Located in Tay Ho District, Hanoi, West Lake, also known as Ho Tay, stands as one of the city’s most iconic and renowned tourist attractions. Offering a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, West Lake Hanoi beckons those seeking respite with its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, exciting activities, and delightful cuisine.
Location: Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Area: 5.3 km²
Lake Type: Lake
Shore Length: 17 km
Things to Explore Around West Lake
1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
The Oldest Pagoda in Hanoi
Explore the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled on an islet within West Lake. Admire intricate statues from 1939, each with unique facial features.
Open from 8 a.m to 4 p.m, offering ample time to appreciate its architecture and stunning sunset views.
Recognized globally, voted one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas by The Daily Mail (UK).
Location: Thanh Nien street, Yen Phu ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:00 every day
Entrance Fee: 5,000 VND (around $0.25)/person
2. Quan Thanh Temple
An Ancient Thang Long Landmark
Located at the corner of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street, facing West Lake.
Quan Thanh temple is part of the “Tu Tran Thang Long” quartet, built to protect Hanoi from malevolent spirits.
Worship Huyen Thien Tran Vu, guardian of the Northern areas.
Explore its unique outer gate adorned with phoenix images and a giraffe on top.
Inside, find a shrine with a 3.6-meter bronze statue of God Tran Vu.
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Thanh Nien street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
Entrance Fee: 10,000 VND (around $0.5)/person
3. Chu Van An High School (Buoi High School)
Historic High School with French-Styled Architecture
Established in 1908 by the French colonial government, featuring unique French architecture.
Surrounded by ancient trees, making it both a historic site and a tourist attraction.
Location: Thuy Khue street, Thuy Khue Ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi
Working Hours (for students): 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
4. Thien Nien Pagoda
A Millennial Pagoda with Rich Cultural Significance
Honors Buddha and Mrs. Pham Thi Ngoc Do, a pioneer of weaving in the region.
Attracts thousands of Buddhists and visitors annually.
Location: Lac Long Quan street, Buoi, Tay Ho, Hanoi
5. Van Nien Pagoda
A Unique Wooden Architectural Marvel
Influenced by the Nguyen Dynasty’s style, houses over 40 round statues and 10 imperial edicts.
Among Hanoi’s oldest pagodas, blending spirituality with cultural heritage.
Location: Lac Long Quan street, Xuan La, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3836 3055
6. Vong Thi Pagoda
Over a Millennium of History
Constructed during King Ly Nhan Tong’s reign, rich in cultural and historical significance.
Despite repeated restoration, it preserves undeniable cultural and historical values.
Location: Vong Thi street, Buoi ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi
7. Tao Sach Pagoda
A Place of Literary and Martial Arts Practice
Built in the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong, dedicated to Prince Linh Lang.
Houses various Han Nom documents and priceless relics.
Location: 386 Lac Long Quan street, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Read more about Top International Schools in West Lake, Ha Noi here.
