Tay Ho

Hanoi
Tay Ho showing boating and a lake or waterhole
Escape the city and relax on the shores of Hanoi’s biggest lake. Enjoy local delicacies, gardens, historic sights, Buddhist temples and other attractions.

Hanoi’s immense Ho Tay (West Lake) offers a peaceful alternative to the bustle of the city. Take a boat cruise and explore historic temples, meander through markets, enjoy the breeze off the water and relax in a serene atmosphere.

Ask about the legends that surround the formation of this large lake. In one, a Chinese buffalo stepped in a hollow in the ground and created the lake. Another tells of the Dragon King, Lac Long Quan, who drowned an evil fox that had nine tails.

Spend a few hours or the whole day here. Walk, jog or cycle around the perimeter or meander through the surrounding gardens.

Enjoy a Ho Tay boat cruise. Sail to the small island where the Tran Quoc Pagoda is located. You can also cross a bridge to reach the island. This 6th-century pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Explore it at sunset when the stupa stands against the horizon and the colours of the setting sun reflect on the water. May is a particularly stunning time to visit when the lotus flowers bloom and cover parts of the lake.

Another interesting historic building, the Quan Thanh Temple, is located at Thanh Nien Street. It was erected between 1010 and 1028 as one of four sacred temples. Relax in its serene gardens and admire the ancient architecture and ornate woodcarvings that detail sacred animals.

Sample local food, including coconut ice cream eaten from a coconut. Have lunch in a floating restaurant or purchase a coffee and walk along the shore.

Explore the once sleepy town of Tay Ho. This former fishing village has been revived as the city’s creative and fashion quarter where you’ll find boutiques and upscale bistros. Be sure to catch the Tay Ho weekend market on Saturday.

Visit other nearby attractions including the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Along the south side of the lake are seafood restaurants and east, along the Xuan Dieu, are cafés, restaurants, boutiques and hotels.

Located in northwest Hanoi, Ho Tay is a 10-minute drive from the Old Quarter.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Tay Ho

Diamond Westlake Suites
Diamond Westlake Suites
4.5 out of 5
96 To Ngoc Van, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
The price is RM331 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
RM331
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (368 reviews)
"excellent hotel"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Diamond Westlake Suites
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
5 Tu Hoa, Hanoi
The price is RM610 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
RM610
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We loved our stay at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. There concierge staff named “Tran Hue” also known as Mia was the best. She went above and beyond to provide the best customer service. She was very polite and helpful in booking all our private tours. Thank you so much again."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an IHG Hotel
L7 WEST LAKE HANOI BY LOTTE
L7 WEST LAKE HANOI BY LOTTE
4.5 out of 5
683 Alley, Lac Long Quan Street, Phu Thuong Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
The price is RM513 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
RM513
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a golf course. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Lotte Mall Tay Ho are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"The hotel interior and concept is great and the best hotel I have stayed so far"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

L7 WEST LAKE HANOI BY LOTTE
Fraser Suites Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
51 Xuan Dieu Street Quang An Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi
The price is RM382 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM382
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena Shopping Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"The service in this property is exceptional!!! From the front desk staff to the team on the different restaurants! Such a great atmosphere plus is a gorgeous place. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Fraser Suites Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
3.5 out of 5
No.17, Lane 35, Dang Thai Mai Street, Hanoi
The price is RM413 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
RM413
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"The hotel itself was fantastic but this running area was a little bit congested and difficult to navigate on foot. Overall, it was a fantastic stay."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
5 out of 5
K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Road, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
The price is RM697 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
RM697
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena Shopping Center are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (400 reviews)
Excellent Overall Stay
"Overall stay was awesome. Very nice property, food is good, breakfast spread is nice, staff very helpful and nice room."

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2024

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Tay Ho

Tay Ho featuring a garden

Quảng An

4/5(8 area reviews)

While visiting Quảng An, you might make a stop by sights like West Lake and Syrena Shopping Center.

Quảng An
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(44 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
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Ngoc Khanh

If you're spending some time in Ngoc Khanh, Vincom Center Metropolis and Thu Le Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ngoc Khanh
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Hanoi Backpacker Quarter

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Ta Hien Street and Ancient House while you're in town.

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter
Hanoi featuring street scenes

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
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Cau Giay

Cau Giay is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Indochina Plaza Ha Noi and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Cau Giay


Tay Ho