What West Lake is
West Lake sits northwest of the city center, north of Ba Dinh. The water is broad enough that the far shore often looks hazy, which is rare in a dense city like Hanoi.
The shores are not one single attraction. The southern side, along Thanh Nien Road, holds the best-known sights. The northern and western shores are quieter, with expat villas, hotels and long stretches of road where locals jog, fish and sit by the water.
What to look at
Start with Tran Quoc Pagoda, often called the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. In 1615 it was moved from the eroding Red River bank to Kim Ngu islet in the lake. A causeway now links it to Thanh Nien Road, so you walk in. It looks best from across the water. Cover your shoulders and knees if you go inside.
Thanh Nien Road itself runs between West Lake and the smaller Trúc Bạch Lake. Walk it slowly for views on both sides. Beyond that, the lake is about cafes with a view, lotus ponds in season and the famous local lotus tea. The streets around the lake also have plenty of noodle shops and casual restaurants.
When to go
Late afternoon is the classic time. You get softer light, cooler air and sunset over the water from the southern and eastern shores. Early morning is also good, when locals exercise along the paths and traffic is lighter.
Midday in summer is hot and exposed, with little shade on some stretches. Weekend evenings get busy along Thanh Nien Road.
Combining it with nearby places
West Lake pairs easily with Ba Dinh sights. Trúc Bạch Lake is right next to Thanh Nien Road. Quan Thanh Temple, the B52 Victory Museum and the Presidential Palace and Stilt House are all around 2 km away in a straight line. A half day can cover Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple and a sunset drink by the lake.