Hanoi, being the most vibrant capital of Vietnam, is full of cultural experiences. However, in the midst of busy streets lies an oasis – the Hanoi West Lake. The largest freshwater lake located within the city is one of the most visited places due to the serene surroundings, historical landmarks, and a multitude of recreational activities.
The Origin of West Lake in Hanoi
Located in the northwestern center of Hanoi, West Lake (another name – somerset west lake hanoi) is the largest freshwater lake in the capital city, having a 17 km shoreline with an area of 500 hectares. Originally a part of the nearby Red River, its formation was due to frequent flooding and erosion that gradually separated it from the main river channel.
For generations, West Lake Hanoi has been referred to by many different names: Kim Nguu Lake, Mu Suong Lake, and Xac Cao Pond. Each name is attached to a very interesting legend about its origin. According to one legend, the mythical king struggled with the nine-tailed fox, and thus the lake appeared. According to another one, the lake was formed from the tears of a heartbroken princess.
These legends add mystery to Hanoi West Lake, which makes it even more appealing to the public. It’s a place that associates the lake with history and natural beauty and is a favorite haunt for both locals and visitors.
Along the rim of West Lake of Hanoi, you will find a beautiful combination of Vietnamese heritage spots and modern facilities. Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, sometimes in the form of Western architecture, circle the lake, providing ample options for rooms and board.
It is this beauty and historical significance of West Lake that has long inspired many artists, writers, and musicians. There are songs, stories, and poems about Hanoi, including it to show its eternal beauty and cultural value.
TOP 10 Things to Do in Hanoi West Lake for Your Perfect Excursion
1. Try SUP Boating in West Lake
Cruise across the calm waters of West Lake Hanoi on a stand-up paddleboard. This popular water sport allows one to see the beauty of the lake in an exciting way. You will be able to see beautiful landscapes, notice local wildlife, and train all at the same time when paddling.
Where to Go:
- Paddle Station Cafe: This place is loved for the quality of its SUP boards and the friendly atmosphere. It’s a great way to meet other paddle boarders and take in the scenes of West Lake. They offer SUP rentals, lessons, and tours.
- Location: 29 Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Location: 29 Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Hanoi Kayak Club: While best known for kayaking, this club also offers SUP rentals. They rent top-notch equipment and have very experienced staff to guide one on a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Location: 267 Trich Sai Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
How Much Does it Cost:
On hiring a SUP board in West Lake, the price would be approximately 200,000 to 250,000 VND per session. The prices may be slightly cheaper on weekdays. When hiring many days, there may be a possibility of obtaining a reduced price.
Tips for Beginners:
- Safety First: Always wear a life jacket, especially if you are not a good swimmer.
- Learn the Basics: Do learn the basic techniques of paddling before heading out into the lake.
- Check the Weather: Avoid paddling in case of stormy weather and strong winds.
- Protect Yourself: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and put on your sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.
- Be Respectful: Be considerate towards other users of the water and towards nature.
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Paddle: Early morning or late afternoon tends to be best for paddling due to the normal cool and calm weather conditions.
- Bring a Water Bottle: Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Consider a Tour: This is usually really good for beginners as it’s an easy way to learn about the lake and its history.
2. Check-in West Lake’s Flower Valley
Stroll into this floral fairytale that blooms in Flower Valley, West Lake. This is an extensive haven that any soul craving serenity away from the noise and bustle of city life must visit. The area of more than 7,000 square meters blooms with flowers during any season, offering striking landscapes and many other activities to make your time unforgettable.
Location and Accessibility:
The flower valley is located at the center of Hanoi and is pretty approachable by public and private means of transportation.
- Address: The valley is located at the intersection of Nhat Chieu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.
- Getting There:
- Private Vehicle: Use Google Maps for the most direct route.
- Public Transportation: Several bus lines, including 13, 51, 55A, 55B, 60A, 58, and 86, serve the area.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices:
- Opening Hours: The flower valley is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 120,000 VND
- Children, students: 80,000 VND
- Seniors and people with disabilities: Free
What to Expect:
- A Floral Paradise: Most of the flowers are found in this valley, and so it looks absolutely ravishing with colorful blooms throughout the year.
