Hotels near West Lake (Ho Tay) and Tran Quoc Pagoda
Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Vietnam
West Lake (Ho Tay) is Hanoi's largest lake at 500 hectares - 5 times the size of Hoan Kiem - surrounded by upscale residential neighbourhoods, lakeside cafes, and several historic pagodas. The 11 km perimeter loop is popular with morning runners and cyclists. The 1100-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda on the lake's southern shore is Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple; the 11-tier red pagoda rising from a small island is a city landmark.
Tay Ho (West Lake) is more relaxed than central Hanoi - the western expatriate neighbourhood Quan Hoa nearby holds Hanoi's best Western and Japanese restaurants. Tran Quoc Pagoda is free to enter (covered shoulders required). The lake hosts pedal boats, the Diamond Bay paddleboard club, and the Highland Coffee floating cafe. Allow 3 hours for a walk including the pagoda. Grab from Old Quarter 80000-100000 VND.
Pro Tip: Time your visit for sunset along the lake's northern shore - the western mountains silhouette behind the Tran Quoc Pagoda. The Maison Marou chocolate cafe nearby (12 Phan Boi Chau) serves Vietnam's best single-origin chocolate desserts.
Hotels (3)
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