🐹 Where To Swim In Hanoi

The Old Quarter / Hoan Kiem - Where to stay in Hanoi for the first time. 2. West Lake / Tay Ho - Where to stay in Hanoi for nightlife. 3. Ba Dinh - Where to stay in Hanoi with a family. 4. Hai Ba Trung. Best apartments in Hanoi, Vietnam. BONUS: Best Hanoi Airport Hotels. Bai Chay beach. An artificial beach locates in the center of Halong city. Bai Chay beach has a sandy beach more than 500m long, 100m wide, suitable for a lot of fun activities. Swimming in halong bay in summer is a great choice. >>> Read more: Top Most Beautiful Halong Bay Beaches - The Complete Guide. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Conveniently situated in the Ba Đình part of Hanoi,. feckless sdk generator. epson workforce es-500w lotte hotel hanoi deluxe room. ecotools bristle bath brush; lotte hotel hanoi deluxe room. best massager for arthritis; 1 minute read; Total. 0. Having surveyed the swimming pools around Hanoi, here are my suggestions: (1) Hanoi Horison Hotel (40 Cat Linh Street), 2nd fl. (pic 1) - Beautiful outdoors pool for lounging and swimming. Open to the public. Entrance fee, USD 12. Use of sauna, whirlpool and gym included. Swim here from March until October when it is warm outside. READ MORE: Plan your stay in Hanoi with this great 3-day itinerary! The Ancient House. Address: 87 Phố Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm; Opening hours: Friday - Sunday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Price: 10,000 VND; St Joseph's Cathedral. Address: 40 Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm Address 3: 614 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho district, Hanoi. 4. Green Tangerine Restaurant. Hanoi Green Tangerine Restaurant Hanoi is more and more famous for the authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine. The brasserie-style restaurant is designed to the rustic décor, bare bricked walls, and antique furnishing. Hoan Kiem is Hanoi's commercial centre, that houses prominent attractions such as National Museum of Vietnamese History, Hanoi Opera House, and Ngoc Son Temple are easily accessible on foot. The famous Hoan Kiem Lake provides a scenic view and walk alongside all the while a steady cool breeze to keeps the heat at bay. The Ngoc Son Pagoda is the most visited temple in Hanoi and sits on Jade Island. It is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century and is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. To get to it you cross the lovely red Huc Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge. Answer 1 of 3: Hi, Does anyone know a public swimming pool near the old quarter? TIA. Hanoi. Hanoi Tourism Hanoi Hotels Hanoi Guest House Hanoi Holiday Homes Hanoi Holiday Packages Hanoi Flights Hanoi Restaurants Hanoi Attractions Hanoi Travel Forum Hanoi Photos Hanoi Map wg68G. West Lake also known as Ho Tay Tay Ho is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hanoi and can also be considered as an iconic place of the capital city of Vietnam. Having a serene and tranquil beauty, West Lake Hanoi would definitely be a proper choice for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of modern life. Being there, tourists or even locals looking for respite can totally be satisfied as West Lake offers a harmonious combination of poetic lake, solemn historic areas, amazing activities, and unforgettable food. Location Tay Ho district, Hanoi Area km² Lake type Lake Shore length 17 km Map to the West Lake Want to know things to see and activities to do in and around West Lake Hanoi? Check the list below! 7 Things To See Around West Lake 1. Tran Quoc Pagoda Tran Quoc Pagoda the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi This is the oldest Pagoda in the capital of Vietnam. Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is now located on an islet within West Lake, was built in the 6th century during the reign of King Ly Nam De and is respectfully considered as a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. If you have been there for the first time, you will be highly likely to be surprised by a number of intricate statues carved in 1939, each of which has a unique facial feature. Tran Quoc pagoda ’s opening hours are from 8 to 4 thanks to which, tourists would have enough time to completely enjoy the specific architecture and stunning sunset view the Pagoda has long been famous for. The solemn beauty of this pagoda has been recognized on the global scale as it was voted by The Daily Mail UK as one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world. Location Thanh Nien street, Yen Phu ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi Opening Hours 800 – 1600 every day Entrance Fee 5,000 VND around $ 2. Quan Thanh Temple Quan Thanh temple one of the ancient Thang Long Quaternary land This temple is now set on the corner of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street, facing West Lake. According to the legend, in the past, to