Ngoc Son Temple

Place of worship · Hanoi ·

Ngoc Son Temple

Place of worship · Hanoi ·

Picturesque 18th-century shrine on Hoan Kiem Lake

Information

Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Get directions

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"Perhaps the Most Evocative Pagoda in Hanoi On Jade Island on Hoan Kiem Lake, this picturesque 18th-century shrine is perhaps the city's most beautiful. To get to the temple, walk through Three Passage Gate and across the Flood of Morning Sunlight Bridge. Once at the temple, you will reach a small courtyard where old men indulge in spirited games of Chinese chess."

If You Only Have Three Days in Hanoi

Photo by Kinh Ngoc/Flickr

Ngoc Son Temple

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Hanoi's Top Historic Attractions

Photo by Kinh Ngoc/Flickr

Ngoc Son Temple

Samurai K

Google

It is located very close to the Old Quarter and you can enter without waiting in line. Hoan Kiem Lake is a very open lake, and I felt an atmosphere similar to Ueno Park in Tokyo. The entrance fee to Ngoc Son Temple is 50,000 VND, but walking around the surrounding area is free. At Ngoc Son Temple, you can view the lake from the center, which is very pleasant. Inside, there is also the Tran Ba Temple (an octagonal pavilion built facing the lake), the main hall, and a display of a taxidermied giant turtle from legend. The turtle is quite impressive lol. If you're in a hurry, you can enjoy it in about 10-15 minutes, or if you sit on the Huc Bridge, you can relax for about 30-60 minutes.

Roman W.

Google

A peaceful, historic sanctuary in the heart of the city. A serene, symbolic place that is great for understanding Hanoi's history and finding a quiet moment away from the urban bustle. The walk across the iconic red The Huc Bridge is a highlight. Note: It can get crowded, and there are modest dress codes to observe (no shorts) Best for history buffs, culture seekers, and anyone needing a scenic pause. ⛩️ More Details for Your Visit · What to See: The temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero, and Van Xuong De Quan, the patron of scholars and literature. Look for the preserved specimens of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake turtles inside. · Key Structures: The complex is filled with symbolism. Before the bridge, you'll see the Pen Tower (Tháp Bút) and Ink Slab (Đài Nghiên), representing scholarship. The Moon Gazing Pavilion (Đắc Nguyệt Lâu) is the beautiful gate you pass through. There is an entrance fee of 50.000 dong (around 2 usd) which initially I hesitated to pay for. But I was not disappointed at all after entering the site. Actually it is a very small place and it would be crowded as hell without a fee so thanks God for having it.

Sarah H.

Google

Peaceful little temple where you can learn the history of Hoan Kiem Lake. It costs only 50k to visit and can be visited in 30min-1h. The architecture, reliefs and the red bridge are beautiful but the most impressive part for me was the taxidermed giant soft-shelled turtles. It's amazing that such turtles really exist, though I'm sad to learn they are almost extinct.

Sally K

Google

Right in the middle of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, surrounded by incense smoke and a peaceful atmosphere. It feels spiritual and calm, especially with the lake reflections and the red bridge leading inside. The story behind the temple and the lake is fascinating: according to legend, a magical turtle gave a sword to a hero to defend the country, and later the sword was returned to the turtle in the lake. The turtle symbolizes wisdom and longevity, which makes it such an important cultural symbol for Vietnam. Inside the temple, there are two preserved giant turtles on display. They’re incredibly rare and sacred, but there’s almost no information about them no details like their names, size, or age. It would’ve been nice to learn more, especially since there are so few of these turtles left in the world. One turtle was very well preserved clean, shiny, and clearly cared for. But the other one sadly had spider webs and dead insects around it. It made me a bit disappointed because it’s such a special part of Vietnamese history, and visitors pay to see it. I think it deserves better maintenance. Still, overall, it’s a beautiful and safe place to visit, even if you’re traveling solo. Worth seeing for the view, the history, and the cultural story just hope they’ll take better care of those legendary turtles.

Manasvi B.

Google

The red-lit bridge in the evening offers a completely different and beautiful view, making the place feel even more special. The temple itself is small yet peaceful, set amidst calm surroundings and a lovely lake. The preserved turtles are closely connected to Vietnam’s history and add to the cultural significance of the site. Ngoc Son Temple is definitely a good place to visit while in Hanoi.

Soren S.

Google

Only reason I give 4 stars is this is one of two temples dedicated Confucius and of the two this one is far more crowded with tourists, plus the other temple is nearly 800 years older. This temple was constructed in 1800s while the temple of literature (also a temple dedicated to Confucius) was first built in 1070. If you are short on time and staying in the old quarter this is still a great place to see as it is centrally located and in a beautiful lake setting however if you have more time I recommend going to the temple of literature. You can still get a good view of this temple from the lakeside trail without paying to enter, just somthing to consider! Still very beautiful and spiritual!

Mayumi S.

Google

Our family had the most wonderful discovery right in the middle of Hanoi: the Ngoc Son Temple. This place is truly magical, or as we say, nakakagigil (excitingly captivating)! It feels so mystical and serene as it sits right in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Walking across that gorgeous red bridge (Huc Bridge) to get there was an experience in itself. You immediately feel a profound sense of peace and history once you step inside. What made it extra special for our pamilya was the location. Imagine—it was only a three-minute walk from our hotel in the Old Quarter! We were so lucky to have this mystical spot right on our doorstep. Visiting Ngoc Son Temple was a quiet, spiritual moment amidst the city's hustle. It truly felt like we found a hidden gem at the very heart of Hanoi. A must-see for anyone visiting the city!

Hemanth S.

Google

If you are at Hanoi. Do visit this local temple which is known for its peaceful ambience and beautiful architecture. The place reflects the Vietnamese way of worship and gives a glimpse about their spiritual life. According to the stelae at the site, Ngoc Son Temple’s construction started in autumn of 1841, under the reign of the Ly Dynasty. It worships Van Xuong De Quan (Wenchang Dijun), a Taoist deity that brings happiness and wealth to scholars. It is also dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (1231 - 1300), who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. 1 hour is enough to visit the place and you can buy tickets at the entrance.