Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam with the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Temple of Literature, which are considered the iconic images of the city. Besides these sites, West Lake is also an outstanding landmark of the capital, which is also a favorite place for both the Vietnamese and foreigners. 

Situated in the northwest of the city center,and mentioned as one of the most famous Lakes in Vietnam, West Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the capital city of Hanoi, covering 500ha, 17km long, which includes Truc Bach lake. It is dated back from around 2000 BC in the Hung Kinh period and possesses many different names associated with legends and folk stories. According to a legend, West Lake was a place where Lac Long Quan, a Vietnamese hero in the legend, fought a nine-tailed fox, leading to its other name, Dam Xac Cao (Fox Corpse Swamp). The name of Ho Kim Nguu (Golden Buffalo Lake) derives from the story of a buffalo struggling for its disappeared calf. The name of West Lake (Ho Tay) has been obtained since the Ascension of King Le Thanh Tong (and its location in the west of the Old Quarter and the Imperial Citadel). 

This is absolutely one of the top well-known lakes in Vietnam. There are a myriad of spiritual and religious architectures near the lake, some of the most outstanding ones can be mentioned as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Pagoda, and Kim Lien Temple, etc., which are the popular places for Hanoians to come so as to pray for good health, prosperity, and good luck, etc. Besides, numerous top-notch restaurants and high-end and glitzy hotels and bars are also located not far away from the lake, appealing to a large number of people both Hanoians and international tourists to come to enjoy the exceptional services there. 

One of the most exciting experiences here is enjoying a wide range of scrumptious food such as shrimp cake, fresh spring roll, or coconut ice-cream, etc.). Paying a visit to the pagodas and temples, sailing with swan pedalo as well as cycling are popular activities when coming to West Lake. 

West lake is one of the best Lakes In Vietnam not only plays a crucial role in the culture and history of Vietnam but also is a tourist attraction that is worth visiting, especially at night and the weekend.