protect Hanoi from the bad spirits, the citizens here decided to build four sacred temples so-called Tu Tran Thang Long in four directions of the city. These temples are Bach Ma in the East, Kim Liem in the South, Than Linh Lang in the West and Quan Thanh in the North. Quan Thanh temple, worshipping Huyen Thien Tran Vu, serving as the protector of the Northern areas, was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To 1010 1028. It is based on Chinese style, meaning that it has an outer gate, a triple gate, and a courtyard. The first thing impressing the guests to this temple is its exotic outer gate. This gate has four pillars, each of which has the image of one phoenix. Four phoenixes on four pillars fight each other and there is a giraffe on the top. Going inside the temple, tourists will find a shrine containing the famous meters approximately 12 feet bronze statue of God Tran Vu. He is holding a snake and a tortoise, which, in Vietnamese religion, represent wealth and protection, respectively. Quan Thanh Temple is open to all sightseers as well as people who want to pray for health, luck, and happiness. Location Thanh Nien street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi Opening Hours 800 – 1700 every day Entrance Fee VND around $ 3. Chu Van An High School also Buoi High School The renowned Chu Van An High School on the banks of West Lake Established in 1908 by the French colonial government, this is one of the oldest high schools in Vietnam. This school is special for its French-styled architecture. A large number of ancient trees in this school also promotes its specific beauty, making it not only a historic place but also a tourist attraction. Location Thuy Khue street, Thuy Khue Ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi Working hours for students 730 1700 4. Thien Nien Pagoda Thien Nien pagoda a millennium-year-old pagoda This is a special pagoda as it worships not only Buddha but also Mrs. Pham Thi Ngoc Do, one concubine of King Le Thanh Tong. The reason behind this is because Mrs. Pham was the first one who taught people in this region the weaving profession. Thien Nien Pagoda, though has little spectacular architecture as well as historic relics, attracts thousands of Buddhists and visitors each year. Location Lac Long Quan street, Buoi, Tay Ho, Hanoi 5. Van Nien Pagoda Van Nien pagoda the most unique of wooden architecture in the side of Hanoi West Lake Located on Lac Long Quan Street, this pagoda is dedicated to Buddha and Princess Lieu Hanh. Van Nien Pagoda has its architecture affected significantly by the Nguyen Dynasty ’s style. This complex contains a triple gate, the main pagoda and a Temple of Goddess. Considered as a national relic, this one-thousand-year-old pagoda is among the oldest ones in Hanoi, housing an overwhelming set of relics, including more than 40 round statues and 10 imperial edicts which recognized Princess Lieu Hanh as a Goddess since Tay Son, Le Dynasty. This makes Van Nien Pagoda not only a spiritual place but also a sanctuary for Vietnamese historic and cultural values. Location Lac Long Quan street, Xuan La, Tay Ho, Hanoi Phone 024 3836 3055 6. Vong Thi Pagoda A quiet space at Vong Thi Pagoda Vong Thi Pagoda was constructed during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, has gone through numerous wars, and witnessed Viet Nam’s ups and downs for more than a millennium. This place worships Aide-de-camp Muc Than of King Ly Nhan Tong. Over time, the pagoda has been severely devastated and had to be restored many times; however, the cultural, as well as historical values of it, is undeniable. Location Vong Thi street, Buoi ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi 7. Tao Sach Pagoda Tao Sach ancient pagoda remains its ancient, majestic, and solemn in the capital According to the legend, this place was built in the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong for the purpose of worshiping Prince Linh Lang, who considerably contributed to the Vietnam war against Nguyen Mong. This was also the place where Prince Linh Lang used to live, read books, enjoy poems, practice literature and martial arts as well. Tao Sach Pagoda was constructed in folk style, including a triple gate, contemplation rooms, and other religious constructions. In addition, visiting this pagoda, tourists will have an unforgettable chance of seeing various Han Nom documents and priceless relics. Location 386 Lac Long Quan street, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho, Hanoi So, other than sightseeing, what to do next? The answer is a lot of recreation activities waiting there for you! 6 Recreation Activities Around West Lake 1. Cycling Riding the calm rush’ of Hanoi West Lake Every single afternoon, you can see people both in the neighborhood and from faraway places exercising and relaxing on their bikes while touring around the serene lake. West Lake Hanoi is such a great place for exercising, especially cycling, which is one of the most enjoyable activities around the lake. Besides, there is also free equipment for everyone to have a morning or afternoon exercise session here. 2. West Lake’s Water Park West Lake Water Park serve the high leisure demand in summer Taking up a corner of West Lake, this busy and interesting water park takes its inspiration from the gorgeous city of Santorini in Greece. It is popular among families with kids who want to have an amazing time playing a variety of adventurous water sports in the hot summer. 