Hanoi to resume tour boat services on West Lake

As a popular tourist attraction in Hanoi, West Lake used to be home to tour boats, floating restaurants, and other tourist boat services.

In 2016, Hanoi People's Committee shut down the lake’s tourist dock and ordered a halt to boat services there due to declining environmental standards and fire hazards.

But then, tour boats and floating houses left abandoned by the dock fell into a state of decay.

Last year, Hanoi authorities dismantled the abandoned tour boats and floating restaurants along West Lake and restored the area to its original appearance.

The lake is famous for the density of historical relics, pagodas and rows of restaurants and coffee shops along its shores.

The area surrounding the lake is one of the city's most vibrant centers for international cuisine, and it is also home to a large expat community.

City authorities also want to launch more tourism activities on the lake such as concerts, hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and a golf course.