- Perfect for Photos: With so many beautiful backgrounds to shoot, this flower valley is an ideal place to take photographs.
- Outdoor Activities: You can take leisurely walks, go on picnics, or indulge in different outdoor sports, such as hiking.
- Local Cuisine: The places to eat within this valley range from food stalls to cafes, thus offering a great variety of Vietnamese cuisine.
3. Walking and cycling around Hanoi West Lake
Take a walk or bike around the lake. This casual jaunt allows discovering some hidden gems along the way of the beautiful lake vistas, sampling the local culture, and cuisine. Loads of providers are available for bike rentals in the area, so it’s quite easy to rent a bike and get on your way.
4. Stroll around Trinh Cong Son Walking Street
Experience Hanoi’s street culture on Trinh Cong Son Walking Street. The street is a line of great decoration, convenient shops on both sides, coffee shops, and restaurants. You can taste all types of local street food, browse the local handicrafts by, and be serenaded with live music.
5. Sip a cup of coffee at West Lake
Relax and enjoy a fine cup of coffee or tea in one of the many nice cafes along the lake. Many of them provide a rooftop seat for an even nicer view. Among the best examples are: ABC Coffee Roasters, Santorini Vibes, 6 Degrees, Flamant Bistro, Orey Coffee & Tea, G-Kim’s Coffee and Tea, etc.
6. Visit the lotus pond in West Lake Hanoi
Enjoy the beauty of blooming lotus flowers to the fullest. There are also several big ponds of West Lake all around, turning into something magical in the summertime. You can take awesome pictures here, enjoy the fragrant atmosphere, and even sample lotus tea, a traditional Vietnamese drink made from lotus flowers.
7. Experience thrilling games at West Lake’s Water Park
West Lake Water Park is a heaven on earth for water lovers and thrill seekers in Hanoi. Spread along the shores of serene West Lake, this large water park features a host of exciting attractions, like water slides and wave pools among other attractive aquatic entertainment spots.
What to Expect:
- Thrilling Rides: Plunge down huge water slides that whisk one away with great speed and splash into refreshing pools.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Float about the lazy river or soak up some sun on a comfortable lounge chair.
- Family Fun: Something is in store for each member, so all can enjoy the various attractions based on their ages.
- Additional Amenities: With locker rooms and many other convenient amenities to go with it, this is indeed a full package.
Location and Accessibility:
- Address: 614 Lac Long Quan Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.
- Accessibility: The place has good connectivity through roads. It is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or public transport. Again, it is very close to other famous places like West Lake Flower Valley and Quan Thanh Temple.
Operating Hours and Ticket Prices:
- Operating Hours: From April through the end of September, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM on weekends and holidays.
- Ticket Prices: Vary according to height, age, and days of the week. Please refer to West Lake Water Park’s website for exact prices.
Note: The above information is for reference purposes only. For up-to-the-minute information, please visit the West Lake Water Park official site.
8. Enjoy a Sunset Picnic on the Lakeside
Put together a picnic basket full of yummy treats and enjoy a romantic sunset picnic or a relaxing picnic by the lake. You can be sure of great beauty related to the view and a sort of stillness as the sun sets.
9. Enjoy a Street Food Tour
Experience the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi on this guided food tour that takes you all around the West Lake area to taste the best Vietnamese dishes – Pho, Banh mi, and Bun Cha – all discovered in hidden gem shops for a bit of knowledge of the local eating culture. If you have problems finding out what to eat or where to stay near Hanoi West Lake, just book a tour with Lily’s Travel for the most comfortable holiday.
10. Explore the Historic Temples and Pagodas
There are ancient temples and pagodas dispersed around West Lake that give insight into Hanoi’s rich history and cultural heritage. Stop by some of the most famous sites, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Kim Lien Pagoda, to gain an insight into the religious traditions here and admire their intricate structure.
Kim Lien pagoda
Enrich Your Trip to West Lake Hanoi at Some Relics and Sacred Places
Although West Lake Hanoi is a picturesque setting, it is more than just that – a cultural and historical treasure trove. Here are a few more sacred places and relics that will make your visit more pleasant:
Tran Quoc Pagoda
As mentioned, this pagoda dates as far back as the 6th century. It is among the vital Buddhist temples in Hanoi and is particularly famous for the magnificent architectural complex that includes halls, courtyards, an octagonal stupa, tranquility, and significant cultural assets of this country. The temple consists of a diversity of halls, courtyards, and the iconic octagonal stupa that give a glimpse into Vietnam’s Buddhist traditions.
