Each park in Ho Chi Minh City carries its own unique architectural style, intertwined with memories of the past. Particularly, for residents in areas like Tan Binh and Go Vap, the image of Hoang Van Thu Park remains deeply ingrained in their memories. The park spans an area of 106,500 square meters. When mentioning this park, one immediately thinks of its distinctive shape. With a triangular layout, flanked by Hoang Van Thu and Tran Quoc Toan streets, the park resembles a cool oasis amidst the sweltering spaces of Saigon.
Another distinguishing feature that leaves a strong impression on many is the design of Phan Thuc Duyen Street cutting through the park. A path lined with trees casting shade on both sides, where somewhere hidden away, the chirping of birds fills the air. People come here to immerse themselves in the vastness of nature, to enjoy the refreshing air of the land and sky. Thinking of this place, the city's residents will never forget the symbolic image of the city's cultural aspirations, with gentle architectural lines reflecting the upward aspirations of a vibrant Saigon.
Hoang Van Thu Park stands out with a very poetic entrance like a lively, fresh painting. On both sides of the pathway are flower beds full of colors: red, purple, orange, yellow, swaying in the wind like invitations to pedestrians. Stepping into that natural painting, visitors suddenly find themselves lost in a lush green space with tree canopies providing shade under a vast sky. The park is also designed with shady rest pavilions, recreational areas, catering to the needs of various social strata. It's fascinating to see elderly people practicing qigong, middle-aged couples leisurely strolling along the paved paths. Under some trees, there's a young person engrossed in the world of fascinating books.
On idle weekend mornings, Hoang Van Thu Park is chosen as the venue for recreational activities of young people. You can easily come across a group of friends passionately singing accompanied by a guitar, more lively are the collective games, campfires, and enthusiastic picnics. It seems like this place has become a meeting point, a place for exchanges between urban generations. How lovely are those moments immersed in the scent of grass, enjoying the cool breeze of the land and sky, to relieve the worries, tensions of daily life outside.
Address: Hoang Van Thu, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
6. Rin Rin Park - Koi Fish Park
Located in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City and serving as a recreational destination for all ages, RIN RIN PARK proudly stands as the largest Japanese-style koi fish park and garden in Vietnam. Regularly hosting musical performances and artistic displays, it is also an ideal dating spot, where on weekends, one often encounters many couples here.
Being the first complete Japanese garden to appear since late Spring 2014 and situated at 87/8P Xuan Thoi Thuong 6, Xuan Thoi Dong Commune, Hoc Mon District, the park is only about 20km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Covering a total area of 20,000 square meters, it is a Japanese-style scenic park centered around a prominent koi fish pond - a swimming area for a large number of koi fish. In the middle of the pond is a crescent-shaped bridge with red railings crossing, shining against the fresh green color of various ornamental plants. Most impressive is the entire garden area decorated with large and small Iyo green stones from the Shikoku region combined with meticulously pruned La Han Pine trees. It must be said that the essence of Japanese garden art has been cleverly reproduced right in Vietnam.
This garden area has become a familiar and preferred eco-tourism spot of the largest southern city. It is both beautiful and unique, if not unparalleled in Vietnam to this day. The uniqueness lies in the exquisite and elaborate garden design artistry. Therefore, the presence of Rin Rin Park has provided urban residents with an ideal tourist destination for weekends or holidays with an entrance fee of only 50,000 VND, free for children under 1.4 meters.
Rin Rin Park's Koi Fish Pond is also a very suitable garden area for organizing events, ornamental creature exhibitions, and friend gatherings due to the food court within the premises. It is known that the Koi fish park is also a familiar stop for the Japanese community and their friends doing business and living in Ho Chi Minh City. Besides, with this distinctly Japanese space, it's certainly a meeting point for photography enthusiasts. Here, services are offered for renting Kimono, hairpins, umbrellas, fans, etc., for those guests who are interested in 'transforming' into Japanese people. In just a moment, you can own the desired photos, a meaningful experience for those who have not yet set foot in the land of cherry blossoms.
Address: 87/8p Xuan Thoi Thuong, 6 Xuan Thoi Dong Commune, Xuan Thoi Dong 1, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City
7. Củ Chi Water Park
Củ Chi Water Park is located 13 km from Thu Dau Mot, 3 km from the center of Cu Chi, and 20 km from An Suong bus station. With its convenient location amidst green, clean, and tranquil surroundings, this place has become an ideal accommodation for tourists, businessmen, and foreign experts working long-term in the Cu Chi, Trang Bang Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, or Ho Chi Minh City industrial zones.
Right from the first entrance into the Củ Chi Water Park area, visitors can feel the extremely romantic scenery with lotus ponds, bamboo clusters, along the gentle riverbanks adorned with many old shady trees, creating an even more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Harmonizing within are the melodious chirping of birds, ancient wooden houses making visitors feel as if they have returned to the gentle and rustic essence of Vietnamese countryside.