3. Swan Pedalo Rent one of those cute swan boats and experience a charming relaxing space West Lake is also a perfect dating spot for couples. They can simply sit on a stone bench facing towards the lake and watch as life goes by. Or they can hire a swan pedalo to sail around the lake while having small talks with each other. 4. Café Hang out with your travel buddies at one of the coffee shops by the lakeside Sometimes, the traffic jams and the hurried lifestyle of Hanoi make you wonder “Why Hanoi is being considered the city of peace’?” If you are feeling that way, you are highly recommended to stop by some of these peaceful cafés, such as Maison de Tet Décor, Maison de Blanc, LeMarz Coffee Roastery, 6 Degrees and so on. The picturesque scene and the romantic architecture of these coffee shops will definitely enlighten you about the answer to the question above. In these places, you can just relax as time flies with your cup of coffee or tea. You can use that time to enjoy a book, to talk to friends, or just to watch the surrounding scene for hours. The possibilities are endless, but they all aim at one result, that is, you feel Hanoi’s peaceful spirit again. 5. Enjoy the Cuisine Seek a chance to enjoy the specialty West Lake shrimp fried cake Shrimp cake Referring to Hanoi, it will be imperfect not to mention the long famous shrimp cakes in Tay Ho West Lake. Since a long time ago, shrimp cakes have been mostly sold on Co Ngu street near West Lake now is Thanh Nien Street; therefore, whenever people think about food in West Lake, shrimp cakes become the first dish to be mentioned. Shrimps to make the dishes must be caught from West Lake, then, every two shrimps will be fried with a crispy crust, forming a perfect shrimp cake. Vermicelli and Shellfish Soup “Shellfish” Ốc is a special kind of species in Viet Nam, and shellfish vermicelli soup in Thuy Khue Street has become a popular dish for gourmets since such a long time. The reasons behind this dish’s fame are not only its fantastic taste but also its careful as well as clean preparing and cooking processes. The sweetness of the broth, mixed with the sourness of tomatoes, goes harmoniously with the specific taste of “ốc”, forming an unforgettable shellfish vermicelli soup, which can definitely impress every visitor. This is really one of must-try Hanoi West Lake food for any tourist. Coconut Icecream Near West Lake, there are a lot of coconut ice cream parlors. Visitors can easily enjoy this special ice cream while resting along West Lake. What makes this type of ice cream so outstanding is that the coconut ice cream is put into …. a coconut. The coolness of the cream, together with the coconut flesh and the fruit syrup, makes relaxing nearby West Lake even more refreshing. 6. Take Photos with the Lotus Pond Peaceful lotus pond at the scenic West Lake In this largest natural lake of Hanoi West Lake, people can gently get released among the lotus flowers in each blooming season. Visitors going here usually choose to wear “Ao dai” Vietnamese traditional costume to take some photos with the lotus flowers also our national flower. This activity is largely preferred by women, as the blooming lotus flowers truly form a feminine and wonderful view. How to Get to West Lake Being Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, West Lake has an impressive perimeter of around 17 kilometers, along with a total area of more than 5 square kilometers. Since West Lake is located in the North West of the inner city in Tay Ho District , it is not far from many other well- known places. Therefore, visitors can flexibly travel to other famous Hanoi attractions such as The Old Quarter, Uncle Ho Mausoleum or so on when being at West Lake. This area is also the intersection of a number of routes, thus, getting there would not be a challenge By bus 13, 33, 50, 70 Cost 7,000 VND/ ticketFrom Hanoi Old Quarters Taxi VND – 17,500 VND/kilometerGrab, GoViet, Be Apps Established price will be includedMotorbike 30 mins Local Tips to West Lake Be here early in the morning if you want to enjoy the fresh air as well as the breathtaking sunrise view, and go here in the evening if you want to try its romantic night riding would be the best choice if you want to proactively discover the lake as well as its interesting surrounding on comfortable clothes as you will have to move a lot. However, if you plan to visit any temples or pagodas here, please