Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi 2026: Tickets, Hours & Tips

Ngoc Son Temple (Đền Ngọc Sơn, “Temple of the Jade Mountain”) stands on Jade Island in the north of Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi, reached by the red Huc Bridge. It honours the general Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong, god of literature, and displays preserved giant Hoan Kiem turtles. Tickets cost 50,000 VND; it opens daily from 7:00.

Status (checked October 2026): open daily as normal: 7:00–18:00 on weekdays and 7:00–21:00 at weekends and on holidays, with adult tickets at 50,000 VND. The lakeside walking street around Hoan Kiem runs from Friday evening to Sunday night.

Why Ngoc Son Temple is worth seeing:

The Huc Bridge: the red wooden “Bridge of the Morning Sunlight”, one of Hanoi’s best-known images.
The legendary turtles: two preserved giant softshell turtles from Hoan Kiem Lake, linked to the legend of the Returned Sword.
Scholarly symbols: the Pen Tower and Ink Slab at the entrance, built by the 19th-century scholar Nguyen Van Sieu.
Peace in the centre: incense, bonsai and lake views a few steps from the busy Old Quarter.
Easy to visit: central, inexpensive and open into the evening at weekends.

Ngoc Son Temple at a Glance

Vietnamese name	Đền Ngọc Sơn
Location	Jade Island, Hoan Kiem Lake; entrance on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
Distance	On the north-east shore of Hoan Kiem Lake; 5 minutes’ walk from the Old Quarter
Known for	Huc Bridge, Pen Tower, preserved Hoan Kiem turtles, Tran Hung Dao shrine
Recognition	Special National Relic (as part of the Hoan Kiem Lake – Ngoc Son Temple relic site)
Opening hours	Mon–Fri 7:00–18:00; Sat, Sun and holidays 7:00–21:00
Entrance fee	50,000 VND adults (about US$1.90); students 25,000 VND; children under 16 free
Time needed	30–45 minutes
Best time	7:00–8:30 or weekend evenings; October–April
Nearby	Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, St Joseph’s Cathedral
Find it	Google Maps · Tripadvisor

Is Ngoc Son Temple Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is a quick and rewarding stop on any walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is small, so do not expect a grand complex; its charm lies in the setting, the bridge and the turtles. For 50,000 VND it adds meaning to the famous lake.

Best for: first-time visitors, families, photographers, anyone interested in the Returned Sword legend.
Skip if: you dislike crowds and can only come at midday on a weekend.
Short on time? Cross the Huc Bridge, see the turtle room and the main altar in 20 minutes.

Ngoc Son Temple and the Huc Bridge reflected in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi — Ngoc Son Temple sits on Jade Island in the north of Hoan Kiem Lake, in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

History of Ngoc Son Temple

A place of worship has stood on Jade Island for centuries. The temple took its present form in the 19th century: it began as a pagoda, Chùa Ngọc Sơn, and was later renamed a temple (đền) as worship centred on Van Xuong and the national hero Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongol invasions in the 13th century.

In 1865 the scholar Nguyen Van Sieu led a major restoration. He built the Pen Tower and Ink Slab at the entrance, the Dac Nguyet Pavilion and the Tran Ba Pavilion, and the first Huc Bridge, turning the temple into a symbol of literary culture. The bridge has been rebuilt several times since. Hanoi’s city government gives a short history on its official portal, and Wikipedia has more background.

What to See at Ngoc Son Temple

1. The Pen Tower and Ink Slab

Near the entrance on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the stone Pen Tower (Tháp Bút) rises on a small rocky mound. Its inscription “Tả Thanh Thiên” means “writing on the blue sky”. Beyond it, the Ink Slab (Đài Nghiên), carved like a peach and resting on three toads, completes the scholar’s set.

Decorated entrance gate of Ngoc Son Temple on Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hanoi — The temple’s entrance gate on Dinh Tien Hoang street, where visitors buy tickets before crossing the bridge. Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The five-tiered Pen Tower (Thap But) on its rocky mound at the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple — The five-tiered Pen Tower bears the inscription "Tả Thanh Thiên", "writing on the blue sky". Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

2. The Huc Bridge

The curved red wooden bridge, Cầu Thê Húc, links the shore to Jade Island. Its name is usually translated as “where the morning sunlight rests”. It is especially photogenic in the early morning and when lit up at night.

The red-lacquered Huc Bridge crossing Hoan Kiem Lake to Jade Island and Ngoc Son Temple — The Huc Bridge ("Bridge of the Morning Sunlight") links the shore with Jade Island. Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Dac Nguyet Pavilion and the main temple

At the end of the bridge, the two-storey Dac Nguyet (“Moon Gaining”) Pavilion leads into the main temple. The temple honours Van Xuong, the god of literature, and Tran Hung Dao, with further altars to the Buddha and the Mother Goddesses. Bronze cranes on turtles and incense burners stand before the altars.

