What is Truc Bach Lake like?
Truc Bach Lake sits in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District, just northwest of the Old Quarter and right next to the city’s largest lake, West Lake. It’s a much smaller body of water, separated from West Lake by Thanh Nien Road — a narrow dike-turned-boulevard lined with trees and views on both sides.
Despite its central location, Truc Bach feels calm and residential. Around the lake you’ll find quiet streets, a mix of low-rise houses, local temples, cafés, and relaxed eateries. It’s not a tourist hotspot — and that’s part of the charm. Locals come here to stroll, cycle, fish, or simply sit by the water with a drink in hand.
If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to enjoy a sunset, eat a bowl of pho cuon, or take a break from the chaos of Hanoi traffic, Truc Bach Lake offers a slower, scenic alternative.
Interesting history around Truc Bach Lake
Truc Bach Lake might look like a peaceful retreat today, but it has a surprisingly layered past that stretches from royal scandals to Cold War history.
A lake born from a dike
In the 17th century, local villagers built a narrow dike to trap fish more easily. That dike — now Thanh Nien Road — separated what used to be a part of West Lake, forming Truc Bach Lake as its own body of water. Over time, communities grew along its shores, including Truc Yen Village, known for bamboo-blind making, and Ngu Xa Village, famous for bronze casting.
A Palace, a Prison, and a Silk Legacy
During the 1730s, Truc Lam Palace was built along the lake’s edge by Lord Trinh Giang. Originally intended as a pleasure retreat, the palace was later repurposed as a reformatory for royal concubines who had committed offenses. These women were put to work weaving a special kind of silk known as Truc Bach silk, which gained fame for its quality.
John McCain and the War-Era Monument
Perhaps the most internationally known event linked to the lake came in 1967 during the Vietnam War, when U.S. Navy pilot John McCain was shot down over Hanoi. His plane crashed into Truc Bach Lake, where he was captured by locals and handed over to the military. A monument marking the site of his capture still stands on the lakeside, along Thanh Nien Road. While originally propagandistic, it’s since been cleaned up and revised at McCain’s own request in later years.
From royal punishment to war-time politics, Truc Bach Lake quietly holds stories that span centuries of Vietnamese history — all hidden behind its calm surface.
Things to Do and See around Truc Bach Lake
1. Walk or cycle around the lake
The loop around Truc Bach Lake is about 1.5 kilometers — easy to walk in under 30 minutes. The streets are calm, with far less traffic than the Old Quarter, and many areas are shaded by tall trees. It’s a favorite spot for locals to walk, jog, or just sit by the lake with a coffee.
You can also rent a bicycle or hop into a swan-shaped pedal boat to enjoy the water from a different perspective. Both are especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t too strong.
2. Visit Ngu Xa Island (Truc Bach Island)
Connected by two small bridges, Ngu Xa Iand, also called, Truc Bach Island, sits right in the middle of the lake. The island is quiet and residential, with a handful of low-rise buildings, walking streets, and photogenic corners.
You’ll find some homestays and Airbnbs here — ideal for longer stays — plus a few good cafés and street food spots. It’s also a nice area for a peaceful walk, with fewer vehicles and a more lived-in local feel.
3. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Though technically on West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda lies right along Thanh Nien Road and is impossible to miss. This is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, dating back over 1,500 years.
It’s free to enter and open to all visitors, offering a quiet place to explore Buddhist imagery, peaceful gardens, and a towering stupa surrounded by water. It’s particularly scenic around sunset or early morning before the crowds arrive.
4. Quan Thanh Temple
A few minutes’ walk from the lake’s southwest corner is Quan Thanh Temple, one of the Four Sacred Temples of ancient Hanoi. This Taoist site dates back to the 11th century and was built to guard the city’s north.
Step through the ornate gate into a shaded courtyard and admire the massive bronze statue of Tran Vu, the guardian deity. The temple is quiet and rarely crowded — a nice cultural stop if you’re nearby.
5. Thuy Trung Tien Temple (Cau Nhi Shrine)
Located on a tiny islet near the northern edge of the lake, this small temple is linked to the main road by a short stone bridge. It’s easy to recognize thanks to the colorful flags lining the path.
Also called Cau Nhi Shrine, it’s mostly visited by locals, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year). Outside of holidays, it’s usually peaceful and makes for a short, reflective detour with lovely views across the lake.
6. Chau Long Market
Just south of the lake, Chau Long Market is a tightly packed, very local market known for its low ceilings and maze-like layout. It’s not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense — expect wet floors, narrow aisles, and raw meats on display — but it offers a real slice of local daily life.
