West lake is a symbol and pride of Ha Noi city that is often described as the most romantic and fresh place. This lake is not only considered as a mirror of Hanoi but also a lung of the city.
The West Lake is located in the northwestern part of the inner city of Hanoi with 17km perimeter. This is the largest lake of the capital and has other names like Lake of Mist, Lake of Golden Buffalo and Lake of Fox Corpse from various legends associated with the forming of the lake.
It would be a delightful experience to take a simple walk in the fresh air by the lake. In each season, the West Lake can bring different feelings. Its beauty has been immortalized in many poems and music. The silver color water of the lake would change into the red blossoms at dawn and sunset, creating an enchanting scence. In hot summer, many people gather here to enjoy the cool breeze and the refresh scent from the lotus ponds on the lake. Not as excited and crowded as it is in the summer, the West Lake becomes mysterious with mist cover in the winter combining with the silver color water, making a perfect classical winter painting.
West Lake is a famous tourist spot not only for its beautiful scenery but also for its culture. The lake is bordered with many significant historic places. Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, was built in 6th century by Ly Nam De and now locates on a small island on the lake. Near Tran Quoc Pagoda is Quan Thanh Temple, one of the Four Sacred Temples of ancient Hanoi. Chu Van An High School, one of the oldest high school in Vietnam, also locates close to the lake.
The villages located to the west of the lake are storing rich cultural values such as: Nghi Tam village features the unique architecture of Kim Lien Pagoda while Xuan Tao village houses the Soc shrine dedicated to Giong Divine; Trich Sai village has the Thien Nien Pagoda while Thuy Khue village hosts the Ba Danh Pagoda; Nhat Tan village has been known as the place for the most beautiful peach blossoms
As the largest lake and locates right in the center of Hanoi, West Lake is rammed with many gardens, hotels, restaurants and other entertaining centers.
The West Lake is a priceless present gifted to Ha Noi by mother nature, it’s not only Hanoians who treasure the lake but everyone visiting the capital also sees the lake as a valuable tourist attraction of the capital that should be carefully protected.
My Hanh - TITC
