[2025 Hanoi Attraction] Travel Guide for West Lake (Updated Jul)

West Lake is one of the famous scenic spots of Hanoi capital, this is considered a "giant stage reflecting the clouds, sky and city landscape". The scenery along the West Lake is very poetic and dreamy. Surrounding the lake are tall, straight rows of green trees, flower beds, and green grass growing around, creating a special scene for West Lake. What makes West Lake special, distinguishing it from other lakes in Hanoi is not only the scenery but also the color of the water. The color of the water in each season changes magically and spectacularly according to the weather, sometimes blue, sometimes gray, sometimes bright, sometimes dark... And the scenery of West Lake becomes most brilliant and sublimated perhaps at that moment. At the end of the day - when the sunset falls covering the landscape, with the blur of the street lights on the water, creating an extremely fanciful and romantic scene.West Lake is located in the northwest of Hanoi, in Tay Ho district, about 11km from the center of the capital. This is the largest natural lake in Hanoi with an area of ​​up to 500 hectares and a circumference of about 14.8 km. Around West Lake is a green route, about 18km long. Previously, this place was part of the Red River, but after changing its stream, it stopped and became a large freshwater lake like today. West Lake has existed since the time of Hung Vuong, at that time it was called Lam Ap wharf - a wharf bordering the Red River. By the Ly and Tran dynasties, West Lake had become a scenic spot only for kings and lords to vacation. Around the lake, there are many palaces and architectural works such as Thuy Hoa Palace of Ly Dynasty (now becoming the area of ​​Tran Quoc Pagoda), Tu Hoa Palace of Ly Dynasty (now Kim Lien Pagoda) and Thuy Chuong Palace of Le Dynasty (now known as Thuy Chuong Palace of Le Dynasty). currently Chu Van An school). Currently, West Lake is one of the famous and popular tourist destinations in Hanoi. Through many periods and historical periods, West Lake has many different names, related to legends and folk stories. Some other names of West Lake can be mentioned such as: Sac Cao lagoon, Kim Nguu lake, Lang Bac, Dam Dam, Tay Ho, Doai Ho ... #trip #vietnam

Kim Lien Pagoda is located at Nghi Tam, Quang An, Tay Ho, is just outside the main gate of Intercontinental Hanoi West Lake. It is open daily from 0800-1700. With a history of more than 500 years, and is ranked in the list of 10 most unique ancient relics in Vietnam. The temple was built on the foundation of the Ly Dynasty Tu Hoa Palace in an area used as a royal silk farm. The current temple was reconstructed in 1771-1792. Stepping through the Tam Quan Gate, you will have to pass through a beautiful courtyard before going deep inside. Kim Lien Pagoda still retains a large number of precious statues, with common features that they all have the famous craving style of 18th and 19th centuries.

The blue skies, as well as the mild temperature, are perfect for exploring Hanoi’s many attractions by foot too. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake or the One Pillar Pagoda, besides whetting the appetite on some of the most sumptuous foods of Hanoi. A cup of hot coffee with noodles is just the right thing for a chilly evening. You can look forward to the Annual Flower Festival that takes place in the last week of December. The Tet Festival may fall at the end of January, depending on the dates of the lunar calendar. #tet #foodie #hoankiemlake #hanoi

The Eastern & Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlour Among the many buildings overlooking the West Lake, this is a cafe that exudes an oriental feel, but it also sells American-style cakes, so it's a perfect fusion. ㅎㅎ The cakes were so delicious and I wanted to try them all, but the Americano didn't taste good. ㅠㅠ I saw someone drinking drip, and the drip looked more delicious... Address: 46 P. Quảng An, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Average price per person: 1 million to 2 million dong Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Hanoi #VietnamTravel #HotPlace #CafeRecommendation #RestaurantExploration

This is a brunch restaurant located in Hanoi's West Lake. I was so satisfied because they didn't spare mango in their mango smoothies and salads🥭 Address: No 52 Alley, 12 P. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 11207 Atmosphere/Facility: Hanoi Visual Restaurant Key Point: Mango Mango Mango Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭 #HanoiTravel #VietnamTravel #RestaurantExploration #HotPlace

#2023travelwish Getting There - five minutes walking from the Quan Thanh Temple Attractions - walking around the lake is such a beautiful experience, delicious restaurants, cafes, a small park in where locals do sports and play chess Food & Restaurants - seafood restaurants are nearby, but my favorite is: Bún Thái Hải sản 131 P. Trúc Bạch, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam And the Highlands Cafe by the lake, is just lovely 😍 Shopping - some shops around, but not a lot of shopping areas #tripblazers #spooktaculartrip #fallingforfall #hanoi #vietnam #việtnam #vietnamtravel #vietnamcoffee #lake #campingglamping #本地遊 #urbanexplorer

