The red bridge, The Huc, leading to the green islet is one of the most famous sights in Hanoi.

At its end stands Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. You’ll find it right in the centre on Hoan Kiem Lake, just next to the Old Quarter.

🏨 Hotel tip by the lake: Hanoi La Selva Hotel – check prices and availability – is on Lo Su Street, about 200 metres from Hoan Kiem Lake and a 5-minute walk from the red bridge, The Huc. A convenient location for visiting the temple and for evening strolls by the water. You can find further recommendations in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

The Red Bridge, the temple and the giant turtles

The visit begins right on the lake’s shore. Before the bridge, look out for the stone tower of Thap But, topped with a calligraphy brush symbol. Cross the Red Bridge to reach the gate and enter the temple grounds themselves.

Inside, you’ll find small shrines, ornate altars and the Tran Ba pavilion, which overlooks the lake.

The temple is dedicated, amongst others, to the Vietnamese military leader Tran Hung Dao and the deity of learning, Van Xuong. It underwent a major reconstruction in 1865.

Of particular interest are two preserved specimens of giant turtles that once lived in Hoan Kiem Lake. You can see them in glass display cases.

It is these turtles that are linked to the legend of the returned sword, from which Hoan Kiem Lake takes its name.

Is it worth a visit?

It is a small area, and I recommend setting aside 20–30 minutes for it. The main attraction is the combination of traditional architecture, the red bridge and its location right on the water.

Thanks to its central location, the church can easily be squeezed into even a short stay. You can combine a stroll here with a visit to St Joseph’s Cathedral and carry on into the narrow streets of the old quarter.

If you just want to take a photo of the famous red bridge, you can do so for free from the public lakeside. It’s also worth visiting in the evening when the bridge is illuminated.

For many tourists, in fact, the red bridge itself is the main attraction.

It’s beautiful by day, but especially at night when it’s lit up.

Admission and opening hours

• 💰 Admission: 50 000 vnd.
• 💳 Payment: cash only.
• 🕒 Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 7.00 am–7.00 pm, Friday–Sunday 7.00 am–10.00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the venue. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when entering the temple.

Ngoc Son and the Turtle Tower are two different places

Ngoc Son Temple stands on a small island off the north-eastern shore of the lake and can be reached via the red bridge.

The small structure on another islet towards the southern part of the lake is the Turtle Tower, known as Thap Rua in Vietnamese. The islet on which it stands is not normally open to the public. You can view the tower from the promenade, and you can find out more about it in the separate POI for Hoan Kiem Lake.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hanoi.