Come in the morning to see it at its busiest. It’s also a good stop if you’re curious about where Hanoians actually shop for fresh ingredients.
7. Enjoy lakeside cafés and dessert bars
The Truc Bach area has a strong café scene. Some popular options with lake views include Standing Bar (great for craft beer), Santorini Vibes (Greek-inspired interior), and Tranquil Books & Coffee (cozy, multi-level with books and art).
If you’re after something sweet, the neighborhood is full of dessert shops serving chè (Vietnamese sweet soups) and kem caramen (caramel flan). Try places like Kem Caramen Duong Hoa or Minci Pudding for a local treat.
For something more upscale, head to the Summit Lounge on the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific Hotel for rooftop cocktails and panoramic views over both Truc Bach and West Lake.
8. Try local specialties like Pho Cuon
Truc Bach is the birthplace of pho cuon, a local dish made by rolling fresh rice noodles around stir-fried beef and herbs. It’s light, flavorful, and served cold with a sweet fish sauce dip.
A few streets on Truc Bach Island are lined with restaurants specializing in it. The most well-known are Pho Cuon Huong Mai and Pho Cuon 31, both casual places that also serve pho chien phong — a crispy, deep-fried version of rice noodles with gravy and greens.
You’ll also find banh tom (shrimp fritters) nearby, and a few relaxed bia hoi joints for a cold draft beer and grilled pork belly by the lake.
9. Watch the sunset on West Lake
The western edge of Truc Bach Lake, especially along Thanh Nien Road, is one of the best places in Hanoi to catch the sunset. The sun dips behind the buildings on the far side of West Lake, casting a warm glow across the water.
You don’t need a fancy spot — just grab a drink from a nearby café or vendor, find a seat along the promenade, and enjoy the breeze as the city winds down. For a bit more fun, take a swan boat out onto the water and watch the sky change color from the middle of the lake.
How to get to Truc Bach Lake
Truc Bach Lake is located about 3 kilometers northwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — close enough to walk, cycle, or reach easily by car or motorbike. Depending on your route, you’ll pass through some of Hanoi’s most interesting neighborhoods along the way.
Walking from the Old Quarter
If you’re up for a walk, there are two scenic options:
- Via Dong Xuan Market & Long Bien Bridge: Head north past the market, then west along Phan Dinh Phung Street toward the lake. This route passes through local markets and leafy colonial-era streets.
- Via Ba Dinh Square: Walk west toward the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then loop north past the Presidential Palace and onto Thanh Nien Road — this is a longer but quieter route with fewer motorbikes and more open space.
Both walks take about 30–40 minutes, depending on pace.
By Taxi, Grab, or Motorbike
Grab and Be are the easiest ride-hailing apps in Hanoi, with motorbike rides typically costing around 30,000–40,000 VND and cars a bit more. Taxis are also available (Mai Linh, G7, Taxi Group), and prices are similar, though slightly higher in traffic.
By bus
Several public buses stop near Truc Bach Lake, including routes E05, E09, 33, 50, 143, and 145. While cheap (around 7,000 VND), buses are slower due to frequent stops, and drivers do not speak English. They’re best if you’re already familiar with the route or traveling from a further district.
Staying around Truc Bach Lake
Staying near Truc Bach Lake isn’t the first choice for most tourists — especially first-time visitors, who usually prefer the energy and convenience of the Old Quarter or French Quarter. But if you’ve already seen Hanoi’s main sights or are looking for a quieter, more local vibe, Truc Bach can be a great alternative.
The area is noticeably calmer than downtown, with fewer honking horns, less nightlife noise, and more residential charm. It’s a good fit for remote workers, longer-term stays, or returning visitors who want to be close to the city without being in the middle of it.
Truc Bach Island, in particular, has several homestays and Airbnb rentals tucked into its peaceful walking streets. You’ll be just a short walk from cafés, pho cuon restaurants, and lakeside sunset spots — and only 10–15 minutes away (on foot or by Grab) from major sights like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, or Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Is Truc Bach Lake worth visiting?
If it’s your first time in Hanoi with only a few days to explore, Truc Bach Lake probably won’t make your must-see list — and that’s perfectly fine. The city has more iconic places to prioritize, like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature.
But if you’ve already ticked off the major sights and are looking for a more relaxed, local experience, Truc Bach is definitely worth your time. It’s ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk, a casual café stop, or a quiet lakeside dinner.
You can easily combine it with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, or a sunset stroll along West Lake. It’s also a good pick for repeat visitors, remote workers, couples, or anyone trying to escape Hanoi’s busier corners without going far.