When you are in Hanoi don’t miss out to check out the amazing west lake with it’s beautiful reflection of the sunlight just before the sun goes down. The view is magnificent. It is a great idea to walk around the lake. The lake is strategically located in the center of the capital city. There are many shops and bars around where you can grab a tea coffe or cocktail #tripblazers

One of the happiest moments was when I was with my lover riding a motorbike around West Lake in the early afternoon, we bought a bouquet of flowers at the beginning of Thanh Nien street, then bought a flower ball and took pictures on Phan Dinh Phung street 😍 #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie

Photos of hanging out, eating, and drinking with friends immediately reminded me of West Lake In Hanoi, if you don't sit in cafes by the lake, it's a huge, huge regret You should definitely try the cafes on Tu Hoa Street and enjoy the grilled food on To Ngoc Van Street! #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie

West Lake in the afternoon. Feel the autumn of Hanoi, feel every space and time. I love Hanoi so much :) #nationalpark #本地遊 #awesomepic

📍No. 88 D. Tô Ngọc Van, street, Tây Ho, Hanoi Thai restaurant located in Hanoi West Lake🍛 A place to enjoy Thai food in Hanoi The taste is good and the atmosphere is clean Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Address: 22 Phố Quảng Khanh, Quảng An, Tây Ho, Hanoi Asian fusion restaurant🍽 The dining on the 6th floor rooftop is really nice with a view of the lake. The food is varied and delicious!!😋 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the area where most expats live and hangout so there is a lot to do as far as restaurants and stores and hotels. Nice area to walk around and get a feel for lifestyle. #lakeview #westlake #happynewyear

#summervacay I have had the opportunity to visit Milan many times in the past few years, not out of habit, but because every time I come, I feel light, comfortable and pleasant. The restaurant is located in the InterContinental Westlake hotel, with a beautiful lake view, an open space like a resort. At noon, sitting near the sunny window, at night, the shimmering lights reflecting on the water, just sitting still makes me feel comfortable. 😜 The food here is not too creative, but stable and easy to eat. I often look at the menu every time I come, but then I still come back to order familiar dishes because the feeling of "knowing what suits me" is sometimes a very unique experience: – Insalata Salad: full plate, fresh vegetables, harmonious sauce. – Beef carpaccio: tender meat, moderate flavor, beautifully presented and pleasant to eat. – The main dishes I usually choose are lamb chops marinated with herbs, pan-fried salmon or beef tenderloin steak, each dish has a round, light flavor, not too fussy but clear. – I have tried pasta and found it delicious, although I don't usually order it. Pizza, in my opinion, is not a strong point. – Dessert has cake and ice cream, just enough to end the meal in a sophisticated way. The service here is very stable, gentle & thoughtful. On special occasions such as birthdays, the restaurant often decorates the table very beautifully and gives small priorities to guests, no need to ask much, but always makes me feel appreciated. After dinner, I often go down to Sunset Bar, a floating bar on the lake with a beautiful sunset view, order a cocktail and relax a little more as a gentle end to the day. I am a PP member of InterContinental, so there are often small discounts. That's not why I wrote this article, it's just because I feel the cost here is quite reasonable for the space, service quality and relaxation I received. For 2 people, the bill after the promotion is usually around < 2 million. I don't write this article for PR or promotion, it's simply a personal sharing, for those who are looking for a place to eat well and relax. If you are looking for: - A quiet place, can see the lake - Beautiful space, suitable for private occasions, then Milan - InterContinental Westlake is an option you can consider.

