West Lake is not only a cultural and natural symbol of Hanoi but also a popular tourist destination with various activities such as swan boat rides, stand-up paddleboarding, water park fun, exploring ancient villages, and enjoying local cuisine.
Alongside Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake has long been a distinctive feature of the capital, offering a refreshing and picturesque landscape amid the bustling streets. It is an ideal destination for a memorable and enriching Hanoi travel experience. Let’s explore the complete travel plan for West Lake in this article!
1/ Introduction to West Lake
West Lake is located in the northwest of Hanoi, in Tay Ho district, approximately 11km from the city center. It is the largest natural lake in Hanoi, covering an area of up to 500 hectares, with a perimeter of about 20km. Surrounding West Lake is a lush green road, approximately 18km long. Previously, this area was part of the Red River, but after a change in the course of the river, it became a large freshwater lake as it is today.
West Lake has existed since the time of the Hung Kings, known then as Lam Ap Wharf, located along the Red River. By the Ly-Tran period, West Lake became a scenic spot exclusively for kings and nobles to relax. Around the lake, there were many palaces and architectural structures such as Thuy Hoa Palace during the Ly period (now part of Tran Quoc Pagoda), Tu Hoa Palace during the Ly period (now Kim Lien Pagoda), and Thuy Chuong Palace during the Le period (now Chu Van An High School). Today, West Lake is one of the famous and preferred tourist destinations in Hanoi.
Throughout various historical periods, West Lake has had different names, related to legends and folk stories. Some other names for West Lake include Xac Cao Pond, Kim Ngưu Lake, Lang Bac, Dam Dam, Tay Ho, Doai Ho, and more.
2/ West Lake Review – What to do?
10 fascinating experiences West Lake is known as one of the most attractive meeting points in the capital, with its beautiful scenery, romantic space, and a variety of entertaining activities. Here are 10 suggested experiences for you to consider when visiting West Lake, Hanoi.
2.1. Super cute check-in at West Lake Flower Valley
West Lake Flower Valley is located at the intersection of Nhat Chieu Street, Tay Ho district, only about 600m from the water park, making it very convenient for you to combine visits. This destination impresses with a myriad of vibrant flowers such as daisies, lavender, roses, and various unique landscapes, allowing you to unleash your creativity and capture beautiful check-in photos.
You can visit this place throughout the year, as each season brings different flowers, displaying various vibrant colors. If you love lotus flowers, you should visit the flower valley from June to September. In July, you have the opportunity to take virtual photos with sunflowers and windmills, and from November to February of the following year is the season of blooming chrysanthemums. If you are a fan of violet flowers, you can visit at the beginning of the new year.
- Address: Intersection of Nhat Chieu Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: Monday: 09:00 – 22:00 Tuesday – Sunday: 07:00 – 22:00
- Ticket price: 80,000 – 120,000 VND/ticket
2.2. Swan boat rides at West Lake to admire the picturesque scenery
West Lake offers a delightful and entertaining activity that you shouldn’t miss – swan boat rides. The swan boat service at West Lake always attracts a large number of locals and tourists due to its spacious area and stunning natural scenery. Couples, groups of friends, and families can enjoy leisurely conversations while pedaling the swan boats, savoring the cool and refreshing atmosphere, and marveling at the beautiful natural scenery.
2.3. Stand-up paddleboarding – an exciting water sport
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport on West Lake that many young people love. If it’s your first time paddleboarding, the club’s instructors will guide you carefully to help you master controlling the board on the water. You can sit or stand while paddling on the SUP board, and don’t forget to strike a pose for some check-in photos to capture those Instagram-worthy moments.
2.4. Stroll along Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street
Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street is one of the four pedestrian streets in Hanoi that is currently active. This street honors the musician Trinh Cong Son by displaying artworks related to him. The entire street and its stalls are designed in ancient architecture, creating a unique space for memorable experiences while walking and exploring. Although it’s only about 900m long, the street offers numerous beautiful photo spots for tourists to capture stunning images, such as the musical note street, the fountain square, and art paintings under the street.
