Ho Chi Minh City's Parks

Ho Chi Minh City is a crowded and traffic heavy city. Any area that offers respite from the urban heat and haze is bound to be attractive. There are more than a few parks and gardens in the city which offer an alternative to simply hiding out indoors.

These parks can be crowded in their own right. At quitting time, around 6 PM, the walkways are clogged with joggers, walkers, and lovers out for an evening stroll. This congestion might be added to by the carnivalesque rides and games that pop up in many parks during weekend evenings. Still, the park’s visitors usually move at a slower pace. Things generally feel less hectic than outside, and the trees and plants do a bit to thin out the pollution.

going for a jog in the early morning, you wont be alone either. The parks are full of people taking advantage of the early morning cool.

My favorite park is Cay Xanh Park(Hai Ba Trung and Vo Thi Sao). It has a weekend carnival and many benches to sit in. There is a central area in the middle. It has been used for go carts on the weekends. In the afternoons, though, there is a large group of friendly Tai Chi practitioners who congregate. If you arrive early, they’ll let you take part. If that’s not your thing, there are many nearby benches which are tactically situated in the shade. Vendors selling drinks and snacks are situated throughout the park.

Another park I have always liked is the one near Ben Thanh traffic circle and the New World Hotel. This park is relatively new and, despite the busy roads outside, is quite beautiful. There are fewer benches, but there’s always one to be found in the shade. Beware, though. Because it is near the tourist area of Pham Ngu Lao, foreigners can expect to be occasionally hassled by touts and street vendors. Still, the view of downtown Sai Gon’s skyline framed by the park’s ultra-green trees is a worth seeing. Furthermore, this park is within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao tourist area, Nguyen Trai shopping areas, and Le Loi Street (one of downtown’s main drags).

Though it is not my favorite, many people enjoy Dam Sen Water park, located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 11. This park is more expansive than the inner city areas, but, in my opinion, lacks their charm and friendliness. Dam Sen is a tourist spot for locals and foreigners alike. Still, there is plenty to do and see, including numerous food spots. There are also many cultural celebrations which take place in Dam Sen. You’ll run in to some event or other on most weekends. It is a bit of a drive to get there as it is on the city’s outskirts.

In a sense, Ho Chi Minh City’s parks are part of its personality. Not only is it cheap to visit one, it also offers a view of Vietnamese urban life that is essential for the complete Vietnam experience.