(VOVworld) – West Lake is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful sites. Its many historical and cultural relics reflect the development history of the capital city. West Lake is perhaps the most romantic corner of Hanoi.

West Lake is a natural lake located northwest of Hanoi. It covers an area of ​​500 hectares and is encircled by a 20 km road. Historical records show that the lake was once part of the Red River. It has had several names: Dam Dam (Mist Lake), Kim Nguu (Golden Buffalo Lake), and Xac Cao (Fox corpse). Each name is associated with a legend. Traces of ancient villages remain in west of the lake. Nghi Tam village was the birthplace of Ba Huyen ThanH Quan, one of Vietnam’s most famous poets. Xuan Tao village is famous for Soc Temple dedicated to Saint Giong, one of Vietnam’s four immortals. Trich Sai village has Thien Nien pagoda dedicated to the founder of the textile craft. Nhat Tan village is the kingdom of peach blossoms. Located on the shore of West Lake, Tran Quoc pagoda is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists. Built in the 6th century in the reign of King Ly Nam De, the pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Monk Thich Thanh Nha is the head of the pagoda: "Between 541 and 548 the pagoda was called Khai Quoc, which means founding the nation. It was built on the bank of the Red River. In the 17^th century the pagoda was moved here. Previously, the site was called the Beach of gold fish and was popular with kings and Buddhist monks. Tran Quoc pagoda is 1,440 years old now. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi".

The area surrounding West Lake is famous for the density of its historical relics, most of them pagodas exhibiting different Buddhist architectural styles. There are 62 relics, of which 22 are classified as national heritages and 7 municipal heritage sites. In the early days of spring these sites attract tens of thousands of tourists and pilgrims. Going around the lake in an electric car has become popular in recent years. Nguyen Quang Loc lives in Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi: "I knew that West Lake was great but I never got a chance to see everything around the lake. Now, thanks to the electric car, I can visit the craft villages, historical relics, temples and pagodas around the lake."

West Lake is majestic in all seasons, especially in summer when its waters reflect purple and red flamboyant trees. Every day, from dawn to dusk, Hanoians walk along its banks to breathe some fresh air and may be do some calisthenics before returning home. In the evening, West Lake is a place for friends and lovers to meet. Some relax in a small café by the lake, enjoying the breeze over a cup of coffee. Some go to a restaurant to eat West Lake’s famous crepes with shrimp. Others board a luxury boat and sail around the lake. More than just a pleasant destination, West Lake is an important part of Hanoians’ life.