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With a history spanning hundreds of years, Tao Dan Park has become a familiar recreational spot for both locals and tourists alike. Let's delve into everything about Tao Dan Park, Saigon!
For residents of Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is undoubtedly a well-known destination, ideal for family outings, morning exercises for the elderly, or romantic dates for young couples.
With over 1,000 trees spread across its 10-hectare area, Tao Dan Park is often referred to as the 'green lung' of Saigon, offering shade and fresh air amidst the bustling cityscape. Not only does it provide green spaces for relaxation, but Tao Dan Park also hosts various fairs, exhibitions, and a wide range of dining options, bringing joyous experiences to visitors.
Don't hesitate any longer, let's take a stroll in Tao Dan Park today!
Where is Tao Dan Park Located?
- Tao Dan Park, also known as Tao Dan Cultural Park, stands as one of Saigon's most beautiful parks, located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Renowned for its dense greenery, especially its century-old trees, Tao Dan Park serves as a familiar rendezvous point amidst the urban hustle and bustle of Saigon.
The History of Tao Dan Park
The history of Tao Dan Park dates back hundreds of years, originating from the arrival of the French in Saigon in 1859-1860, when they began developing the city.
Formerly, Tao Dan Park was a garden within the grounds of the Governor-General's Palace of Indochina in Saigon (now the Independence Palace).
In 1869, the French constructed Miss Clavell Road (now Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street) to separate the garden from the palace, naming it Jardin de la Ville or Parc Maurice Long. However, locals referred to it as Mr. Thuong's Garden (named after the Imperial Counsellor Le Van Duyet, who established a botanical garden here) or River Bank Garden (perhaps a phonetic adaptation of the French word “préau”, meaning “paved courtyard”).
Over the following years, the city constructed a series of cultural, sports, and educational facilities for the community, including: Hieu Nhac Association (1896), Tam Diem Association (1897), Saigon Sports Club (1902), and Pediatric Institute (1926).
Since 1954, after the French signed the Geneva Accords and withdrew from Indochina, the Governor-General's Palace of Indochina was renamed Independence Palace, and the garden was renamed Tao Dan Park. The four roads surrounding the garden were also renamed: Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hong Thap Tu, Le Van Duyet, and Nguyen Du.
Additionally, there used to be Tao Dan Elementary School located within the garden compound, operating from the 1950s until the end of 1976 when it was demolished.
After 1975, Tao Dan Park added a children's play area and was renamed Tao Dan Cultural Park, remaining the city's main park to this day, renowned for its lush greenery and frequent hosting of fairs, exhibitions, and events during festivals and holidays.
In 1992, the local authorities constructed a Monument to commemorate the Hung Kings, and recent renovations were carried out in 2011.
Address of Tao Dan Park
- Tao Dan Park is situated right behind Independence Palace, bordered by four main streets of Saigon: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Truong Dinh, August Revolution, and Nguyen Du, in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Get to Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan Park is centrally located, making it easily accessible by both private and public transportation.
- If traveling by car or motorbike, from Paris Commune Street, take Nguyen Du Street for about 1km until you reach the intersection with Truong Dinh Street, then turn right and you will arrive at the entrance of Tao Dan Park. Parking is available at the parking lot located at the corner of Truong Dinh and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Streets.
- Alternatively, you can take the bus, which is both economical and avoids getting lost in the notorious Saigon traffic. Bus routes to Tao Dan Park operate daily, continuously from 4:50 AM to 5:50 PM, with routes such as: 05, 06, 14, 150.
Opting for a sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus to pass by Tao Dan Park along with many other famous tourist attractions in Saigon is also a great idea for #teamKlook.
Especially if you're traveling in a large group, there's nothing better than renting a private car with a driver to be taken to your desired destinations with the most flexible itinerary.
Tao Dan Park Opening Hours
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Tao Dan Park is open from 07:00 to 22:00 every day of the week.
- Usually, there is no entrance fee; however, during festivals or exhibitions, there may be an admission fee.
What to Do at Tao Dan Park?
Visiting Tao Dan Park is primarily about enjoying the fresh air, exercising, sitting on long benches chatting with friends, or having a picnic with family on the spacious lawn. The 300m2 playground for children at Tao Dan Park is also an interesting spot for families with young kids. For those who appreciate art, the Memorial Temple of the Kings, ancient Lam family tomb, and other sculptures and paintings have left their mark at Tao Dan Park.
1. Relaxation Space
Standing out amidst the bustling center of Saigon, Tao Dan Park creates a distinct, cool, and fresh space with beautifully designed landscapes. Therefore, local residents as well as tourists often come here every day for a stroll, exercise, gathering with friends, or picnicking together. The busiest times at Tao Dan Park are in the early morning and late afternoon. During these times, the air is cool and comfortable, attracting many people to come for a leisurely walk or exercise.
