[2025 Hanoi Attraction] Travel Guide for West Lake (Updated Apr)

West Lake is one of the famous scenic spots of Hanoi capital, this is considered a "giant stage reflecting the clouds, sky and city landscape". The scenery along the West Lake is very poetic and dreamy. Surrounding the lake are tall, straight rows of green trees, flower beds, and green grass growing around, creating a special scene for West Lake. What makes West Lake special, distinguishing it from other lakes in Hanoi is not only the scenery but also the color of the water. The color of the water in each season changes magically and spectacularly according to the weather, sometimes blue, sometimes gray, sometimes bright, sometimes dark... And the scenery of West Lake becomes most brilliant and sublimated perhaps at that moment. At the end of the day - when the sunset falls covering the landscape, with the blur of the street lights on the water, creating an extremely fanciful and romantic scene.West Lake is located in the northwest of Hanoi, in Tay Ho district, about 11km from the center of the capital. This is the largest natural lake in Hanoi with an area of ​​up to 500 hectares and a circumference of about 14.8 km. Around West Lake is a green route, about 18km long. Previously, this place was part of the Red River, but after changing its stream, it stopped and became a large freshwater lake like today. West Lake has existed since the time of Hung Vuong, at that time it was called Lam Ap wharf - a wharf bordering the Red River. By the Ly and Tran dynasties, West Lake had become a scenic spot only for kings and lords to vacation. Around the lake, there are many palaces and architectural works such as Thuy Hoa Palace of Ly Dynasty (now becoming the area of ​​Tran Quoc Pagoda), Tu Hoa Palace of Ly Dynasty (now Kim Lien Pagoda) and Thuy Chuong Palace of Le Dynasty (now known as Thuy Chuong Palace of Le Dynasty). currently Chu Van An school). Currently, West Lake is one of the famous and popular tourist destinations in Hanoi. Through many periods and historical periods, West Lake has many different names, related to legends and folk stories. Some other names of West Lake can be mentioned such as: Sac Cao lagoon, Kim Nguu lake, Lang Bac, Dam Dam, Tay Ho, Doai Ho ... #trip #vietnam

West Lake Flower Valley at night is super sparkling Drink prices range from 45-85k. The shop is divided into 2 areas, 1 outside area and 1 inside area, the inside area is larger, there is a movie screen or music video every day, if you want to go to the inside area, you need to buy a transfer ticket for 25k Personally, I find the space quite chill, there is a fan so it is not too hot, however, you should choose to go after the rain, the space will be more chill. The day I went, the smell of soil mixed with the smell of flowers was very fragrant Wishing everyone a happy trip #awesomepic #campingglamping #hanoi #westlake

Kim Lien Pagoda is located at Nghi Tam, Quang An, Tay Ho, is just outside the main gate of Intercontinental Hanoi West Lake. It is open daily from 0800-1700. With a history of more than 500 years, and is ranked in the list of 10 most unique ancient relics in Vietnam. The temple was built on the foundation of the Ly Dynasty Tu Hoa Palace in an area used as a royal silk farm. The current temple was reconstructed in 1771-1792. Stepping through the Tam Quan Gate, you will have to pass through a beautiful courtyard before going deep inside. Kim Lien Pagoda still retains a large number of precious statues, with common features that they all have the famous craving style of 18th and 19th centuries.

The blue skies, as well as the mild temperature, are perfect for exploring Hanoi’s many attractions by foot too. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake or the One Pillar Pagoda, besides whetting the appetite on some of the most sumptuous foods of Hanoi. A cup of hot coffee with noodles is just the right thing for a chilly evening. You can look forward to the Annual Flower Festival that takes place in the last week of December. The Tet Festival may fall at the end of January, depending on the dates of the lunar calendar. #tet #foodie #hoankiemlake #hanoi

The Eastern & Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlour Among the many buildings overlooking the West Lake, this is a cafe that exudes an oriental feel, but it also sells American-style cakes, so it's a perfect fusion. ㅎㅎ The cakes were so delicious and I wanted to try them all, but the Americano didn't taste good. ㅠㅠ I saw someone drinking drip, and the drip looked more delicious... Address: 46 P. Quảng An, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Average price per person: 1 million to 2 million dong Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Hanoi #VietnamTravel #HotPlace #CafeRecommendation #RestaurantExploration

Winter in Hanoi Vietnam always evokes very unique emotions in everyone, with features that are hard to find elsewhere, from cold weather to attractive specialties. This is also an occasion for many impressive sights and events that you should not miss, imbued with the most traditional and soulful beauty of this ancient capital. It can be said that winter is one of the most beautiful times for you to visit Hanoi.

