi's lake tours and activities

As mentioned above, Hanoi's lake system is very rich and widely distributed throughout the central and suburban districts of the capital. Each lake will bring different values. For example, some lakes will serve irrigation, some lakes will serve air conditioning, and some lakes will also serve tourism. 

Specifically, below are some Hanoi lakes that can be included in the tour or have some activities for tourists:

Hoan Kiem Lake

The beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

The beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi's lakes located right in the center of Hanoi capital and surrounded by 3 streets: Hang Khay – Le Thai To – Dinh Tien Hoang. Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with the legend of King Le Loi and the magic sword, considered the heart of the Capital.

Due to its prime location, it is the connection between the old quarters such as Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Cau Go, Luong Van Can… with the Western quarters such as Nha Tho, Trang Thi, Hang Bai, Trang Tien, Hang Unfortunately, Hoan Kiem Lake attracts many domestic and foreign tourists to visit and explore during their trip to Hanoi.

Coming to Hoan Kiem Lake, visitors can travel by many different means such as public buses, taxis, renting motorbikes,… or can walk if staying at a nearby hotel. Hoan Kiem Lake is located right in the center of Hoan Kiem district, so it is very convenient for tourists to come sightseeing and explore many interesting experiences at any time of the day.

The first activity to do when arriving at Hoan Kiem Lake is to visit The Huc Bridge. This is a symbol of the charming beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake in general and Hanoi capital in particular. With its unique architecture and many cultural and historical values, The Huc Bridge has become a must-see destination for every tourist coming to Hanoi's lake.

Tourists should not forget to visit Turtle Tower, this is a famous architectural work located on a small mound of about 350 square meters in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Turtle Tower is a unique historical and cultural symbol of the Vietnamese capital.

In addition, visitors can visit Ngoc Son Temple – a temple located on Ngoc Son island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple was built in the 19th century and is considered an important spiritual and tourist destination of the city. Besides, tourists can also visit tourist attractions such as Hoa Phong Tower, Ba Kieu Temple, King Le temple, Ly Thai To flower garden,…

In particular, tourists should not miss walking on Hoan Kiem Lake walking street. This is a walking street that attracts crowds of people and tourists every evening, especially on weekends. This is a commuting street with 16 streets and no vehicles. Therefore, visitors can walk to both feel the cool air of Hoan Kiem Lake and feel the bustle and bustle of the capital.

If tourists want to visit Hoan Kiem Lake during the day, we recommend that you take a photo album here. With this scenery, tourists should rent Vietnamese ao dai and conical hats to get the most beautiful souvenir photos. This is also one of the places where many Vietnamese people come to take photos when coming to Hanoi.

West Lake

Afternoon on West Lake

Afternoon on West Lake

Located next to Thanh Nien Street, West Lake is one of Hanoi's lakes that attracts many visitors, including foreign tourists. Not only impressed by the width of the lake in the heart of Hanoi but also by the beautiful scenery and many fun activities here.

West Lake now has an extremely fun service that tourists should try: duck riding. This is possible thanks to the vast space and beautiful surrounding natural landscape. Couples, groups of friends and families can ride ducks while leisurely chatting, enjoying the cool, airy atmosphere, and admiring the beautiful natural scenery.

SUP is a water sport activity at West Lake that is loved by many young people. If it is your first time rowing a SUP, the club's instructors will give dedicated instructions so that visitors can master controlling the boat on the water. Visitors can proactively sit or stand while paddling the SUP boat for the most confidence. In addition, don't forget to pose to bring back beautiful pictures on the water.

Thanh Nien Street is a clean, beautiful, green road along the shore of West Lake. The road is a great place for visitors to walk, breathe fresh air, and relax. Besides, coming here in the evening, there is no need to look for the most beautiful place, just find an airy location, visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in the beautiful sunset scenery.

During the tour, do not forget to stop at West Lake cafes. Here, tourists can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a warm cup of West Lake lotus tea, chat with friends, look at the clear, poetic lake and feel at peace. Absolutely in the heart of the Capital.

When coming to West Lake, visitors should definitely not miss the extremely interesting experience of cycling around the lake, exploring every corner here. There are many places here where tourists can rent bicycles by the hour. The most ideal time to cycle West Lake is early morning and evening when the weather is cool and pleasant, suitable for both exercising and enjoying the sunset or sunrise on the lake.

Truc Bach Lake

Truc Bach Lake

Truc Bach Lake

Although not as famous as Hoan Kiem Lake, Truc Bach Lake is still Hanoi's lake that attracts many visitors. Truc Bach Lake is located in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. This is a lake separated from West Lake by Thanh Nien road. To get to Truc Bach Lake, visitors can use many means of transportation such as motorbikes, taxis, public buses, etc. Some buses have stops near Truc Bach Lake such as E05, E09 and 50.

