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6. West Lake

West Lake

Hanoi's largest
Published/Last edited or updated: 10th April, 2017

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Also known as Ho Tay or Lake of Mist, West Lake covers a sizeable part of northwest Hanoi and offers an array of attractions.

Travelfish says:

As well as escaping the busy streets of Hanoi, the lake provides an opportunity to watch fishermen at work, to see some very pretty temples—scattered around the shore—and to enjoy a coffee or beer while enjoying the breeze that comes across the lake (not so good on a cold and windy day, but lovely in summer). And the views across the lake on a sunny day are impressive.

According to legend, the lake was formed by the footprint of a golden calf running towards the sound of a giant bell. In its heyday, the lake was lined by royal palaces, which are now mostly gone and replaced by high-end housing and luxury hotels.

It's a 15-kilometre walk around the lake. Consider hiring a bicycle to circumnavigate the whole way—clockwise so avoiding the need to cross over too many roads—or do some of it on foot. Exploring a little, especially around the Sheraton and Intercontinental neighbourhoods, will have you stumble across cafes as well as streetside restaurants, and you'll see fishermen either patiently waiting for a catch, or in the lake itself. Watch out for the golf driving range; players whack their balls directly into the lake, where they fall into a large net that collects them all.

Around Truc Bach (the small lake to the southeast of West Lake) you'll spy lovers in swan boats; paddle steamers hosting weddings and parties; and teenagers eating ice cream. It's all overlooked by the Pan Pacific, where you can nip up for a sunset drink to get a view of it all in one eyeful. If heights aren't your think, try a sunset cocktail at the swish low-rise Intercontinental instead, ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 300 words.)