Introduction

Hanoi Botanical Garden (Vuon Bach Thao) is one of the local spots that you wouldn’t see on most Hanoi city tours. In terms of sightseeing, there’s not much to this place, but if you want to witness the authentic daily life of local people, with elderly residents taking walks and children playing badminton, this is the place.

About Hanoi Botanical Garden

Origin Of Hanoi Botanical Garden

Hanoi Botanical Garden, also known as Bach Thao Park (which means “Park of Hundreds of Plant Species”), was established in the early years of French colonization in Vietnam. When it first opened in 1890, the garden covered more than 33 hectares, stretching behind the French residences and villas.

Hanoi Botanical Garden statues

The iconic Statue Garden within the grounds of Hanoi Botanical Garden

Alongside the native plants already found here, scientists collected and planted rare species from across Vietnam, as well as introduced exotic plants from different parts of the world for experimental cultivation. To make the park more appealing for visitors, aviaries and animal enclosures were built along the pathways, which is why the garden was once also known as Hanoi Zoo.

Today, the Hanoi Botanical Garden is essentially a public park, with its towering old trees and lush greenery earning it the nickname “the green lung” of the capital. With that in mind, this destination would be quite an addition to your upcoming Hanoi city tour.

Entrance Guide

Hanoi Botanical Garden is located in the northwest of the city, with the main entrance at 3 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, right behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. There is also a secondary entrance at 2 Ngoc Ha Street.

Since the park is in the city center, it is very easy to reach by bus. The closest stop is opposite Chu Van An Secondary School, served by bus routes 14, 45, and 14CT.

Hanoi Botanical Garden

Within Hanoi Botanical Garden, the landscape is filled with lawns and centuries-old trees

If you are driving or renting a motorbike, just know that parking fees are around 0.19 - 0.38 USD per motorbike and 1.14 - 1.89 USD per car, per visit.

When To Visit Hanoi Botanical Garden

The Hanoi Botanical Garden is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. If you want to see local residents exercising or playing casual badminton matches, the best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Make sure to plan your Hanoi city tour around those hours.

What To See And Do At Hanoi Botanical Garden

Take A Walk Around The Park

With a history of more than 100 years, Hanoi Botanical Garden is home to towering old trees whose wide canopies provide welcome shade from the city’s heat. Although the park covers only 10 hectares, it is often compared to a miniature rainforest thanks to its mix of dense greenery, a lake, and small man-made hills.

Hanoi Botanical Garden

There's a small cafe spot within the park

One highlight of the park is the Vi Danh Lake, also known as Trong Bach Thao Lake, located within the garden grounds. In the middle of the lake sits a small island planted with palms and home to flocks of doves, connected to the shore by a little bridge. A stroll around this area offers a peaceful atmosphere, quite different from the vibe of most mainstream Hanoi city tours.

Watch Local Life

Because the Hanoi Botanical Garden is close to residential neighborhoods and schools, it has become a popular spot for exercise and recreation.

Here you can catch very “Vietnamese” scenes, such as elderly people playing badminton, children riding bicycles and playing games, and groups of energetic moms practicing aerobics or jogging together. This lively atmosphere makes it an interesting and authentic sight to include in your Hanoi city tour.

Hanoi Botanical Garden

Experiencing and connecting with local life in Hanoi is the best reason to visit this park

Try Local Snacks

Inside Hanoi Botanical Garden, you’ll find small food stalls selling snacks and drinks to local visitors. You can sit down at one of these simple eateries and order a plate of fried nem chua (fermented pork rolls), an omelet with mugwort, and a glass of iced tea to experience the authentic flavors of Hanoi.

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Since these stalls mainly serve local residents, prices are very inexpensive, making it a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon during your Hanoi city tour.

What To Know Before Your Hanoi Botanical Garden Visit

Although the place is called Hanoi Botanical Garden, in reality, it functions more as a public park. If you are expecting a formal botanical collection or a plant conservation center, this may not be the right place for you. However, if your goal is to see the daily Hanoi life from a local perspective rather than a tourist’s, this is the spot.

Conclusion

Did we convince you to stop by the Hanoi Botanical Garden? If so, go ahead and add it to your travel plans! And rest assured, our team at Asia King Travel is always ready to assist you on your once-in-a-lifetime Hanoi city tour, not just with this stop, but with as many other attractions as you would like.

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