Tao Dan Park: Explore a green “oasis” in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Among the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is a valuable and peaceful communal space for the locals. It is also home to various historical relics that are waiting for visitors to discover!

Tao Dan Park is famous for its vast green space (Source: Collected)

Known as one of the best parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is a harmonious combination of nature and culture. If you are fond of nature and history, you should definitely not miss out on this wonderful attraction!

1. Where is Tao Dan Park? How to get there?

• Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7 am - 10 pm
• Entrance fee: Free

Covering 10 hectares with more than 1,000 trees, Tao Dan Park is home to an airy green space amidst the bustling city. As a top-visited park in Saigon, here, tourists will have the opportunity to discover and experience numerous interesting activities. Along with enjoying the fresh air, you can join in multiple games and interact with local people to get a feel of Saigonese culture. 

To get to Tao Dan Park, you can travel by bus, motorbike, or taxi. If you prefer the bus, there are several bus routes that can take you to the park, including routes no. 05, 06, 14, 150.

Tao Dan Park is serene and peaceful in the middle of the crowded Saigon (Source: Collected)

2. The history of Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City 

Tao Dan Park has a long history which began hundreds of years ago, when the French invaded Saigon in the 1860s and started to build this city.

Initially, the park was a garden in the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina (also known as Independence Palace nowadays).

In 1869, the French built Miss Cavell Street (also known as Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street nowadays) to separate the garden from the palace and named it Jardin de la Ville or Parc Maurice Long.

In 1954, after the French withdrew their forces from Vietnam, the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina became the Independence Palace, and the garden was renamed Tao Dan.

After 1975, a children’s playground was built in Tao Dan Garden, and the garden was renamed Tao Dan Park. 

In 1992, the city government built the Temple of Hung Kings in the park and made a major renovation in 2011.

Since then, it has become the city’s main park. Famous for having a lot of green trees, Tao Dan Park often hosts fairs, exhibitions, and events on special occasions.

Tao Dan Park is a witness to many important historical milestones of Saigon (Source: Collected)

3. Prominent features of Tao Dan Park Ho Chi Minh City

With the increasing urbanization and modernization of Ho Chi Minh City, each inch of green area becomes more valuable. Always on the list of the most popular parks in Saigon, Tao Dan Park is recognized as a “green lung” in the heart of the city.

3.1. Green space for picnic

Tao Dan Park, with its airy space and clean grass, is an ideal destination for visitors when they want a refreshing break from their daily life. Nestled in a prime location and considered one of the most attractive parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan is open freely for local people and tourists to visit, exercise, and take pictures. 

This is a perfect spot for a picnic at the weekend. Tao Dan has beautiful scenery and more than 10 hectares of green old trees, which will help visitors relax and enjoy the cool breeze, particularly in the summer. What’s more interesting than gathering together under the blue sky and enjoying a yummy barbecue on the lush grass field?

3.2. The Temple of Hung Kings

In Tao Dan Park, there are many historical constructions and statues. Notably, Hung King Temple is a great work blending traditional and modern architectural features. This temple was built to honor Hung Kings - the ancestors of the Vietnamese - and President Ho Chi Minh.

The temple of the Hung Kings preserves historical and cultural values. Here, tourists will be fascinated by the dignified and eye-catching architecture. You can also offer incense to commemorate the merits of the kings.

The Temple of Hung King stands solemnly in Tao Dan Park (Source: Collected)

4. Other must-visit places near Tao Dan Park in Saigon

Tao Dan Park is situated in the city center near many popular tourist attractions, such as Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and Bui Vien Walking Street. It is recommended that you also include these beautiful places on your travel list for a complete experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.1. Ben Thanh Market

• Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 4 am - 7 pm

Ben Thanh Market is known as an iconic attraction of Saigon. This market is famous among visitors for its rich blend of commerce, history, and culture in various shops and stalls. A long time after its establishment, Ben Thanh Market still stands out as a popular bustling market for residents and a worth-visiting site that foreign travelers should not miss out on.

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

4.2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

• Location: Paris Commune Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:30 am - 5:30 pm

As one of the oldest churches in the city, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a top attraction for visitors. This majestic cathedral is a great structure possessing undeniably artistic value. Having an outstanding appearance with bold classical French architectural features, the cathedral has attracted many visitors to marvel at its ancient beauty and take spectacular photos.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

4.3. Bui Vien Walking Street

• Location: No. 104 Bui Vien Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: all day

Bui Vien Walking Street, or “Western Street”, is an exciting nightlife tourist destination for young locals and foreign travelers who come here to dine, have fun, and explore new places during their time in Ho Chi Minh City. There are often various colorful parties on this street with many exciting activities for tourists to see and try, especially at night.

Bui Vien Street is a perfect gathering spot for visitors at night (Source: Collected)

As one of the most popular parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is an ideal destination for you to lie back, immerse yourself in nature, and watch the humble life of the locals. The natural and historical beauty of this park is always waiting for tourists to discover. Therefore, do not hesitate to include a trip to Tao Dan Park in your itinerary!

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