Amidst the bustling and vibrant pace of Hanoi’s capital, Truc Bach Lake emerges as a refreshing green oasis, an ideal stop to rediscover peace and tranquility. Unlike other famous tourist spots that are noisy and bustling, Truc Bach Lake carries a gentle, serene beauty, a place where profound cultural and historical values converge, along with countless breathtaking “virtual living” corners. Strolling along the lakeside path shaded by trees, breathing in the fresh air, and gazing at the calm lake surface reflecting the sky like a mirror, you will feel a different Hanoi, a slow-paced and charming Hanoi. Truc Bach Lake is not just a simple tourist destination, but also a place for you to experience, explore, and preserve memorable moments in your journey to discover the thousand-year-old capital.
Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi (Photo: Education & Times Newspaper)
Discovering Truc Bach Lake: From History to an Attractive Tourist Destination
Truc Bach Lake, located in Truc Bach ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, is not only a natural lake but also a living part of the capital’s history. Formerly known as Truc Lam Lake, it was once part of the vast West Lake before being separated by a dyke during the Trinh Lord era to serve aquaculture activities. In the 18th century, Lord Trinh Giang built the magnificent Truc Lam Palace on the lake shore, turning it into a resting and recreational place for the royal family. However, Truc Lam Palace later became a place to detain errant palace maids, and it was here that these talented women wove a famous fine white silk, called “Truc silk,” from which the name Truc Bach Lake was derived, associated with the traditional silk weaving village and the pristine beauty of white.
During the fierce years of war, Truc Bach Lake once again marked history when it became the place where American pilot John McCain was shot down and captured in 1967. This event was not only a part of the Vietnam War but also an important chapter in the life and political career of John McCain later on. Today, traces of this event are still preserved through a bas-relief placed at the lake, as a reminder of the past and a symbol of reconciliation and healing the wounds of war between the two countries.
With an area of about 14 hectares, Truc Bach Lake is not only one of the large lakes in the center of Hanoi but also a valuable green space, contributing to regulating the climate and bringing fresh air to the city. In October 2024, Hanoi completed a project to upgrade the infrastructure around the lake with a total investment of more than 40 billion VND, bringing a new, more spacious and modern appearance to the area, while creating more favorable conditions for people and tourists to visit and enjoy.
Today, Truc Bach Lake has become an attractive tourist destination, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. It is not only a favorite destination for locals to relax and exercise but also an indispensable part of the journey to explore Hanoi for tourists. Truc Bach Lake is also an important link in the cultural and historical tourist route of the capital, connecting with the windy West Lake, the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and many other famous historical sites, creating a complete and profound journey to explore Hanoi.
Directions to Truc Bach Lake: Quick and Convenient
“Where is Truc Bach Lake?” is a question many tourists are interested in when planning to explore this destination. Truc Bach Lake is located in a prime location, right next to West Lake, in Truc Bach ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. With its central location and convenient transportation, getting to Truc Bach Lake is very easy by various means of transport.
You can choose popular means of transportation such as:
- Private vehicles (motorbike, car): If you want to be proactive about time and schedule, a motorbike or private car is a suitable choice. From Hoan Kiem Lake, you can move along the route: Hang Dao street – Quan Thanh street – Dang Dung street – Tran Vu street. The travel distance is about 3.1 km, taking about 15 minutes. The Truc Bach Lake area has many public and private parking spots, but during peak hours or weekends, finding a parking space can be a bit difficult, especially for cars.
- Public bus: Bus is an economical and environmentally friendly means of transport. Bus routes number 41, 50, E05 have stops near Truc Bach Lake, you can get off at the “Nga 3 Thanh Nien – Tran Vu” stop and walk about 50 meters to reach the lake. Bus fares range from 8,000 to 10,000 VND/trip.
- Taxi and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and fast options, especially suitable for large groups or when you are carrying a lot of luggage. Popular ride-hailing applications such as Grab, Be, Gojek, Xanh SM are all available in Hanoi and ready to serve you. In particular, Xanh SM electric taxi service is a noteworthy option due to its convenience, modernity, and environmental friendliness.
Directions to Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Google Maps)
Experience Xanh SM electric taxi service to Truc Bach Lake:
If you want a comfortable, civilized, and environmentally friendly travel experience, choose Xanh SM electric taxi service. With a fleet of modern VinFast electric cars, Xanh SM offers spacious, smooth, quiet, and emission-free interiors.
To book a Xanh SM car, simply download the application from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and enter Truc Bach Lake as your destination. The Xanh SM application has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, helping you easily track your journey, know the fare in advance, and pay quickly. Xanh SM’s team of drivers is well-trained and professional, always ready to serve you wholeheartedly and thoughtfully. After each trip, you can rate the service quality and leave feedback for Xanh SM to improve further.
