West Lake

West Lake (Ho Tay) is the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi, located in Tay Ho District northwest of the Old Quarter. Covering about 500 hectares with a 17 km shoreline, it is a central recreational and cultural landmark. The lake is notable for its scenic waterfront, historic pagodas and temples along its shores, and its role in Hanoi's legends and daily life, offering walking, cycling and sunset views.

Visitors can expect a large urban lake with a paved shoreline road and promenade, open water views, lotus ponds in summer, and tree-lined causeways such as Thanh Nien Road separating West Lake from Truc Bach Lake. The surroundings include cafes, restaurants, hotels, and historic religious sites like Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Areas to explore include lakeside walking and cycling paths, viewpoints for sunrise and sunset, and boat services on the lake.

West Lake was formed as an oxbow lake from the former course of the Red River. It has been part of Hanoi's history since the early dynasties and is linked to legends such as Lac Long Quan and the golden buffalo. The lakeshore hosted ancient villages, palaces and religious foundations, including Tran Quoc Pagoda originally built in the 6th century and later moved to its current peninsula.

The lake is a major cultural and spiritual landmark for Hanoi, bordered by important Buddhist and Taoist sites including Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. It reflects traditional lakeside village culture, including lotus cultivation, and serves as a central leisure space for festivals, recreation and community gatherings.