It would not be an exaggeration to say that West Lake is one of the most favorite places of “locals” in Hanoi. People come to West Lake because of the romantic sunset scene in the afternoon, the enchanting beauty of the yellow royal poinciana flower season or because of the extremely interesting activities such as SUP rowing, checking in at hot spots… Recently, West Lake has become a “new” trend that many people love and participate in. That is cycling around the lake.
In the current Covid-19 epidemic situation, the trend has emerged as a way for people in the capital to "travel in place" with activities that are both environmentally friendly and improve health.
West Lake has a captivatingly beautiful landscape.
With a lake shoreline of more than 17km, West Lake becomes an ideal route for cycling. When dawn breaks or sunset falls, West Lake has a magical charm. Cycling around the lake and immersing yourself in the cool breeze, watching the slow pace of life brings a feeling of relaxation and gentleness.
West Lake sunset possesses a magical charm. Photo: Internet
The trend of cycling around the lake is "hot" during the epidemic season
Cycling around West Lake is not a new activity that has become popular recently, but in the past, many people have come to experience it, and people even consider it their daily activity.
But in the current epidemic situation, many travel plans are interrupted, leading people to seek this activity as a way to reduce "restless legs" and improve health.
Not only attracting people living in the area around West Lake, but many people in other districts, especially young people, also love cycling here. Normally, people will ride their motorbikes and park them at locations around the lake, then rent bicycles and accessories. There are quite a few bicycle rental shops around the lake, specifically in the area of Trich Sai Street, Nguyen Dinh Thi Street...
Just spend a small amount of money about 40,000-50,000 VND/3 hours. You can comfortably experience traveling around the "green lung of the Capital".
Many bicycle rental places around Trich Sai and Nguyen Dinh Thi streets. Photo: Internet
According to Mr. Quan - a bicycle rental shop owner at West Lake, his shop is open from 5am to midnight, and on peak days rents out 300 customers. "The shop has 50 bikes so customers often have to line up early, every three hours there is a customer, the staff will receive the bike, check it and hand it over to the new customer" he shared.
Hanoi is entering summer, however, around 5 pm is when the roads along West Lake start to cool and windy. This is also the ideal time for people to start cycling, especially on weekends.
Cycling around the lake has recently attracted many young people. Photo: Doan Tham, Thu Phuong Vu
It is not difficult to see the image of colorful bicycles of all sizes running leisurely on the roads around the lake. The road is not too wide but enough to satisfy those who love cycling. "Slowly" receive the pleasant feelings in the early morning, when the sun just rises or at sunset begins to redden.
However, during this time, the epidemic situation is still complicated. If you participate in outdoor activities in general or cycling along West Lake in particular, please pay attention to ensuring epidemic prevention safety according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health such as wearing masks, disinfecting hands, avoiding crowded gatherings...