Xanh SM service will pick you up and drop you off at your location (Photo: Xanh SM)
Scan QR to download Xanh SM and start your trip to Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Xanh SM)
Check-in at Truc Bach Lake: Must-Visit Destinations
Truc Bach Lake is not only a green space but also a “virtual living paradise” with countless unique and impressive check-in spots. Below are the destinations you should not miss when visiting Truc Bach Lake:
Truc Bach Lake Pedal Boats: Enjoying Poetic Beauty
Pedal boating on Truc Bach Lake is a fun and romantic experience, especially suitable for couples or families. In the vast water space, you can leisurely pedal, admire the surrounding scenery, and enjoy the fresh air.
- Daytime: Under the gentle sunlight, Truc Bach Lake sparkles like gilded, reflecting the green trees and blue sky. The feeling of pedal boating amidst this beautiful natural scenery will bring you relaxation and comfort.
- Nighttime: When night falls, Truc Bach Lake puts on a mysterious, shimmering beauty. Lights from lakeside cafes and Thanh Nien street reflect on the water, creating a romantic and enchanting space. Night pedal boating on Truc Bach Lake will be an unforgettable memory in your Hanoi trip.
Truc Bach Lake pedal boat service information:
| Boat type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Large boat (family) | 200,000 VND |
| Small boat (couple) | 100,000 VND |
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Contact: 0963032907
- Address: 103A4 Lac Chinh street, Truc Bach ward, Ba Dinh district.
Tourists experience pedal boating on Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Vinwonders Web)
Bamboo Forest by the Lake: “Chill” Check-in Location
The bamboo forest by Truc Bach Lake is a newly emerging check-in spot, attracting a large number of young people and tourists with its peaceful and unique beauty. The bamboo planting project was implemented to recreate green space, beautify the landscape, and evoke memories of the ancient Truc Bach silk weaving village.
In November 2023, thousands of bamboo trees were planted along the lake shore, forming a green bamboo forest, stretching over an area of 1,000m2 at the beginning of Tran Vu street. The straight rows of bamboo, harmoniously arranged, create a space that is both close to nature and imbued with traditional cultural features. Coming to the bamboo forest, you can freely take photos, stroll along the winding small paths, or simply sit and rest on the stone benches and enjoy the fresh air. Especially in the evening, the bamboo forest is illuminated by a decorative lighting system, becoming shimmering and magical, an ideal background for unique “virtual living” photos.
Beautiful scenery at the bamboo forest by Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Hanoi Moi Newspaper)
Thuy Trung Tien Temple (Cau Nhi Temple): Sacred Temple on a Small Island
Thuy Trung Tien Temple, also known as Cau Nhi Temple, is an ancient and sacred temple, located on a small island in the middle of Truc Bach Lake. The temple is connected to Thanh Nien street by an 18m long stone bridge, creating a unique and poetic scene.
Thuy Trung Tien Temple bears traditional architecture with curved tile roofs and sophisticatedly carved patterns. Passing through the stone bridge, you will feel the quiet, solemn space of the temple. This place is not only a historical and cultural relic but also an important spiritual destination, attracting many people and tourists to pray for peace and fortune. Standing from the temple, you can look out over the entire Truc Bach Lake, feeling the harmonious beauty between nature and ancient architecture.
Thuy Trung Tien Temple with ancient architecture (Photo: Dan Tri Newspaper)
John McCain Bas-Relief: Historical Witness
The John McCain bas-relief is a special historical relic, marking the event of American pilot John McCain being shot down and captured at Truc Bach Lake in 1967. The bas-relief is not only a testament to the war but also a symbol of the change in Vietnam-US relations.
Visiting the bas-relief, you will have the opportunity to learn about an important historical period, and reflect on the meaning of peace and reconciliation. John McCain later became a friend of Vietnam, making many positive contributions to promoting bilateral relations. The bas-relief at Truc Bach Lake is a testament to the journey from war to peace, from confrontation to cooperation between the two countries.
John McCain bas-relief at Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper)
Thanh Nien Road: Hanoi’s Most Romantic Road
Thanh Nien Road, the road located between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, is known as one of the most romantic roads in Hanoi. With rows of green trees shading, peaceful space, and views overlooking the poetic lake, Thanh Nien Road is an ideal destination for walks, dates, or relaxing bike rides.
Every afternoon, when the sunset dyes the sky red, Thanh Nien Road becomes breathtakingly beautiful. The afternoon sun shines on the lake surface, creating shimmering, magical streaks of light. Strolling along Thanh Nien Road at this time, you will feel the gentle, charming beauty of Hanoi. This road is also the venue for many street cultural and artistic activities, creating a vibrant and attractive atmosphere.
Thanh Nien Road with simple beauty (Photo: Znews Newspaper)
Truc Bach Lake View Cafes: Enjoying Peaceful Space
Around Truc Bach Lake, there are many cafes with beautiful spaces and lake views. Sipping a cup of coffee and watching the poetic Truc Bach Lake is a great experience for you to relax and enjoy peaceful moments in the heart of the city.
Some notable cafes with Truc Bach Lake views you can refer to:
- Nha Trong Ngo (House in Alley): The cafe has a spacious, airy space, especially the rooftop with panoramic views of Truc Bach Lake.
- Flamant Bistro: The cafe has a romantic, luxurious French style, with outdoor space overlooking Truc Bach Lake, suitable for dates.
