Ho Chi Minh City is known for its historical landmarks, bustling street food scene and hundred-years-old pagodas. If you are looking to escape the hubbub of city life , however, there are many open, green spaces that you can visit — whether for a quiet stroll or scenic picnic.
Read on for a list of Ho Chi Minh City’s most picturesque parks to sit back and unwind.
Tao Dan Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Situated in the heart of District 1, a popular area for tourists, and just a short 10-minute drive from Hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Tao Dan Park is one of the most accessible and attractive parks in Ho Chi Minh City.
Stroll through sculpted gardens and down winding pathways shaded by rows of tropical trees, including flame trees and native sao den and so khi trees . Or, squeeze in a morning workout at the tennis courts or Art Deco swimming pool at Le Cercle Sportif Saigonnais , a sporting club in the north-eastern section of the park that was established in the early 1900s.
If you would prefer exploring the park at a more relaxed pace, then be sure to visit the hidden replicas of the Po Nagar Cham Towers , modelled after the towers in central Nha Trang, and Hung King Temple , which is a replica of the majestic building erected in the 1920s.
With an expanse of verdant green spaces available, the park is the ideal location for a picnic surrounded by rich foliage and Vietnamese culture.
30/4 Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Love people-watching? Then, 30/4 Park, which is named after Vietnam’s Reunification Day, is the place (and park) to be at.
Located in District 1, 30/4 Park is a small, shady park located between two tourist hotspots: the Reunification Palace, which is associated with the fall of Saigon in 1975, and Notre Dame Cathedral , one of the few remaining strongholds of religion in the country.
Make for the park before or after you visit the historical sites, and bask in the cool respite of the towering trees. Then, settle on a bench with a refreshing drink from a nearby vendor and soak in the hum of activity as locals from all walks of life gather to chat, relax and have picnics. This park in central Ho Chi Minh City is often graced with beautiful streaks of sunlight, streaming through the crowns of trees, so be sure to capture some Instagram-worthy shots.
Can Gio National Park
Ready to venture a little further from the city centre for a secluded nature spot?
Sitting at the mouth of the Saigon River is Can Gio National Park, a nature reserve filled with lush mangrove rainforests and diverse wildlife, an estimated 2.5-hour drive south-east of Ho Chi Minh City. Recognised as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) , the park is home to 150 species of flora and more than 200 fauna species , including king cobras, saltwater crocodiles, sea birds and macaques.
Getting to Can Gio National Park from the capital is simple, with dozens of day trips leaving the city daily. Simply pick a time that suits your schedule, and prepare to immerse yourself in the “green lungs” of Ho Chi Minh City.
