Discover Thap Rua Tower in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore history, free photo spots, sustainable practices, and Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Book your Hanoi adventure now!
Capture the iconic beauty of Hanoi’s cultural gemThap Rua Tower, also known as Turtle Tower, stands proudly on a tiny islet in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, captivating over 500,000 visitors annually with its storied past and picturesque silhouette. Free to view from the lake’s 1.75-km shoreline, this three-story tower, built in 1886, commemorates the 15th-century hero Lê Lợi, who liberated Vietnam from Chinese rule with a divine sword. A symbol of Hanoi’s resilience, it’s a must-see for travelers seeking cultural immersion in the Old Quarter’s vibrant heart, just steps from Ngoc Son Temple and the Weekend Walking Street.
Blending Vietnamese and French architectural styles, Thap Rua Tower reflects Hanoi’s colonial history while honoring the legend of the Golden Turtle reclaiming Lê Lợi’s sword, naming the lake “Hoan Kiem” (Returned Sword). Eco-friendly practices, like LED lighting and waste-free lakeside zones, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, ensuring sustainability in this tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours guide you to this iconic landmark, ensuring a sustainable, unforgettable experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to Thap Rua Tower using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly cultural tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos or electric carts, led by English-speaking guides who share Thap Rua Tower’s history, photo tips, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Hanoi’s iconic tower responsibly!
Photograph the vibrant allure of Hanoi’s nightlife (Source: Internet)Thap Rua Tower, a 350-square-meter, three-story structure on Turtle Islet in Hoan Kiem Lake, is Hanoi’s enduring symbol, built in 1886 to honor Lê Lợi. According to legend, Lê Lợi received a magical sword, Thuận Thiên (“Will of Heaven”), from the Dragon King via a fisherman’s net and a banyan tree, empowering him to defeat the Ming Dynasty in 1425. After victory, a Golden Turtle reclaimed the sword during Lê Lợi’s boat ride, naming the lake Hoan Kiem. Originally a fishing site in the 1400s, the islet hosted Tả Vọng Temple in the 17th–18th centuries, later replaced by the tower under French colonial rule, blending Gothic arches with a Vietnamese curved roof. Despite a controversial past, including a brief French Statue of Liberty atop it (removed in 1945), the tower remains a patriotic emblem, drawing 2,000–5,000 daily lake visitors. Sustainable lakeside practices preserve its serene setting, making it a cultural focal point.
These free or low-cost, eco-friendly activities around Thap Rua Tower in Hoan Kiem Ward offer immersive experiences:
Capture the tower’s silhouette from Lê Thái Tố, best at 6:00 PM for golden hour light, free, with its reflection in Hoan Kiem Lake.
Cost: Free; tripod rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: Visible 24/7.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital photography; no littering.
Tip: Use a 50–200mm zoom lens; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Walk the 1.75-km lake loop, best at 7:00 AM or 6:00 PM, free, viewing Thap Rua Tower amidst ancient trees and local life.
Cost: Free; street food $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: 24/7.
Eco-Friendly Note: Paved paths; recycling bins.
Tip: Stop at Hàng Khay for tower views; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Experience the car-free Walking Street (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight), best at 8:00 PM, free, with Thap Rua Tower illuminated as a backdrop for street performances.
Cost: Free; folk games free, tips $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight.
Eco-Friendly Note: LED lights; waste-free zones.
Tip: Join tug-of-war near Đinh Tiên Hoàng; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150).
Join locals practicing tai chi near the lake’s shore, best at 6:00 AM, free, with Thap Rua Tower in view, attracting 200–300 participants.
Cost: Free; tips $0.20–$0.50.
Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM–7:30 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Outdoor, no equipment.
Tip: Follow groups at Lê Thái Tố; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Wellness Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore Ngoc Son Temple, 200m from Thap Rua Tower, best at 8:00 AM, for $1.20 (30,000 VND), complementing the tower’s legend with lake views.
Cost: $1.20 adult; $0.60 (15,000 VND) child; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets; biodegradable offerings.
