Hanoi

Recreation and Leisure in Hanoi

Hanoi's urban landscape is defined by its historic lakes and extensive public parks. Central to the city is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, famous for its 15th-century legend of the golden turtle, while the vast West Lake serves as the city's largest freshwater body. The Temple of Literature preserves 11th-century Confucian architecture and stone stelae. For greenery, the Hanoi Botanical Gardens showcases tropical flora, and the Park of Reunification offers jogging paths around Bay Mau Lake. Modern spaces like Peace Park and Ho Tay Water Park provide expansive areas for outdoor recreation and family activities.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

The legend says that the Vietnamese emperor returned the sword that helped him banish the Chinese to the golden turtle god here.

Temple of Literature

Văn Miếu, literally translated as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam.

West Lake

West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of Hanoi, Vietnam, located northwest of the city center.

Hanoi Botanical Gardens

A soothing refuge. See Vietnam's flora and beat the heat in this well-landscaped garden.

Park of Reunification

One of Hanoi's largest parks is also one of the most beautiful. Popular with locals because of the lake and the jogging opportunities.

Thien Quang Lake

Halais Lake is a lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, located next to Nguyễn Du Street, which used to be named "Rue Halais" under the French, hence the…

Ho Tay Water Park

Popular especially with residents of the city, this water park makes for a great day out with the family on a hot day.

Peace Park

Inaugurated in 2010 to mark Hanoi's 990th anniversary, this 20-hectare park commemorates the city's UNESCO "City for Peace" designation. It features a 7.2-meter bronze statue of a mother bird, a large central lake, and expansive paved areas for walking and public events.