West Lake (Ho Tay) is Hanoi’s largest lake, north of the centre, with a shoreline of roughly 17 km. The Tay Ho district on its banks is greener and calmer than the centre, with cafés, restaurants, villas and a large expatriate community.
On a small islet linked to the eastern shore stands Tran Quoc Pagoda, regarded as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, founded around the 6th century on the riverbank and later moved here. Its slender red, many-tiered tower is one of the city’s most photographed sights. Nearby, Truc Bach Lake and the Quan Thanh Temple are worth a stop.
What to see and do: West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda
Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
Free to enter; an active Buddhist pagoda, so dress modestly and be quiet. Early morning is calmest.
Sunset by the lake
Thanh Nien road between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake is the classic sunset walk.
Cycle or ride around the shore
Hire a bicycle or join a motorbike or Vespa tour; the full loop is long.
Cafés and restaurants in Tay Ho
The lanes off Xuan Dieu and Quang An streets are full of cafés and international restaurants.
How to get to West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda
- By Grab: about 15 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake to Tran Quoc Pagoda.
- From the mausoleum: about 20 minutes on foot.
Insider tips
- Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate inside the pagoda.
- The lakeside path is pleasant in the early morning before the heat.
- Tay Ho is a good base for longer stays — see where to stay.
Best tours & tickets for West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda
These GetYourGuide experiences include West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda or pair well with it:
Motorbike tour from €29 Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour
A motorbike tour of the city’s sights with a local driver — a practical way to reach West Lake and the outer landmarks in one session.
- Main sights on the back of a motorbike
- Local driver-guide
- Strong reviews
Vespa tour from €43 Hanoi Vintage Vespa City Tours
See Hanoi the way Hanoians do — from the back of a classic Vespa, with a driver handling the traffic while you take in the sights.
- Ride pillion on a vintage Vespa
- A driver does the riding
- City sights and backstreets
Jeep tour from €42 Hanoi Food, Culture, Sightseeing & Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep
Sightseeing and food stops around Hanoi from the back of an open army-style jeep — one of the city’s most popular alternatives to a walking tour.
- Ride in an open army-style jeep
- Food tastings and sights
- Hundreds of reviews