2. Explore the Memorial Temple of the Kings
The Memorial Temple of the Kings is one of the three temples dedicated to the Kings in Saigon. It holds significant historical value in the city center, especially during the Hung Kings' Anniversary. The temple complex is built based on the original model of the historical relic site Den Hung in Phu Tho, featuring traditional architecture combined with modern details amidst lush greenery. The temple is always tended to, with daily incense offerings, maintaining its solemn and clean appearance.
3. Discover the Ancient Lam Family Tombs
Located under the lush green trees, about 30 meters from Truong Dinh Street, lies the tomb complex of the prestigious Lam family. Inscriptions on the steles indicate that the tomb complex was built during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, under the title Dai Nam. It is the resting place of Mr. Lam Tam Lang and his wife, Mai Thi Xa. Mr. Lang, originally from Guangdong, immigrated to Vietnam and passed away in 1795.
The Lam family tomb complex is built with composite materials, featuring typical architectural elements commonly found in ancient tombs, including a forecourt, worship yard, tomb house, and surrounding walls. The construction was recognized as a City-level Architectural Art Monument in 2014.
Tao Dan Flower Festival
During Tet Nguyen Dan, Tao Dan Park hosts the Tao Dan Flower Festival, featuring thousands of unique artistic creations made from flowers and ornamental plants, alongside a myriad of colorful exotic flowers, and many exciting recreational activities, attracting the attention of many Saigonese.
Café at Tao Dan Park
If you've ever been to Tao Dan Park in the early morning, you'll surely be captivated by the chirping of birds coming from the café corner in Tao Dan Park. Locals affectionately call this popular café the Bird Café at Tao Dan Park.
The Bird Café at Tao Dan Park has been around for a long time and has gradually become a charming cultural feature of the people of Saigon. On weekend mornings, the Bird Café at Tao Dan Park is filled with birdcages as bird enthusiasts gather from 6 a.m. onwards to interact with like-minded individuals. The variety of birds here is diverse, beautifully colorful, and their singing is delightful.
Sipping on a fragrant cup of black coffee and listening to the cheerful chirping of birds in the sunlight at Tao Dan Park will surely be an unforgettable memory of your trip to Saigon. Additionally, you can also plan a date at other upscale cafes in Saigon to enjoy coffee and admire the streets of Saigon in truly 'chill' spaces.
Nearby Dining Options around Tao Dan Park
After enjoying the attractions of Tao Dan Park, it's time to head to some super delicious eateries around here. The area surrounding Tao Dan Park is packed with numerous budget-friendly eateries serving delicious Saigonese dishes and specialties from other regions at very affordable prices.
1. Alley 8 – Lemon Tea & Crab Soup
- Address: 35 Truong Dinh, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
2. Three Squirrels - BBQ & Sushi
- Address: 29 Truong Dinh, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
3. Street Food Corner – Chicken Hotpot with Rice Wine
- Address: 46/50 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
4. Tan Sanh Dimsum Paradise
- Address: 322 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
5. Crispy Pancake Obsession
- Address: 74 Suong Nguyet Anh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotels Near Tao Dan Park
Near Tao Dan Park, there are plenty of high-quality hotels and homestays to enhance your Saigon travel experience. Simply browse through Klook's website to book a room and apply exclusive discount codes to secure the best accommodation at the lowest price.
1. Fusion Suites Saigon
- Address: 3-5 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 1,266,000 VND/night
2. EdenStar Saigon Hotel
- Address: 38 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 681,000 VND/night
3. Cozrum Lux Hotel
- Address: 19C Bui Thi Xuan Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 450,000 VND/night
4. Sense City Hotel & Spa
- Address: 15 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 440,000 VND/night
5. Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa
- Address: 291 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 407,000 VND/night
Nearby Tourist Attractions Near Tao Dan Park
Starting from Tao Dan Park, you can easily continue exploring other famous tourist attractions in the city center such as Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Municipal Theater, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, catch a movie at Galaxy Nguyen Du Cinema, enjoy a 360-degree view of Saigon from above at Bitexco Tower or Landmark 81, stroll along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to experience a serene, gentle atmosphere different from the lively vibe at Bui Vien Walking Street, and many other exciting sightseeing, entertainment options that you can find on Klook.
Despite the noise and hustle and bustle of the city, Tao Dan Park always remains a peaceful, refreshing rendezvous spot, allowing you to truly relax after stressful hours of work. If you ever visit Saigon, make sure to visit this special 'green oasis' at least once.
Why not invite your close friends to take photos at Tao Dan Park?