Address: Alley 431 Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Opening hours: Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday
2.5. Leisurely walk and sunset admiration on Thanh Nien Street
Thanh Nien Street is a clean and green road along the banks of West Lake. The road is an excellent place for a leisurely walk, breathing in the fresh air, relaxing, and relieving all the stress after long working hours. Moreover, in the late afternoon, without searching for the best spot, you can simply find a clear location to immerse yourself in the beautiful sunset scenery. Admiring the sunset at West Lake is sure to provide you with a very enjoyable experience, evoking various wonderful emotions.
2.6. Enjoying coffee with a dreamy lake view at West Lake
During your sightseeing trip, don’t forget to stop by the West Lake cafés. You can enjoy a cup of delicious coffee or a hot cup of West Lake lotus tea while chatting with friends, looking out at the clear and romantic lake, and experiencing absolute tranquility in the heart of the capital. There are many beautiful cafés around West Lake for you to choose from, such as 6 Degrees, Maison de Blanc, LeMarz Coffee Roastery, Platform coffee & cake, and more.
2.7. Cycling around the lake for both exercise and sightseeing
When visiting West Lake, don’t miss the opportunity for a fun experience – cycling around the lake to explore its every corner. The best times for cycling around West Lake are early morning and evening. At these times, the weather is usually cool and pleasant, suitable for both cycling exercise and enjoying the beautiful sunset or sunrise. Especially in the evening, the serene and romantic scenery under the sunset will make your cycling tour even more memorable.
2.8. Explore the ancient villages
Did you know that, despite the continuous changes and development in the surrounding world, many beautiful ancient villages still exist right next to West Lake in Hanoi? These villages maintain their original architecture and old-world charm. Visiting these places, you not only get to explore and discover ancient architecture but also enjoy the peaceful scenery, temporarily forgetting the hustle and bustle of the capital, leaving only a serene and gentle Hanoi. Some ancient villages you can visit include Xuan Tao Village, Nghi Tam Quang Ba Village, Trich Village, Nhat Tan Village, and more.
2.9. Shopping spree in the surrounding streets around the lake
Around West Lake, on major streets like Xuan Dieu, Yen Phu, and To Ngoc Van, there are many bustling shopping areas. Especially, every Saturday morning on To Ngoc Van Street, a lively market takes place with numerous stalls selling food, clothing, and fashion items. This is an excellent stop for tourists to stroll around and enjoy shopping for gifts for their loved ones and friends.
2.10. Cool off in the summer at West Lake Water Park
West Lake Water Park is the most famous entertainment destination in Tay Ho. Here, you can participate in many exciting and unique water games. The water activities here are designed to suit all ages, from gentle games like swimming in the wave pool, floating on the lazy river, to thrilling activities such as high-speed water slides, jumping off cliffs, sliding on mats, and cable jumping. In the scorching heat of summer, West Lake Water Park is an excellent place to “escape the heat,” allowing you to immerse yourself in the cool and refreshing water, providing a delightful experience.
- Address: 614 Lac Long Quan, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00 on weekdays, 09:00 – 19:30 on weekends
- Ticket price: from 100,000 – 190,000 VND/ticket
3/ Travel tips for West Lake
When traveling to West Lake, consider the following tips for the safest and most enjoyable journey:
- Always keep an eye on small children, and it’s advisable to wear life jackets when enjoying swan boat rides or stand-up paddleboarding to ensure safety during your visit and activities at West Lake.
- Early morning, evening, and night are the ideal times to stroll around West Lake, enjoying the fresh air and admiring beautiful scenery.
- Renting a bike is the best option for exploring West Lake and nearby areas freely.
- Prioritize wearing comfortable clothing for easy movement. However, if you plan to visit temples and pagodas, remember to wear modest, respectful attire.
