Hanoi’s West Lake has become an oasis for its residents to cool themselves against the extreme heat that has been roasting the Vietnamese capital since the middle of this week.
The heat wave is forecast to linger in northern Vietnam well into Tuesday.
On Friday, the whole region suffered from sweltering weather, with readings from 37-40 degrees Celsius, the most severe hot spell to hit the north in 14 years.
Locals could be spotted protecting themselves from the searing heat by hiding in the shade and carrying bottles of water for rehydration.
Others opted to cool themselves by taking a dip in the West Lake.
Spanning 500 hectares with a circumference of 18 kilometers in Hanoi’s northwestern area, the West Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the capital.
Adults, children and pets alike flocked to take a swim in the massive lake over the weekend, using inner tubes of car tyres as makeshift lifebuoys.
According to locals, the lake has been a popular destination for weekend getaways during hot seasons in Hanoi for the past few years, despite it being a no-swimming zone.
Swimmers in Hanoi’s West Lake under the scotching sun, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
A dog prepares to get into the water with its owner in Hanoi’s West Lake, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The lake was most crowded in the late afternoon, when the heat was less extreme. Photo: Tuoi Tre
A girl plays with her two pet dogs in Hanoi’s West Lake, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Two dogs play near the bank of Hanoi’s West Lake as their owners keep a close watch, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
A man uses an inflated inner tube of a car tyre as a makeshift lifebuoy at Hanoi’s West Lake, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
A man plays with his son at Hanoi’s West Lake, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
A group of young men in Hanoi’s West Lake, June 3, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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