Famous Parks in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 🌳🏞️

Ho Chi Minh City, despite its bustling streets and rapid urbanization, is home to numerous beautiful parks and green spaces where residents and visitors can relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. These parks provide a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering walking paths, lakes, flower gardens, playgrounds, and even historical monuments.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the most famous parks in Ho Chi Minh City, their history, features, attractions, and best activities you can do in each of them.

1. Tao Đàn Park (Công viên Tao Đàn) – The Green Heart of Saigon

📍 Location: Trương Định Street, District 1📏 Size: ~10 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free

Overview

Tao Đàn Park is one of the most famous and largest parks in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its tranquil atmosphere, lush greenery, and cultural significance. Located in the heart of District 1, it offers a perfect retreat for both locals and tourists looking for a peaceful space away from the city's chaos.

Why Visit?

✅ Shady Walkways – Tall trees provide cool, shaded paths for morning walks and exercise.✅ Beautiful Sculptures & Monuments – Includes a replica of the Cham Temple and war memorials.✅ Bird Watching – The park is a gathering spot for bird lovers who bring their pet birds in cages.✅ Children’s Playground – A large play area with swings, slides, and jungle gyms.✅ Sports & Fitness Areas – Features outdoor exercise equipment, badminton courts, and jogging trails.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning (5:00 – 7:30 AM) – Ideal for fresh air and witnessing local Saigonese practicing Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation.

• Evening (5:00 – 8:00 PM) – Great for a relaxing stroll or sitting under the trees.

2. 23/9 Park (Công viên 23 Tháng 9) – The Backpacker's Park

📍 Location: Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, District 1📏 Size: ~10 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free

Overview

Located near Bùi Viện Walking Street, 23/9 Park is a long and narrow green space that stretches along Phạm Ngũ Lão Street. It is popular among tourists, expats, and locals, making it a great place to relax, meet new people, or enjoy local street performances.

Why Visit?

✅ Bustling Atmosphere – Always filled with locals, tourists, and street vendors.✅ Street Food & Cafés Nearby – Try bánh mì, phở, or fresh coconut juice.✅ Cultural Events & Festivals – Often used for exhibitions, fairs, and Tet celebrations.✅ Night Market Nearby – Located close to Bến Thành Market, a great place for shopping.✅ Public Wi-Fi & Benches – A great place for remote workers or digital nomads.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning (6:00 – 8:00 AM) – Less crowded, ideal for a quiet morning jog.

• Evening (6:00 – 10:00 PM) – Lively atmosphere with food vendors and music performances.

3. Lê Văn Tám Park (Công viên Lê Văn Tám) – Best for Fitness Lovers

📍 Location: Điện Biên Phủ Street, District 1📏 Size: ~7 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free

Overview

Lê Văn Tám Park is one of the most popular parks for fitness enthusiasts, known for its wide jogging tracks, outdoor gym equipment, and shaded trees.

Why Visit?

✅ Great for Jogging – Wide, paved paths for runners and cyclists.✅ Outdoor Gym Equipment – Free exercise machines for public use.✅ Flower Gardens & Benches – A peaceful space for reading or relaxing.✅ Playground for Kids – Includes swings, slides, and climbing structures.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning (5:30 – 7:30 AM) – Best time for jogging and avoiding heat.

• Evening (5:00 – 9:00 PM) – More lively, with families and groups exercising.

4. Gia Định Park (Công viên Gia Định) – The "Lungs" of Saigon

📍 Location: Hoàng Minh Giám Street, Phú Nhuận District📏 Size: ~30 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free

Overview

Known as one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Gia Định Park offers massive green space, making it perfect for picnics, sports, and family gatherings.

Why Visit?

✅ Huge Open Spaces – Great for picnics, yoga, and outdoor games.✅ Dedicated Cycling & Jogging Tracks – Well-paved paths for biking and running.✅ Dog-Friendly – One of the few parks where you can walk your dog.✅ Children’s Playground – A huge play area for kids.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning (5:00 – 8:00 AM) – Fresh air and fewer crowds.

• Afternoon (4:00 – 6:30 PM) – Great for families and kids.

5. Hoàng Văn Thụ Park (Công viên Hoàng Văn Thụ) – A Local Favorite

📍 Location: Hoàng Văn Thụ Street, Tân Bình District📏 Size: ~11 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free

Overview

A well-maintained park close to Tân Sơn Nhất Airport, Hoàng Văn Thụ Park is a favorite for locals who want a peaceful escape.

Why Visit?

✅ Scenic Walking Paths – Beautifully landscaped paths surrounded by flowers.✅ Peaceful Atmosphere – Less crowded than other parks.✅ Outdoor Gym Equipment – Free-to-use workout stations.✅ Great for Couples & Seniors – A calm space for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning (5:00 – 8:00 AM) – Best time for jogging and birdwatching.

• Evening (5:00 – 9:00 PM) – Romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

6. Bình Quới Tourist Village – A Hidden Green Paradise

📍 Location: Bình Quới, Bình Thạnh District📏 Size: ~34 hectares🕰 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: Free, but some activities require payment.

Overview

A hidden gem that feels like a mini-Mekong Delta inside Ho Chi Minh City, Bình Quới Village is a rural escape featuring lotus ponds, bamboo huts, and riverside cafés.

Why Visit?

✅ Traditional Vietnamese Setting – Wooden bridges, palm trees, and water buffalo.✅ Great for Photos – One of the most Instagrammable natural spots in the city.✅ Buffet with Traditional Dishes – Enjoy Mekong Delta-style food by the river.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekend afternoons for buffet dining and traditional performances.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City’s parks are more than just green spaces—they are cultural hubs, fitness zones, and relaxing retreats. Whether you want to exercise, take stunning photos, explore Vietnamese culture, or simply enjoy fresh air, these parks have something for everyone!

🌿 Which park will you visit first? Let me know if you need more details! 😊