Bronze incense burner and crane statues before the altar inside Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi — Bronze cranes and an incense burner stand before the main altar of Ngoc Son Temple. Photo: Guerinf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Main hall of Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi — Ngoc Son Temple honours Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong and La To on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake.

4. The preserved Hoan Kiem turtles

A side hall displays two giant softshell turtles from the lake, one that died in 1967 and the last known Hoan Kiem turtle, which died in January 2016. Vietnamese people revere them as descendants of the Golden Turtle God who took back King Le Loi’s sword.

Preserved giant Hoan Kiem softshell turtle displayed at Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi — One of the preserved giant softshell turtles from Hoan Kiem Lake, displayed at Ngoc Son Temple. Photo: nakashi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

5. Tran Ba Pavilion and the island gardens

The square Tran Ba Pavilion (“Pavilion Against the Waves”) on the south side of the island and the bonsai along the shore offer calm views of the lake and Turtle Tower.

Bonsai trees on the balustrade of Jade Island with Hoan Kiem Lake behind, Ngoc Son Temple — Bonsai trees line the island’s edge, with calm views across Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Guerinf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Ngoc Son Temple Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)

Item	Details
Monday–Friday	7:00–18:00
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays	7:00–21:00
Adult ticket	50,000 VND (about US$1.90)
Students, seniors 60+, people with disabilities	25,000 VND (50% off, with ID)
Children under 16	Free
Hoan Kiem Lake shore	Free, open 24 hours

The fee is set by Hanoi People’s Council Resolution 16/2023 (raised from 30,000 VND); buy tickets at the booth by the gate on Dinh Tien Hoang Street.

Etiquette at Ngoc Son Temple

Dress respectfully: avoid very short shorts and skimpy tops inside the temple.
Speak quietly near the altars and do not step on door thresholds.
Photography is allowed, but avoid photographing worshippers up close.
If you make an offering, place money in the donation box rather than on the altar.

How to Get to Ngoc Son Temple

From	How	Time
Old Quarter (Hang Dao, Hang Bac)	Walk south to Dinh Tien Hoang Street	5–10 minutes
St Joseph’s Cathedral	Walk east around the lake	About 10 minutes
Hanoi Opera House	Walk via Trang Tien Street	About 15 minutes
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum	Taxi or Grab	10–15 minutes
Noi Bai Airport	Taxi, Grab or airport bus 86 to Hoan Kiem	40–60 minutes

Our Hanoi transport guide explains buses, taxis and Grab.

Best Time to Visit Ngoc Son Temple

When	What to expect
7:00–8:30	Quiet temple, morning light on the Huc Bridge, locals exercising by the lake
Weekend evenings	Bridge lit up, walking street around the lake, temple open until 21:00
1st and 15th of the lunar month, Tet	Many worshippers and incense; atmospheric but crowded
October–April	Cool and dry, the best season for walking around Hoan Kiem
May–September	Hot and humid; visit early or in the evening

Local Expert Tips for Ngoc Son Temple

These tips come from years of arranging Hanoi tours for international travellers.

Photograph the Huc Bridge from the shore near the Pen Tower before you buy a ticket; the best angle is free.
Go on a weekend evening to combine the lit-up temple with the car-free walking street.
Read about the Returned Sword legend in our Hoan Kiem Lake guide first; the turtles will mean much more.
Pair the temple with the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a few steps away on the north-east shore.
Afterwards, enjoy egg coffee or street food nearby; see our Hanoi food guide.

Ngoc Son Temple vs Tran Quoc Pagoda

	Ngoc Son Temple	Tran Quoc Pagoda
Setting	Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter edge	Peninsula on West Lake
Type	Temple honouring Van Xuong and Tran Hung Dao	Buddhist pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest (6th-century origins)
Highlight	Huc Bridge, preserved turtles	11-tier stupa, lake sunset
Ticket	50,000 VND	Free

Our view: Ngoc Son is the easier visit if you are staying in the Old Quarter; add Tran Quoc Pagoda when you explore West Lake.

Nearby Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower: right outside.
Hanoi Old Quarter: starts across the street.
St Joseph’s Cathedral: 10 minutes on foot.
Dong Xuan Market: about 1.2 km north.
Hanoi Opera House and Vietnamese Women’s Museum: 10–15 minutes south-east.

Sightseeing in Hanoi for First-Time Visitors: Where Ngoc Son Temple Fits

First evening in Hanoi? Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, catch a water puppet show and eat in the Old Quarter. Next morning, head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Our Hanoi travel tips cover weather, money and safety.

Plan your trip with our Hanoi travel guide and Hanoi tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.