West Lake, Freshwater lake in Hanoi, Vietnam
West Lake is a large freshwater body in the northwestern part of Hanoi, Vietnam, stretching across a wide area bordered by tree-lined avenues and low-rise buildings. The water appears in different shades of green depending on the time of day and weather, while small islands and peninsulas break up the shoreline.
The body of water formed from an old meander of the Red River that gradually separated from the main channel over time. In the 16th century, it received its current name to avoid sharing the same characters as the ruling emperor's given name.
The name refers to its western position relative to the old city center and marks a district where modern apartment towers stand near traditional temples. Fishing boats rest along the shore where vendors sell fresh catch and residents walk in the early morning.
A wide path circles the perimeter and works well for walking or cycling, with several access points allowing entry at different locations. Early morning or late afternoon sees less traffic and cooler air than midday hours.
In some spots, lotus flowers grow close to the shore and form green carpets with pink blooms across the water during summer. Fishermen cast their nets at dawn and pull out carp and other river fish that are later sold at nearby markets.
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