Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is perhaps the most famous spot in Hanoi and is also believed to be a mystical body of water. The reason for this is that the lake is said to have a mythical resident turtle who is the hero of a Vietnamese legend. Locals will tell you that the turtle still swims in the lake, although you will also spot many other real-life turtles here when you go to visit. The main draw now is to take in the pretty vistas across the water and this is the perfect place to go for an afternoon stroll in Hanoi.