remember to wear formal but not least, be careful and watch out for pickpockets as well as thieves. Visiting Hanoi but not going to West Lake would be one of the most regrettable things you have ever done in your life. The natural beauty, the excellent food and huge cultural values here form a perfect combination, which is sure to take everyone’s breath away. Hanoi city has been the capital of a reunified Vietnam for nearly a thousand years now. It is one of the center points of Vietnam, where many Vietnamese dynasties have engraved their impressions. The city has scores of fascinating cultural and historical monuments for travelers in comparison to other cities in Vietnam. The city is prominently situated on the right bank of the Red River which makes the sightseeing even more lucrative for the visitors as the city can be explored by choosing any of the water sports in Hanoi. Best Time To Try Water Sports In Hanoi The most favorable time to visit Hanoi is around September to November autumn and March to April spring when the weather is pleasant with mild temperature. During winters, Hanoi becomes quite cold as the temperatures can fall below 10ºC and during the summer averaging near around 28-35ºC. Top 5 Water Sports In Hanoi Here are some of the most popular water sports in the city of Hanoi that all adventure seekers must try during their trip for an utterly exciting holiday experience in Vietnam. 1. Cruising Image Source Though not really a water sport, a trip to Hanoi without experiencing a cruise would be incomplete. Witness the majestic landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-Halong Bay in the most impressive way while onboard, which is one of the top-rated water sports in Hanoi. Sailing through the luxury cruise amidst the speculating bay that promises breathtaking scenery and tranquil beauty from the sundeck with the changing colors of the sky. Unwind to discover the splendid beauty of the "Descending Dragon" bay, mounted by thousands of limestone rocks. Unleash yourself to enjoy the bay landscapes and the serene floating village on the way. This tour would definitely mark an experience of a lifetime. Many tour companies offer day and night cruise tours to sail around the Halong Bay that includes many other activities like Kayaking and Bamboo boat ride etc which can be enjoyed on the go, one can opt for the best suitable package out of the plentiful options conveniently available. Location Halong Bay Average cost starts from INR 5500 approx. Must Read Beaches In Hanoi Indulge The Water Baby In You At These Sandy Havens In Vietnam 2. Kayaking Image Source After a cruise, kayaking is the next best option for water sports in Hanoi to explore Halong Bay. Kayaking will not only offer you a closer look at the World Heritage-Halong Bay but also relieve you of all your stress and worries while rejuvenating and soothing your senses. Many travel operators offer Kayaking along with the cruise package. The visitors are taken to Halong Bay in a cruise, where they can enjoy many other activities including kayaking around Lan Ha Ba and excursions to Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave that offers a stunning view. Although some sites have become crowded with tour boats, however, there are various untouched sights on the outer fringes of the bay. Location Halong Bay Average cost INR 6000 approx Inclusive in Cruise ride depending on package. 3. Bamboo boat ride Image Source Another way to explore the picturesque Halong Bay in Hanoi is through a Bamboo boat ride. Many operators offer water activities in Hanoi, and just like kayaking, bamboo boat ride tours are also offered within the cruise package. The bamboo boat ride would surely serve the purpose of enjoying the mesmerizing Halong bay in a very unique way while giving you an experience of adventure at the same moment. The bewitching blue water of the bay will win your heart and the Bamboo boat ride right in the middle of the turquoise water adds a cherry on top. Location Halong Bay Average cost INR 6000 approx Inclusive in Cruise ride depending on package. Suggested Read Hiking In Hanoi Indulge In The Enchanting Views Of Nature With A Soul-Stirring Trip 4. Snorkeling When it comes to boat tours & water sports in Hanoi, there are quite a decent number of things which can be done and snorkeling is one of them. It is ideal for those who are interested in seeing sparkling underwater life and admire the humongous display of coral reef. Halong Bay holds diverse ecosystem along with both oceanic and tropical evergreen biosystem. The widely spread bay has approximately 1200 hectares of coral reef with hundreds of aquatic heritage species. Snorkeling is mostly carried out by the Cruise line operators that may or may not be included in the cruise fare depending on the package taken. Location Halong Bay Average cost Inclusive in Cruise ride depending on package 5. Scuba diving Hanoi is a paradise for those who love Scuba diving