There are numerous picturesque lakes in Hanoi, each of which has its unique charm and story, making them perfect spots for both locals and visitors to relax and explore. In this blog, we will take you through some of the most beautiful lakes in the city, highlighting what makes each one special and why they should be on your must-visit list when you are in Hanoi.

Table of Contents

Hoan Kiem Lake

Location: Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful spot right in the center of Hanoi, loved by both locals and visitors. It is 12 hectares big, about 700 meters long, and 200 meters wide. The lake’s name comes from a legend that a golden turtle god took back a sword from Emperor Le Loi in the 15th century.

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most popular spots in Hanoi, especially famous for its walking street. On weekend nights, this area turns into a busy fair with lots of goods and activities. Nearby, the night market on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong streets, is open from 7 p.m. until midnight.

Besides shopping, you can eat at nearby restaurants. There is also a special area for traditional folk games that visitors can join in and play. Street performers add to the lively atmosphere with free music and singing.

Close by, you can watch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or enjoy Trang Tien Ice Cream. For a unique view of the city, take a double-decker bus tour that starts and ends near the Toad Flower Garden next to Hoan Kiem Lake.

West Lake

Location: Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam

Located in the northwestern part of Hanoi, West Lake (Ho Tay) offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s surrounded by a popular cycling path, perfect for leisurely bike rides enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Part of the lake is separated into Truc Bach Lake by Thanh Nien Road. The shoreline is dotted with hotels, cozy cafes, and restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore.

Covering about 15 square kilometers, West Lake is also great for walks where you can learn about the lives of people living nearby. Popular activities include riding duck paddle boats and kayaking. The cafes around the lake are perfect for sipping coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery. Watching the sunset here is especially captivating, with the golden light reflecting on the water and blending with the orange sky to create a romantic, shimmering scene.

And do not miss trying local specialties like Banh Tom Ho Tay (shrimp fritters) and Cha Ca La Vong (grilled fish with turmeric and dill). Nearby, you can also visit the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

Bay Mau Lake

Location: Le Dai Hanh, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Bay Mau Lake used to be part of a bigger lake until it got split into three – Bay Mau, Thien Quang, and Ba Mau – because of road construction in the 20th century. It is in Thong Nhat Park, the city’s biggest park, surrounded by lots of nature.

You will see plenty of trees, pretty flower gardens, cute bridges, and cool sculptures around the lake, making it a calm and peaceful place to hang out. If you hop on a boat, you can check out the two small islands in the lake and enjoy the quiet natural surroundings. Besides just chilling, Bay Mau Lake has become a hot spot for runners. They hold races here, and lots of people come for a jog with the beautiful scenery in the background.

Thien Quang Lake

Location: Nguyen Du, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Thien Quang Lake, in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District, spans 5.6 hectares and offers a tranquil spot in the city. Its name, meaning “light” of meditation, comes from Thien Quang village. The lake is part of an underground canal system linked with Bay Mau Lake, helping to manage water levels and beautify the area. With its massive, decades-old trees, Thien Quang Lake is a popular place to visit, especially on hot summer days. It’s a great place to relax by the water and chat with other visitors, making it a favorite spot in Hanoi.

Truc Bach Lake

Location: Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Truc Bach Lake, in the Ba Dinh district, is of the most lovely and peaceful lakes in Hanoi. This lake is next to the larger West Lake and covers 22 hectares with a shoreline over 1.8 kilometers long. Once part of West Lake, Truc Bach Lake is now a favorite place for locals and visitors. The area is lined with many trees and flowers that bloom brightly from early summer to late winter, keeping the surroundings colorful and pretty.

Nearby, you will find historical and cultural sites like Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Chau Long Pagoda, which are great to visit. At the lake, you can enjoy activities like riding duck paddle boats or having coffee at Highland Coffee, which floats on the lake like a boat. Be sure to try the popular Ho Tay Ice cream, loved by kids for years. Walking along Thanh Nien Road and taking in the beautiful views of Truc Bach Lake is a wonderful way to enjoy your time in Hanoi.

Linh Dam Lake

Location: Hoang Mai, Hanoi, Vietnam

Linh Dam Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi and also the most peaceful spot in the Hoang Mai area, covering 70 hectares. Around the lake, there are over 200 hectares of green space, and the lake itself has a 74-hectare water surface. A small island in the lake, home to dozens of white storks and green trees, adds to the charm.

This area is well-known for its beautiful sunset views, where the sky turns stunning shades of orange and pink, making it a popular place for photos. Linh Dam Lake also offers fun activities like kayaking, where visitors can rent kayaks to explore the calm waters and enjoy the scenery.

Hoang Cau Lake

Location: O Cho Dua, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hoang Cau Lake, located in the O Cho Dua ward of Dong Da district, Hanoi, is a beautiful spot created between 1973 and 1976. The lake has a water surface area of over 13 hectares and a perimeter of 1.8 km. The area around Hoang Cau Lake offers a great space for locals to relax and play. With many restaurants and cafes nearby, both residents and tourists can enjoy a ice tea or craft beer while taking in the view. Walking around the lake is a lovely way to enjoy the scenery and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the people living nearby.

Thu Le Lake

Location: Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Thu Le Lake, covering 8.7 hectares, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi. It is surrounded by 4-star hotels and modern buildings, adding to its charm. The lake gets its name, “Thu Le,” meaning “to keep tears inside,” from a tear-shaped strip of land in the middle. Located in Thu Le Park, it is a favorite spot for families, especially kids.

Thu Le Lake is a popular tourist spot among lakes in Hanoi, attracting thousands of visitors every summer. The park also has the ancient Voi Phuc Temple, which showcases Vietnam’s rich history. The zoo in the park is home to over 100 species of rare animals and offers fun activities like a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, pedal boats, and other rides, making it a great place for a family day out.

Useful Tips When Visiting Lakes In Hanoi

Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best light for photography.
Do not forget to try local delicacies from nearby cafes and street food vendors.
Bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as many lakes in Hanoi have lovely paths for strolling.

Conclusion

Discovering the lakes in Hanoi is a fantastic way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. Each lake has its special appeal and provides plenty of chances to relax and explore. For additional travel advice and to organize customizable & flexible Vietnam tours, check out Vietnamtour.in. Have a great trip!