Overview
West Lake (Ho Tay) is Hanoi's largest lake, 17 km in circumference and 500 hectares in area, just northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake. At its southern edge sits Tran Quoc Pagoda — founded in the 6th century, Hanoi's oldest pagoda, with its 11-tier red tower reflected dramatically in the water. The lake is ringed by a cycling path, luxury hotels, and the Tay Ho expat district packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a favorite spot for sunset walks and evening outings. In summer, blooming pink lotus flowers on the lake become a popular photo destination. Free admission. About 15 minutes by Grab from Hoan Kiem.
Opening Hours
24 hours (Tran Quoc Pagoda: 07:30-11:30, 13:30-17:30)
Travel Tips
The southwest corner where you can see both Tran Quoc Pagoda and the lake is the most beautiful at sunset. June-July brings the pink lotus blossoms, drawing photography enthusiasts.
Hotels near West Lake (Ho Tay)
Hotels and guesthouses in Hanoi, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Other attractions in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
A scenic lake at the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famed for the turtle legend and Ngoc Son Temple.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The grand monument enshrining the embalmed body of Vietnam's founding father Ho Chi Minh.
Hanoi Old Quarter (36 Streets)
A thousand-year-old maze of alleys, each street historically selling a different trade's goods.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first national university and a Confucian temple founded in 1070, featured on the VND 100,000 bill.
Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi's iconic alley where trains thunder past houses with mere centimeters to spare.
Halong Bay Day Trip
A UNESCO World Heritage bay studded with more than 1,600 dramatic limestone karst islands.