Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most densely populated urban areas in Vietnam, with a continuously growing population. To meet the entertainment needs of the people, the city has developed numerous parks to provide green spaces for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 9 largest parks in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, also known as Thao Cam Vien, is a conservation park located in Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the oldest and most historic structures in the city, ranking among the top 10 oldest zoos in the world. This site is not only a historical landmark but also a place for leisure, entertainment, and a distinctive cultural symbol of the city.

Established in 1864, the zoo covers a vast area of approximately 20 hectares, currently housing 125 animal species with over 1,300 individuals, including rare species such as golden-cheeked gibbon, clouded leopard, tiger, sambar deer, and pygmy slow loris. Additionally, it preserves over 900 plant species.

Beyond visiting the park to see various animal species and immerse in the natural landscape with thousands of trees providing fresh air, visitors can explore the Vua Hung Temple and the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, two remarkable architectural structures located within the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Details:

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: 7:00 - 17:30.

Ticket prices:

• Children under 1m (accompanied by family): Free

• Guests from 1m to under 1m3: 30,000 VND

• Guests 1m3 and above: 50,000 VND

2. Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park, also known as Tao Dan Cultural Park, is a large park situated in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The park's land was formerly part of the French Governor's Palace, known as Tao Dan Garden. After 1975, it was renamed Tao Dan Cultural Park, and a children's play area was added.

Covering an area of about 10 hectares, Tao Dan Park is surrounded by numerous trees, offering visitors shaded paths for leisurely walks, opportunities for physical exercise, and participation in group activities. Inside the park, visitors can find the Temple of Kings Hung and ancient graves and a small Cham tower for exploration.

Details:

• Location: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: 7:00 - 22:00.

• Ticket: Free entrance.

3. Hoang Van Thu Park

Hoang Van Thu Park, known as the 'Green Oasis in the Heart of Saigon,' is located in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1989, the park covers an area of 106,500m2 and is designed in a triangular shape, enclosed by three roads: Hoang Van Thu, Phan Dinh Giot, and Tran Quoc Toan. The park is unique as it is divided by Phan Thuc Duyen Street, connected by a pedestrian bridge, offering a refreshing experience with lush greenery.

Featuring gentle architecture, winding paths covered with greenery and flowers, and shaded resting pavilions, the park caters to various needs such as relaxation, exercise, and group activities. Walking through Hoang Van Thu Park, visitors can enjoy the fresh air, vibrant flowers, and capture memorable moments.

Details:

• Address: Hoang Van Thu, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

• Ticket: Free entrance.

4. Le Van Tam Park

Le Van Tam Park is located in Da Kao Ward, District 1, and is named after the hero Le Van Tam, with a statue of him in the middle of the park.

Established in 1985, Le Van Tam Park covers nearly 6 hectares and is covered with many trees and colorful flowers. Visitors to the park can experience freshness, clean air, and tranquility in the heart of Saigon. The park provides long benches for people to rest, relax, and features a children's play area with swings, slides, and seesaws. Many people come here in the early morning for exercise, and on weekends, families and groups of friends gather to enjoy recreational activities.

Details:

• Address: Vo Thi Sau Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

• Ticket: Free entrance.

5. Gia Dinh Park

Gia Dinh Park is located in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, considered the city's green lung due to its large area of approximately 32 hectares, featuring over 1000 tall trees, including various ancient species like Dipterocarpus retusus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Bombax ceiba, and more.

As the largest park in the city, Gia Dinh Park offers a convenient location for local residents and visitors to relax, stroll, or engage in physical activities, away from the dust and noise of the urban environment. The park includes a separate play area for children with various recreational activities such as swings, slides, and bouncing castles. Moreover, the vast lawn area of 63,000m2 is suitable for outdoor activities, gatherings, and cultural events.

Details:

• Address: Ward 3, Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

• Ticket: Free entrance.

6. September 23 Park

September 23 Park is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, becoming a familiar recreational spot for local residents and tourists. Previously, the park was the Saigon Railway Station built by the French in the 19th century. After 1975, the railway station was demolished and moved to District 3, and the present-day September 23 Park was established.

