Previously, West Lake has other names such as: Xac Cao, Kim Nguu Lake, Lang Bac, Dam Dam, Hoai Ho, which is the largest natural lake in Hanoi city.The Lake has an area of 500 hectares that is located on the northwest of downtown Hanoi. Geographical history has proven that
West Lake is one of the branches of Hong River. The adjacent area around the West Lake will be planned to become the center of Hanoi in the near future.West Lake is not only the ideal destination but also contained the value of the nation. There are 21 temples or communal houses around the lake which are listed in the national heritage list with many famous vestiges and objects. Among them, the Quan Thanh temple,
Tran Quoc pagoda and Tay Ho temple are the famous tourist destinations of the West Lake. Tran Quoc pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam. Located beside the Thanh Niên Road, it is in the area of Yen Phu village with the temple honoring the God. There is a procession of the temple to pagoda every year with the group of boat. The pagoda was built since VI century. In 1615, the river side was broken to the side of the pagoda; therefore it is relocated inside the deck. The pagoda was renamed many times: An Quoc, Tran Bac, Tran Quoc, etc.
