Beautiful and Serene Lakes in Hanoi

July 21st, 2005 @ Ho Tay and Hoan Kiem Lakes

It was a cloudy afternoon and I had decided to walk around the city. Hanoi is famous for the lakes. Around the lakes there were lotsa interesting cafe! After a long walk and feeling tired, you can sit down and sip 'cap phe sua-nong' (hot Vietnamese coffee). I love the aroma of the coffee with a few drops of sweetened milk.


First I went to Hoan Kiem Lake, it was the most popular among the tourist. The walkway around the lake was nicely tiled, and everyday you will see all the local walking or even jogging on the path. You will encounter all sort of people there. Some in their pyjamas, some foreign backpackers, some local busy selling postcards to you, and of course a lot of elderly sitting on the bench chatting away with their friends. It's an interesting life out here.

The second lake which is also the biggest lake is Ho Tay (West Lake). This place has more restaurants and cafes. You can even rent a Swan Boat and paddle around the lake. Just make sure you don't paddle too far, when I mean the lake is big, it's really huge ;-)

Near Ho Tay, there was a tourist spot called 'One Pillar Pagoda'. It's an active temple which many tourist will stop by taking pictures of the pagoda. Around the spot, there were a lot of longans fruits growing on top of the tree.

I found the lakes in Hanoi is very serene and calm. I know the city is developing but just hope it will not become overly commercialize in the future.