If you’re looking for a place to relax in Ho Chi Minh City then Tao Dan Park is for you. These idyllic gardens can be found behind the Reunification Palace and offer a serene, picturesque environment for you to enjoy a little downtime.
History of Tao Dan Park
Like most Ho Chi Minh City landmarks, Tao Dan Park has a long and storied history. During the 19th century, the French christened the space as the “Jardin de la Ville” and incorporated a tennis court, pool, and soccer field, which was perhaps the first in the country.
Following the departure of the French in 1954, the park was renamed Tao Dan Park and has since gone on to become an integral part of life in the city. So important is its function that the locals lovingly dubbed the space ‘’the lungs of Ho Chi Minh City’’, due to the abundance of trees and greenery.
What’s There?
Tao Dan Park is no ordinary public garden. In addition to the blooming flora and scenic atmosphere, the park is home to its fair share of fascinating cultural exhibits.
The Temple of Hung King, known for its annual festival, and the Cham Tower are the most notable historical structures found in Tao Dan Park. Tourists can often be found observing these monuments and having their photos taken as they absorb the serenity of the space around them.
Like any major city, life in Ho Chi Minh can get hectic. The park provides a welcome antidote to the relentless life of the city. There’s a large kids’ area where your little ones can play, socialize, and explore the 300 square meter space.
When to Visit
If you’re an early riser who enjoys putting mind before mattress, Tao Dan Park is a wonderful place for morning exercises such as running, yoga, tennis, soccer, and badminton. The heat of Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t set in until mid-morning, so the early hours are ideal if you’re looking to stay active in the park.
If waking up at 11 AM is more your style, afternoon walks, picnics, and sunbathing are great activities at Tao Dan.
The large trees provide valuable shade from the heat while the well-maintained grass is the perfect canvas for chilled-out activities. If you’re looking to quench your thirst, then head to one of the park’s many market stalls.
Here, you can buy an array of refreshing beverages from fresh fruit juices, to iced tea, and even authentic Vietnamese coffee. Watching the world go by with a drink in hand is a perfect way to spend a hot summer’s day in Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting There
Tao Dan Park is in the District 1 area of Ho Chi Minh City. A mere ten-minute walk from the famous Ben Thanh Market, it can be accessed by foot, bike, or on either the #12 or #7 bus.
The lungs of Ho Chi Minh City are as powerful as ever. The abundance of beautiful, tranquil nature found at Tao Dan Park is on-par with any major park in the world and it is a must-visit for everyone traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Details
Address: Trương Định, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Season: Year-Round | 7 AM – 10 PM
Vietnam Museum of Nature – Hanoi
