West Lake Hanoi

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Description

The West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, and is located to the north-northwest of the city center. With a shoreline length of 17 kilometers (about 10.6 miles) and a surface size of 500 hectares (approximately 5 km2), this is the largest lake in the capital city and a popular recreation spot surrounded by numerous gardens, hotels, and mansions. A portion of West Lake is separated by Thanh Nien road to form Truc Bch Lake. Tay Ho District, named after the lake, encompasses the majority of the lake.

West Lake (also known as Ho Tay Tay Ho) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hanoi and a landmark of the Vietnamese capital. Those who are worn out by the clamor of modern life would do well to visit West Lake Hanoi due to its quiet and tranquil beauty.

History Of West Lake

West Lake was formed from a curved section of the Red River and is mentioned in multiple Vietnamese legends. The lake was formerly known as “Fox Corpse Swamp” (m Xác Cáo), according to one mythology, which describes its formation as a result of a struggle between Lac Long Quan and a nine-tailed fox ghost. Another folktale claimed that the lake’s original name was “Golden Buffalo Lake” because it was made by a buffalo’s struggle when her calf disappeared. Due to its misty nature, the lake was given the name “Foggy Lake” in the eleventh century. In 1573, its name was altered to “West Lake” to avoid confusion with the given name of Emperor Le The Tong, Duy Dàm.

West Lake is surrounded by numerous historical landmarks of Hanoi and Vietnam.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple in Vietnam, was constructed in the sixth century on a small island in the middle of the lake by Emperor Ly Nam De. Quan Thanh Temple, one of the Four Sacred Temples of old Hanoi, is located close to Tran Quoc Pagoda. In close proximity to the lake is Chu Van An High School, one of the oldest high schools in Vietnam.

West Lake Attraction & Activities

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Without a doubt, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is the most notable feature in West Lake. It is the oldest temple in Vietnam, constructed in the sixth century on a small lake island. King Ly Nam De constructed Tran Quoc Pagoda as a symbol of Buddhism in Vietnam. If you wish to see the temple itself, you must arrive between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., but the best time to photograph the island with the temple is around sunset.

Thien Nien Pagoda

This pagoda is unique since it honors both Buddha and Mrs. Pham Thi Ngoc Do, one of King Le Thanh Tong’s concubines. This is due to the fact that Mrs. Pham was the first person in this region to teach the art of weaving. The Thien Nien Pagoda attracts tens of thousands of Buddhists and tourists each despite its modest architecture and lack of ancient relics.

Van Nien Pagoda

This pagoda is located on Lac Long Quan Street and is devoted to Buddha and Princess Lieu Hanh. Van Nien Pagoda’s architecture is greatly influenced by the style of the Nguyen Dynasty. This complex consists of a triple gate, the main pagoda, and the Goddess Temple.

This one-thousand-year-old pagoda is one of the oldest in Hanoi and is regarded as a national relic. It contains an extensive collection of antiquities, including more than 40 round sculptures and ten imperial edicts (which recognized Princess Lieu Hanh as a Goddess) dating back to Tay Son, Le Dynasty. Thus, Van Nien Pagoda is not only a spiritual site, but also a shelter for Vietnamese cultural and historical treasures.

Vong Thi Pagoda

Vong Thi Pagoda was built during the era of King Ly Nhan Tong, has survived numerous conflicts, and has witnessed the rise and fall of Vietnam for more than a thousand years.

This location honors Muc Than, the aide-de-camp to King Ly Nhan Tong. The pagoda has been severely damaged and restored numerous times over time, but its cultural and historical significance cannot be denied.

Tao Sach Pagoda

According to legend, this site was constructed during the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong to honor Prince Linh Lang, who contributed significantly to the Vietnam War against Nguyen Mong. This was also where Prince Linh Lang lived, read books, enjoyed poetry, and practiced both literature and martial skills.

The folk-style Tao Sach Pagoda features a triple gate, contemplation rooms, and additional religious structures. In addition, tourists who visit this pagoda will have an exceptional opportunity to view numerous Han Nom papers and rare artifacts.

Quan Thanh Temple

This temple is currently located at the intersection of Thanh Nien and Quan Thanh streets, overlooking West Lake.

According to history, the residents of Hanoi resolved to construct four sacred temples (so-called Tu Tran Thang Long) in the four cardinal directions to ward off evil spirits. These temples include Bach Ma (located in the East), Kim Liem (located in the South), Than Linh Lang (located in the West), and Quan Thanh (located in the West) (in the North).

During the time of King Ly Thai To, the Quan Thanh temple was constructed to honor Huyen Thien Tran Vu, the defender of the northern regions (1010 1028). Based on Chinese design, it features an outside gate, a triple gate, and a courtyard.

The first thing that impresses visitors to this temple is its unusual entrance. Each of these gate’s four pillars features an image of a phoenix. Four phoenixes on four pillars engage in combat, while a giraffe stands atop them.

Inside the temple is a shrine featuring the 3.6-meter-tall (about 12-foot-tall) bronze figure of the god Tran Vu. In Vietnamese religion, the snake and turtle he is clutching signify, respectively, riches and protection.

The Quan Thanh Temple is accessible to all tourists and those who wish to pray for health, fortune, and happiness.

West Lake’s Water Park

This popular and intriguing water park, which occupies a portion of West Lake, was inspired by the picturesque Greek city of Santorini. In the sweltering summer, it is popular among families with children who want to participate in a variety of thrilling water activities.

West Lake’s Cafes

Walking around the lake is the best way to acquire a feel for the local culture, but drinking a drink while taking in the scenery may sound more appealing to many tourists. Around the lake, there are a number of cafes and restaurants, and the greatest part is that many of these enterprises have rooftop seating with a breathtaking view. There are hundreds of cafes and restaurants suitable for all budgets, provided you choose one with multiple floors from which to appreciate the view.

Swan Pedalo

West Lake is also an ideal place for dating for couples. They might simply sit on a stone bench facing the lake and observe the passing of time. Or, they can rent a swan pedalo and sail about the lake while engaging in small conversation.

Lotus Pond

During the months of May and June, West Lake is surrounded by lotuses in blossom. The lotus blossom is the national flower of Vietnam and offers a very attractive scene. There are stores around the lake that lend out traditional Vietnamese clothing for photography.

Ferris Wheel & Water park

If you wish to view West Lake from above, you can ride the Ferris wheel located at the lake’s shore. The Ferris wheel is located within the Ho Tay Water Park. If you wish to cool off on hot summer days, you have an immediate advantage. The park admission price is $3 for children and $6 for adults.

How to get to West Lake

About two kilometres separate West Lake from the Old Quarter. If you are physically fit, you can choose to walk this section, but otherwise you should take a taxi. As previously said, it can be paired with adjacent sites such as the Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Therefore, it is advisable to see these attractions first and then take a taxi to Ba Dinh Square. Visit the sites surrounding this square and then stroll to West Lake in the late afternoon during the summer months when it is not as hot. Afterwards, you can also see the gorgeous sunset.