A lake in Hanoi can be described as part of a dense network surrounding the capital. There were over 200 lakes in the city, most of which were natural lakes formed by the traces of rivers. Despite the fact that most of those lakes have been filled in for construction purposes, Hanoi nowadays still has around 100 lakes. For Hanoi travel enthusiasts, exploring these lakes is a great way to experience the city’s natural beauty and learn about its history.
1. Lakes in Hanoi’s inner city
1.1. Hoan Kiem Lake
When it comes to the lake in Hanoi, one worth mentioning is Hoan Kiem Lake. Located in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Hoan Kiem Lake is a cultural hub where the past and present merge seamlessly. It is the meeting point of Vietnamese ancient streets and French colonial streets.
Here, you can see Turtle Tower, an iconic symbol of the lake built in the late 19th century. Or you can walk across The Huc Bridge, a striking red wooden structure leading to Ngoc Son Temple. On weekends, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Hanoi Old Quarter and the walking streets surrounding the lake.
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1.2. Bay Mau Lake
Bay Mau Lake is situated within the grounds of Thong Nhat Park in Hai Ba Trung District. The lake is a popular spot for leisure activities such as walking and cycling around. The serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for jogging, couples’ outings, or group activities.
The park regularly hosts various recreational activities for locals and tourists. Visitors can also enjoy pedal boating or fishing on the lake on sunny days.
1.3. West Lake in Hanoi
For those planning a trip to West Lake Hanoi, located in Tay Ho District, there are many activities to consider. Boating on the lake at sunset is a popular choice. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk around Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street and Thanh Nien Street, both known for their romantic ambiance.
The lake also offers many picturesque spots for taking photographs. For coffee lovers, there are many cafes with stunning lake views. Nearby, visitors can explore historical sites like Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Tay Ho Temple. The Flower Garden near West Lake Water Park is also worth a visit for its beautiful blooms and photo opportunities.
Street foods can be found around this lake in Hanoi, including rice dumplings and shrimp cakes. There are also many restaurants featuring regional and international cuisine.

The picturesque West Lake in Hanoi offers many stunning spots for photography enthusiasts (Source: Collected)
1.4. Truc Bach Lake
Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi, adjacent to West Lake, is another popular destination that offers a variety of activities to visitors. Here, you can rent a swan pedalo to explore the lake, sip coffee at beautiful lakeside cafes, and savor delicious local food at nearby restaurants while admiring the stunning view.
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1.5. Thien Quang Lake – A famous lake in Hanoi
Thien Quang Lake, located in Hai Ba Trung District, has become a popular destination for people to relax and enjoy the scenery. Among the activities available here, taking a leisurely walk around the lake is a favorite for both older and younger generations.
Additionally, this place is also a great place for people to hang out and enjoy a variety of events such as music shows and cultural performances. There are also several cafes around the lake that offer excellent views and are popular with young people.
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2. Lakes in Hanoi’s outer suburbs
2.1. Quan Son Lake
Quan Son Lake in Hanoi, located about 50 kilometers away from the city center, is a beautiful lake with over 20 small and large limestone karsts protruding from the emerald green water. The area covers 850 hectares and offers a picturesque and majestic landscape that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.
This is an excellent place for camping, BBQs, and boating tours. The best time to visit Quan Son Lake is in May and June, when the weather is pleasant and the lotus flowers are in full bloom. The boatman will also be your tour guide and provide interesting information about the lake.
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2.2. Dong Quan Lake – Among the best Hanoi lakes to visit at weekend
Located just 30 kilometers away from the city center, Dong Quan Lake in Hanoi is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills and forests, providing an idyllic environment. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful and scenic views of the lake, take pictures, and even set up tents on the large grassy areas around the lake for fun outdoor activities. Many young travelers spend a night camping here to wake up to the refreshing morning air and enjoy a pleasant walk around the lake.
2.3. Chom Nui Lake
Chom Nui Lake, also known as Hoa Son Lake, is a popular and picturesque lake in Hanoi’s suburbs. The lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, is particularly beautiful from April to September. During this period, the water recedes, revealing bright green grass along the shores.
Visitors can camp, take in the stunning scenery, and snap photos for social media at this serene location. The lake’s calm surface is perfect for activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). With its stunning vistas and ample green spaces, Chom Nui Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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2.4. What to see in Hanoi? Suoi Hai Lake
Suoi Hai Lake is a man-made freshwater lake in Hanoi, situated at the base of Ba Vi Mountain, approximately 60 kilometers west of the city center. In addition to its primary purpose of irrigation, the lake serves as a venue for environmental restoration, tourism, and leisure.
Suoi Hai Lake spans over 1,000 hectares, doubling the size of West Lake, and contains around 14 large and small islets. The lake is surrounded by greenery that creates a refreshing atmosphere. The lake’s natural beauty is remarkable, with various bird species like ducks, geese, cranes, and swans thriving in the area.
2.5. Tien Sa Lake
The tourist area of Tien Sa Lake in Hanoi, situated in Ba Vi District, covers 120 hectares of forested area and 20 hectares of water surface. The site is entirely enclosed by Ba Vi Mountain, providing visitors with a fresh, cool, and peaceful atmosphere. The large lake boasts still and green water ideal for sightseeing or fishing.
Moreover, the site has resorts and recreation areas, making it a popular weekend getaway. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as fishing and photography against the beautiful natural backdrop of the lake.

Fishing and photography are among the most popular outdoor activities at Tien Sa Lake in Hanoi (Source: Collected)
Hanoi, a city known for its beautiful green spaces, also offers modern attractions such as VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. Vinpearl Aquarium is an impressive 4,000-square-meter facility that houses more than 30,000 marine creatures from around the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking shows like The Mermaid, Dance of the Sea, and Flashmob, while exploring the exotic underwater world here.
On the other hand, VinKE is a play-and-learn center that offers educational and entertaining games for children. Kids can explore various professions, including doctors, firefighters, police officers, and chefs, among others. All activities at VinKE are designed to provide children with fun and knowledge about their future career options. It is a great place for children to learn about the world in a playful and engaging way.
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Vietnam is a popular tourist country with many wonderful places to visit, including Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang. These well-known locations can be easily accessed from Hanoi by direct flights. To have the most enjoyable experience, it is advisable to reserve accommodation beforehand and choose Vinpearl, one of the highly-regarded hospitality brands in Vietnam.
Vinpearl hotels and resorts provide top-notch services and amenities like restaurants, bars, and swimming pools. For further relaxation, visitors can visit the world-class entertainment system, VinWonders, which provides unique and thrilling activities. Vinpearl and VinWonders are both located across Vietnam’s famous tourist destinations, giving tourists an unforgettable experience.
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The lake in Hanoi is one of the city’s significant cultural hubs, where the past and present can merge seamlessly. There are several famous lakes within the inner city and in its outer suburbs, each offering a unique experience to visitors.