#2023travelwish Getting There - five minutes walking from the Quan Thanh Temple Attractions - walking around the lake is such a beautiful experience, delicious restaurants, cafes, a small park in where locals do sports and play chess Food & Restaurants - seafood restaurants are nearby, but my favorite is: Bún Thái Hải sản 131 P. Trúc Bạch, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam And the Highlands Cafe by the lake, is just lovely 😍 Shopping - some shops around, but not a lot of shopping areas #tripblazers #spooktaculartrip #fallingforfall #hanoi #vietnam #việtnam #vietnamtravel #vietnamcoffee #lake #campingglamping #本地遊 #urbanexplorer

When you are in Hanoi don’t miss out to check out the amazing west lake with it’s beautiful reflection of the sunlight just before the sun goes down. The view is magnificent. It is a great idea to walk around the lake. The lake is strategically located in the center of the capital city. There are many shops and bars around where you can grab a tea coffe or cocktail #tripblazers

One of the happiest moments was when I was with my lover riding a motorbike around West Lake in the early afternoon, we bought a bouquet of flowers at the beginning of Thanh Nien street, then bought a flower ball and took pictures on Phan Dinh Phung street 😍 #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie

Photos of hanging out, eating, and drinking with friends immediately reminded me of West Lake In Hanoi, if you don't sit in cafes by the lake, it's a huge, huge regret You should definitely try the cafes on Tu Hoa Street and enjoy the grilled food on To Ngoc Van Street! #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie

📍No. 88 D. Tô Ngọc Van, street, Tây Ho, Hanoi Thai restaurant located in Hanoi West Lake🍛 A place to enjoy Thai food in Hanoi The taste is good and the atmosphere is clean Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Address: 22 Phố Quảng Khanh, Quảng An, Tây Ho, Hanoi Asian fusion restaurant🍽 The dining on the 6th floor rooftop is really nice with a view of the lake. The food is varied and delicious!!😋 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the area where most expats live and hangout so there is a lot to do as far as restaurants and stores and hotels. Nice area to walk around and get a feel for lifestyle. #lakeview #westlake #happynewyear

Culture plays a big role in the cuisine of a country, and this is also rather apparent in Vietnam. From understanding the different ethnicity and culture from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, to mingling with the modern locals at West Lake, Hồ Tây. I get a glimpse of why their local cuisine is as such, and what are the local favourites! Locally fermented wines and grilled meat reminds me of the cultured past that Vietnam has. While the more popular Pho, fried food and pancake (Banh Xeo) felt like something i can relate better to! There's so much more that this country can offer, so to those travelling in Vietnam, explore beyond the common and be prepared to be blown away! #localfood #travel #museums #hanoi #vietnam #explorevn

There’s something about sipping coffee by the water, feeling the breeze, and watching the city slow down that makes it one of my favorite spots in Hanoi. It’s the perfect place for a morning stroll, a quiet moment with a book, or just aimlessly riding around on a motorbike, taking in the view. Evenings here are just as magical. The golden sunset over the lake, the glow of city lights reflecting on the water—no wonder it’s a go-to dating spot for locals. I’ve lost count of how many couples I’ve seen sitting by the shore, sharing a drink, or just enjoying the view together. I also love how the area is full of life beyond the lake. From boutique shops to bustling markets, there's always something to explore. And since it’s popular with expats, the food scene is incredibly diverse—whether I’m craving local phở or a cozy international café, I can always find something great. For me, West Lake is more than just a place to visit—it’s a little escape in the middle of the city, and I never get tired of coming back. #hanoi #vietnam #explorevn

