HO TAY Lake in Hanoi (West Lake) — TIPS

History of Ho Tay Lake (West Lake) in Hanoi:

• • West Lake, or Ho Tay in Vietnamese, is a large freshwater lake located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, charming gardens, and pagodas, making it one of the most scenic spots in the city. The lake has a long and fascinating history, dating back over a thousand years.
  • According to legend, West Lake was formed when a dragon princess named Au Co fell in love with a Vietnamese king named Lac Long Quan. The couple had 100 children, and each of them was given a piece of land to rule over. Au Co took her children to the area that is now West Lake, where she created a beautiful kingdom. The lake was formed from the tears of the dragon princess as she left her children behind.
  • In reality, West Lake was formed naturally from the Red River, which flows through Hanoi. Over time, sedimentation caused the river to widen and create the lake. The lake was a popular spot for fishing and recreation among the locals, and it was also used for irrigation and transportation.

During the Ly dynasty, the lake was renamed “West Lake”.

• • In the 11th century, during the Ly dynasty, the lake was renamed “West Lake” to distinguish it from another lake in the east of the city. The Ly dynasty also built several temples and pagodas around the lake, including Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is considered one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.
• • During the subsequent dynasties, the lake became a popular destination for leisure activities among the royal court and the wealthy citizens of Hanoi. Many elegant villas, gardens, and palaces were built around the lake, and it became a symbol of Hanoi’s beauty and culture.
• • However, the lake was also the site of several battles and conflicts throughout history. During the French colonial period, the French built several military installations around the lake, including a prison and a fort, which were later used by the Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War.

BOOK a TOUR / TICKETS in Hanoi ➜

Ho Tay Lake in Hanoi (Ho Tay district) can be a good place to avoid city hustle.

• • Ho Tay Lake in Hanoi can be a good place to avoid city hustle. Hanoi is a big city and a busy place where large numbers of motorbikes and cars drive mainly in the city center. Even so, there are, of course, places in Hanoi where you can avoid the rush. One of these places is the largest lake near the center of Hanoi – Ho Tay Lake (or also known as West Lake). The southern part of Ho Tay Lake is located just about 2.5 km from the most famous lake in the heart of Hanoi – Hoan Kiem Lake, and so it is very easily accessible from the center.

Previously, instead of several fishing villages, now a place for relaxation.

• • A few years ago, there were a few small local fishing villages, but nowadays this site has changed considerably, and some luxury hotels (mostly in the northeastern part of the lake) have been built around the lake, offering views of the lake, modern accommodation units, apartments restaurants, cafes, bars and / also a large modern water theme park full of attractions or the Saturday flea market. You can also visit some of the older preserved smaller pagodas or buddhist temples around the lake.

The most significant historical monument at the Ho Tay Lake – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

• • Ho Tay Lake was previously an important historical part of Hanoi, some of the Buddhist palaces and temples are preserved today, such as the famous and oldest pagoda in Hanoi – Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is also easily accessible from the center of Hanoi. So if you head out from the center, it is a good idea to join this trip from the most important historical monument in Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, just 1 km from the southern part of the lake. You can also go to Vietnam Military History Museum.

Water theme park full of attractions and weekend Saturday flea market.

• • In the northernmost part of Ho Tay Lake you can visit a water theme park, as well as a Saturday flea market where you can buy almost everything and mostly in the southern part there are various restaurants of various cuisines. However, cafes and the other smaller restaurants are all around the lake. In the south-eastern part of the lake there are some luxurious hotels and modern apartments with lake views.

BOOK your HOTEL in Hanoi ➜

Do you want to go round the Ho Tay Lake? Prepare for a 15-17 km long route.

• • Whether you explore this place anyway, on foot, on a bike or scooter, get ready for a 15-17 km long route. So if you go on foot and stop at various places on the way or refresh, count at least one full day. The best and the most fast-paced choice is probably to rent a bicycle. It just depends on how long you spend and what you want to see there. Ho Tay Lake is about 2 km from the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Interesting places at the Ho Tay Lake:

• • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (+ Ho Chi Minh Museum & Stillt house)
  • Ho Chi Minh´s House + Presidential Palace
  • Botanical garden in the southern part of the lake
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda (+ another smaller pagodas or palaces around the lake)
  • Quan Thanh Palace
  • Museum of Literature, Infantry Museum
  • Water theme park in the northern part (www.congvienhotay.vn)
  • Saturday flea market

❓ West Lake (Ho Tay): FAQ & Visitor Tips

BOOK your HOTEL in Hanoi ➜

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Hanoi ➜

Ha Giang – Travel Guide ➜