The most famous activity at Truc Bach Lake is duck riding, this is a hobby for all ages. This service is open from 7am to 9pm every day, including holidays. Prices for duck pedals at Truc Bach Lake range from 100,000 VND when renting a small boat and 200,000 VND when renting a large boat. In addition, visitors can also rent a tandem bicycle to ride around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake with others.

Normally, 1 boat will seat 2 people so it is quite suitable for couples. In addition, visitors can go in groups to have activities such as racing to create the most fun atmosphere. Guests can also feel completely secure about the service because if any problem occurs, the rental unit will support them as best they can.

In addition to duck riding activities, visitors can sit by Truc Bach Lake to admire the scenery and enjoy the fresh air with a fragrant cup of morning coffee. Some places right at Truc Bach Lake for tourists to visit include Highland Coffee at Truc Bach Lake, Manzi Art Space And Cafe, Havana Cafe, Santorini Vibes Cafe,…

Duck riding activities are often for enthusiastic young people, while going to Truc Bach Lake to stroll and enjoy fresh air is often for those looking for peace. Although the lake is small, it is filled with lush green trees and flowers, and the air here also becomes much fresher and more refreshing.

Advice when participating in Hanoi’s lake tours

In all tours, visitors always need to know a few notes to make the trip as convenient and fun as possible. For tours to visit Hanoi's lakes, tourists should note the following:

  • Prepare drinks and snacks: Bring some snacks and drinks to replenish energy during the trip. Hanoi's weather is often quite hot, especially in the summer, so you need to prepare enough drinking water.
  • Wear comfortable clothes: Choose cool, comfortable clothes to move easily and relax in Hanoi's lake areas. Some thick clothing may be necessary if traveling in the cold season.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: To protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, don't forget to bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Prepare cash: Some attractions around Hanoi's lake may only accept payment in cash, so prepare some VNN for convenient payment.
  • Consult the schedule and map: Before departure, carefully refer to the tour schedule and area map to clearly understand the schedule and be better prepared.
  • Relax and enjoy: It is important to be comfortable, relax and fully enjoy your visit to Hanoi's lakes. Don't forget to take beautiful photos to preserve beautiful moments.
  • Best time to visit: Fall is the best season to visit in Hanoi because this season the weather is cool, not too hot or too cold when traveling.
  • How to get to the lakes: To best visit Hanoi's lakes, visitors should rent motorbikes, bicycles for best transportation or rent a car on a tour to be able to visit more freely.
  • Note on safety and environmental protection: The special thing is that tourists need to protect the environment by throwing trash in the right place. Because when trash falls into the lake, it not only destroys the landscape but also pollutes the environment.

Conclusion

Above is information about Hanoi's Lakes that many tourists are interested in, especially foreigners. Hopefully visitors will have more information about tourist destinations to add to their tour in Hanoi. Don't forget to follow Impress travel's Facebook and Website to update more information about travel and book Hanoi tours at the best prices!

Amazing Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 5 days

Genesis cruises halong bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong islet
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong Bay

We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.

 Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)

  • Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
  • Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
  • Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
  • Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
  • Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi

Day 02

HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)

  • Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
  • 7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
  • 8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
  • 10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
  • 11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
  • Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
  • 1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
  • 15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
  • 4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
  • 18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
  • Have dinner is available on your request.
  • Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.

Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish

Day 03

HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)

  • Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
  • 07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
  • You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
  • 12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
  • Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
  • Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
  • 15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
  • 16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
  • 17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
  • 17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)

Day 04

HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)

  • Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
  • 07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
  • 08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
  • 09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
  • 10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
  • 10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
  • 11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
  • 12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
  • About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
  • Dinner is available on your request.
  • Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city

Day 05

HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)

  • Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
  • The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!

What's included in this trip :

  • A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
  • A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
  • Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
  • 2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
  • English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
  • Entrance fees
  • Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What's excluded in this trip:
  • All international and domestic flights
  • Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals not mentioned
  • Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
  • Other personal expenses not mentioned.

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 3-star Hotels

Adamas Deluxe City 

ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3-star Halong  Bay Cruises

Swan Cruise Deluxe

SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/


4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi  4-star Hotels

The light deluxe with window

THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/

4-star Halong Bay Cruises

Sealife Suite Canbin

HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: www.sealifegroup.com

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi 5-star hotels

Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel

 APRICOT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch

5-star Halong bay Cruises

Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret

MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: https://margaretcruises.com

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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