West Lake is a top destination in Hanoi that you should visit when you visit the capital city.  Surrounding the lake, there is a solemn history, amazing activities and delicious street food. You surely have a memorable journey at West Lake. This guide will provide information about things to do at West Lake Hanoi. 

Overview of West Lake

The West Lake is located in the northwestern and the largest in Hanoi with the length of 17 km and 500 ha in area.  The lake is known for its Kim Nguu lake, Mu Suong lake, Xac Cao Pond. This name was tied to a legend of WestLake. 

Walk around the West Lake, you can easily see many historical sites, many hotels, restaurants built in Western. There are many songs, stories and poems of Vietnam telling about the West Lake. 

West Lake

What to do in West Lake?

Experience SUP boating in West Lake

Price: 200,000 vnd/half day from Monday to Friday and 250,000 vnd/half day on Saturday, Sunday. 

Excursion to the beauty of West Lake by SUP boarding ( Stand Up Paddle) is the best thing to do in West Lake. This water sport originates from Hawaii. The same of kayaking and canoeing, SUP boarding suits to try for newbies. 

You can play it with friends and stand, sit, and kneel on the paddleboard. Remember to wear a life jacket to ensure safety during the playing. 

Taking photos of flower garden at West Lake

Entrance fee:  80,000 VND/ticket for children and 120,000 VND/ticket for adults.

Near West Lake, there is a flower valley with a variety of seasonal flowers such as daisies, sunflowers, violets, catharanthus roses and daisies... 

If you want to come to Hanoi from September to March, don't forget to get Ho Tay flower Valley. Tourists may see thousands of flowers and have beautiful pictures with family. 

Walking around West Lake in Hanoi 

One of the best things to do in Hanoi, you should walk and cycle around Hanoi. Feeling the fresh air, observing the local life and trying street food on the way. It is easy to rent a bike in Hanoi if you find one. The price ranges from 50.000 vnd - 80.000 vnd/ 3 hours. 

The girl takes a photo at West Lake

Explore the Trinh Cong Son street

Located about 500m far away from West Lake, Trinh Cong Son street is the second pedestrian street in the capital  with 900 m long. Opening hours is on Friday and Sunday. 

More than 60 kiosks are designed following the ancient houses of Hanoi and Hoian. And you can enjoy the street foods along the street such as snail noodles, steamed rice or handicraft products.

Moreover, tourists can watch Vietnamese traditional music with the Trinh Cong Son's song or the puppet shows activities. 

Enjoy a cup of coffee at West Lake

Tourists can both sip a cup of coffee and see the beautiful scenery at West Lake. This is a way to feel the local life in Hanoi. Walk around West Lake, you can find some coffee shops with a cheap price. 

Snip a cup of coffee in West Lake

See lotus in West Lake 

The lotus flower in Hanoi's West Lake blooms in June, creating a stunning area with a mesmerizing sea. 

There are 4 big lakes including a pond near to the West Lake's Water Park and 3 other ones close to the Northern bank. 

One of things to do in Lotus pond is taking a photo. You definitely have a beautiful picture with these lotus. The lotus in West Lake is Bach Diep cultivar. Pink color, flavorful fragrance, succulent lotus anther. Bach Diep lotus is also an ingredient for producing Vietnamese lotus tea. 

Near attractions in West Lake

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Constructed in the 6th century, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on an islet of West Lake. The pagoda is symbol of cultural in Vietnamese Buddhism. Tourists will be surprised due to its some intricate statues which were carved in 1939, creating a unique facial feature. 

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tay Ho Temple

Tay Ho Temple is one of the famous pagodas in Hanoi, attracting many locals and international visitors to come here annually. They incense and pray for good luck and peace year. 

Besides, Tay Ho temple's landscape is quiet peaceful with the banyan trees on the long West Lake eastern shore. 

Tourists travel to Tay Ho temple

Kim Lien pagoda

The pagoda was built in the 12th century, located on top 10 the most ancient architectural in Vietnam. Many famous characters in Vietnamese's history are worshiped in Vietnam such as Princess Tu Hoa, and Lord Trinh Giang... 

Kim Lien pagoda

Quan Thanh Temple

The temple is located on the corner of Thanh Nien street, near West Lake. Quan Thanh Temple was built in the Ly Dynasty, one of the four temples built with the purpose to protect Hanoi from evil spirits. 

Quan Thanh temple

Above is all of things about West Lake. You should come here if you visit Hanoi. West Lake has a important role about natural beauty and huge cultural values, making your  truly journey. 

See more:

The Comprehensive Guide To Perfume Pagoda In Hanoi

Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi In Vietnam