Quan Thanh Temple
The temple is dedicated to the mythical figure of the Turtle God and stands as a monument to the historical, traditional tales of folklore and spiritual belief in Hanoi. With its very characteristic mix of traditional Vietnamese and Chinese styles, architecture speaks out, and you can never miss it. Stroll around its courtyards, halls, and the main sanctuary as you listen to the story of the Turtle God and make your offerings.
West Lake Water Puppet Theater
Enjoy a very Vietnamese form of art at the West Lake Water Puppet Theater. Expert puppeteers gesture through age-old stories on the water stage, creating a beautiful spectacle to behold. Seeking Vietnamese culture and folklore, this performance is absolutely unmissable.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Pay your respects at the tomb of Ho Chi Minh, the great revolutionary leader of Vietnam. The mausoleum is one of the very important solemn landmarks, and here people have the opportunity to honor the memory of this great leader.
Read more: Tran Quoc Pagoda: 1500 Years of History
Temple of Literature
Walk through the history of education in Vietnam at the Temple of Literature. This ancient temple was, a long time ago, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese scholars. Stroll through its courtyards and halls, most famous for the “Stele of Doctors,” honoring the country’s top scholars.
Somerset West Lake Hanoi
Enjoy your stay around West Lake in luxury at Somerset West Lake Hanoi. This serviced residence enjoys beautiful lake views, contemporarily appointed amenities, and impeccable service that makes for a perfect base from which to work and explore the surrounding area. Comfort and convenience in spacious apartments are supplemented by on-site recreational facilities like a swimming pool, fitness center, and even a restaurant.
How and When to Visit the Hanoi West Lake for the Best Experience?
Getting to West Lake
Conveniently located in the northwestern part of Hanoi, West Lake is easily accessible from any place in the city. Options include:
By Bus: Take one of the following bus routes:
- 13: Connects Long Bien Bridge to My Duc District
- 33: Connects Yen Nghia bus station to Gia Lam District
- 50: Connects My Dinh bus station to Noi Bai International Airport
- 70: Connects My Dinh bus station to Soc Son District
By Taxi or Motorbike: Wave them down on the street or use Grab or Gojek, the Asian alternative to Uber, to ride in a taxicab or on a motorbike. The fare will range from 11,500 VND to 17,500 VND per kilometer in case of travel by taxi.
Best Time to Visit
Hanoi has four seasons, which, accordingly, put different beauty onto the Hanoi West Lake:
- Spring (February-April): A clear atmosphere with flowers blooming.
- Summer (May-August): Green color, aquatic activities, festivals.
- Autumn (September-November): Comfortable climate, poetic sunsets, not too many people.
- Winter (December-January): A peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, few tourists, hot drinks in a cozy environment with tea/coffee while sitting and chatting with family/friends.
The best time to visit West Lake Hanoi will depend on your personal preference. If you want warmth and being outdoors, then that would be during the summertime. On the other hand, if you want more peace and romance, then autumn or winter would do just fine. If you like the freshness of spring, then visiting it during this time will definitely be a great choice.
Additional Tips
- Early Morning: To avoid the crowds and for a more serene ambiance of the lake, it is best visited in the early morning. You will also get to witness a beautiful sunrise.
- Evening: West Lake in the evening offers a great atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or just sit around looking at the water while the sun slowly disappears.
- Weekdays: Try to visit during the weekdays instead of weekends, as it is going to be less crowded, especially if you want to visit the place during peak tourist seasons.
- Local Festivals: Hanoi is dotted with various festivals and events going on throughout the year. Just plan a visit to any of these festivals to experience the local culture.
Comprising a huge area, Hanoi West Lake provides an eye-opener for natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural experiences. From serenity to adventure, a window into the past in Hanoi, this will be forever etched in your memory.
Read more: Walk, Explore, and Enjoy Long Bien Bridge
