Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)

About this location

Hoan Kiem Lake - A historical landmark in the heart of Hanoi Located in Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a Special National Monument associated with the legend of King Le Loi returning his magical sword to the Golden Turtle God after the Lam Son uprising. Over the centuries, the lake has become an integral part of the Thang Long - Hanoi cultural space, tied to the community life and identity of the Capital. The complex includes Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, the Pen Tower (Thap But), and the Ink Slab (Dai Nghien). The lake surface, Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, tree-lined banks, and lakeside structures form a highly symbolic backdrop. The panoramic view is ideal for capturing the relationship between the water surface and the urban landscape; medium and close-up shots highlight the architecture, characters, and cultural activities. Camera angles along the lake's axis or directed toward Turtle Tower create depth, while natural lighting at different times of day offers a variety of visual nuances. Its historical value, legends, and distinctive cultural space make Hoan Kiem Lake suitable for historical films, dramas, television series, documentaries, and artistic works exploring the memory, culture, daily life, and identity of Hanoi. Source information compiled by: PTIT Photo source: PTIT

Location Videos & Footage

Location rules

• Permits: An official request letter must be submitted to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board. If filming at Ngoc Son Temple, additional permission from the temple's relic management board is required.
• Drones/Flycams: Strictly prohibited due to proximity to key government headquarters. Special authorization from the Operations Department (Ministry of National Defense) is mandatory.
• Timing: The walking street operates from Friday evening through Sunday night, during which the location becomes extremely crowded and difficult to control. Weekdays are more suitable for scenes requiring tranquility.
• Security: Strictly do not trespass on the small islets (except Ngoc Islet where Ngoc Son Temple is located) and do not pollute the lake surface.
• Strictly prohibited content: Revealing state secrets, anti-state propaganda, historical distortion, violating national sovereignty, undermining national unity, or insulting national heroes and prominent figures. (Article 9, Cinema Law)
• Special caution is required when filming in Zone I protection areas of Special National Monuments (Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Hoan Kiem Lake), the Ba Dinh political center area (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, National Assembly Building), and military, security, and defense zones in accordance with specialized management regulations.
• Foreign film crews are strictly required to use film production services provided by Vietnamese cinematic establishments.

Infrastructure

Legality & Commitments

• 2383.pdf