Top 15 things to do at West Lake
West Lake, also known as Hồ Tây is Hanoi's largest natural lake. For travelers, it may merely be a nice view but for the locals, it's a special place to get away, unwind, mingle, or work out. Taking a stroll around the lake gives you a chance to escape the bustling city, while getting a glimpse of the local daily life.
West Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital of Hanoi, located in the northwest of the city which has a surface area of around 500 hectares and the entire circumference of the lake is about 17 kilometers. There are many historic attractions around the lake, as well as beautiful cafe and wonderful restaurants
Things to do at West Lake
1. Go around the lake
You shouldn't limit yourself to staying on one part of the lake if you want to receive a whole picture of life around West Lake. It is lovely to take a stroll along the lake where you can admire both the local life and the stunning scenery.
The distance around the lake is more than 17 kilometers, which is probably way too far to walk completely. The perfect alternative is to go cycling. It's a fun and interesting activity, suitable for everyone. It allows us to explore different corners of Hanoi at our own pace
2. West Lake Ice Cream
Hanoi is famous for Thuy Ta Ice Cream, Trang Tien Ice Cream, and of course, West Lake Ice Cream as well. Start the trip with a cool, refreshing cone of ice cream as we explore West Lake.
Address: 1 Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
3. Quan Thanh Temple
Located on Thanh Nien Street, right next to West Lake, Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple known as one of Hanoi’s four sacred temples which were built to worship four protectors in four directions. These four temples in Hanoi are:
- Quan Thanh Temple: known as North Gate and built to honor “Huyen Thien Tran Vu” as “The God of the North” for the merits of destroying the evil and the bad.
- Kim Lien Temple (Phuong Lien Ward): known as South Gate
- Voi Phuc Temple (Cau Giay Ward): known as West Gate
- Bach Ma Temple (Hang Buom Street): known as East Gate
Quan Thanh Temple was constructed along with other 3 temples with the aim of warding four gates of the old Thang Long Citadel (Hanoi) against invaders and demons. “Huyen Thien Tran Vu” – who was worshiped at Quan Thanh Temple – was a God of Taoism reigning aquatic organisms.
He used turtle - which stands for wealth, and snake - which stands for protection, as the symbols of power, and was loved by all the local Taoists. If you are interested in history and culture, it is definitely recommended to visit this temple.
4. Tran Quoc Pagoda
On Kim Ngu Island, east of West Lake, close to Thanh Nien Street, there is a well-known picturesque area with a perfect fusion of the natural, lovely, and elegant scenery of West Lake with ancient, dignified Buddhist buildings. That is Tran Quoc Pagoda.
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The pagoda was built during the reign of King Ly Nam De (544 - 548) as a symbol of Buddhism in Vietnam. The pagoda is situated in a unique area with a lovely natural environment, making this location appealing for royals of various dynasties to choose as their vacation spot to enjoy the poetic and charming scenery
If you want to visit and admire the beauty of the pagoda from the inside, you have to be there between the opening times from 8:00 – 16:00. Keep in mind, on the 1st and 15th of the Lunar month, the pagoda will open from 6:00 – 20:00, and on the 1st of the lunar new year, the pagoda will open all night.
The best time to take photos of the island with the temple is in the early morning when it’s not as crowded or around sunset
5. The Abandoned Seaplane Base
The abandoned seaplane station is an interesting structure that has been around for more than a century and is located in the opposite direction of Chu Van An High School. The structure has been tinted with vintage hues of the past with mossy old walls, glass panels covered with graffiti art, and the pale pink light of the afternoon shining through, giving the area a dreamy and slightly mysterious feel.
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This location used to be a French military installation and later became a chic playground for the elites, serving their passion for seaplanes. Yet, did you know that this place was also the tragic home of a northern beauty who had committed the crime of peeping on the king's sacred body?
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Now, Due to lack of attention, the Seaplane base is now just an empty and rusty concrete block. Although abandoned for a long time, this place has become a favorite sightseeing spot of the locals because of its large, open space and stunning location on the shores of West Lake. Visitors come here to take pictures, enjoy the cool breeze, or watch the sunset with friends after a long day at work.
6. The Octagon House (Chu Van An School)
This school is particularly special because of its French architecture and its location. The institution, which has been around for more than 115 years, nevertheless exudes an aura of antiquity near the famous West Lake.
The school's most beautiful and ancient architecture is the Octagon House, which is located on Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, looking straight into the water of West Lake.
The building was built in 1898 as the private villa of Henri Schneider - a French paper factory owner in the 19th century. At that time, it was named La Villa Schneider. This building was later owned by the French principal when the High School of the Protectorate (former name of Chu Van An High School) was founded in 1908. After the restoration and remodeling in 1999, the building officially became the school library.
The Octagon House's allure comes not just from its lengthy history but also from the unique architecture infused with European culture. The location next to West Lake also gives the Octagon House a rare romantic and gentle appearance. At sunset, the enchanted hues of red, orange, pink, and purple shine through the trees and onto the old, white walls, shimmering on the green windows like beautiful pieces of jade. Many people are drawn to this location by its beauty and come here merely to view the old mansion from behind the fence, snap a few pictures, and then relax and think back fondly on the olden days.
7. Van Nien Pagoda
Van Nien Pagoda is situated on the western shore of West Lake, a very lovely area. The Pagoda's whole structure is composed of wood. The ancient temple's wooden architecture is incredibly delicate and distinctive, with highly skilled wood carving infused with oriental culture.
The pagoda is now regarded as one of Hanoi's most historic and sacred pagodas.
