West Lake Hanoi: Explore the largest natural lake in the inner city

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Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. West Lake, the largest natural lake in the city, is only the green lung for the bustling capital but also a favourite spot where visitors can admire the mesmerising scenery and explore the food, culture, and more.

1. Where is West Lake Hanoi? The best time to visit the lake

West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, which is located in Tay Ho District, to the northwest of the city centre.

According to historical documents, West Lake has existed since the Hung King era (around 7th – 2th century BC), which used to be a wharf near the Red River. Geological experts have also confirmed that West Lake was a part of the Red River. When the river changed its current, the water here stayed at a standstill and became a natural freshwater lake. The lake is over 500 hectares large.

West Lake is suitable for you to visit all year round (Source: Collected)

West Lake has a different beauty in each season, so you can visit the lake all year round. Many locals do exercises by the lake early in the morning and throughout the day as well. The immense open space is suitable for many outdoor activities, such as running, cycling, boating, or simply hanging out with friends.

The most recommended time to visit the lake in the day is late afternoon, when the sun sets on the lake, and evening, when all the lights in the city are on.

2. West Lake Hanoi directions: How to get there?

West Lake is just some kilometres away from the Old Quarter. To get here, you can just walk from the city center. Or you can use other means of transportation such as bus, taxi, or cyclo. There are many buses to and from the West Lake Water Park, including buses number 13, 25, 31, 33 and 55. For tourists that are farther away, it is highly recommended to take a taxi so that they can also visit other nearby attractions conveniently.

3. Things to do in West Lake Hanoi to note for your upcoming trip

West Lake is a large open space which has various outdoor activities. Below are some suggestions for your trip:

3.1. Go boating at West Lake and contemplate the stunning sunset

It is very relaxing to go boating at the immense West Lake (Source: Collected)

There are boats, swan pedal boats, and paddleboards available that can be rented. Floating on the immense lake late in the afternoon to watch the sun gradually set on the water will be an unforgettable memory in your life. Here, you can enjoy the romantic scenery without any dust and noise. There is only the sounds of the waves crashing at your boat and the chirping birds.

3.2. Walking around Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street and Thanh Nien Street

Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street and Thanh Nien Street are two ideal attractions for visitors. There are various shops on Trinh Cong Son Street, which resemble those in Hoi An Ancient Town. The street is located in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District and is open in the evenings of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The street’s name is dedicated to the famous composer Trinh Cong Son (1939-2001), who wrote many songs with beautiful melodies and profound lyrics.

Thanh Nien is one of the most romantic streets in the capital (Source: Collected)

Thanh Nien Street has many big shady trees, which is considered as the most romantic street in the capital. It acts as the border between West Lake and the opposite Truc Bach Lake.

3.3. Take amazing photos at beautiful alleys leading to the lake

There are many beautiful corners where visitors can take photos. West Lake has many beautiful buildings with spectacular architecture that can be used as fantastic backgrounds as well.

There are many beautiful spots for photo lovers around the lake (Source: Collected)

Here, there is a small 1-kilometre-long embankment called the “South Korea Wharf” by locals. It has romantic scenery that looks like a scene in South Korean dramas, along with various bold graffiti. This place is an ideal dating spot for young couples.

In addition, you will also find a lotus pond which is another surprise here. In summer, the pink and white lotus come into full bloom, offering a beautiful sight with a sweet aroma.

3.4. Stop by a gorgeous cafe which has romantic view

If you are a coffee lover, you should definitely enjoy a drink at a cafe by the lake. West Lake Hanoi bars and cafes offer not only authentic Vietnamese coffee but also amazing views of the lake.

Relax at a cafe by the lake is among the things to do in West Lake Hanoi (Source: Collected)

3.5. Visit some relics and sacred places near West Lake

West Lake not only is a beautiful place, it also has many historical relic sites nearby, where people can learn about the history and culture of Vietnam.

Quan Thanh Temple, situated at the junction of Quan Thanh Street and Thanh Nien Street, is a popular tourist destination. Having Chinese architecture, the temple worships Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a deity who guards the North side of Thang Long Citadel (ancient Hanoi).

There are many sacred places making up the heritage West Lake Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Not far from Quan Thanh Temple, in the middle of Thanh Nien Street is Tran Quoc Pagoda. The 1,500-year-old pagoda is dedicated to Buddhism. It was regarded as one of the most beautiful pagodas in the world by the UK’s Daily Mail.

In addition, Tay Ho Palace is another religious destination in Hanoi, which is situated on a peninsula by the lake. The palace is dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the four major deities in Vietnamese culture. The palace hosts two major festivals, one on the 3rd day of the third lunar month and the other on the 13th day of the eighth lunar month. On these occasions, many locals and visitors flock to the palace to show their gratitude to the deity.

3.6. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Flower Garden West Lake

The Flower Garden is a new attraction near the West Lake Water Park. The garden has many different flowers depending on the season. It also has swings, wooden houses, and windmills, so that visitors can contemplate the site and take photos.

3.7. Enjoy delicious Hanoi street foods by the lake

There are many delicacies available around the lake. You can try rice dumplings or shrimp cakes on Thanh Nien Street. There are many West Lake Hanoi restaurants with dishes from the three regions of the country and from foreign countries as well. Some recommended restaurants are Thang Loi Restaurant and West Lake Lotus Restaurant.

In addition to West Lake, there are some other well-known destinations in Hanoi, including Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE Times City on Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung District.

Don’t forget to play at VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium in your Hanoi West Lake trip

As one of Vietnam’s most modern aquariums, Vinpearl Aquarium offers visitors a chance to experience the exciting ocean world. It is designed as a miniature ocean in the heart of the capital, having more than 30,000 diverse freshwater and saltwater marine creatures.

Meanwhile, VinKE is an entertainment space that also provides career guidance and education exclusively for children. At this place, children can experience simulated jobs to get an understanding about their future careers. Also, VinKE has a large indoor game area with many exciting activities and more than 200 game machines to help them enjoy their time.

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to explore the ocean world right in Hanoi and try the most modern educational games!

If you are a traveller fond of Vietnamese landscapes and traditional culture, a trip to Hanoi is a must. A visit to West Lake can help you understand more about the city. The lake offers a large open space for various outdoor activities, where people can relax, do exercises, hang out, learn about history at some relic sites and try Hanoi’s delicacies. The lake surely brings a fresh atmosphere and life to the city.