#summervacay 🇮🇹 Italian-themed buffet at Layered – 21st floor, L7 Westlake Hanoi Hotel by Lotte 📍139 Vo Chi Cong, Tay Ho, Hanoi As an Italian food lover, I was quite surprised when I accidentally discovered that Layered has a themed buffet every day. The first impression is the space: located on the 21st floor, so the view is extremely airy, overlooking the whole city. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, the light is soft, and quiet, creating a relaxing feeling for a gentle evening. 🌟 About the food: The menu is not as extensive as traditional buffets, but the big plus is that every dish is delicious, authentic, and carefully prepared like an A La Carte dish in an Italian restaurant. • 🥩 Steak: There are both dishes served at the table and steak on the buffet line. The meat is soft, fragrant, and even when cold, it still retains its delicious taste - which is quite rare. • 🦐 Grilled seafood: Including scallops, shrimp, mussels... grilled just right, keeping the sweetness, not dry. Scallops are the highlight, lightly buttery, juicy. • 🍝 Italian dishes: • Thin crust pizza, moderate filling, true Italian style. • Spaghetti is not too impressive. • In return, there is meatball with rich tomato sauce, fragrant with herbs. • Tomato soup is also delicious, very suitable with toasted bread. • 🥓 Korean food corner: There is grilled pork belly, many types of kimchi and a pot of white rice - the standard Korean style of eating rice with grilled food, creating a very everyday feeling. • 🍣 Sushi: Full of types from maki to nigiri, although not too special but a light choice to change the taste. • 🥗 Salad: Mediterranean style - lots of greens, olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, light sour sauce - very balanced taste. • 🍰 Dessert: Mousse, tart, ice cream, sweet soup... beautifully presented, moderate taste, not too sweet. This part is really worth trying. I also drank a bottle of wine - light, easy to drink, making the overall dinner more complete. 💁♀️ About the service: The staff is pleasant, understanding of the guests, serving dishes at the table politely, delicately, and quickly. 💰 Price: 799,000++/person - with the overall experience from food, space to service, I find it completely reasonable. ✨ Conclusion: If you love Italian food and want to find a private, gentle space, with properly invested food and quality service - Layered 7 Westlake is worth a try. I will definitely come back for the French-themed buffet or seafood on weekends.

#Emotional Accommodation 🏡 The Hota Village (“The Hota House”) – Guide to West Lake Healing Stay 📍 Location & Transportation • Address: 6 Ngõ24 PhốPhúThượng, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội — About 3½km from West Lake  . • Accessibility: About 10 minutes by taxi/Grab Bike, there are many healing spaces such as lakeside promenades, trendy cafes, and temples around, making it a perfect accommodation + walking course. ⸻ 🛏️ Accommodation Composition & Main Amenities • Composition: One-room/apartment style for 1~3 people, including bedroom, living room, kitchen, and balcony or terrace (). • Amenities: • Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV • Kitchen (equipped with dishes, refrigerator, and washing machine) • Free bicycles (available for lake bike tours), free parking, elevator . • Shared terrace, daily housekeeping, paid airport shuttle (). 🌿 Recommended usage tips 1. Seoho walk + breakfast combination: After biking around the lake in the morning, start your day leisurely with a cup of coffee in the accommodation kitchen. 2. Quiet work-life balance accommodation: Weekdays and early check-in are recommended. It is quiet during the day and good for viewing the night view of the lakeside. 3. Long-term stays: Free washing machine and kitchen are fully equipped, so it is good to cook yourself. 4. Terrace & bike time: Leisurely tea time on the sunny and shaded balcony, and possible to ride the lake with the accommodation bike (). ⸻ 📝 Emotional Experience Review “The espresso I had on my balcony with the wood grain was like bringing the morning sunlight and the scenery of Seoho into the house. In the living room, I read a book quietly, and in the evening, I took a walk around the lake and rode a bike freely. Thanks to the modern and clean space, I experienced true healing as a ‘small forest house in the city’ 😊”

#5月好去处2025 There are many cafes and small restaurants by the lake. I chose a lake view cafe with a nice view. I sat by the window, drank Vietnamese coffee, and watched the sunset slowly fall into the lake. That moment was really healing. The breeze blew gently, making people almost forget the passage of time. Although this trip to West Lake was only a short stay, it made me feel a different side of Hanoi. It is not only a leisure place for Hanoi people, but also a space where you can talk to yourself. If I have the opportunity to come to Hanoi again next time, I will definitely visit West Lake again, sit quietly for an afternoon, do nothing, just feel the rare tranquility and leisure.

Blue Bloa Coffee & Eatery is definitely the most kid friendly cafe I've seen. The decorations look cute and interesting, with vibrant colours and unique designs. At the edge of West Lake, it definitely is a good place for families to relax after strolling along the lake. Most importantly is the second floor of the cafe, which is entirely a playroom for kids. Being able to fit more than 30 kids, the parents can leave their kids to enjoy upstairs safely while they mingle on the first floor. The cafe serves foods & drinks and is definitely perfect for a day out with the family. Address⬇️ Blue Bloa Coffee & Eatery 24 P. Quảng An, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam #afternoonteatime #cafe #explorevn #hiddengems #hanoi