Hanoi's **West Lake (Hồ Tây)** is the largest freshwater lake in the city, offering a serene escape from urban bustle while showcasing local culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed guide to exploring this iconic destination: **Overview of West Lake** West Lake spans 500 hectares and is a hub for both locals and travelers. It’s a place where Hanoians socialize, exercise, and unwind, with scenic walking paths and lakeside cafés. The area is dotted with temples, pagodas, and luxury resorts, blending tradition with modernity . **Top Attractions Around West Lake** 1. **Tran Quoc Pagoda**: Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple (6th century), located on a small island in the lake. Its golden stupa and tranquil gardens make it a must-visit . 2. **Tay Ho Temple**: A sacred site dedicated to the Mother Goddess, where locals pray for luck and peace. The temple’s architecture and lakeside setting are captivating . 3. **Kim Lien Pagoda**: A 12th-century pagoda known for its intricate design and historical significance, reflecting Vietnam’s architectural heritage . 4. **Lotus Square**: A popular spot for sunset views and photography, especially when lotus flowers bloom in summer. **Activities & Experiences** - **Cycling or Motorbike Tours**: Rent a bike or join guided tours like the *Story of Hanoi Cycling Tour* to explore hidden alleys and lakeside paths . - **Sunset Jeep Tours**: Opt for a *Hanoi Sunset Highlights Tour* to witness the lake’s golden hour, paired with cultural performances like water puppet shows . - **Luxury Cruises**: Some hotels, like the InterContinental, offer sunset cruises or private dinners on the lake . - **Wellness Retreats**: Enjoy spa services or yoga sessions at lakeside resorts, such as the InterContinental’s wellness club . **Local Cuisine & Dining** - **Seafood Buffets**: Indulge in fresh seafood at *L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte*, a layered restaurant with panoramic views . - **Lakeside Cafés**: Sip Vietnamese coffee at quaint spots like *Sunset Bar* (InterContinental), famous for cocktails and lake vistas . - **Street Food**: Try local delicacies like *phở cuốn* (rice noodle rolls) from street vendors around the lake. **Accommodation Options** 1. **InterContinental Hanoi Westlake**: A luxury hotel with overwater pavilions, pools, and fine dining. Ideal for couples and business travelers . 2. **West Lake 254D Hotel & Residence**: Offers apartment-style stays with kitchens and lake-view balconies, perfect for families . 3. **Hanoi Westlake Phuong Anh Hotel**: A budget-friendly option near the lake, providing basic amenities and easy access to attractions . **Travel Tips** - **Best Time to Visit**: Spring (March–April) for mild weather and blooming flowers, or autumn (September–November) for clear skies. - **Transportation**: Rent a car with a driver or use ride-hailing apps. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttles . - **Cultural Etiquette**: Dress modestly when visiting temples, and remove shoes before entering pagodas. #travel #vietnam #hanoi #lakes

Catch the sunsets at Hanoi Tay Ho Lake, where there are many cafes for you to sit back and relax while enjoying the view. Cafes are really famous in Vietnam, and their coffee is one of the best around the world! if you are not a fan of coffee, many other famous drinks such as matcha and tea are equally as good! My recommendations would definitely be the coconut coffee and salted coffee

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Seoho Lake Park was really great for a walk! It was really great to take a walk around the lake! And it was great to be able to ride a duck boat nearby, and there were a lot of great restaurants and cafes, so it was a really great place! It was really great to ride a bike or run around the lake.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Seoho Lake Park was really great for a walk! It was really great to take a walk around the lake💛! And it was great that you could ride a duck boat nearby, and there were a lot of good restaurants and cafes, so it was a really great place! If you ever travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, go for a walk around Seoho Lake.

hanoi is the best place to go for culture place and old town. the vibes is do calm and relaxing, but the traffic is so wow haha. i hope i can go again there😁

