Cycling around West Lake in Hanoi – Summer is coming and it is now the best time to get away from the madness of Old Quarter and cycle round the 17km shoreline of what must be one of the largest lakes to be found in a city centre.
As well as escaping the busy streets of Hanoi, the lake also provides an opportunity to watch fishermen at work, to see some very pretty temples – which are scattered liberally around the shore – and to enjoy a coffee or beer while enjoying the breeze that comes across the lake. And the views across the lake on a sunny day are impressive.
West Lake in Hanoi is often described as the most romantic place resplendent in its beauty and vastness. Its beauty has been immortalized in the works of several poets, writers and artists. Often been described as a mirror of Hanoi, this lake is also considered as the ‘lung of the city’. Its vast blue water and the violet and red blossoms create an indescribable beauty.
Start the bike ride right from your hotel, you follow either the Quan Thanh or Dien Bien Phu street to get to the Quan Thanh temple or Tran Quoc pagoda. Join the West Lake and start cycling along the small road running around the lake.
The first place you will stop is Yen Phu temple. You have time to visit and listen the history of the temple. Then biking to the second place which called Kim Lien pagoda. Shot break inside pagoda and listening the explanation from our tour guide about the Buddhism in Vietnam. After that, leave the pagoda and proceed to Tay Ho palace. Our tour guide will introducing the particular kind of religion in Vietnamese spirit life – Mother Saint worshiping. Continue biking and enjoin the scenery around the lake.
Arriving back to your hotel around 3 PM.