- Zun Kun’s Coffee: The cafe has an open space, close to nature, with many chill seating areas and beautiful lake views.
- Santorini Vibes Cafe: The cafe has a Mediterranean style with white and blue tones, creating a fresh, youthful feeling, very suitable for taking photos.
- Maison De Blanc – Bakery & Dessert Cafe: The cafe has an elegant, sophisticated space, with many attractive cakes and drinks, and romantic Truc Bach Lake views.
- ABC Coffee Roasters: The cafe is famous for its on-site roasted coffee, uniquely designed space, and many impressive “virtual living” corners.
Poetic Truc Bach Lake view cafe (Photo: Zun Kun Fanpage)
Ho Tay Ice Cream: Enjoying Local Specialty Flavor
Ho Tay ice cream is a familiar and beloved snack of Hanoians. With its delicious, cool flavor, Ho Tay ice cream is an ideal snack for you to enjoy when visiting Truc Bach Lake.
Around the Truc Bach Lake area, there are many Ho Tay ice cream shops, the most famous of which is the ice cream shop at 1 Thanh Nien road. This ice cream shop has been around for over 30 years, becoming a familiar address for many generations of Hanoians. Sitting and enjoying Ho Tay ice cream, watching the windy Truc Bach Lake, you will fully feel the typical flavor of Hanoi.
Ice cream specialty in the Truc Bach Lake area (Photo: Vinwonders Web)
Suggested Itinerary Combining Truc Bach Lake Tourism
To make your Hanoi trip more complete, you can combine visiting Truc Bach Lake with other famous destinations nearby:
- West Lake (0.5 km away): West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi, with many attractive entertainment activities such as: pedal boats, SUP paddling, West Lake Water Park, traditional craft villages, and diverse cuisine.
- Tran Quoc Pagoda (0.8 km away): Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, with unique architecture and a history of over 1500 years. The pagoda is an important spiritual destination and also a famous scenic spot of Hanoi.
- Quan Thanh Temple (1 km away): Quan Thanh Temple is one of the “Thang Long four guardians” of Hanoi, worshiping Huyen Thien Tran Vu. The temple is famous for the largest black bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu in Vietnam and ancient, majestic architecture.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (2.6 km away): Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, a sacred and meaningful place for Vietnamese people. The mausoleum is open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on weekdays (except Mondays and Fridays), with free admission for Vietnamese citizens.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is about 0.8km from Truc Bach Lake (Photo: Vinpearl Web)
Truc Bach Lake Travel Tips: Useful Tips for a Perfect Trip
To have a complete and memorable Truc Bach Lake trip, keep these useful tips in mind:
- Ideal time to visit: Truc Bach Lake is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is in autumn (September – November) and spring (February – April). Hanoi autumn has cool, pleasant weather, and the lake space is peaceful and romantic. In spring, Truc Bach Lake is filled with colorful flowers and a bustling festive atmosphere. Especially during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the lake area is splendidly decorated with lanterns and peach blossoms, creating a warm traditional Tet atmosphere.
- Experiences to try: In addition to sightseeing and check-in, you can experience other interesting activities such as: walking, cycling around the lake, pedal boating, enjoying coffee and ice cream by the lake, visiting Thuy Trung Tien Temple, and the John McCain bas-relief.
- Note on prices: When using services such as renting pedal boats, parking, buying drinks by the lake, you should ask for the price first to avoid being overcharged.
- Cultural behavior: Maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, do not make noise, and affect the peaceful space of the lake.
- Safety: When participating in water activities such as pedal boating, wear a life jacket and follow the instructions of the staff.
Truc Bach Lake is an attractive destination all year round (Photo: Education & Times Newspaper)
Answering Questions About Truc Bach Lake
Here are some frequently asked questions about Truc Bach Lake:
How long is the perimeter of Truc Bach Lake?
The perimeter of Truc Bach Lake is about 1.5 km, very suitable for walking, jogging, or relaxing cycling around the lake.
Why is the lake called Truc Bach?
The name “Truc Bach” originates from the history and culture of the area. According to legends about Truc Bach Lake, in ancient times, there were many bamboo trees (truc) around the lake and this place was famous for its white silk (bach) weaving craft. The combination of these two factors created the name Truc Bach for the lake.
What fun activities are there at Truc Bach Lake?
Truc Bach Lake offers many diverse experiences: walking, sightseeing, pedal boating, enjoying cuisine, check-in at the bamboo forest, Thuy Trung Tien Temple, and visiting nearby historical sites.
What are the culinary specialties at Truc Bach Lake?
The Truc Bach Lake area is famous for its rich cuisine, from traditional Hanoi dishes such as Pho Cuon Ngu Xa, Bun Cha, to snacks such as Ho Tay ice cream and lemon tea.
Truc Bach Lake, with its peaceful beauty and unique cultural and historical values, is a must-visit tourist destination when coming to Hanoi. Take the time to explore and experience the interesting things that Truc Bach Lake has to offer, and you are sure to have memorable memories of the thousand-year-old capital.
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