The Củ Chi Water Park area is recognized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism with a 2-star standard, offering a full range of services such as hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, karaoke, tennis, table tennis, billiards, a zoo, and a water park..., providing many interesting experiences, helping visitors create beautiful memories with friends or loved ones.
The diverse and abundant zoo features over 100 rare species such as white lions, white tigers, zebras, tapirs, rhinos, giraffes..., giving a sense of closeness to nature with the sounds of birds chirping, gibbons howling as if wandering into the wilderness. This is also an ideal place for studying and exploring rare animal species.
The professional staff and luxurious facilities will surely satisfy even the most demanding customers.
Address: TL8, Phuoc Vinh An, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
8. April 30 Park
This charming and shady park is named after the liberation day of the South on April 30, 1975. It attracts a large number of people for leisure activities due to its spacious grounds, proximity to central areas such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the city's post office, the Youth Cultural House, and Diamond Plaza shopping center,... Especially, sidewalk cafes are a must-try beverage when visiting here. In fact, they are simply familiar drinks such as coffee, soft drinks, coconut water, tamarind,... The special point is that the vendors will provide you with a newspaper to sit on while enjoying in the park.
Rarely does a park have such a glorious historical event as the April 30 Park. In every corner of the park, every building bears the imprint of history, of time. Notre Dame Cathedral, solemn and ancient, was built during the French colonial period. A little further is a stone plaque marking the place where over a million Saigon-Gia Dinh residents gathered to hear President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.
The trees still provide shade as if to ward off the bright, intense sunlight of Saigon, the green grass carpets along the walkway along with the fresh, airy atmosphere,... all blend together to create a serene and elegant green space in the heart of the city.
Sidewalk cafes aren't delicious in terms of beverages, but they're delicious in terms of space, style, and the bustling atmosphere of Saigon. Enjoying a drink amidst the cool greenery of the park, chatting and sharing thoughts, or watching the activities of people around such as playing instruments, singing, exercising, is a pleasure that many people love about sidewalk cafes here. Additionally, you can also enjoy snacks such as mixed rice paper, grilled corn, mango, ice cream, candy,...
If you visit beloved Saigon, you should stop by April 30 Park to enjoy the peaceful, gentle beauty amidst the city. April 30 Park is not just a temporary resting place, it is the heartbeat, the pride of the people here!
Address: Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
9. September 23 Park
The park, formerly Saigon Railway Station built by the French in the 19th century. After the events of April 30, 1975, the railway station was destroyed and relocated to its current location in District 3. Part of the station was transformed into a park. The remaining part became a residential area, combined with the Pham Ngu Lao - De Tham area, becoming a familiar area for backpackers due to the presence of many affordable guesthouses and mini hotels, along with other tourist services.
In addition, September 23 Park is also very close to famous landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Walking Street, especially Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban area, you can come to the park to enjoy the fresh, tranquil atmosphere. Currently, the park has large-scale facilities such as a shopping center complex right in Zone A of the park, which will be very convenient for serving the shopping, dining, and sightseeing needs of visitors. In Zone B, there is an interesting “underground” market located under the park's basement floor.
What especially makes people enjoy coming here is that in Zone B of the park, there is a bus station to help tourists easily travel to nearby places without wasting too much time. On weekends, locals and tourists will participate in food activities of many different culinary cultures such as India, Thailand, China. And this is also a good time for tourists to learn more about the culinary cultures of various countries.
With an ideal green space, this will be the ideal place to explore world cultures and cuisines. Why not visit the park once to experience its unique features. September 23 Park promises to bring you a relaxing and enjoyable time with family and loved ones.
Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10. Đầm Sen Water Park
Đầm Sen Water Park was established in 1999, located on Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, District 11. Over the years, Đầm Sen Water Park has been continuously changing with many play facilities and exciting activities to meet the entertainment needs of both children and adults. The park is equipped with a system consisting of 31 modern underwater play facilities along with a wave pool covering an area of up to 3000 m2 within a total area of about 3 hectares. Among them, the Giant Slide, Multislide, Boomerang, Tornado, Rope Swing Overcom Waterfall, Black Thunder, Kamikaze, Twister Max, etc., are all games that many tourists enjoy and eagerly participate in.
Flowing gently on colorful rafts along the water, you will feel like experiencing a challenging journey through waterfalls. During this journey, you will soar through twists and turns and free fall into the cool blue lake when it ends. At an altitude of 12 – 20 meters, you will admire the unique landscape of Đầm Sen Water Park and be amazed by the vast and vibrant space here.
Additionally, Đầm Sen Water Park also has various lakes such as children's lakes, wave pools, massage pools, and activity pools to meet the different needs and preferences of many tourists. Whether it's the wild river or the lazy river, you will be immersed in the gentle flow of water. Therefore, the park is not only a place for entertainment but also a place to share joy, connect family members, and preserve moments of love filled with radiant smiles and simple happiness.
Stepping into Đầm Sen, you will immerse yourself in the cool water, participate in fun games, experience challenges, conquer adventurous games, and enjoy wonderful moments of relaxation with family and friends.
Address: 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: damsenwaterpark.com.vn