The short holiday is here! Want to explore Vietnam? Check out this super practical 8-day travel guide that will help you navigate Vietnam and avoid common pitfalls! -------- Vietnam, a shining pearl of Southeast Asia 💎, borders China to the north and the South China Sea to the south. With a rich history and picturesque scenery🌴, it's known as the "Paris of the East." Don't miss the magnificent seascape of Ha Long Bay 🌊 and its charming beaches! -------- 🛫Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Nanning and prepare to embark on your Vietnam adventure! DAY 2: Play on Bailang Beach -> Visit the No. 5 Boundary Marker of Qinzhou, Qing Dynasty, and experience the traces of history. DAY 3: Stroll along the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge, a testament to the friendship between the two countries. DAY 4: Experience Vietnamese culture at Ba Dinh Square -> Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum -> Admire the beautiful scenery of West Lake in Hanoi and enjoy some leisure time. DAY 5: Explore the wonders of Titop Island -> Visit the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and marvel at nature's wonders. DAY 6: Depart from Ha Long, pass through Dongxing, and arrive at Shuolong/Xialei, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. DAY 7: Visit the spectacular Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area -> Experience the tranquil idyllic life of Mingshi Village and enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside. DAY 8: End your pleasant Vietnam trip and head home🏠. -------- Travel Checklist:🧳 📞 Prepare a phone card. You can buy one locally in Vietnam for easy communication. 🔌 Plug adapter: Vietnamese sockets may be different from those used where you live. 🪪 Don't forget your documents. Bring your passport and visa. 👕 Clothing: Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are sufficient, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. 🎩 Hat and sunglasses: Be sure to take sun protection measures. 🔋 Charger and power bank: Keep your phone charged while you're out and about. 💰 A small amount of cash: It may be needed in some places. These are the essential items for your trip to Vietnam! 🎉 -------- Vietnam Trip: Leave your footprints and stories here. Looking forward to seeing you again! 👋

Strolling north from the old town towards the West Lake, the Tran Quoc Temple is said to be the oldest temple in Vietnam. Fortunately, we entered before the lunch break at 11 o'clock. The Bodhi tree in the temple is said to be cut from the one where Sakyamuni attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. It is very precious. There is also a newly built red pagoda with 11 floors in the square outside the temple. It is very beautiful for taking pictures with the West Lake. The West Lake is very large and you can take a small walk along it. #JanuaryGoodPlaces2025

#vietnamtrip Hanoi is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Here’s why you’ll love this vibrant city! 🏯 Historic Wonders – Walk through the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, and admire the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 🥢 Food Paradise – Savor legendary Pho 🍜, crispy Banh Mi 🥖, and sweet Egg Coffee ☕. Every bite is a delight! 🚲 Bustling Streets – Hop on a scooter or take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s lively markets and hidden alleys. 🌿 Serene Escapes – Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake 🏞️ or explore the peaceful West Lake for a scenic break. 🎭 Rich Culture – Watch a water puppet show 🎎, explore museums, and soak in the artistic vibes at local galleries. ⭐ Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Sep-Nov) or Spring (Mar-Apr) for the best weather! 💰 Budget-Friendly: Street food and local experiences make it an affordable adventure! #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #staycation #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes

Don’t miss this family trip to Vietnam! Guilin on the sea in Halong Bay has endless scenery, and Nha Trang is free to explore and has a lot of fun. Come with your baby! / Vietnam has a profound historical heritage and many historic sites, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Confucius. The scenery is beautiful, and the seaside scenery of Halong Bay is intoxicating. The regional customs are unique and the Vietnamese coffee is fragrant and unforgettable. / 🛤️Itinerary: Day 1: Shanghai - Ho Chi Minh City On the departure day, fly to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare to start your trip to Vietnam! Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee – Saigon Central Post Office – Ho Chi Minh City Art Museum – Tan Dinh Church – Thean Hou Temple Take an in-depth tour of Ho Chi Minh City, feel the blend of history and modernity, and appreciate the unique customs of southern Vietnam. Day 3: White Sand Dunes – Red Sand Dunes – Fairy Creek Visit the magical sand dunes of Mui Ne, experience the wonderful combination of desert and ocean, and then stroll along the Fairy Creek to feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. Day 4: Nha Trang Cathedral - Po Nagar Cham Pagoda - Chung Island Stone Cape Head to Nha Trang to visit the ancient cathedral and explore the relics of the Cham culture, then head to Chong Island Rock Cape to enjoy the stunning sea views and sunset. Day 5: Nha Trang Free day to enjoy the sun, beach and leisure time in Nha Trang! Day 6: Nha Trang - Hanoi - Ha Long Head to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of northern Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to Halong Bay, ready to explore this world-famous natural wonder. Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi West Lake - Hoan Kiem Lake - Ba Dinh Square - Ho Chi Minh's former residence - One Pillar Pagoda Visit the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay, then return to Hanoi to visit famous attractions such as West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake to experience Vietnam's history and cultural heritage. Day 8: Hanoi-Shanghai After a pleasant trip to Vietnam, we set off from Hanoi back to Shanghai. / Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Ho Chi Minh City Art Museum Ho Chi Minh Museum of Art, a gathering place of art treasures! There are precious works from various periods here. It is of great significance to bring your children to have an art edification, which can be enjoyed by both parents and children. 🏜️ Red Sand Dunes Red Sand Dunes is more than just sandboarding fun! Deserts, lakes and tropical jungles provide a panoramic view of the triple beauty. It’s endless fun for families and children to travel together and experience the wonders of nature. / Some tips: 🛫 Airport transportation: Nha Trang Airport is far away from the city. It is recommended to depart 3 hours in advance to avoid missing the plane~ 💸 Currency exchange rate: The exchange rate between Vietnamese Dong and RMB fluctuates greatly. It is recommended to exchange locally or withdraw cash at an ATM. 📒 Visa information: Vietnam visas include separate paper visas, electronic visas and visas on arrival. You can choose according to your needs. It is safer to apply in advance! 🎁 Prices of specialty products: Vietnamese cashew nuts, mung bean cakes and other specialties are affordable and suitable for taking home as souvenirs~ / Travel to Vietnam and experience the different exotic customs. I hope you can also leave your own beautiful memories in this magical land! 🌟

