West Lake Hanoi – Top 12 Best Things To Do & See For Visitors

If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Vietnam, head to West  Lake Hanoi. It’s nicknamed “the Venice of the North”, where you’ll find many scenic sites interesting buildings, and delicious food. The area is especially popular among visitors because of its tranquil nature and many unique attractions. Below are the top 12 best things to do and see for visitors first days in Vietnam!

Where is West Lake Hanoi?

Tay Ho Lake, referred to as West Lake by locals is in the heart of Hanoi. It boasts an impressive 17 kilometers of perimeter and a striking 5 square kilometers of area. That makes it one of the largest freshwater lakes in Vietnam.

It was originally located on the Red River. Yet, due to flooding and erosion, West Lake Hanoi was relocated to its current spot on Kim Ngu Islet, otherwise known as the Golden Fish Islet.

Top 8 Things to Do around West Lake

Cycling Trip around West Lake 

Cycling around West Lake is a great way to see the city and its many beautiful attractions. Plus many cafes and markets line this incredible lake, allowing you to take some time to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Try Sup Boating At the West Lake

Try SUP boating at the gorgeous West Lake Hanoi for a fun-filled water adventure. It’s an exciting way to explore the natural beauty of the lake and get some exercise at the same time! Suping, short for stand-up paddle boarding, is easy to learn and offers stunning bird’s-eye views of your surroundings.

It’s fairly inexpensive, costing about $10-15 USD per person for a half-day weekend.

Going for a stroll along Thanh Nien Street and Tring Cong Son Pedestrian Street

If you’re an avid walker, Thanh Nien and Trinh Cong Son are the perfect areas to explore.

Along these two busy streets are many cafes and restaurants where you can try delicious Vietnamese food. While strolling around the area, you will find many delightful items, from artisanal jewelry to charming souvenirs. 

Take Photos with the Lotus Pond

One of the most popular photos taken at West Lake is a picture of a lotus pond. The lotus pond is just stunning by itself, and it’s not hard to see why it has become a big tourist attraction.

You can take many shots, from traditional classic scenes to creative modern photography. For example, hundreds of lotus flowers blooming in all colors – red, white, yellow, and pink – create an almost dream-like atmosphere.

Swan Pedalo 

Visitors can also enjoy rides on the unique pedal boats designed for navigating West Lake. The swan-shaped pedalos are available in many sizes, making your excursion easier and more fun. In addition, you can experience some of Hanoi’s landmarks from this unique perspective, from Quan Thanh Temple to Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Relax with a cup of coffee at West Lake’s cafes

There’s nothing quite like a day spent enjoying the atmosphere of West Lake’s cafes in Hanoi. With a strong coffee in hand and the sight of the beautiful scenery all around, there’s nothing better to experience. Going for a stroll along the lake is always an ideal way to spend a day, especially if you love relaxing and enjoying nature at the same time.

Go around the lake

A trip around West Lake Hanoi is an excellent way to explore the city. Highlights include the Pagoda of the Fragrant Trunk, Turtle, Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and more.

Explore this peaceful area on foot or by bicycle to get a full experience of life in Hanoi. With its endless attractions, taking a stroll around West Lake is an unforgettable way to end a day trip.

 Enjoy delicious Hanoi street foods by the lake

Visiting Hanoi is not complete without enjoying its street food. You can find a variety of delicious street foods while walking around the famous Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bun bo and bun cha ca at one of the many restaurants near the lake. Or try something fancier, like Nem Cua Be, for your special occasion.

4 interesting Things To See Around West Lake 

Chu Van An High School

Chu Van An high school is one of Vietnam’s most prestigious high schools. It was established in 1908 and is located in Hanoi, the country’s capital city. The school has a long history of excellence and is known for its well-known French-styled architecture. As a result, students from all over the country come to pursue their studies at Chu Van An.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi. Situated on an island in the middle of West Lake, it was originally built in 545 AD during the reign of King Ly Nam De.

Overall, Tran Quoc Pagoda has been an important part of Hanoi’s spiritual heritage for hundreds of years and continues to be so today.

Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square is on Hung Vuong Street in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Therefore, it is often called the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex.  

On September 2, 1945, Ba Dinh Square witnessed a landmark moment. When people filled it with flags and flowers, desperately hoping for President Ho Chi Minh to announce the independence proclamation and announce the emergence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Quan Thanh Temple

Every site in Hanoi has been tied to countless myths and tales, many of which have been present for centuries. Quan Thanh Temple, for example, is a must-see destination for tourists. 

One of the most famous sculptures at Quan Thanh Temple is the black-bronze deity “ Huyen Thien Tran Vu,” the second largest sculpture in Vietnam. Measuring 3.6 meters, weighing over 3,600 kilograms, and always leaving visitors spellbound upon arrival.

How to Get to West Lake?

Because West Lake is situated in the Northwestern Inner City (in Tay Ho District), it is close to many other famous places. So, as travelers are at West Lake, they can effortlessly go to additional renowned Hanoi attractions such as the Old Quarter, Uncle Ho Mausoleum, and more. 

This area is likewise the intersection of numerous paths, so arriving there should not be an issue.

• By bus: 13, 50, 33, 70 (cost: approximately 0.5 dollars per ticket)
• Taxi (1-2$/kilometer)
• Grab, GoViet, Be Apps (Established price will be included)
• Motorbike (30 minutes)

Best time to visit West Lake

Visiting Hanoi’s much-beloved West Lake at the right time of the year will give you an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is between May and June when the weather is clear, and temperatures are mild. During this period, you can spend a beautiful day touring the lake for sightseeing, biking, or boating along its banks.

West Lake Travel Tips

For those looking to explore West Lake Hanoi, there are several local tips to make the most of your visit.

• Start by renting a bike to explore the serene lake or taking strolls along its banks.
• Hanoians love to eat and cook, so don’t miss the chance to take a local cooking class.
• Make sure to join craft beer-tasting tours.
• Dress conservatively when you plan to go inside any religious places near the lake.

The West Lake is one of Hanoi’s top attractions. It’s a living work of art, with fantastic views and the most picturesque places in the world. Vietnamtravelers.com will help travelers plan their trip to West Lake with the top 11 best things to do and see in the area.