(PLVN) - West Lake, a “bright pearl” in the heart of Hanoi, is an ideal destination for tourists looking for a peaceful space and unique cultural experiences. Sharing from travel bloggers, celebrities, reviews from travel websites and digital platforms have contributed to affirming the position of West Lake in the hearts of international tourists.
A peaceful place to watch the sunset
According to Lonely Planet, West Lake is one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Hanoi because of its “peaceful and romantic scenery that attracts many tourists and locals”. Many tourists, travel bloggers, and celebrities agree with this. Tomas Slavicek shared with Vnexpress: “I have lived here for several months with a beautiful view of West Lake… I have never seen any sunset the same. There is always something different, like clouds, colors, lights, fishing boats crossing the lake,… or perhaps a combination of all of the above. Sometimes there are big gray clouds, other times the sky is painted in warm orange or cold purple with the last rays of the sun of the day”.
Photographer Justin Mott, who spent many years in Vietnam, once commented that West Lake at sunset is truly “a masterpiece of nature and art”. Travel blogger Ben Pastore also wrote on Uncover Vietnam that “the sunset on West Lake is one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen”. The sunrise at West Lake is also a scene worth enjoying when the early morning sunlight reflects on the calm lake, creating a vivid natural picture. Many international tourists have not hesitated to share these moments on social networks, along with emotional compliments.
The peaceful daily life of the locals here, along with their deep spiritual beliefs, also creates another attraction of West Lake. National Geographic reporter Charlotte Wigram-Evans introduced West Lake as follows: “Follow the locals in their morning exercises along the shore of West Lake, known as Hanoi’s largest and oldest lake, stretching north from the city center. From sunrise, the lakeside is the site of martial arts and gym sessions, and the 11-mile circuit also passes many prominent cultural sites, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda.”
Mentioning Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, located right on the lake shore is a stop not to be missed when coming to West Lake. According to National Geographic, "Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the cultural exchange of Buddhism in Hanoi". Travel blogger Mark Wiens once shared on the Migrationology page: "I was fascinated by the beauty of West Lake from the first time I set foot here. The roads around the lake, ancient pagodas like Tran Quoc Pagoda and the absolute quiet create a special relaxing space". Meanwhile, French writer Marguerite Duras shared: "When visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, I felt peace and tranquility, as if time had stopped here. Each brick, each statue tells a part of Hanoi's long history".
Travel site The Culture Trip praised West Lake as “a great place to escape the bustling streets of Hanoi and enjoy some quiet time in nature”. Travelfish commented that the destination is “a pleasant place to walk or cycle” and “offers a glimpse into the leisurely life of Hanoians, away from the crowded Old Quarter”. Travel blogger Nomadic Matt shared on Instagram that West Lake is truly “a place of peace, a small corner to escape the noise of the city”.
Colorful, vibrant and romantic
On the online platform Tripadvisor, it is not difficult to find positive comments and reviews about West Lake from the majority of international tourists who have set foot in Hanoi. The “two colorful twin dragons” at West Lake are likened by tourists to “the guardian deities of the lake welcoming visitors to this beautiful area”.
Cuisine around West Lake is also an important highlight attracting tourists. The restaurants along the lake serve a variety of dishes from traditional to modern. Famous chef Gordon Ramsay, who visited Vietnam, did not hesitate to praise Hanoi cuisine, including the specialties of West Lake such as pho cuon, West Lake shrimp cakes, various types of sweet soups, ice cream, etc. CNN's travel page also recommends West Lake shrimp cakes as "a must-try dish when coming to Hanoi". CNN's reporter affirmed that although "today, the popular shrimp cakes have been recreated and improved by many modern high-end restaurants", "the authentic original flavor version" is still what many tourists seek. Around West Lake, there are also many Vietnamese and international restaurants to meet the enjoyment needs of a variety of foreign tourists. This dynamic factor has created satisfying dining experiences for tourists from many different cultures.
Above all, West Lake is also the place where many unique cultural activities take place, from traditional festivals to art performances. These events not only help visitors understand more about Vietnamese culture but also create opportunities for international cultural exchange. According to The Guardian, traditional festivals at West Lake have attracted the attention of many international visitors, creating a vibrant and meaningful cultural exchange space. The compliments from international visitors are the clearest proof of the attraction of West Lake. An American tourist wrote on Instagram: “West Lake is truly a “bright gem” of Hanoi. Every moment here gives me a sense of peace and comfort.” Another tourist from the UK shared: “I had great experiences at West Lake, from visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda to enjoying unique cuisine. This is truly an ideal destination for anyone who wants to explore Hanoi.” West Lake also appears colorful and vibrant through the artistic perspective of American artist Nancy Chandler.
It can be said that the genuine and emotional feelings from tourists, travel bloggers and famous travel websites further highlight the attraction of this place, affirming that West Lake is not only a scenic spot but also the "cultural heart" of the capital Hanoi in the hearts of friends from all over.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/ve-dep-ho-tay-thu-hut-khach-quoc-te-post517121.html
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