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At the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it is not modern skyscrapers but the scene of Tao Dan Park. For comparison, the park is akin to Central Park in New York City. Besides its lush green space, it offers numerous attractions and exciting recreational activities. Join Asia King Travel to explore more fascinating details about Tao Dan Park through the article below.
A peaceful escape in the heart of the bustling city
Four streets border the park: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Nguyen Du, and Cach Mang Thang Tam, located in Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. It sits right behind the Independence Palace, and together, the park and the palace are considered part of the same complex. The park is located in the heart of the city and is close to many other popular attractions.
Tao Dan Park is located right behind Independence Palace
The streets in the city center are easily accessible by various means of transportation. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you just need to go straight along Truong Chinh Street to Cach Mang Thang Tam Street to reach the destination. However, the safest and most budget-friendly way to get there is by bus. Four bus routes: 05, 06, 14, and 150 have stops near Tao Dan Park.
If you prefer taking a taxi, you can simply book one through ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, or XanhSM. The advantage of using these services is that you won’t have to worry about drivers taking longer routes, the fare is fixed, and the ride is safe and reliable.
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Tao Dan Park is the oldest park in the city, built in 1869. The French originally named it “Jardin de la Ville” (City Garden). In the following years, they added several buildings within the park grounds, such as the Philharmonic Society (1896), the Masonic Lodge (1897), a sports club (1902), and the Children's Institute (1926), among others. Later, after the French colonial period ended, the park was renamed Tao Dan under the South Vietnamese Government.
Tao Dan Park has been a recreational spot for generations of citizens
The name "Tao Dan" was inspired by the poetry society of King Le Thanh Tong, symbolizing a place where art and talented people gather. After 1975, many structures in the park were restored or newly built. Today, Tao Dan Park covers an area of 10 hectares and is home to more than 1,000 trees.
Tao Dan Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including public holidays. There is no entrance fee to the park, but if you arrive by motorbike, you will need to pay a parking fee of VND 5,000.
In the early morning and late afternoon, join the locals at the park for jogging, exercising, or simply taking a walk. Tao Dan Park is also a popular venue for festivals, fairs, and exhibitions throughout the year. So, when you’ve explored enough of this vibrant city and need a place to unwind and recharge, head to the park and breathe in the fresh air.
A vibrant flower garden in the springtime
The park features many tree-lined walking paths and lush green lawns, making it an ideal spot to relax, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy nature. The flower garden is one of the highlights of Tao Dan Park, showcasing many blooms throughout the year such as apricot blossoms, orchids, and roses. There's also a small pond that adds a sense of tranquility. You can watch the fish swim beneath the surface and even feed them.
Exercise the mind after working out the body
The park features pathways stretching about 2 to 3 kilometers, a decent length for joggers to enjoy a comfortable workout. In addition, public exercise equipment is installed around the park for strength training. Locals also make use of open spaces for playing sports like football, badminton, and more.
Built in 1992, the Hung Kings Memorial Temple is located on the spacious grounds of Tao Dan Park. The Hung Kings are considered the legendary founders of Vietnam. The temple is a replica of the original Hung Kings Temple in Phu Tho Province. It is well-preserved, featuring a solemn atmosphere and ancient architectural style that reflects deep historical significance.
The sculpture garden features a variety of artistically rich works of art
In addition, several historical structures have been built within the park grounds, such as a Cham tower, a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang, and a monument dedicated to the youth volunteers during the Vietnam War.
The park has a spacious environment, with tall trees and lush canopies providing plenty of shade. There's also a wide, green lawn, perfect for picnics with friends or small outdoor gatherings.
There are plenty of restaurants and food stalls near Tao Dan Park, so you can easily grab something to eat and bring it in. However, prices around tourist spots tend to be a bit higher, so if you're looking to save money, it's a good idea to pack your own food.
A cactus garden with many rare species
The park does not prohibit eating or holding small gatherings, but you’re expected to clean up afterward and dispose of trash in the designated bins. Additionally, activities such as lighting fires or playing games that may pose a danger to yourself or other visitors are not allowed.
Tao Dan Park is a perfect stopover to recharge while exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. If you have some spare time, gather your friends for a picnic here, it’s sure to give you a joyful and relaxing experience. Get in touch with Asia King Travel to find the perfect trip to Vietnam.
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