Pan Pacific Hanoi 📍Location 1 Đ. Thanh Niên, Road, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam A 5-star hotel with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering stunning views of West Lake! As a frequent visitor to Pan Pacific hotels, I can confidently say this is one of the most charming hotels in Hanoi. Being the tallest building in the area, it provides breathtaking views of West Lake and the cityscape. I visited Pan Pacific Hanoi during the Christmas season in December to enjoy a Southeast Asian Christmas, and I’d love to share my experience at this luxurious 5-star hotel. First, the lobby is incredibly spacious. The hotel features restaurants and cafes operated by Pan Pacific, blending traditional Vietnamese ambiance with modern and elegant 5-star interiors. The staff were exceptionally attentive, opening doors, carrying luggage, and greeting guests with genuine smiles every morning. Their service was impeccable. During my stay, the lobby was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree, adding to the festive atmosphere. It was my first time celebrating Christmas in Southeast Asia, and Pan Pacific Hanoi made it a truly memorable and delightful experience. Let me introduce the room conditions! Although the weather was a bit cloudy in December, the view of Hanoi’s cityscape and West Lake was still stunning. The unobstructed panoramic view was mesmerizing, and simply sitting on the bed and gazing at the scenery felt like half the success of my Hanoi trip. The hotel truly lives up to its reputation as a prime spot for enjoying Hanoi’s views. The bedding was incredibly soft and cozy, with the room meticulously cleaned and organized. The room also featured a sofa and table, making it even more comfortable. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a clean and luxurious design featuring marble accents and a spacious bathtub—perfect for a relaxing staycation. The amenities were from Balmain, and the hotel provided plenty of bottled water, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience. The nighttime view from the hotel was stunning as well. With numerous restaurants and tourist attractions nearby, it felt safe to explore the area even late at night. Pan Pacific Hanoi is truly a gem for nighttime sightseeing. Although I didn’t use the swimming pool, it was spacious and clean. The rooftop bar on the top floor offered a fantastic atmosphere, where I enjoyed cocktails while admiring Hanoi’s city lights. Additionally, the hotel has a convenience store and souvenir shop on the ground floor, making it easy to enjoy a complete staycation without leaving the premises. Why not plan your next vacation in Hanoi, Vietnam, and indulge in a luxurious staycation at Pan Pacific Hanoi?

West Lake in Hanoi in autumn is the best place you can watch sunset. Also, if you are a big fan of milk tea, make sure you try Phe La - a Vietnamese brand.

Hanoi's West Lake (Hồ Tây) is the largest freshwater lake in the city, offering a serene escape from urban bustle while showcasing local culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed guide to exploring this iconic destination: Overview of West Lake West Lake spans 500 hectares and is a hub for both locals and travelers. It’s a place where Hanoians socialize, exercise, and unwind, with scenic walking paths and lakeside cafés. The area is dotted with temples, pagodas, and luxury resorts, blending tradition with modernity . Top Attractions Around West Lake 1. Tran Quoc Pagoda: Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple (6th century), located on a small island in the lake. Its golden stupa and tranquil gardens make it a must-visit . 2. Tay Ho Temple: A sacred site dedicated to the Mother Goddess, where locals pray for luck and peace. The temple’s architecture and lakeside setting are captivating . 3. Kim Lien Pagoda: A 12th-century pagoda known for its intricate design and historical significance, reflecting Vietnam’s architectural heritage . 4. Lotus Square: A popular spot for sunset views and photography, especially when lotus flowers bloom in summer. Activities & Experiences - Cycling or Motorbike Tours: Rent a bike or join guided tours like the Story of Hanoi Cycling Tour to explore hidden alleys and lakeside paths . - Sunset Jeep Tours: Opt for a Hanoi Sunset Highlights Tour to witness the lake’s golden hour, paired with cultural performances like water puppet shows . - Luxury Cruises: Some hotels, like the InterContinental, offer sunset cruises or private dinners on the lake . - Wellness Retreats: Enjoy spa services or yoga sessions at lakeside resorts, such as the InterContinental’s wellness club . Local Cuisine & Dining - Seafood Buffets: Indulge in fresh seafood at L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte, a layered restaurant with panoramic views . - Lakeside Cafés: Sip Vietnamese coffee at quaint spots like Sunset Bar (InterContinental), famous for cocktails and lake vistas . - Street Food: Try local delicacies like phở cuốn (rice noodle rolls) from street vendors around the lake. Accommodation Options 1. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake: A luxury hotel with overwater pavilions, pools, and fine dining. Ideal for couples and business travelers . 2. West Lake 254D Hotel & Residence: Offers apartment-style stays with kitchens and lake-view balconies, perfect for families . 3. Hanoi Westlake Phuong Anh Hotel: A budget-friendly option near the lake, providing basic amenities and easy access to attractions . Travel Tips - Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) for mild weather and blooming flowers, or autumn (September–November) for clear skies. - Transportation: Rent a car with a driver or use ride-hailing apps. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttles . - Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples, and remove shoes before entering pagodas. #travel #vietnam #hanoi #westlake

#earthdayjourney May to July every year is the time when lotus blooms most in all the lagoons around Hanoi, especially in Nhat Tan and Tay Ho areas. Amidst the dark green of the leaves, each early-season lotus flower shows off its gentle, beautiful pink and white colors. According to some pond owners, this year the lotus season is good, blooming earlier, the flowers are also bigger and more beautiful. In mid-May, many young people did not mind the long distance or the "burning" heat to come to the lotus pond to take photos. Booths renting costumes such as ao dai, ao yem, ao tu than, accessories such as fans, scarves, conical hats, makeup services... have been very profitable.