Tip: Cross the Huc Bridge for photos; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Visit Thap Rua Tower from September to November for cool, dry weather (20–28°C or 68–82.4°F), ideal for photography and lakeside strolls. The dry season (November–April) offers clear skies, enhancing tower visibility, while the rainy season (May–October) adds lush reflections but requires rain gear. Weekends (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) are vibrant during the Walking Street, with 20,000–50,000 visitors. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter, with 2,000–5,000 daily visitors, perfect for morning tai chi or serene photos.
Thap Rua Tower, located on Turtle Islet in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward, is inaccessible but viewable from the lake’s shores, reachable in 5–15 minutes from central Hanoi:
By Bus: Routes 08, 09, 14, 31, 36, 86 to Hoan Kiem Lake (5–10 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5 minutes to Lê Thái Tố. Every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Old Quarter (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Bicycle rental ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND); walk 5–10 minutes from Old Quarter to Đinh Tiên Hoàng.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Đinh Tiên Hoàng, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Eco-friendly VinFast cars.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward”; locate via Huc Bridge or Hanoi Opera House. Weekend pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicle access.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking or cycling reduces emissions; buses lower per-person fuel use.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets near Hàng Đào; secure valuables. Confirm cyclo fares upfront.
Learn Hanoi’s cultural heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Photography Gear: DSLR/mirrorless camera, 50–200mm lens, tripod ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND), extra batteries, memory cards.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for Wi-Fi.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes for gear.
Extras: Notebook for photo notes; cash for vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for street food ($0.50–$2) or tips ($0.20–$0.50); secure camera gear.
Activity Fees
Thap Rua Tower Viewing: Free.
Photography: Free; tripod rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Tai Chi: Free; tips $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Weekend Walking Street: Free; street food $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND); folk games free, tips $0.20–$0.50.
Ngoc Son Temple (Nearby): $1.20 (30,000 VND) adult; $0.60 (15,000 VND) child; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Nearby): $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND); camera fee $0.80 (20,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Old Quarter): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Double-Decker Bus Tour: $7–$26 (175,000–650,000 VND) for 2–48 hours.
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Central Hanoi)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy in Hoan Kiem Ward)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, street food, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$60 (cyclo, tour, hotel).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium hotel).
Tip: Budget for street food ($2–$5), Ngoc Son Temple ($1.20), and transport ($0.60–$10); carry cash for vendors.
Timing: Visit at 6:00 AM for tai chi or 6:00 PM for sunset photos; September–November for ideal weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (2,000–5,000 vs. 20,000–50,000 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons; no permits needed for public viewing.
Sustainability: Walk or cycle ($1–$3) to the lake; use digital photography to reduce waste. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2).
Navigation: Save “Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Huc Bridge or Hanoi Opera House as landmarks.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Weekend Walking Street; secure camera gear. Avoid lake edges at night.
Weather: Dry season for clear shots; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and lens wipes ($1 or 25,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; respect tai chi groups by staying quiet. Tip vendors $0.20–$0.50.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent for evening visits.
Our sustainable tours showcase Thap Rua Tower and Hanoi’s cultural treasures:
Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo to Thap Rua Tower and Ngoc Son Temple at 8:00 AM, with puppet show. Includes guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Weekend Walking Street with Thap Rua Tower views, Tạ Hiện, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Thap Rua Tower, Ninh Bình’s Tràng An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Thap Rua Tower, perched on Turtle Islet in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward, is Hanoi’s iconic symbol, offering free lakeside views and captivating 500,000 visitors yearly with its Lê Lợi legend. Built in 1886, this historic landmark enchants with sunset photography, morning tai chi (5:30 AM–7:30 AM), and Weekend Walking Street festivities (Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–midnight), preserved by eco-friendly practices like LED lighting and waste-free zones. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to this cultural treasure, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience with activities like framing the tower’s silhouette, joining local rituals, and visiting nearby Ngoc Son Temple ($1.20 entry, 30,000 VND). Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Thap Rua Tower in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Thap Rua Tower Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, culturetrip.com, hanoilocaltour.com, lonelyplanet.com
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