8. The Twin Dragons
The Twin Dragons is a gift to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long - Hanoi (1010-2010). The Dragons were previously placed at Hanoi Botanical Garden but were later moved to West Lake in early 2012.
The Twin Dragons were made entirely from ceramic, they are significant spiritually and historically.
The Dragons look absolutely stunning during sunset, so don’t miss it!
9. Lotus Pond
In the scorching hot summer months, Hanoi still has a poetic and ethereal corner blooming with pink lotuses, painting the whole area. The lotus flower is the national flower of Vietnam and produces especially beautiful views for photos.
Visiting the Lotus Pond you should not miss out on trying lotus tea – one of West Lake’s delicacies. For a long time, Hanoians have been enjoying the ethereal culinary delicacy of drinking lotus tea which is prepared with great care and flavored with lotus grown exclusively in West Lake.
There are multiple lotus ponds scattering around westlake, you can find one of the largest pond right next to the water park on Nhat Chieu Sreet
10. Go on a Swan Pedal Boat trip over the lake
Going out on the lake by yourself is another option. Swan pedal boats are available for rental by the hour. Going out on the lake may be a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or spend some quality time with your friends.
Just make sure to wear a life jacket and don’t go at the hottest time of the day in the middle of summer and it could be a little bit too chilly to go in the rainy winter.
Addres 103A4 Lac Chinh, Truc Bach, Ba Đnh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
Rental Fee: 100,000 - 200,000 VND
11. Riding on a SUP board
SUP boarding is a new water sport activity in West Lake that is loved by many young people. If this is something you have never done before, don't worry, just remember to wear a life jacket and the instructor will help you get use to the board and you will be able to master it in no time.
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While SUP boarding, you may sit back, posing to your heart's content to take some of the coolest pics ever.
Addresses:
- Paddle Station Cafe 29 Nguyen dinh Thi, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Hanoi Kayak Club - 267 Trich Sai, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Rental fee: 200,000 - 400,000 VND
12. West Lake Water Park
As one of the most popular water parks in Hanoi, the water park offers a variety of fun-filled activities that are sure to give visitors an adrenaline rush. If you want to cool down on hot summer days, West Lake Water Park is the place to go.
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Fee:
Before 17:00:
- Adult: 170,000 - 190,000 VND (1m35 & above)
- Children: 145,000 - 160,000 VND (0,9m - 1m35)
After 17:00: only 100,000 VND/ person
14. West Lake Flower Valley
Ho Tay Flower Valley is located at the junction of Nhat Chieu and Sen Ho Tay street with the area of thousands of square meters, planted with many kinds of flowers, attracting many travelers who come for photographing, sight-seeing and camping
The flower valley is where thousands of flowers bloom from the end of the Fall season until the beginning of Spring (September to March), a true paradise for nature lover and photography enthusiasts.
14. Watching Sunset & Sunrise at West Lake
Some of Hanoi's most beautiful sunrises and sunsets may be seen at West Lake.
Take a bike ride around the lake or have a drink at one of the coffee shops, look for a spot to relax and enjoy this moment.
15. Cafes
Vietnam is genuinely famous among international tourists for its coffee. What could be more relaxing, and aesthetically pleasing than sitting in a beautiful cafe while enjoying the panoramic view of this scenic waterbody?
Here are our recommendations for you to check out:
- ·Cong Caphe:
One of the must-visit Cafes in Hanoi. The environment and design of the stores are inspired by the social atmosphere, habits, and the most trivial everyday objects of Vietnamese families during the Subsidy period.
Aside from its good looks, Cong serves some of the best drinks, such as Coconut Coffee, White Coffee, and the Vietnamese slow-drip coffee (filter coffee/phin coffee)
Address: 75 Trich Sai, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
FB: Cong Caphe
- Thanh Thoi Tea House
The shop is located on Trich Sai Street, the storefront faces straight to West Lake.
Just like its name, this place serves some of the best tea, from sweet and sour fruit teas to relaxing traditional herbal teas that will surely suit your taste.
Address: 231 Trich Sai, Tay Ho, Hanoi
FB: Quán Trà Thảnh Thơi
- Bonjour Café
Due to its breathtaking view, Bonjour Café, a brand-new café, has quickly captivated the hearts of young people.
The café is spacious and is separated into several zones with a luxury, minimalist design; each zone has a distinctive atmosphere and gorgeous background for photography enthusiasts.
Their menu offers various options, from strong Vietnamese coffee to milky Italian coffee, fragrance teas, and delicious sweets.
Address:
Bonjour Café 1: 129 Nguyen Đinh Thi, Tay Ho, Ha Noi.
Bonjour Café 2: 11 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Ha Noi.
FB: Bonjour Café
- Ami Garden
You will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the green and fresh environment of Ami Garden the moment you arrive. It feels like you are walking into a beautiful, lush garden.
It might look narrow and small on the outside, but as you explore further in, the café is actually quite spacious.
Since it is mainly an outdoor area, the café doesn’t have air conditioning, instead, they have a misting system and fans
Address: 181 Ve Ho, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
FB: TreeAmi Garden Tây Hồ
- Ma Xó Café
Stand on a cute little islet, there’s a cafe with a charming atmosphere that offers great coffees, cooling craft cocktails & a brunch menu that features some of the most delicious food around the world
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Their menu features a delectable selection of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From refreshing salads, meaty sandwiches, savory Vietnamese food, and sweet desserts, with all vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, their menu is designed to satisfy every palate.
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Address: 152 Tran Vu, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
FB: Ma Xó