as Ha long bay offers rich and diversified marine life which is a treat to the diver’s eyes. With umpteen numbers of splendid corals like stag-horn and mushroom, Halong Bay would certainly amaze anyone. Scuba diving is counted among the top 10 Hanoi water sports. The best season for diving is from the month of April to December when the water temperature ranges from 26-30 degree Celsius. Additionally. It is best done under the supervision of well trained and certified divers which sums an unforgettable experience to tourists. Cruise operators who deal with water sports in Hanoi can be contacted for scuba diving as this activity is conducted by cruise line mostly. Location Halong Bay Average cost Inclusive in the cruise ride depending on the package Suggested Read 10 Hostels In Hanoi That Are Comfortable, Contemporary, And Unbelievably Cheap Other Interesting Things To Do In Hanoi There is a lot more that can be done apart from water activities in Hanoi. The city offers the wide array of options to choose from, all depending on your interest. 1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Interestingly, the impressive monument of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Vietnam preserves the body of Ho Chi Minh in a glass casket, who was a former Vietnamese leader. It was inaugurated in the year 1975 and since then, it has preserved the politician's remains in a perfect condition. The museum documents the life of Ho Chi Minh with a couple of chronological topics. The body of Ho Chi Minh is dimly lit, and visitors get only a fraction of time to observe it as they tour around the mausoleum. The visitors follow a line formation which is not allowed to stop at any point. Though, it is said by some that the casket contains just a model of Ho Chi Minh's body as the embalmed body would ultimately decay. Location Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi Average cost No entry fee donations are accepted. Suggested Read Hanoi Street Food Perfect Options For Binge Eating On Your Next Trip! 2. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Thang Long Water Puppet show is one of the most sought-after tourist highlights in Hanoi which is a home of the unusual art of water puppetry. The rice farmers who worked in the Red River Delta had formulated this unusual form of art over a thousand years ago. At the time of the performance, the puppeteers stand in a water body behind the screen where water is leveled till their waistline and maneuver the puppets on rods to give moving impression across the water. Each act involves nearly 7 to 11 well-trained puppeteers who undergo training for at least three years. The performances involve both animal and human puppets to showcase traditional Vietnamese tales and legends, some of which are - The Legend of the Restored Sword of King Lenand and a boy riding a buffalo whilst playing the flute along with dancing dragons on the water complementing with fireworks. The Water Puppet Theatre can be very busy between October and April, so it is better to book the tickets well in advance. In addition, extra charges are applicable if you wish to bring a camera to the performance. Also, Beware of sitting in the front row as you may get wet! Location Hanoi Average cost INR 700 approx. Suggested Read Restaurants In Hanoi Pull Your Forks Out For A Culinary Extravaganza In Vietnam 3. Hanoi City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Image Source What a great idea it would be to explore the local sights of Hanoi city at your own pace on locally run double-decker buses, hopping on and off nearly 30 attractive popular heritage sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake, one-pillar pagoda and Old Quarter etc. It is one of the simplest ways to tour around the city for any sort of traveler - solo or group. The shuttle service starts from the fixed meeting point at Hoan Kiem Lake which is in the heart of Hanoi City Centre. The buses are well equipped with multilingual audio guides English, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The guests have the liberty to board and deboard at any bus stop during their tour. Beside this, Hop-On-Hop-Off buses are also outfitted with free WiFi services. The shuttle service operates from 9 to 630 and the tickets are valid till 24 hours. Furthermore, the bus arrives approximately every 30 minutes. Location Hanoi Average cost INR 1300 approx. Further Read Hanoi In Winter Top 13 Things To Do In This Vietnamese Capital During Winter So, why not plan a trip and try out these exciting water sports in Hanoi for an exhilarating experience. Let the experts at TravelTriangle book you an awesome-sauce trip to Vietnam at economical rates and with all the customisations of your choice! Don’t forget to write to us about your memorable holiday experience once you’re back! Disclaimer TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer. Please Note Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice. Frequently