It is called West Lake but nowadays, it is located in the northwest of Hanoi’s center. The perimeter of the lake is about 17 km; you can see many hotels, restaurants, large villas around it. Vietnam Travel Tips

West Lake-Vietnam travel tips

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West Lake and Truc Bach Lake are divided by Thanh Nien road; many people believe that this is the most romantic street of Hanoi. At first, in the 17th century, it was built to keep the fish in Truc Bach Lake. Rows of trees, small flower beds covered 1 km distance, have a view from a high place, you will not be thrilled with that beautiful picture.

Because the lake is very large, you can spend about 1 - 2 hours biking around in the early morning or sunset, you will have no regrets about that time. Shimmering water surface with sunlight, gentle wind, away from the dust and noise of downtown, you will feel totally relaxed. When tired, you absolutely can find a café or small restaurant popular for its excellent cuisine of Hanoi. Particularly, in the summer, you will go through the magnificent lotus pond. I am sure a lot of people have never seen the really refreshing lotus.

Tran Quoc Pagoda in West Lake |Vietnam Travel Tips|

Some historical sites around the West Lake can be interesting places for tourists who love culture:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda: can be seen very easily because it is located next to Thanh Nien Road.
• Quan Thanh Temple: was built in the 11th century, is considered the northern town (Thang Long Tu Tran - 4 sacred temples at 4 gateways to defend Thang Long - Hanoi ancient). It is located in the southwest of the lake, also known as Tran Vu Quan. Tran Vu was the guarding god in the north. In the temple, we can see his black bronze: 3.96m high, 8m girth, 4 tons weigh on the marble platform 1.2m high.
• Phu Tay Ho: is located on a large peninsula on West Lake. This is shown clearly the Mother worshipping relief of Vietnamese. We worship Princess Lieu Hanh, a figure of legend, and one of four immortal saints in the belief of the Vietnamese. Many villages and towns in the north of Vietnam have her temples.

• 6 Recreation Activities Around West Lake

  1. Cycling

   

  

  Every single afternoon, you can see people both in the neighborhood and from faraway places exercising and relaxing on their bikes while touring around the serene lake. West Lake Hanoi is such a great place for exercising, especially cycling, which is one of the most enjoyable activities around the lake. Besides, there is also free equipment for everyone to have a morning or afternoon exercise session here.

  2. West Lake’s Water Park

    

  Taking up a corner of West Lake, this busy and interesting water park takes its inspiration from the gorgeous city of Santorini in Greece. It is popular among families with kids who want to have an amazing time playing a variety of adventurous water sports in the hot summer.

  3. Swan Pedalo

   

  

  West Lake is also a perfect dating spot for couples. They can simply sit on a stone bench facing towards the lake and watch as life goes by. Or they can hire a swan pedalo to sail around the lake while having small talks with each other.

  4. Café

   

  

• Sometimes, the traffic jams and the hurried lifestyle of Hanoi make you wonder: “Why Hanoi is  being considered ‘the city of peace’?” If you are feeling that way, you are highly recommended to stop by some of these peaceful cafés, such as Maison de Tet Décor, Maison de Blanc, LeMarz Coffee Roastery, 6 Degrees and so on.

  The picturesque scene and the romantic architecture of these coffee shops will definitely enlighten you about the answer to the question above. In these places, you can just relax as time flies with your cup of coffee or tea. You can use that time to enjoy a book, to talk to friends, or just to watch the surrounding scene for hours. The possibilities are endless, but they all aim at one result, that is, you feel Hanoi’s peaceful spirit again.

   

  5. Take Photos with the Lotus Pond

   

  

  

  In this largest natural lake of Hanoi West Lake, people can gently get released among the lotus flowers in each blooming season. Visitors going here usually choose to wear Aodai Vietnamese traditional costume to take some photos with the lotus flowers also our national flower. This activity is largely preferred by women, as the blooming lotus flowers truly form a feminine and wonderful view.