Known locally as (Hồ Tây) Tay Lake, the actual history of West Lake remains a mystery to this very day, though one legend claims that it was formed when the Dragon King Lac Long Quan drowned a wicked fox spirit with nine tails in his lair. Another folklore source claims that the lake was formed when a large Chinese buffalo mistakenly confused a pagoda temple bell with its mothers call and ran so fiercely into a small hollow that the lake was made.
The West Lake Hanoi (Ho Tay) is the largest lake of Hanoi, located in the North West of inner Hanoi with an area of about 500ha, a shoreline of 17 km. The West Lake Hanoi originally sited on the Red River, repeated flooding and erosion saw it relocated to its present site on Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) Islet near the south east shoreline of the lake.
Other name of West Lake Hanoi
The West Lake is also known as:
- Mù Sương Lake (Dâm Đàm – Foggy)
- Golden Buffalo Lake (Kim Ngưu lake)
- Đầm Xác Cáo (Fox Corpse Swamp)
Most attraction sites around West Lake Hanoi
The West Lake is bordered by several significant pagodas. Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda, was built in the 6th century and is located on an island in the middle of the West Lake, a beautiful setting. Tran Quoc Pagoda resides on a small island built by King Ly Nam De as a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagoda is particularly stunning when viewed early evening at sunset.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay Tran Quoc Pagoda4 Compressed
Further along the lake, Quan Thanh Temple, by the northern gate, was built during the reign of Le Thai To King (1010-1028). It’s dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vo, the god who reigned over Vietnam’s northern regions. Renovated in the 19th century, the impressive temple has a triple gate and courtyard, and features a 3.6m (12-ft.) bronze statue of the god. Quan Thanh Temple, which is located at the West Lake crossroads of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street. One of Vietnam’s ancient Four Sacred Temples built during the reign of King Ly Thai To from 1010 to 1028, the temple features detailed wood carvings of sacred animals, trees and flowers in its structure. Quan Thanh Temple is open for all to enter with sightseers encouraged to pray for health, luck and happiness during their visit.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay Quan Thanh Temple Compressed
Ho Tay Water Park (Westlake Water Park) is located inside the amusement park of West Lake Park, the water park is a modern entertainment complex where you will find water attractions like pools, slides and a lazy river, in total there are 10 state-of-the-art water features. The park is set in a green oasis 6 km north of Hanoi Old Quarter. The amusement park at the same location has fifteen different attractions and a games zone (Sun and Moon Park). You can also find a rollercoaster, pirate ship, UFO, Crazy Wave and a 60 metre high Ferris wheel. For the younger children there are driving carts, a bubble house, and bumping cars.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay7 Compressed
West Lake Hanoi is also a hub of local activity, particularly on weekends, when families go paddle-boating on it. Every morning, at dawn hundreds of people, both young and old find this place to inhale fresh air and exercise. Thanh Nien road is the gateway of the bicycles carrying flowers going into the heart of Hanoi.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay3 Compressed
West Lake Hanoi is a great place to unwind, sip a cup of coffee in a street side restaurant, enjoy the famous shrimp cake, eat a glass of ice cream; the luxury restaurants are located on the edge of the lake or in the middle of the lake, or on the yacht.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay5 Compressed
Hanoi West Lake The area to the south side of West Lake is the place to go for seafood bites with a whole street of seafood restaurants available to choose from. Heading north from West Lake is the residential and hotel part of the Tay Ho District.
Introduction West Lake Hanoi Ho Tay6 Compressed
Westlake Tay Ho Hotel is 0.9km to West Lake Water Park, 0.4 km to the second walking street (Trinh Cong Son street) – is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy a quiet retreat in Hanoi.
See more: All our rooms of Westlake Tay Ho Hotel
