By aussiematesvietnam Truc Bach Lake: Scenic Views and Historical Significance
G’day, fellow adventurers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, Tracy and I reckon we’ve discovered just about every nook and cranny this beautiful country has to offer. Today, I want to share one of Hanoi’s true gems that many tourists miss but shouldn’t – the picturesque Truc Bach Lake.
Nestled in the Ba Dinh District, this serene body of water offers a refreshing escape from the chaotic energy of Vietnam’s capital. For us Aussies who are used to having plenty of space, finding peaceful spots like this in a city of 8 million people is pure gold!
The Historical Significance of Truc Bach Lake
Now, before you think this is just another pretty lake, let me tell you – Truc Bach has some serious history under its belt. Back in the day (we’re talking 17th and 18th centuries), this lake was where silk was processed for the imperial court. The name “Truc Bach” actually refers to the white silk (bach) produced from the bamboo (truc) grown nearby. Pretty fascinating stuff, right?
But the historical significance doesn’t stop there. For Americans, this lake has particular importance as the site where future US Senator John McCain was shot down during the Vietnam War in 1967. After ejecting from his aircraft, McCain landed in these waters before being captured and held as a prisoner of war. There’s a monument marking the spot, which Tracy and I found quite moving when we first visited.
For the history buffs (and I know many of you fellow boomers love a good historical tale), the area around the lake also features French colonial architecture, a testament to Vietnam’s complex past. Walking around, you can’t help but feel the layers of history beneath your feet.
Lakeside Living: A Glimpse into Modern Hanoi
One thing I’ve come to appreciate during my 20 years in Vietnam is how lakes like Truc Bach serve as the lifeblood of the community. Early mornings here are a beauty to behold – locals practicing tai chi, joggers pounding the pavements, and older blokes fishing off the edges, reminding me a bit of early mornings at Australian dams (though I reckon the fish here are a bit different from our barramundi!).
Tracy and I often grab a coffee from one of the lakeside cafes and just watch the world go by. It’s become our Sunday ritual, and I tell you what, the Vietnamese certainly know how to brew a good cuppa! The strong, sweet coffee paired with those peaceful lake views is something special.
The Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure
Now, if there’s one thing us Aussies appreciate, it’s good tucker, and the area around Truc Bach Lake doesn’t disappoint. The lake is famous for its “phở cuốn” – fresh rice noodle rolls that aren’t quite like anything we have back home. Tracy reckons they’re better than any sushi roll she’s ever had!
Our favorite spot is a little family-run joint on Truc Bach street where the grandmother still oversees every roll that goes out. No English menu here, mate – just point and smile, that’s always worked for us! For about 50,000 VND (roughly $3 AUD), you can feast like royalty.
- Phở cuốn (fresh rice noodle rolls)
- Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles)
- Phở chiên phồng (crispy fried noodles)
- Chè (sweet dessert soups)
Fair dinkum, the food alone is worth the visit!
Getting Around: The Practical Bits
For my fellow Aussie travellers who might be a bit older and wondering about accessibility, let me put your mind at ease. The lake has a well-maintained pathway circling it, making for an easy stroll. The entire circuit is about 1.5 kilometers – a pleasant 20-minute walk at a leisurely pace.
Taxi drivers all know “Hồ Trúc Bạch” (Truc Bach Lake), so getting there is no drama. If you’re feeling adventurous, Grab bikes (the local Uber equivalent) are cheap as chips, though holding on tight while weaving through Hanoi traffic might give you a proper adrenaline rush!
Pro tip from Tracy: visit in the early morning (around
6-7 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid the midday heat. Trust us, the Vietnamese sun can be brutal for us fair-skinned Aussies!
Nearby Attractions: Making a Day of It
What makes Truc Bach particularly appealing is its proximity to other attractions. Just a stone’s throw away is the larger West Lake (Hồ Tây), the Presidential Palace, and the famous One Pillar Pagoda. You could easily make a full day exploring this part of Hanoi.
After nearly two decades here, Tracy and I still sometimes act like typical tourists and hire a swan pedal boat on West Lake after our Truc Bach visit. Sure, it’s a bit naff, but there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about it – reminds me of taking our kids boating at Darling Harbour back in the day.
The Best Times to Visit
If you’re planning a trip, the autumn months (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather. The summer can be stinking hot and humid – worse than Darwin in the wet season! Winter in Hanoi (December to February) can be surprisingly chilly and damp, nothing like the winters we’re used to back in Australia.
That said, there’s something magical about the lake during Tết (Vietnamese New Year, usually in January or February). The decorations around the lake are spectacular, and the festive atmosphere is contagious. Tracy and I have celebrated many a Tết here, and each one feels special.
Final Thoughts: Why Truc Bach Matters
In a rapidly modernizing city like Hanoi, places like Truc Bach Lake provide a precious link to the past while serving the needs of the present. It’s not just a pretty spot for photos (though it certainly is that) – it’s a living, breathing part of Hanoi’s soul.
For visitors from Australia, especially us boomers who might be looking for something beyond the usual tourist traps, Truc Bach offers a glimpse into authentic local life. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take a breath, and really feel like you’re experiencing Vietnam, not just passing through it.
After all these years, Tracy and I still find ourselves drawn to its shores time and again. There’s always something new to discover, another layer to peel back, another story to hear. And isn’t that what travel is all about?
So when you’re planning your Hanoi itinerary, do yourself a favor and pencil in a few hours for Truc Bach Lake. Grab a coffee, try the local food, and just soak it all in. As we say back home, she’s a beauty!
Until next time, mates! Aussie Mates signing off from the wonderful chaos of Hanoi.