Today I decided to go on a proper city walk and made it all the way around West Lake (Tay Ho) — the largest lake in Hanoi. And let me tell you, it was over 10 kilometers of urban mindfulness in motion. 🔄 Why You Should Do It at Least Once 1. Because West Lake is Hanoi without the rush. No Old Quarter chaos, less noise, more space and calm. 2. Because every turn reveals a new vibe — from luxury villas and cozy cafés to quiet temples and peaceful waterside corners. 3. Because it’s a great way to see a different side of the city — raw and real, with joggers, monks, elderly locals feeding the fish, and daily life unfolding in slow motion. 🥥 What You’ll Find Along the Way 📍 Tons of charming cafés where you can take a break and enjoy egg coffee with a lake view. 📍 Hidden pagodas and small temples — I stumbled upon one mid-ceremony and stood there in total silence, just absorbing the moment. 📍 Benches, fishermen, waterside paths, even outdoor gyms — life by the lake moves gently and unhurriedly. 🏃♂️ Tips if You Want to Walk the Whole Loop: 🔹 Mornings are best — cooler, quieter, and more refreshing. 🔹 Bring water and wear good shoes — the distance is no joke. 🔹 Don’t rush it — go slow, pause often, watch, feel, breathe. This walk didn’t just add steps to my daily count — it gave me time to think, reflect, and just be. Sometimes, it’s the simplest journeys that leave the deepest impressions. #Hanoi #TayHo #WestLake #CityWalk #DigitalNomad #SlowTravel

Culture plays a big role in the cuisine of a country, and this is also rather apparent in Vietnam. From understanding the different ethnicity and culture from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, to mingling with the modern locals at West Lake, Hồ Tây. I get a glimpse of why their local cuisine is as such, and what are the local favourites! Locally fermented wines and grilled meat reminds me of the cultured past that Vietnam has. While the more popular Pho, fried food and pancake (Banh Xeo) felt like something i can relate better to! There's so much more that this country can offer, so to those travelling in Vietnam, explore beyond the common and be prepared to be blown away! #localfood #travel #museums #hanoi #vietnam #explorevn

There’s something about sipping coffee by the water, feeling the breeze, and watching the city slow down that makes it one of my favorite spots in Hanoi. It’s the perfect place for a morning stroll, a quiet moment with a book, or just aimlessly riding around on a motorbike, taking in the view. Evenings here are just as magical. The golden sunset over the lake, the glow of city lights reflecting on the water—no wonder it’s a go-to dating spot for locals. I’ve lost count of how many couples I’ve seen sitting by the shore, sharing a drink, or just enjoying the view together. I also love how the area is full of life beyond the lake. From boutique shops to bustling markets, there's always something to explore. And since it’s popular with expats, the food scene is incredibly diverse—whether I’m craving local phở or a cozy international café, I can always find something great. For me, West Lake is more than just a place to visit—it’s a little escape in the middle of the city, and I never get tired of coming back. #hanoi #vietnam #explorevn

Catch the sunsets at Hanoi Tay Ho Lake, where there are many cafes for you to sit back and relax while enjoying the view. Cafes are really famous in Vietnam, and their coffee is one of the best around the world! if you are not a fan of coffee, many other famous drinks such as matcha and tea are equally as good! My recommendations would definitely be the coconut coffee and salted coffee

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Seoho Lake Park was really great for a walk! It was really great to take a walk around the lake! And it was great to be able to ride a duck boat nearby, and there were a lot of great restaurants and cafes, so it was a really great place! It was really great to ride a bike or run around the lake.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Seoho Lake Park was really great for a walk! It was really great to take a walk around the lake💛! And it was great that you could ride a duck boat nearby, and there were a lot of good restaurants and cafes, so it was a really great place! If you ever travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, go for a walk around Seoho Lake.

hanoi is the best place to go for culture place and old town. the vibes is do calm and relaxing, but the traffic is so wow haha. i hope i can go again there😁