West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi capital that plays an important part in Hanoian’s life. It is not only famous for beautiful scenery, but for its mysterious stories in the period of Vietnamese feudal dynasty. There are many historical and regional structures around the perimeter of the West Lake. This destination is truly an ideal destination for a laidback after the stressful working day, where you can find the tranquility and serene in your own soul.

History

West Lake was created from more than a hundred years ago with a circumference of 17km and an area of 500 hectors. It is said that the lake used to be a small branch of the Red River, but the sudden change of river’s directions turned a part of its branch into a concave area, which is called West Lake today.

A very long time ago, West Lake did not exist and scientists have proved that it was just a part of the Red River. Interesting enough, in the 19th century, West Lake was divided by a road called Thanh Nien to create Truc Bach Lake, a place originally for fish farming.  

West Lake is also the home of a huge number of fishes, so local people love to fish here. That is the reason why we recommend you to travel by bicycle to see the activities of the people.

West Lake Highlights

Tran Quoc Pagoda used to belong to a palace under the Tran dynasty (1225-1400), which implements the important Buddhist rituals and a place for worship of royal class and local people. Like many Buddhist structures, Tran Quoc Pagoda still preserves the system of wood Buddha statues with the golden-covered outside layers.

The most unique features of the pagoda are that there is a system of the stupa. Each stupa includes many Buddha statues and the main stupa is added with lotus on the top. Vietnamese considers that the lotus is a permanent symbol of supreme knowledge, pure soul and the other good values as regards of Buddhist teachings.

Truc Bach Lake 

Truc Bach Lake was a part of West Lake in the past time. Until the 17th century, local people constructed a dike in the South of West Lake for breeding fish. Therefore, this area becomes an independent lake today. 

Quan Thanh Temple

Erected in the period of the Ly dynasty, Quan Thanh Temple worships Huyen Thien Tran Vu, one of four senior protectors for Vietnamese capital in ancient times. His statue was made from black copper with 3.7m in height and 4 tons in weight. Along with other statues insides, Quan Thanh Temple expresses the sophisticated art of Vietnamese bronze-casting and sculpture under Ly dynasty.