West Lake – The biggest lake in Hanoi

The 500-hectare West Lake is a natural lake located northwest of Hanoi. Historical records show that the lake was once part of the Red River. It has had several names such as Dam Dam (Mist Lake), Kim Nguu (Golden Buffalo), and Xac Cao (Fox Corpse). Each name is associated with a legend. The surrounding road is picturesque and shaded by green trees all year round. When seen from above, West Lake is in the shape of a pincer. Thanh Nien road separates it and Truc Bach lake.     

West Lake is close to Hanoians’ hearts. Its beauty is made up of the crystal wavy water, giant purple crape-myrtle (bang lang) flowers, red flamboyant (phuong) flowers in summer, and falling willow branches.

What makes West Lake special is that its water changes color between green and gray depending on the weather. The lake becomes most beautiful probably when the sun goes down and street lights play their shadow upon the water.

The encircling road is packed with locals doing exercises at dusk and dawn, couples dating, and friends and families enjoying their recreation activities. Nguyen Tung Lam, who lives in Dong Da district, said “I have many fond memories of my youth associated with West Lake. My girlfriend and I used to walk and chat for hours on this road where there are many cafes and street food vendors. My friends and I can stay and enjoy for a whole night. I think West Lake is a special place to Hanoians, both young and old.”

There are numerous religious sites around West Lake such as Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, and Tay Ho pagoda. All are popular venues for local prayers during Tet holidays and the first and 15th days of a lunar month. People come to admire the Buddhist architectural style and pray for good luck and happiness.

Le Nhu Loan of Hoan Kiem district told VOV “Pagodas around West Lake are large and majestic. The fragrance of burning incense and pure air bring about the relaxation. I often see lots of foreigners and take photos with them everytime I go to these pagodas.”

The lake’s surrounding ponds are loved for its lotus flowers fully blossom in May and provide the ingredient for the famous West Lake lotus scented tea. It is also well-known for its many flower villages, such as Nghi Tam and Nhat Tan peach blossom.

Tran Thi Nga of Nhat Tan village said, “I, the daughter-in-law, follow my husband’s family business of peace blossom growing. People visit Nhật Tân village to enjoy the beautiful scenery, buy flowers, and take photos. Here it’s very cool because the village is close to West Lake.”

Visitors to tranquil West Lake, different from Hanoi’s busy center, can find an unusual peace of mind.