Asked Questions About Water Sports In Hanoi Why is Hanoi famous? Hanoi was the first capital of Vietnam after a long battle between the Viet Minh forces and the French in 1954. The current day Vietnam is famous for its delectable cuisines, handicrafts, silk, vibrant nightlife and vibrant culture. A great place for a holiday destination, Vietnam offers a number of exciting watersports that you can enjoy in this historical city. Which is the best time to visit Hanoi? SpringFebruary to April and AutumnOctober to November are the two best seasons to visit Vietnam and enjoy its pleasant weather while you explore the outdoors. Which are the most popular places to visit in Hanoi? The best places to visit in Hanoi for a rendezvous with its history 1. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 2. Hanoi Opera House 3. Thang Long Puppet Theatre 4. Ba Vi National Park 5. Hoa Lo Prison What is there to do in Hanoi? Some of the amazing things that you can do in Hanoi are 1. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 2. Be amazed by the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son 3. Explore the greens of Ba Vi National Park 4. Enjoy classical performances at Hanoi Opera House 5. Amuse yourself at the Water Puppet Theatre Which are the best beaches for water sports in Hanoi? Here are the best beaches in Hanoi where you can enjoy a number of water activities 1. Do Son Beach 2. Tuan Chau Beach 3. Thinh Long Beach 4. Cat Ba Island 5. Chay Beach Are the water sports in Hanoi safe? Yes. The water sports in Hanoi are absolutely safe to try. But if you are trying them for the first time, make sure you do it under the supervision of certified professional trainers. Are the waters in Hanoi safe to swim? Yes! The waters in Hanoi are absolutely safe to swim and you can enjoy yourself without any worry. Looking To Book An International Honeymoon? Book memorable honeymoon on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations. Home Vietnam Hanoi and surrounds Hanoi What to do and see Swimming Swimming Public alternativesPublished/Last edited or updated 26th February, 2017 More on Hanoi Accommodation Food Sights Transport Hotels with pools are certainly out of the budgetary reach of most visitors to Hanoi, and I definitely wouldn’t be jumping into the Red River or Hoan Kiem Lake, but fortunately a few public pools provide a reasonably priced alternative if you’re in need of a swim — quite possible now the weather has heated up. Travelfish says The Army Hotel pool is most conveniently located for visitors, being near to the National Museum and Opera House. The hotel itself isn’t much but for around 70,000 VND pay at the reception desk on your way into the hotel you get a decent-sized pool, a towel, changing rooms and — if you’re early enough — a lounger. I wouldn't recommend a dip in the lake I last went on a Saturday in the height of summer and it was busy, with a fair few kids running around, but not unbearably so I still managed to grab a chair and there was enough space in the pool for some half-hearted lengths, with most visitors preferring to lounge around the edges. Friends of mine have been going in the mornings for a swim and it’s been empty. So avoid weekends if you’re a serious swimmer or want a bit more peace and same applies to the other three options Thang Loi, Sao Mai and Four Seasons. The Thang Loi Hotel, at the end of Yen Phu on West Lake, is now 80,000 VND. I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding the cleanliness of the water — with some reports of it being dirty and others that it’s fine — but having now been myself I must say I was very impressed clean water, not too busy it gets busy mid to late afternoon, loungers and shaded seating and a view across West Lake. Now my pool of choice. Sao Mai Pool is a stand alone pool right next to West Lake down the same road as Don’s Restaurant. It has more limited space for sitting and lounging but is a huge pool with a large shallow pool making it ideal for children. Entry is 50,000 VND and it’s open from 0600-1100 then from 1400 till I’ve heard that the Four Season pool south of the Temple of Literature is decent enough, with good showers and generally clean water. Apparently men have to wear Speedos, which may not appeal to the girls or the guys! Price is also 50,000 VND. If you want to upgrade, then some of the large hotels also allow visitors to pay and use the pool. For example, the Daewoo on Kim Ma charges US$10. I’ve stared at that particular pool wistfully many times I used to teach English there but haven’t ever taken the Hotel33C Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan Kiem, HanoiT 04 3825 2896Thang Loi Hotel200 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, HanoiSao Mai PoolAlley 27, Xuan Dieu the road that runs along the edge of the lake — keep going and it’s on the rightT 04 3718 3161Four Season14 Dang Tien Dong Street, HanoiT 04 3537 6250

where to swim in hanoi