#favouritecafe The Waffle House has a true West Lake vibe, so I really like it, especially when working. However, when I first entered the shop, the smell of strawberries and apricots was quite strong, this problem needs to be fixed by the shop's kitchen exhaust area. I went on a weekday afternoon and found it quite deserted, so I enjoyed sitting even more. The waffle shop should sell many different types of waffles from savory to sweet. After eating and drinking, I chose a sweet waffle Chocolate Sweet Waffle a chocolate waffle served with chocolate mousse, chocolate sauce and chocolate crumbs, very delicious, chef kisses and all. I wanted to try other types but when I came today, the ice cream cabinet was broken so I couldn't serve it. I promise to come back next time to have a light brunch with savory waffles (because I saw the menu had fried chicken waffles. Address: 164 TU HOA, TAY HO, HA NOI

Hey guys! Here's a 4-day Vietnam itinerary that covers all the popular attractions and helps you avoid any pitfalls! This is all you need for a stress-free trip! -------------------- Vietnam is a country with a rich history and stunning scenery🌴. From ancient imperial cities to charming coastal towns, every place has a story to tell. Visit Vietnam to experience its unique exotic charm🎭 and make your trip a journey through time. -------------------- 🎉Itinerary: Day 1: Friendship Pass Scenic Area Explore the traces of history at Friendship Pass on the China-Vietnam border and admire the majesty and charm of this ancient pass. Day 2: West Lake, Hanoi Stroll along the shores of West Lake in Hanoi, enjoy the shimmering beauty of the lake, and savor the tranquility and comfort of the moment. Day 3: Ha Long Bay Set sail to explore the magical beauty of Ha Long Bay, admire the diverse rock formations, and marvel at the wonders of nature. Day 4: Return to Friendship Pass Scenic Area Visit Friendship Pass again for an in-depth experience of border culture and create unforgettable memories. -------------------- Tips: - Exchange rate: The exchange rate of Vietnamese dong to Chinese yuan is about 3,500:1. Make sure to calculate in advance to avoid overspending💰. - Time difference: Vietnam is 1 hour behind Beijing time. Adjust to the time difference to enjoy your trip⏰. - Visa: Apply for a Vietnam visa in advance for a hassle-free trip📖. -------------------- Like and save this post for your Vietnam trip!🌴✨ Bring this guide with you and start your Vietnam journey!🎉

Colorful and cute bouquets are piled up on bicycles and motorbikes. There are various flowers such as roses, gypsophila, and lotus 🪷🌹🌻🪻🌼 It is also a popular photo spot for tourists, but you can also buy flowers in Hanoi here. 🕰️Please be careful as they come out after it cools down in summer and on hot days. 📍There are many on the street where Chùa Trấn Quốc Temple is located in Hố Tây, West Lake. 📍You can also find them around Ly Tu Trong Park Vườn hoa Lý Tự Trọng. #hanoi #vietnam #asia #Hanoi #Vietnam #Flowers #Overseas travel #Asia travel #Overseas life #100 travel styles

#October travel support event #Happy time #Vietnam Hanoi Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and is attractive for its rich history and culture. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature. Don't miss out on the delicious street food!

Besides Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi also has a very beautiful West Lake. In the afternoon, going out to watch the sunset and eat ice cream is very happy #hotayhanoi