West Lake
Hanoi's largest natural lake, covering about 500 hectares. It is thought to be a remnant of an old channel of the Red River. Historic sites such as Trấn Quốc Pagoda stand on its shores.
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The waters of West Lake and the city
Guide text
Short guide (~1 min)
In front of you is West Lake, Hồ Tây, the largest natural lake in Hanoi at about 500 hectares. It is thought to have once been part of the Red River. Trấn Quốc Pagoda stands on an island in the lake. Legends tell of a golden buffalo and a nine-tailed fox. The name West Lake dates from 1573, chosen to avoid an emperor's personal name.
Full guide (~3 min)
In front of you is West Lake, or Hồ Tây, the largest natural lake in Hanoi at about 500 hectares.
Geological studies suggest that the lake was once part of the Red River and was left behind when the river changed course. It still has a curved, horseshoe-like shape.
Several legends explain its origin. In one, a nine-tailed fox spirit lived in a cave here, and the Dragon King raised the waters to destroy it, leaving a deep lake. In another, the monk Minh Không cast a great bell; a golden buffalo came looking for the bell, the ground sank, and water filled the hollow. These are folk legends.
The lake's name has also changed. In the 11th century it was called Dâm Đàm, the Misty Lake. In 1573 it was renamed Tây Hồ, West Lake, to avoid the personal name of Emperor Lê Thế Tông, Duy Đàm.
Right beside it lies the smaller Trúc Bạch Lake, separated from West Lake by a dyke in the 17th century. Thanh Niên Road, running between the two lakes, was built on that dyke in 1957 and 1958.
Historic sites line the shores, including Trấn Quốc Pagoda on its island, Quán Thánh Temple and Phủ Tây Hồ. Today the shores are also a popular place to relax, with gardens, hotels and restaurants. Take a slow stroll and enjoy the view of the lake.
Practical info
- Opening hours
- Being verified
- Admission
- Being verified
- Suggested time
- 60 min
Etiquette
- When visiting the temples and shrines around the lake, cover your shoulders and knees.
- Take your litter with you and do not throw anything into the lake.
