Reached across the scarlet Huc Bridge, this 19th-century temple honours the 13th-century general Tran Hung Dao, the scholar-deity Van Xuong and the healer La To. Its rear hall displays a preserved specimen of one of the giant Hoan Kiem softshell turtles that lived in the lake, the last of which died in 2016 and was central to the sword legend. The complex is small, so the appeal is as much the island setting and the bridge as the shrine buildings themselves.
Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of the Jade Mountain, stands on Jade Island at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi, Vietnam. The island is reached across the scarlet Huc Bridge, whose name means Bridge of the Rising Sun, and the crossing is one of the most photographed walks in the city. The temple as it stands dates from the 19th century and honours three figures: the 13th-century general Tran Hung Dao, who repelled Mongol invasions, the scholar-deity Van Xuong, patron of literature and examinations, and the physician La To, patron of healers.
Inside the compact complex, visitors pass through a gate, a courtyard and a series of small halls with altars, incense burners and lacquered panels. A tall stone pillar in the form of a giant brush, the Pen Tower, stands near the entrance on the shore side of the lake, with an inkstone gate beside it inscribed with characters that translate roughly as writing on the blue sky. The rear hall displays a preserved specimen of one of the giant Hoan Kiem softshell turtles that lived in the lake, and the last living animal, which died in 2016, was central to the legend of the returned sword. The specimen is one of the main reasons visitors pay the entrance fee.
The complex is small and the visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. The appeal is as much the setting as the shrine buildings: from the island the visitor sees the water, the Turtle Tower on its islet, and the surrounding willows, and the bridge itself is best photographed from the lake shore at the start and end of the day. Early in the morning, the temple is quiet and the low light on the red bridge is at its best, while by mid-morning organised tour groups fill the courtyard and the narrow halls become crowded. After 17:00 the bridge is lit, which offers a calmer atmosphere and cooler temperatures, although visitors should confirm the closing time on the day since evening opening varies.
Admission is 50,000 VND for adults and children over 1.2 metres, and younger children enter free. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees should be covered, and voices lowered in the halls. The temple is a five-minute walk from the Old Quarter and combines naturally with a lake circuit and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre nearby.
| Admission | 50,000 VND (~$1.92) for adults and children over 1.2 m; under 1.2 m free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 08:00-18:00 (to 21:00 on some weekend evenings) |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning before the tour groups, or after 17:00 when the Huc Bridge is lit |
| Getting there | Entrance on Dinh Tien Hoang street beside the lake; five minutes on foot from the Old Quarter |
| Address | Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (island in Hoan Kiem Lake) |
Location
Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (island in Hoan Kiem Lake)
21.0309, 105.8525 View on map
Highlights
- Cross the scarlet Huc Bridge onto Jade Island
- See the preserved giant Hoan Kiem softshell turtle in the rear hall
- Admire the Pen Tower and inkstone gate at the temple entrance
- Photograph the bridge at dawn or when it is lit in the evening
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening at 08:00 to avoid tour groups in the narrow halls
- Cover shoulders and knees; the shrine is an active place of worship
- Tickets cost 50,000 VND; children under 1.2 m enter free
- Pair the visit with a lake loop and the water puppet theatre next door
- The bridge is best photographed from the shore rather than from the crowded bridge itself
When to visit
Early morning after opening gives the quietest halls and the best light on the bridge. Evenings after 17:00 are also pleasant when the bridge is lit.
Accessibility
Huc Bridge is a raised arched span with steps and uneven boards, and the temple halls have thresholds, so wheelchair access is limited. The island itself is small and mostly level once across.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
The island and temple take 30-45 minutes. Allow more time if combining with a walk around the whole lake.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyards and on the bridge. Visitors should be respectful near altars and avoid flash near worshippers.
Who is honoured at the temple?
The temple honours General Tran Hung Dao, the scholar-deity Van Xuong and the healer La To.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children under 1.2 m enter free, and the bridge and the preserved turtle are usually of interest to them. The visit is short, so it suits young attention spans.