With an area of nearly 9 hectares stretching from Quach Thi Trang Square to Nguyen Trai Street, the park is covered with numerous trees and serves as a hub for activities, walking, and enjoyment for city dwellers. September 23 Park is also close to famous tourist destinations such as Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Walking Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, attracting many tourists to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Details:

• Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7.
• Ticket: Free entrance.

7. Le Thi Rieng Park

Le Thi Rieng Park is located in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Before 1975, the park area was a 30-hectare Chí Hòa Cemetery. In 1983, as part of the urban renewal policy, the cemetery was cleared, and Le Thi Rieng Park was built, named after Le Thi Rieng, a revolutionary fighter buried here.

The park covers an area of about 8 hectares, surrounded by many trees, fresh lawns, and colorful flowers. Visitors can come here for walks, exercise, conversations, or organize outdoor activities by the large lake, providing a sense of peace and tranquility amid the city's hustle and bustle.

Additionally, the park's swimming pool area is a frequent destination for local residents, allowing them to immerse themselves in refreshing waters amid the sweltering atmosphere. The White Rabbit Park within Le Thi Rieng Park is a notable highlight. It features a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages, from exploratory games to thrilling experiences, ensuring moments of relaxation and enjoyment for everyone.

White Rabbit Park

The White Rabbit Park also hosts events such as fairs, exhibitions, and recreational fishing. With a diverse range of activities, a visit to Le Thi Rieng Park guarantees an enjoyable experience.

Detailed information:

• Address: 875 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:00 - 22:00
• Ticket price: Free entry, separate fees for specific services.

8. Vinhomes Central Park

Vinhomes Central Park, also known as Vinhomes Tan Cang or Landmark 81 Park, is located in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the largest and most invested parks in Ho Chi Minh City, covering approximately 14 hectares with 40 facilities and harmonious landscapes. To fully explore its beauty, visitors are encouraged to dedicate a day to the experience.

Vinhomes Central Park boasts a unique design blending various distinctive architectures from around the world. Inspired by New York's Central Park, it not only serves as a recreational area but also provides excellent photo opportunities with beautiful backdrops such as the red bridge, Japanese garden, and fountain. The park includes a children's play area, camping site, complex sports field, kite-flying area, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.

Play area for children

With its spacious layout, vibrant flower gardens, and lush greenery, Vinhomes Central Park offers a relaxing escape from the demands of a busy week.

Detailed information:

• Address: 208 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:00 - 21:30
• Ticket price: Free entry.

9. Dam Sen Cultural Park

Dam Sen Cultural Park, located on Hoa Binh Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, is an entertainment park attracting thousands of visitors annually. Before 1975, Dam Sen Cultural Park was a deserted swamp. Construction began in 1976, and the park has been operational ever since.

Covering an area of 50 hectares, including 20% water surface and 60% greenery, the park is divided into two main areas:

• Dam Sen Water Park: This area offers a refreshing space with abundant greenery and a variety of water games, providing a comfortable and relaxing experience. There are separate zones for children and adults, featuring activities ranging from gentle water games to thrilling experiences like wave pools, lazy rivers, Kamikaze super-speed slides, and vortex slides.

• Dam Sen Dry Park: In addition to water-based activities, the Dry Park area provides a different experience. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking activities, virtual reality games, and exciting children's games. Alongside entertainment, visitors can learn about marine life at the Aquarium, explore the wildlife garden with various wild species, or participate in educational activities for enriching experiences and memorable lessons for young visitors.

Dam Sen Cultural Park also hosts various notable events, including food festivals and vintage car exhibitions. Particularly during holidays such as New Year, Lunar New Year, April 30th, or September 2nd, the park organizes spectacular fireworks displays.

Detailed information:

• Address: 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00
• Ticket price: Varies from 50,000 VND to 380,000 VND, depending on specific services.

This completes the list of the top 9 largest parks in Ho Chi Minh City recommended by Visithcmc. Saigon is not only renowned for its vibrant lifestyle but also for its wonderful green spaces, providing people with opportunities to relax and enjoy life. Take some time to explore these parks and experience the delightful moments in this dynamic city.