Huu Tiep Lake (B-52 Lake) Hanoi
A submerged B-52 bomber in a Hanoi lake, a surreal historical monument from the Vietnam War.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Huu Tiep Lake (B-52 Lake) Hanoi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A submerged B-52 bomber in a Hanoi lake, a surreal historical monument from the Vietnam War.
"It's a surreal place to visit, a random crashed B-52 in a lake in the middle of Hanoi."
📸 Capture the Surreal
The B-52 wreckage in the lake is a unique photo op. Visit during golden hour for dramatic lighting.
☕ Relax at Lakeside Cafes
Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes facing the lake. It's a great spot to observe the site and local life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The B-52 Wreckage
Huu Tiep Lake
A surreal sight: a B-52 bomber submerged in a lake, a stark reminder of the Vietnam War.

Local Neighborhood Vibe
Surrounding Huu Tiep Lake
Experience authentic Hanoi life around the lake, with local cafes and daily routines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Piece of History in the City
Navigating the Lake's Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Surreal
The B-52 wreckage in the lake is a unique photo op. Visit during golden hour for dramatic lighting.
☕ Relax at Lakeside Cafes
Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes facing the lake. It's a great spot to observe the site and local life.
🚶♂️ Explore the Neighborhood
Wander around the quiet residential area surrounding the lake for an authentic Hanoi experience.
📚 Understand the History
Learn about the B-52's history and its significance during the Vietnam War before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Surreal
The B-52 wreckage in the lake is a unique photo op. Visit during golden hour for dramatic lighting.
☕ Relax at Lakeside Cafes
Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes facing the lake. It's a great spot to observe the site and local life.
🚶♂️ Explore the Neighborhood
Wander around the quiet residential area surrounding the lake for an authentic Hanoi experience.
📚 Understand the History
Learn about the B-52's history and its significance during the Vietnam War before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Huu Tiep Lake a surreal and historically significant site, offering a unique glimpse into the Vietnam War amidst a local neighborhood. While the B-52 wreckage is the main draw, the surrounding cafes and authentic atmosphere are also appreciated. Some note it's a quiet spot with limited amenities beyond local businesses.
"Can’t even see the plane anymore and they have removed the monument literally nothing to do there"
Paul Walsh
"Nice lake"
Alain Chartrand
"Super relaxing place in busy Hanoi. Get lost in the surrounding narrow streets, it is a joy."
Frank Bruce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huu Tiep Lake is located in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi. You can reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or a local bus. It's a bit of a walk from the city center, so factor in travel time.
While buses do go to the general area, it might require some walking from the bus stop. Taxis or Grab are generally more convenient for direct access to the lake.
From the Old Quarter, a Grab car or taxi is recommended for a direct and comfortable journey. It's about a 15-20 minute ride depending on traffic.
Walking is possible if you're staying relatively nearby, but it's a significant distance from major tourist hubs like the Old Quarter. Consider it if you enjoy long city walks.
The lake itself is the main landmark. It's situated within a residential neighborhood, so look for the distinctive B-52 wreckage as you approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Huu Tiep Lake. It's an open historical site within a neighborhood.
Huu Tiep Lake is accessible at any time as it's an outdoor site within a residential area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.
There is no entrance fee. The B-52 wreckage is a historical monument that is freely accessible to the public.
While you can technically visit at night, it's not recommended due to safety concerns and poor visibility of the wreckage. Daylight hours are best.
Official guided tours specifically for Huu Tiep Lake are uncommon. However, some local guides might include it as part of a broader Hanoi history tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the submerged wreckage of a B-52 bomber that was shot down during the Vietnam War. It's a striking historical artifact.
A significant portion of the B-52 bomber remains submerged in the lake. While it's weathered over time, the iconic shape is still recognizable.
This B-52 was shot down on December 27, 1972, during the 'Hanoi 12 Days and Nights' bombing campaign, making it a symbol of Vietnamese resistance.
You'll find local cafes and small shops surrounding the lake, offering refreshments and a place to sit. There are no formal tourist facilities.
A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to view the wreckage, take photos, and perhaps enjoy a drink at a nearby cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, offer beautiful lighting for capturing the B-52 wreckage. Early mornings can also be peaceful.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. You're free to take pictures of the wreckage and the surrounding area.
You can capture wide shots showing the plane in the lake, close-ups of the metallic parts, and shots that include the local life around it for context.
You can get quite close from the shore and the surrounding cafes. However, direct access to the wreckage itself is not permitted.
Consider using a wider lens to capture the scale of the wreckage within the lake. Adjust settings for low light if visiting during dawn or dusk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site itself is straightforward, consider pairing it with a visit to a more interactive museum if you have very young children. The surrounding neighborhood provides a glimpse into local life, which can be interesting for kids to observe. Cafes nearby offer a place for a break.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the wreckage, the surrounding residential area provides opportunities for street photography, capturing the daily life of Hanoi. The contrast between the historical artifact and the vibrant community is a recurring theme that can lead to compelling visual stories.
📚 History Buffs
Researching the specific history of this aircraft and the 'Hanoi 12 Days and Nights' campaign beforehand will greatly enhance your visit. It allows you to appreciate the context and significance of what you're seeing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The B-52's Last Stand
Visiting Huu Tiep Lake offers a unique opportunity to connect with this history. Unlike traditional museums, the B-52 wreckage is situated in a living, breathing neighborhood. This juxtaposition of a war relic within a peaceful, everyday setting creates a surreal and thought-provoking experience for visitors. It serves as a tangible reminder of the conflict's impact on Hanoi and its people.
Many visitors find the sight of the plane submerged in the lake to be quite striking. It's a testament to the passage of time and the resilience of the urban landscape. The surrounding cafes often provide a vantage point for contemplation, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere and reflect on the historical significance of this unusual landmark.
Experiencing the Local Atmosphere
Several small cafes and eateries have sprung up around the lake, offering a perfect spot to relax and observe. These establishments provide a casual setting to enjoy a Vietnamese coffee or a local snack while taking in the unique view of the B-52. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience Hanoi beyond the typical tourist trails.
For photographers, the area offers a blend of historical interest and everyday scenes. You can capture the dramatic contrast between the war relic and the vibrant community life. The late afternoon light, in particular, can cast a beautiful glow on the wreckage and the surrounding environment, making for memorable shots.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit