West Lake - Hanoi

West Lake is located at Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho District, Hanoi. West Lake, also called Ho Tay, is the biggest lake in central Hanoi with area of over 500ha. The road running around the lake is 17km long.

Scientists proved that West Lake was once a part of the Red River. This part turned into a lake when the river changed its course. The lake itself and its name are originated from many legends. Described as the most romantic part in the colourful Hanoi panorama, West Lake has been creating an endless source of inspiration for poets, writers and artists for their works that have gone down deep to the heart of many people.

The lake has become a habitual rendez-vous for many people. The Beautiful Thanh Nien Road, previously called Co Ngu, that separates West Lake and Truc Bach Lake is jammed at every sunset. Not only an ideal tourist attraction, West Lake is rich in cultural values. Up to 21 pagodas, shrines and communal houses with many valuable artifacts dot the lake's rim.

West Lake isn't only a place for Hanoians to relax, but also an ideal residential place for foreigners working in the city with hundreds of villas built near the lake.

Quite a few describe the lake as a mirror of Hanoi, but still many others call it "a lung of the city".